Are you planning a trip to Oahu and will be spending time in Ko Olina? Find out the best things to do in Ko Olina that will blow your minds.
This list of the best things to do in Ko Olina, Oahu was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Look, I’ve been to Hawaii 40+ times, and Ko Olina still surprises me every visit.
This little pocket on Oahu’s west side has quietly become one of my favorite family destinations, and after multiple stays at Disney Aulani (we love doing split stays there!), I’ve figured out exactly what makes this area so special.
Ko Olina means “fulfillment of joy” in Hawaiian. Pretty fitting name, right?
Most families fly into Honolulu, head straight to Waikiki, and never make it to the west side. Their loss.
Ko Olina has the calm lagoons, incredible sunsets, and that laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the Waikiki crowds. Plus, you’re still close enough to explore the rest of Oahu when you want to.
If you’re staying at one of the Ko Olina resorts or thinking about it, here’s what you absolutely need to do while you’re there.
The Ko Olina Lagoons (Free and Perfect for Families)
Okay, these lagoons are the main attraction, and for good reason. There are four man-made lagoons with crystal-clear, super calm water that’s perfect for little kids. Like, toddler-in-floaties perfect.
The thing is, parking can be brutal. I’m talking arrive-before-9am brutal. Lagoon 4 has the most public parking spaces, so start there if you’re visiting for the day. Lagoons 1 and 3 only have about 20 spots each for non-resort guests.
Here’s what I do when we stay at Aulani: we just walk. All four lagoons are connected by a gorgeous 1.5-mile paved path that’s stroller-friendly. The walk itself is part of the experience, especially around sunset.
Pro tip: Don’t bring your own umbrella. Ko Olina doesn’t allow them on the beaches, and yes, they actually enforce this rule. There are some shaded spots, but grab them early.
The water stays shallow for a good distance out, and because these are protected lagoons, there’s basically zero wave action. My kids have spent hours just floating around without me hovering two feet away. That’s worth the price of admission right there (which, again, is free).
If you want to explore more beaches near Ko Olina, check out my complete Oahu beach guide.
Disney Aulani Resort (Even If You’re Not Staying There)
I could write an entire book about Aulani. Actually, I kind of did with my Disney Aulani review and guide.
Even if you’re not staying there, you should absolutely visit for a character breakfast or the Ka Wa’a Luau.
This luau is specifically designed for families, with a pre-show that keeps kids engaged and a menu that actual children will eat. (Revolutionary concept, I know.)
We’ve done Ka Wa’a multiple times now, and it’s consistently excellent. The storytelling is beautiful, the performers are incredibly talented, and watching the fire dancing against the sunset is pretty magical.
The resort itself has incredible pools, a lazy river, and probably the best kids’ club I’ve ever seen at any resort anywhere.
We love splitting our Oahu trips between Aulani and another area because the resort has so many activities and amenities, you could honestly stay there all week and never be bored.
Want to capture these special moments professionally? Use Flytographer to book a vacation photo shoot and save $20 with my link. Trust me, having beautiful family photos that you’re actually IN (instead of the same selfie angles) is so worth it.
Snorkeling and Catamaran Cruises
The west side of Oahu has some of the clearest water on the island, and snorkeling tours from Ko Olina are consistently excellent.
During whale season (roughly December through April, though sightings can happen November through May), you’ve got a really good chance of spotting humpback whales.
I recommend booking a catamaran snorkel cruise through Viator or Get Your Guide. Most tours leave right from the Ko Olina marina, include all your gear, and serve lunch. The calm morning conditions on the west side are perfect for families with kids who are new to snorkeling.
The best part? Sea turtles. So many sea turtles. They’re super common in these waters, and watching your kids’ faces light up when they spot their first honu is one of those core Hawaii memories.
For even more water activities and family-friendly things to do across the island, check out my complete guide to Oahu with kids.
Coral Crater Adventure Park
If your family needs an adrenaline fix (or your teenagers are getting bored of the beach), Coral Crater is about 12 minutes from Ko Olina and absolutely delivers.
They’ve got six ziplines, off-road ATVs, and this crazy 60-foot adventure tower with climbing walls, rope obstacles, and a 50-foot freefall.
Kids need to be at least six years old for most activities. My older kids loved the ATVs, which are actual side-by-side vehicles that you drive through jungle trails. You will get muddy. Like, really muddy. But that’s the point.
Book your Coral Crater adventure through Viator or Get Your Guide. They offer combo packages if you want to do multiple activities.
Bonus: Coral Crater now has its own luau (Mauka Warriors Luau) if you want to combine adventure activities with a cultural experience.
Golf at Ko Olina Golf Club
I’m not a golfer myself, but my husband is obsessed with this course. The Ko Olina Golf Club is legitimately stunning, with an 18-hole championship course designed by Ted Robinson. There are waterfalls, tropical landscaping, and ocean views.
You don’t have to be staying at a Ko Olina resort to play here. Book directly through the Ko Olina Golf Club or check current tee times and packages on Expedia.
Mermaid Caves (Instagram-Worthy but Tricky to Find)
The Mermaid Caves are about seven minutes from Ko Olina, and they’re genuinely stunning if you can find them. These natural lava rock formations create cave-like spaces with turquoise water and dramatic lighting.
Here’s the thing: getting there involves some scrambling over rocks, and the “trail” isn’t marked. If you’re not comfortable with that, book a guided tour so you don’t spend an hour wandering around trying to find them. The tour guides know exactly where to go and when the lighting is best for photos.
Not suitable for young kids or anyone with mobility concerns. But if you’re up for a mini adventure, it’s worth it.
Stargazing Tour at Ko Olina
This is one of my favorite nighttime activities on Oahu, period. You meet with a NASA Ambassador Astronomer who uses laser-guided telescopes to show you planets, stars, and galaxies you’d never spot on your own.
Even in Hawaii’s famously clear skies, seeing Saturn’s rings through a telescope is a whole different experience.
The guide also weaves in Hawaiian navigation traditions and how ancient Polynesians used the stars to travel across the Pacific. It’s educational without feeling like a lecture, and my kids were completely mesmerized.
Book the Ko Olina stargazing tour here.
Sunset Dinner Cruises
If you’re traveling without kids or want an adults-only evening, the sunset dinner cruises from Ko Olina are romantic and relaxing. You’ll sail along the coast, watch the sun melt into the Pacific (west side sunsets are unbeatable), and enjoy a really nice dinner.
Most cruises serve steak, fresh fish, wine, beer, and tropical drinks. Browse sunset cruise options through Get Your Guide.
Pro tip: Bring a light jacket. Even in Hawaii, it gets breezy on the water after sunset.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii Water Park
Wet ‘n’ Wild is Hawaii’s only water park, located in Kapolei about 15 minutes from Ko Olina. Full disclosure: it’s a bit hit-or-miss. Some rides are frequently closed for maintenance, and it can feel understaffed on busy days.
That said, if you have water-loving kids and need a break from the beach, it works. There’s a lazy river, wave pool, slides for different thrill levels, and a kids’ area for younger children.
Get discounted Wet ‘n’ Wild tickets through Viator. Pro tips: wear water shoes (the concrete gets scorching hot), arrive right when they open to avoid crowds, and pack your own snacks to save money on food.
Hiking Near Ko Olina
Ko Olina itself doesn’t have major hiking trails, but you’re close to a couple of good options. The Ma’ili Pillbox Hike is about 15 minutes away and takes you up to old World War II bunkers with sweeping ocean views. It’s about two miles and moderately challenging.
If you want something easier, there are simple walking trails at Ko Olina Beach Park. Nothing strenuous, just nice paths for a morning or evening stroll.
For serious hiking, head to the North Shore or explore my complete Oahu hiking guide to find trails all over the island.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Ko Olina
Ko Olina has four main resort properties: Disney Aulani, Four Seasons Resort Oahu, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, and the Beach Villas at Ko Olina. Each has direct lagoon access and that polished resort experience.
We’re partial to Aulani because of the kids’ programming and Disney magic, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Browse Ko Olina hotels on Expedia to compare rates and packages.
If Ko Olina doesn’t fit your budget, consider staying in Waikiki and doing a day trip. It’s about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic, and you can easily spend a full day exploring the lagoons and grabbing lunch at one of the resort restaurants.
For more accommodation ideas across Oahu, check out my guide to the best areas to stay on Oahu.
Planning Your Ko Olina Trip
If you’re putting together your entire Oahu itinerary and feeling overwhelmed, I’ve got resources to help. I’ve written comprehensive digital travel guides for all the major Hawaiian islands:
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
Planning to visit multiple islands? My Hawaii Island Hopping Guide walks you through the logistics.
I also offer free email courses that break down the planning process into manageable daily lessons:
- How to Plan a Trip to Oahu (Free 7-Day Email Course)
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (Free 5-Day Course)
- How to Save Money in Hawaii (Free 5-Day Course)
And if you want personalized help planning your trip, I offer Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll create a custom itinerary based on your family’s specific needs and budget.
After 40+ visits to Hawaii as both a professional tourist and a Hawaii Destination Expert, I’ve learned what actually works for families versus what just sounds good on paper.
Getting Around: Rent a Car
You absolutely need a rental car for Ko Olina. Public transportation is technically available but painfully slow, and ride-shares add up fast.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, hit the beach early to snag parking, and drive to other parts of the island.
Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental using my link to get the best rates. They compare all the major companies and often have deals you won’t find elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Ko Olina feels like a different side of Oahu, literally and figuratively. It’s calmer, less crowded, and perfect for families who want that resort vacation vibe without being in the middle of Waikiki chaos.
The lagoons alone are worth the trip, but when you add in amazing snorkeling, adventure activities at Coral Crater, that incredible Aulani experience, and some of the best sunsets on the island, you’ve got a pretty special destination.
We keep coming back to Ko Olina because it combines everything we love about Hawaii: beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, and that relaxed island vibe that makes you forget your regular life exists for a week.
Whether you’re staying at one of the resorts or just visiting for the day, make time for Ko Olina on your next Oahu trip. Your family will thank you.
Want more Oahu inspiration? Check out my North Shore Oahu guide, best Oahu luaus for families, and complete guide to Kualoa Ranch.
Aloha!
Looking for more things to do on Oahu? Check out my guide to Disney Aulani Resort, best areas to stay on Oahu, the best luaus on Oahu, my North Shore Oahu guide, and tips for Kualoa Ranch!
