Four man-made, rock-protected lagoons strung along the Ko Olina resort coast and linked by more than a mile and a half of seaside path. The lagoons are privately owned, but the public may walk to the beaches and park in designated lots.
Why we love it
It’s the calmest, easiest swimming on Oʻahu for small kids, with west-side sun and sunset views.
What to expect
Each lagoon is a crescent of sand with a narrow opening to the sea, so the water inside is usually still and shallow near shore. Lagoon 1 (Koholā) and Lagoon 4 (Ulua) have the largest public lots; the smaller ones fill by mid-morning on weekends and holidays. The resort enforces a long rule list, so bring towels and snacks, not a canopy or cooler of beer. Snorkeling is mild around the rock walls. The paved path between lagoons makes a pleasant sunset walk past the Four Seasons, Aulani and Marriott resorts.
Know before you go
- Parking
- Daily public parking at each lagoon, sunrise to sunset, first come, first served. The Ko Olina Marina lot charges a fee.
- No lifeguards
- The resort says no lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk.
- Rules
- No alcohol, tents or sun shades (except small infant shades), ball games, frisbees, drones, loud music or non-reef-safe sunscreen.
- No watercraft
- Personal surfboards, paddleboards and other watercraft aren’t allowed, except rentals from authorized lagoon vendors.
- Access
- Lagoons and sand are private, with public pedestrian access to the beaches required under the resort’s City permit.
Photo: Farragutful via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
