(Because You’re Mom and Everyone’s Gonna Ask YOU)
Ah, Ko Olina. The land of picture-perfect lagoons (for those Ko Olina family photos!), over-the-top resorts, perfect backdrop for Ko Olina photographers and mai tais that make you briefly forget that your toddler just dropped their entire $25 Mickey Mouse Shave Ice. #oops.
If you’re planning a trip to Ko Olina, Oahu, and are stuck answering ALL the questions for your family (because no one else seems to know how to use Google?), I’ve got you covered.
Here’s your ultimate, no nonsense, mom-approved guide to Ko Olina, because I AM a mom (four boys to be exact) and a Ko Olina Photographer so I know this all from experience. Not Google.
Table of Contents
First, the basics of Ko Olina:
Is it Koolina, Ko’Olina or Ko Olina?
According to the official website (koolina.com) for Ko Olina, its Ko Olina. No okina, no apostrophe. Its two words, with a space. Ko. Olina. Pronounce that “O” twice.
Is Ko Olina in Oahu?
Yes, Ko Olina is located on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii.
Is Ko Olina in Honolulu?
Yes and no. Honolulu is both a city and a county. You’ll see police cars that read “City and County of Honolulu.” Same with trash cans, fire department, water supply, etc. The City of Honolulu is quite large extending from the airport all the way eastward to the coast at Makapuu Lighthouse.
Ko Olina is not in the city of Honolulu, but it is in the County of Honolulu, which is technically the same thing.
Ko Olina is on the leeward coast of Oahu (the west). Its not near the city of Honolulu or Waikiki.
How far is Ko Olina from Honolulu?
The drive from Honolulu to Ko Olina isn’t bad. Its a straight shot on the H1 that’s about 25 minutes if there’s no traffic. If you’re adding in afternoon rush hour, it could be 2 hours! If there’s a wreck or stalled vehicle it just gets longer.
Where is Ko Olina Hawaii located and why is everyone obsessed with it?
Ko Olina is on the leeward coast of Oahu (the west), about 30-40 minutes from the madness of Waikiki. Its basically a dreamland of calm, swimmable lagoons, luxury resorts and sunsets that make you feel like you’re a in a travel magazine (except your kids are wiping sand all over you!)
If you want a chill Hawaiian vacation- where the waves aren’t’ trying to knock the kids over, and you can sip a piña colada in peace – this is your spot.
Its not near the city of Honolulu or Waikiki.
Directions to Ko Olina from Honolulu
From anywhere in Honolulu or Waikiki, get on the H1 and drive west. The interstate will end and become a two lane road. Take the exit for Ko Olina and it’ll spit you right a the entrance!
Now for some details about Ko Olina
What’s the deal with the Ko Olina Lagoons?
Ko Olina has four man-made lagoons, which means no crazy waves or rogue seaweed attacks. Each on has soft sand, crystal-clear water and plenty of space of kids to play without fear.
🚨 Mom Tip: The lagoons can get crowded, especially on weekends. If you want prime beach real estate, get there early like 8am to claim your space.
Ko Olina Free Parking
There really is free parking! There’s a lot for each of the four lagoons plus a tiny lot for the public beach near Paradise Cove Luau. These lots fill up FAST.
When you arrive to Ko Olina there’s a light up board at the guard shack that tells you how many spaces are open. Lagoon 4 is the biggest. If they’re full, just hang out and wait for someone to leave. It may take 20 minutes but you’ll get a spot.
What to do if the free parking is full at Ko Olina
There’s several options if the free spots are full:
- Wait for someone to leave. This is super common and doesn’t take that long.
- Park at the Ko Olina Marina. Its closer to Lagoon 4 than the other garages and is cheaper.
- Park in a hotel garage. You’ll have to pay for sure, and its not cheap.
- Pay to park at the Ko Olina Shops. They’re across from Lagoon 1 and have an hourly rate that’s reasonable. But it is the longest walk.
Where to stay at Ko Olina
Ko Olina is home to some of the most gorgeous resorts on the island. Here’s the rundown:
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – You know Mickey. Tons of pools, a lazy river, character breakfasts, and enough activities to keep everyone happy.
- 🚨 Mom Tip: The kids’ club is free but book EARLY. I mean like months ahead!
- Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina – For those who want a more elevated experience (aka fewer kids and more spa time)
- Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club – Great for families who want spacious villa with kitchens so you can avoid $25 for scrambled eggs. #truestory
- 🚨 Mom Tip: There’s a Costco super close in Kapolei. Its my favorite one on island. Grab the bulk mai tai mix ready to drink. #yourwelcome.
- Beach Villas at Ko Olina – if you want a more home-away-from home vibe with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, these condos are chef’s kiss for extended family stays.
Where To Eat In Ko Olina
Ko Olina is beautiful but it is not a foodie hotspot. Here are the basic options:
- Monkeypod Kitchen – the go two spot in the Ko Olina shops for most meals.
- Mina’s Fish House – High end dining with ocean front seafood
- Papalua Shave ice & Ulu Cafe (Aulani) – Good options for a quick bite that won’t break the bank (aka $25 for a hamburger)
- Kapolei 🚗 (10 min drive) – More variety and cheaper eats are down the road. Everything from Costco Cafe, Wendys to Japanese BBQ, and local eats like Kalapawai Cafe.
What activities are there besides the beach?
You mean besides swimming and lounging? A lot actually!
- Snorkeling & Paddle boarding – most resorts have rental gear
- Boat Tours & Dolphin Watching – Ko Olina has some awesome boat excursion where you can see dolphins, turtles, and whales Dec-March.
- Spa Day – Aulani & Four Seasons have spas.
- Paradise Cove Luau – One of the most popular luaus on Oahu. Yes, its touristy. But its an easy walk from anywhere in the resort.
- Golf at Ko Olina Golf Club – self explanatory.
- Family photos – duh! You’ve already found one of the best Ko Olina photographers – me!
How do I find amazing Ko Olina photographers?
Ahh, glad you asked! Ko Olina is seriously photogenic. You need more than what your phone can provide.
And you’ve already found one of the best Ko Olina Photographers – Me! I specialize in family photography, especially at Ko Olina. The beach settings almost look fake.
My whole philosophy to family photography is fast. fun. DONE. What most Ko Olina photographers do in hours, I can do in minutes.
Hi! I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator, toddler briber, and parent commiserator. Oh! And Oahu family photographer!
As the ringleader of my own 4-boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
I run my photo session like a party. I give you something TO DO so you don’t feel awkward wondering, “Where do I put my HANDS?!”
Dad is playing with the kids, everyone forgets what’s ACTUALLY happening, and you look amazing bc you’re actually enjoying yourself. #whoknewphotoscouldbefun
Fast. Fun. Done.
Ko Olina Family Photographer On Oahu, Hawaii
I’m a mom of four boys, currently ages 9-15. None of them enjoys doing family photos. They’ve informed my entire approach to family photography: Fast & fun. I like to distract everyone from what’s REALLY going on so you can chill out and rip the band aid off.
I love all families, but I especially love the big extended families! The more the merrier! And I never charge for “extra” people, because I don’t think anyone in your family is “extra.”
Bring me your crazy!
Where to do family photos with Ko Olina Photographers
There are two public access places for Ko Olina photographers to use: Paradise Cove Public Beach and Lanikuhonua Beach. The other areas are privately owned by the resort and full of people. The beautiful grassy knolls between the lagoons are off limits for private photographers (aka hotel Ko Olina Photographers only)
My personal favorite is Paradise Cove Beach because its wide open, has greenery, rocks, palms and mountains in the distance. But most importantly, there’s space for a large group or for small kids to be freeeeeeee.
Ko Olina Photographers For Families
There is no shortage of Ko Olina photographers for families – some of them are friends! But each photographer is different and provides a different experience. The best thing you can do is to understand your crew and find a Ko Olina photographer that matches the vibe.
If your people are sweet and mild, I might not be the best with my high energy. But if you’ve got a energetic crew, or just a ton of people to organize, my cheerful command and willingness to play the bad cop will make you SHINE, honey! Reach out now!
Ko Olina Photographers Photos
Enough talking, show me the goods! Real life clients photographed at Ko Olina in 2024
Final Mom-to-Mom advice for Ko Olina
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen or buy it on island. Hawaii is serious about this and so is your future dermatologist.
- Rent a car if you want to explore, otherwise you’re kinda stuck in resort land
- Bring beach toys and snacks – Everyone snacks at the beach so bring the food.
- Embrace the slow pace – Ko Olina is all about relaxation. Let go of the need to do everything and just enjoy the fact that your biggest decision is how many mai tais to have and when.
- Hire a photographer. You will never regretting having more photos. Any by hiring someone to do it on your terms, your family will shine.
Recap: Everything You Need to Know About Ko Olina From a MOM and Ko Olina Photographer
- The Best Turtle Bay Photography for Families Oahu, Hawaii
- Everything You Need To Know About Ko Olina, Oahu From Ko Olina Photographers and a MOM
- Lanikai Beach – Ultimate Run Down For the Best Experience
- 4 Best Shops For Matching Aloha Wear for Hawaii Family Photos
- Top 5 Reasons You MUST Do a Morning Photoshoot In Hawaii
- Recreate Your Trip Forever: Disney Aulani Photos for Extended Families
Keep reading about the differences between lifestyle newborn photography and studio newborn photography from Daniele.
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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What a helpful post!! Anyone traveling to this area will be so grateful for your insight!
This is super helpful because I’m planning a trip to Ko olina!