Think of Ko Olina as Waikiki’s younger and more chill sibling, a resort town with villas that are near some of the amenities of Honolulu, but without the huge crowds. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to stand-up paddleboard or snorkel, the calm and shallow waters of Ko Olina Beach offer an ideal spot for beginners and families: four consecutive crescent-shaped lagoons interconnected by 5 miles of jogging and walking paths. The fourth and most southerly, Ulua Lagoon, is adjacent to Ko Olina Beach Park, offering public access to the shoreline and a verdant circle of grass that reaches toward the more rocky and secluded Ko Olina Beach.

The easiest way to get to Oahu is by landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), which serves more than 21 million passengers annually and is, conveniently, only a 30-minute drive away from the inviting sand of Ko Olina Beach.Upon arrival at the airport, visitors can find car rental desks located on the ground floor across from baggage claim, with three pickup locations for rideshares on the second level (Departures). Unlike Honolulu, Ko Olina isn’t nearly as easy to get around by foot (except along the shoreline), so renting a car is advisable if plans include exploring beyond the four lagoons.

The island of Oahu, including Ko Olina Beach, is blessed with pleasant weather all year. Temperatures are generally in the high 60s through high 80s Fahrenheit, with June through October being the hottest months. That said, Ko Olina can get muggy, with a wet season spanning from October through the end of March. January on average is the wettest month of the year, June the driest. Temperatures do drop slightly from December through March, so if 66 degrees seems cold, pack a light sweater or jacket as an insurance policy for evening excursions.

The Four Lagoons

You could spend your entire stay hopping from one white-sand beach lagoon to another. Numerous family-friendly activities and amenities are available across the entire length of shoreline, including snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and sailing-canoe tours. All four lagoons are designed to buffer swimmers from waves, making them ideal for families with children.

Secret Beach At Lanikuhonua

While each of the four lagoons are great for swimming protected from waves, this pocket beach with its own natural lagoon is the better option for snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, sea urchins, butterfly fish, and other marine life. Located just a short northerly walk around the bend from Ko Olina Lagoon 1, the secret beach is easily accessible through the nearby hotel’s private entrance, and another small beach (Lanikuhonua Lagoon) offering similar “secret” access to a natural lagoon is adjacent.

Sunset cruises

Sunsets along the Ko OIina Beach shoreline are spectacular, but watching the day give way to dusk in a glorious explosion of reds, oranges, and pinks from a catamaran takes the experience to another level. Many options for a two-hour sail around the coast include Champagne and appetizers.