After reviewing so many hotels in Waikiki and constantly reading about how much people like Ko Olina I was looking forward to doing this review of the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club.
Having just done the Four Seasons Oahu two lagoons down I had some expectations for the area and mother nature once again delivered an amazing backdrop for my stay.
Looking for more to do while on Oahu? Check out my list of the best things to do on Oahu.
Additionally, the Marriott Ko Olina made my list of the best family hotels on Oahu.
Booking
I booked this hotel directly with Marriott using a 35k free night award and topping it off with 5k extra points for the 40k point ask. I have been watching this hotel for over 6 months to redeem points and certificates, it is quite rare to see availability.
I am writing this review in May and there is a week opening in June for points redemption and then it is blocked off for the next 6 months. Be ready to pay or book when available, reviews on trip advisor are solid and you can also book via other platforms.
Click Here For Recent Trip Advisor Reviews Of The Marriott Ko Olina
Check-In
I arrived very early like usual to get shots of the property before checking in and while there is no early check-in or late check-out privileges for elite members I did manage to get a room just before 2pm, nice!
Before my early check-in, they did give me my keys and wristband for access to the pools and towels. So if you are arriving early keep your bathing suits and sunscreen handy, drop your bags at the bell desk, go for a dip, and they will text you your room number when ready. The key automatically gets the door lock info, don’t ask me how, and you can go directly to your room.
The check-in area is impressive with an amazing view of the lagoon, pools, and gardens. Like many other hotels in Hawaii the open air layout was breezy and cool
Room
My room was a studio garden view option and while nothing elaborate it was clean, functional, and extra chilled. When I walked in it was 66 degrees, a bit chilly for me to sleep in but oh so nice to walk into.
The couch and small table layout made it ideal for meals, snacks, or writing reviews like this one. A very nice size when compared to other entry-level rooms at Marriott properties. If you have stayed in the 1, 2, or 3-bedroom villas let me know in the comments what you thought.
The kitchenette (larger rooms have full kitchens) was properly stocked and clean, just what you want. The adjoining closet was also quite large with a laundry basket and linens for the pullout couch bed.
Bathroom
Clean and basic it did have a tub which I hear is becoming less common in newly built hotels. I did think the sink counter was a bit small especially if there were 2 or 3 people sharing.
Dining At Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club
One thing I mentioned early on in my video review is the lack of dining options when compared with Waikiki. It was quite evident here that Ko Olina still has a long way to go to compete in that arena. There are several new restaurants in the nearby town of Kapolei but you will need to drive or catch the scheduled shuttle.
Overall the dining options were functional with lots of variety in cocktails, always good when you are this close to the beach.
Longhi’s
A great menu option for breakfast brunch, lunch, and dinner, this location had great service and wonderful views of the ponds and great lawn.
While not quite direct sunset views during the summer still a great spot in the evening to catch the colors changing in the sky. Busy for dinner but kind of quiet for breakfast.
I had the loco moco, surprise, and while the presentation was on point the gravy and patty were just average. The one I had at Momosan in the ‘Alohilani Resort is still the best.
Longboard’s
A classic beachside restaurant/bar that had live music on a Monday night, nice! A great place to hit up during the evening for cocktails and sunset views but not a culinary destination by any means.
I tried the special for the day which was a hamburger steak plate but the macaroni salad was a bit sour and the macaroni under cooked. Get the burger and fries and hope for the best.
Marketplace
If you forget to stop at Costco or any local grocery store to stock up on essentials for your kitchen they do have a marketplace on sight. I would recommend only using this for things you forgot or emergencies, the prices were quite high, even for Hawaii. It should be expected though as this is within the resort and the convenience of having it within walking distance is the price you pay.
They had Starbucks coffee on tap and loads of premade sandwiches for those long beach walks and sunset views.
Pools At Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club
I was impressed with the pools at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club. Dare I say they are even better than the Sheraton Waikiki? Oooh, tough call with that amazing infinity pool overlooking Waikiki Beach. What do you think?
Lagoon Pool
This pool is absolutely perfect for the little munchkins in your life. With the shallow sandy-bottomed entrance on one end and the volleyball net on the other, this pool is wonderfully designed. There is even a whirlpool right next to the sandy side so tired parents and chilly kids can relax.
Reflection Pool
The reflection pool was quite a hit, in fact, it was the one pool that seemed most “full” be the early morning hours. I think many here come for the peace and quiet and having a “quiet” pool was clearly well thought out.
If you are looking for lounging and being close to the cocktail makers then this is the one for you.
Nai’a Pool
The most “fun” pool with slides, waterfalls, and areas only accessible by getting in making this a strong contender for the best kids pool on Oahu. The lower section of lounge chairs was quite popular with towel claimers arriving early in the day.
Whirlpools
The map shows five but there are actually 7 on property and several of them had amazing views and cool waterfall features, check them out.
BBQs & Firepits
This property is a part of the Marriott Vacation Club which means lots of bbq stations throughout the property. I took a look at almost all of them and they were all clean and seemed to be well-maintained. With utensils wrapped and nearby these bbq stations became quite popular in the early evening.
I did enjoy the aroma of bbq throughout the grounds during the evening.
The firepits were also well laid out and positioned for optimal sunset views, they were empty all day until I turned around and then they were full well into the night.
Final Thoughts
A true gem of a property on Oahu. I can see now why so many speak so highly of this location and resort, I would gladly visit again and recommend it to family.
A perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of Oahu while being away from the crowds of Waikiki.
