Lagoon One at Ko Olina

I enjoy the overcast and sometimes drizzly days we get on the Windward side this time of year but they're not always a hit with off-island visitors, especially when one falls on the last day of their vacation.  Solution?  Chase the sun to the Ko Olina Lagoons for a picture perfect beach day.

We went to the first lagoon and had a picnic lunch on the grass by the parking lot.  It was really windy and my son got his exercise chasing the food wrappers that kept escaping from us.  Then we headed down to the beach where there was hardly any wind at all.  Excellent!

It's perfect for children but believe it or not, this was the first time I'd taken my kids to the beach at Ko Olina.  I had my reasons for not going there - the long (on the island scale of distance) drive out there, the limited parking, the fact that my kids don't mind the waves on the beaches closer to us, etc.  But like I said, it really is the perfect beach for kids and now that I've been reminded of that we'll go again.  

Why is it perfect for families?  Calm and shallow water with a sandy bottom near shore, nice sandy beach, grass and shade behind the beach, restrooms and outdoor showers.  What's not to like?

There are four lagoons at Ko Olina and they are all man-made.  There is a paved sidewalk that runs behind all the lagoons.  As I said, we went to Lagoon 1 which is where the Marriott's Ihilani Resort & Spa is located.  It's also the lagoon where Disney is building their Aulani Resort and Spa.  A great beach and a beautiful spot.

Do it yourself on Oahu

Directions: To get to Ko Olina, go west on the H-1 freeway.  You will pass Pearl Harbor, the junction with the H-2, the water park and Kapolei.  Take the Ko Olina exit and go left at the top of the off ramp.  This is a gated community but the beaches are open to the public.  At the guard house, let them know you are heading to the lagoons.  The turns for the lagoons will be on your right and marked with signs.  

Parking:  For the first lagoon there are two parking lots.  If I remember correctly they are labeled Lagoon 1A and 1B.  On the weekends the free parking for the lagoons tends to fill up so it's probably best to go early on those days.

Ammenities:  Restrooms and outdoor showers are available.

More info:  Read more about Lagoon 3 at Ko Olina here and Lagoon 4 at Ko Olina here.