Ko Olina Beaches and Lagoons, Baby Beach Warnings and Tips

Today we went to the Ko olina beaches and logos on Oahu. It was epic, the area was one of the most beautiful places on Oahu that I have ever seen. Located a quick 30 minutes from Honolulu, this place is worth the drive.Ko Olina Beaches and lagoons.

There are 4 main coves blocked in the open ocean by large rock and coral formations. Because it is so blocked off the water here is super still and shallow. I nicknamed this area baby beach, because it is safe for children and adult alike. In the water there are no big drop offs that a parent would have to worry about, nor is there any major current.

There are walking paths in the area that take you from beach to beach, so this is an awesome beach hopping experience for the entire family. If you are staying in one of the high end hotels in the area, you will have access to a golf cart to get around the 72 acre area to explore.

Ko Olina has 4 main resorts and several shops and restaurants all within walking distance from each other. The area also boasts an amazing Hawaiian golf course, complete with 21 holes.

Some of the top things to do in Ko Olina are fishing, relaxing on the beach, beach hopping, snorkelling, golfing and photography.

We went with our 2 kids and our family to Ko Olina for a day trip out of busy Waikiki, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. After travelling to every island of Hawaii, I find Waikiki just too busy for me. Ko Olina reminded us a lot of the Kaanapali area on Maui. It is way more laid back than Waikiki with a lot less people and smells etc. It also had all of the amenities and conveniences of big resorts.

Ko Olina Beaches and Lagoons guide, Warnings and tips Oahu

Why We Love Ko Olina Beach park.

Ko Olina beach park is taken care of from the surrounding resorts, it is well manicured and absolutely stunning. The views in Ko Olina are of the surrounding mountains, the ocean, and the park areas complete with water features. It is literally a photographers paradise.

When visiting Oahu, you could literally stay in this area the entire time and fell like you saw the whole island. The hotels in Ko Olina have Hawaiian activities all day, beautiful beaches and spas and huge pools. The hotels also do awesome beach front Lu Au’s giving you the full hawaiian experience.

Common Questions about Ko Olina Beach

Is Ko Olina beach Nice?

Ko olina beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu, there are 4 small lagoons and you will find that there are not a lot of people on it. The sand is soft and there are no waves on the inside of the lagoon. Because of this the water is very clear and a beautiful blue colour. While we were there, we saw several couples getting their wedding photos done right on the beach. The grounds in the area are all well manicured, making it even more beautiful. Ko Olina beach is beautiful.

Is Ko Olina beach good for kids?

We have 3 kids with us ranging in age from 1.5 all the way to 6. Ko Olina is one of the best beaches on the island of Oahu for kids. This is due to several factors including, super calm waters because of the rock and reef formations in front of the lagoons. There are literally no waves. There are no rocks or coral when you enter the water, it is nice soft sand on your feet. And the beach is super clean as the area has 4 major hotels that clean and clear debris from the beach. My son really enjoyed snorkelling here because the water was so clear.

Can I see turtles at Ko olina beach?

While we were in Ko Olina, we did not see turtles, however I did speak to some of the locals about this and they said that turtles are there often. I just had no luck with them that day. Yes you might see turtles in Ko Olina. There is a reef beyond the rock formations and turtles frequent that area to munch on the coral!

Is the Disney resort at Ko Olina beach?

Yes the Disney resort is at Ko Olina beach lagoon #1. We walked around the hotel and it did not look very disney to me. It is made very beautifully, but I really don’t understand how they can call it the disney resort. In my opinion it is a ruse to get parents to pay more money. The disney resorts location is really nice, and they take really good care of the beach and grounds around them.

What types of fish are  in the water at Ko Olina beach Oahu?

I saw large parrotfish, a lot of tangs, Achilles tangs, colourful wrasses, butterfish, Hawaii’s state fish the Humuhumunukunukuapua’aand a lot more. The surrounding reef and calm waters bring the fish in. There were a lot of baby fish taking shelter in the calm area near the beach.

Ko Olina Lagoon 4. Oahu

Is the water rough at Ko Olina lagoon, Oahu

No the water is very calm, there are huge rock formations that block all of the waves from coming into the beach area. Ko Olina has some of the calmest waters on the entire island of Oahu.

Is there good snorkelling at Ko Olina beach?

The snorkelling in Ko Olina is very good in lagoon 1 and lagoon 2. Every one of the lagoons had descent snorkelling, but those two lagoons were the best as the reef is healthiest here. You can find loads of fish around the rock formations. Even in the shallow, making it an awesome place for kids to snorkel. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR KIDS OUT THERE ALONE. The rock formations that make the beach so awesome and calm have openings that lead out to the open ocean. If the waters are rough in the area at the time, there can be rip tides. If your kids are not really strong swimmers, they can get pulled out to see or pushed around the rocks if they go too far out. The rocks have some coral on the that can sting, and it also has pointy sea urchins on them that could hurt your kids. Be careful parents.

Are there sharks at Ko Olina lagoon?

We snorkelled for hours in Ko Olina and did not see a single shark. Although I really wanted to…. There is always the possibility a shark could find its way to the area, but very unlikely. Sharks like deeper water and Ko Olina beach does not provide them with the habitat they like. Ko Olna is very safe for you and your kids. If there was ever a shark in the Ko olina area it would be small reef sharks that do not eat human meet lol.

Picture spots in Ko Olina Oahu

Can I fish at Ko Olina beach?

Yes you can fish off the rocks in Ko Olina. You cannot fish right in the lagoon areas. There were many fisherman in the Ko Olina area fishing in the open ocean beyond the lagoons. One spear fisherman caught a load of fish in this area. So If you have a rod and some determination, then fish away. Before I went to Ko Olina, I made sure I understood the rules and regulations of fishing in Hawaii. I will put a link in this article so that you can read the Oahu fishing rules.

Can I set up an umbrella at Ko Olina beach?

I was surprised to find out that you cannot set up a beach umbrella on the Ko Olina beaches. If you are going there, try to find a shady area under a tree as the sun gets really hot on Oahu.

Do they allow beach tents in Ko Olina lagoon?

You cannot set up a beach tent at Ko Olina beach and lagoons. They do not allow beach tents at most beaches in Hawaii because it blocks the view.

Is there a restaurant on the beach at Ko Olina lagoon

There is nor restaurant at Ko Olina beac 1,2 and 4. There are nearby restaurants when you drive out of the parking lot in front of the Marriot. We went to one awesome restaurant in the area called the monkey. It had an open air patio and really good food. Happy hour was from 3-5 and again at 9pm. The pizza here is unreal and only 10 bucks during happy hour for a 10 inch. There is also an ice cream shop right in the same complex so save yourself for a really good dessert.

Are there public bathrooms at Ko Olina lagoon?

Yes there are public washrooms and change areas in every Ko Olina lagoon. There is also a wash station to take a shower when you get out of the water and rinse off the sand.

What is the best beach in Ko Olina?

All of the beaches in Ko Olina are beautiful but I would choose lagoon #1 or #4 for the nearby amenities, good snorkelling and fine sand beaches. Our kids loved it and so did we.

What beach is best for Photography in Ko Olina?

Lagoon #4 is the best for photography, you can catch a beautiful sunset here and an amazing view of the ocean, hotels and mountain ranges behind.

Can I fly a drone on Ko Olina Beach, Oahu?

No You cannot fly a drone at the beach in Ko Olina, there are parks in the area that you can fly a drone. The beaches and lagoons are considered a no fly zone because of their vicinity to people and vehicles.

Fishing off the rocks in Ko Olina, Oahu

How far is Ko Olina beach from Waikiki?

We drove to Ko Olina from the Waikiki area in Honolulu and it took us 40 minutes to get to the beach in Ko Olina. I think if we knew where we were going it would have been fast around 30 minutes.

What is the best lagoon in Ko Olina to watch the sunset?

The best lagoon to watch the sunset is lagoon # 2. It has a higher elevation and open space.

Are there lifeguards at Ko Olina beach park?

There are no lifeguards at Ko Olina beach park. Lagoon #1 has lifeguards only because it is surrounded by two hotels.

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The Rampersauds at Ko Olina Beach in Oahu, Hawaii