Your Oʻahu Itinerary
By Kathryn Drury Wagner
Home to Honolulu, Oʻahu offers picturesque beaches, dining, and entertainment amid a stunning Hawaiian landscape. If your stay on Oʻahu finds you at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, you’ll enjoy oceanfront dining, outdoor pools, and a turquoise lagoon — as well as access to some of the island’s best adventures.
CHASE THE SWELLS
Hale‘iwa is one of the world’s top surf destinations. Located on Oʻahu’s North Shore, it’s less than 30 miles from your resort. From November to February, watch in awe as professional surfers take on three-story waves at Banzai Pipeline (ʻEhukai Beach), Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach.
DIP UNDER A WATERFALL
While you’re at the North Shore, take a stroll through the tropical and subtropical gardens in Waimea Valley. The paved trail leads to a 45-foot waterfall with a deep swimming hole (lifeguards are on duty), so bring your bathing suit and reef walkers.
ORDER A SHRIMP PLATE
Find out what all the fuss is about in Kahuku, home to the famed shrimp trucks. They serve up plump local shrimp, slathered in tasty butter or garlic, with scoops of rice. Insider tip: Bring cash and prepare to wait, as the lines can get long — but it’s worth your time.
SAMPLE LOCAL CULTURE
Learn to play ancient games, paddle an outrigger canoe, and watch performers do a fearsome haka war dance at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie. This interactive, verdant destination explores the people and customs of Hawaiʻi, Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Samoa. Don’t miss the daily canoe pageant on the lagoon. Planning tip: The Polynesian Cultural Center is typically closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
SIP A SUNSET
When in Waikiki, stop by the Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort Waīkīki, for its signature cocktail. The beachside spot also serves modern variations of the classic mai tai and delicious pūpū (appetizers). If you’re looking for more adventures in mixology, head to the Kuhio Beach Grill inside the Waikiki Beach Marriott® Resort & Spa to sample an expansive offering of craft bourbons and whiskies.
SNORKEL WITH GIANT TURTLES
A snorkel cruise, leaving from the Ko Olina Marina next to the resort, brings you eye-to-eye with giant green sea turtles. The ocean around west Oʻahu is also home to Hawaiian spinner dolphins and — from December to March — visiting humpback whales. Sunset cruises and whale-watching tours also depart from Ko Olina Marina.
FIND PEACE ON A TRAIL
About an hour from the resort, the Ka‘ena Point Trail is tucked between the sea and breathtaking mountains. Laysan albatross (large, white seabirds) nest here, and you might even see a monk seal finding its zen on the beach — but remember to keep your distance, as both are protected species. Bring plenty of water and a hat, and in the winter, binoculars to whale watch right from the shore.
Ask a Concierge
To learn more about this and other unique vacation experiences, please inquire with our local expert at the resort.