Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

This was our 3rd time here. If I was reviewing the first two trips in January, it would be a 5 star review. But instead of adult guests and families, the end of February is business rewards season: companies rewarding their staff with a trip. Guestimate: 60-70% performance bonus babies. Picture a 7 day frat party; hours of standing in the adult pool drinking; complete with screams/cackles. The staff is wonderful, but seemed overwhelmed by the constantly drunk partiers. It’s not like this at the Halekulani; or the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua; or the Four Seasons in Wailea, all hotels we have been to in February. The food; the facilities; the staff is wonderful. Guess I’m not a frat boy.

We stayed during the last week of January at the Four Seasons Ko Olina -- our second stay in the past three years. (Long ago, we stayed at the hotel when it opened as a JW Marriott.) Last time, we overlooked the construction of the American Idol stage and we were insistent on a "quiet side" room this time, knowing that the show was actually being filmed during our stay. (And we received an upgrade to an oceanfront room.) The hotel is very expensive, so take advantage of the "4th night free" offer if you can. Likewise, the meals are very expensive but all three dinners at the hotel were terrific. (The lunches, not so much.) One drawback of the Ko Olina development -- about 30 minutes west of the Honolulu airport -- is its isolation. That's part of the appeal, but the restaurant and shopping options outside of the Four Seasons are quite limited. Finally, I do think the Four Seasons guest rooms are due for a refresh -- we had just visited the Fairmont on Maui, and its own thorough remodel was spectacular. The rooms at the Four Seasons felt a bit dated by comparison, but other amenities like the spa and adult pool are top-notch.

Everything was great at the Four Seasons - the food, the service, the location, the beach - everything! The old saying "You get what you pay for!" You're paying for a luxury resort and you're getting a luxury resort. No detail is overlooked.

They had some stupid American Idol concert show that the people told me in an email but they never told me it’s loud as heck the hotel is shaking it feels like you’re in the middle of a disco tech it’s not Hawaii it’s not recommending this property because they don’t tell you the truth I wouldn’t invite anybody ever to come here and I’ve traveled all over the world to 40 to 50 different countries this is probably one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had in my life

Stayed here for a babymoon, no kids (yet). This is nice hotel with great service. The rooms are lovely (a little dated) but large. We had a beautiful view of the ocean and it was very quiet. Service is incredible, so friendly and helpful. They sent us many congratulations gifts (a dessert and non alcoholic sparkling wine). The spa was dated but we had a nice service. We did a fun star gazing event and my husband loved the gym. Food at the restaurants was okay, but my expectations were higher. I would skip the Sunday brunch buffet, it’s not worth it unless you love seafood (a lot) which we don’t. We spent a lot of time at the adult serenity pool. Unfortunately the clientele at this hotel are less upscale than I was anticipating (I’m not sure how else to say this, besides just poorly behaved). When you arrive at the adult pool in caps it says please refrain from loud conversations and excessive talking. Almost every day there were extremely loud (shouting and at times screaming) middle aged (not young) adults in and around the pool screaming and often being profane. The staff at the pool didn’t ask them to be quiet until asked which we had to do every day. It just ruins the vibe and makes you feel like you’re at a cheap Marriott in Cancun. Overall our experience was positive but not very upscale. If that’s what you’re looking for I’d book somewhere else.