Novel. Intriguing. Exhilarating. Inspiring. The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina has redefined the ultimate guest experience. Here are the highlights (for more information, unless otherwise noted, call 679-0079 and ask for the concierge):
ARRIVE IN STYLE
Visitors should consider flying to Kalaeloa Airport from the mainland, Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia and other far-flung destinations in a private jet. From there the hotel is just 15 minutes away via limousine or luxury car.
Or hop on a helicopter at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and soar along Oahu’s scenic southern coast for a landing at Ko Olina resort and a 10-minute drive to Four Seasons.
Prefer to arrive by sea? From the airport you’ll be transported to Sand Island, where you’ll board a 47-foot yacht for a two-hour cruise to Ko Olina’s marina. Along the way, sip champagne, nibble on pupu and admire coastal views stretching from Pearl Harbor to the Waianae Mountain Range. From the marina it’s a 10-minute ride to the hotel’s porte-cochere.
Prices start at $1,080 for the helicopter (up to six passengers), $3,380 for the yacht (up to 12 passengers) and $64,250 for the private jet (up to five passengers).
IF YOU GO: FOUR SEASONS RESORT
>> Address: 92-1001 Olani St., Ko Olina Resort
>> Rates: Start at $645 nightly, including many complimentary services, amenities and activities such as sunrise yoga, use of snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards, Kids for All Seasons program for keiki ages 5 to 12, and a Young Adult Center for teens 13 to 17 that’s furnished with foosball, a movie theater and video and board games. The resort has a fourth-night-free offer and kamaaina rates starting at $325 per night, subject to availability (blackout period Dec. 19 to Jan. 5).
>> Phone: 679-0079 or toll free 844-387-0308
>> Email: reservations.oahu@fourseasons.com
>> On the Net: fourseasons.com/oahu
IMMERSION IN ART
“Cultivate, create, curate” are the bywords of the #FSWayfinders program, which offers hands-on art and cultural workshops led by knowledgeable kamaaina. Topics include hula, ukulele, painting, photography, sarong dyeing, lau hala weaving and haku lei and Niihau shell jewelry making. Some sessions are complimentary; fees (usually $39 to $85) apply for others.
On the first Friday of every month (Oct. 13 is an exception), Art Walk at the Hokulea Lounge introduces you to leading local artists in a casual atmosphere that invites mingling. Chat with the artists, peruse their work and purchase your favorites; complimentary wine and pupu are bonuses.
The new Artist-in-Residence program spotlights the work of one artist in an exhibition lasting at least six weeks. On view until the end of October, the inaugural installation features Welzie, who creates fine art from fiberglass and resin, the materials used to make surfboards.
Paintings, jewelry, apparel and home decor — you’ll find an array of locally made merchandise at the quarterly Moonlight Market (the next one will be Nov. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m., also at the Hokulea Lounge). Another must for shoppers is the Festive Marketplace, which will be poolside Dec. 20 through Jan. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
FENG SHUI TREATMENTS
Feng shui is a Chinese system of harmonizing and balancing objects and energies in a space to ensure good fortune for the people inhabiting it. Celebrity stylist Billy Yamaguchi (who has worked with Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston and Deepak Chopra, among others) adapts those principles to beauty treatments.
Energy forces are categorized into five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Yamaguchi identifies clients’ element, interprets it and customizes makeup and hairstyling accordingly.
Yamaguchi explains his approach in complimentary one-hour seminars at his eponymous salon in the Naupaka Spa and Wellness Centre. Upcoming dates are Sept. 24-26, Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 17-19 from 9 to 10 a.m. Space is limited to 10 people; preference will be given to hotel guests. Call 679-3200 to register or to make an appointment.
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE
Paradise Helicopters whisks you from Kalaeloa Airport to Hawaii island where spectacular scenes include active lava flows, black- and green-sand beaches and coastlines draped with waterfalls.
You might land in the Kohala Mountains for an easy 10-minute hike to a waterfall before heading to the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, a 1,200-acre reforestation project on the slopes of Mauna Kea.
During a two-hour visit, you’ll go on a private tour, plant your choice of a koa or sandalwood seedling and enjoy a gourmet lunch with wine. Prices for this seven-hour charter start at $20,000, based on the number of guests (maximum of six), menu selections and mode of transportation to and from Kalaeloa Airport.
TASTE OF OAHU
Freshness is always top of mind for director of food and beverage Martin Knaubert. That’s why he and his culinary staff source ingredients from 25-acre Kahumana Organic Farm in neighboring Waianae.
On an hourlong tour you’ll see the farm’s sheep, free-range chickens, aquaponics facility, processing station and fields where some 40 kinds of fruits, vegetables and herbs are flourishing. You’ll learn about Kahumana’s mission of supporting the most vulnerable members of society (such as people with disabilities and those transitioning from homelessness) as you harvest kale, beets, Swiss chard mango, papaya and more for the hearty, healthy barbecue that’s served at the hotel afterward.
Prices start at $850 per person, including transportation, the private tour, an interactive cooking experience and lunch. Special requests such as a themed menu and decor (Oktoberfest or Thanksgiving, for instance) can be accommodated for additional fees. Or opt for an afternoon farm tour followed by dinner with a caviar bar and fireworks.
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KO OLINA CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
Don’t be fooled by its name: The Ko Olina Children’s Festival promises fun for the whole family. This year’s fourth annual event, a benefit for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, will be Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m.
There will be screenings of the Disney/Pixar blockbusters “Moana,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Also available will be face painting, balloon artists, a sand art exhibit, golf lessons for kids and live entertainment.
Admission for adults is $25 per person presale through Friday or $30 at the door. Tickets for keiki 4 through 12 are $15 (there’s no advance-purchase discount). Kids 3 and younger will be admitted free.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu is offering special rates for kamaaina attending the festival. Starting at $449 per night for oceanfront accommodations (mountain- and ocean-view categories are sold out), they include daily breakfast for two, daily valet parking for $15 (normally $40) and a 15-percent discount on Naupaka Spa services. A valid Hawaii ID is required at check-in, and applicable dates are Friday through Sunday.
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.
