This post contains affiliate links, and I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase something I have recommended. There is no additional cost to you, and I only suggest products/services I personally used and loved. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Family vacations are about more than just escaping routine. They’re about creating lasting memories together—moments your children will talk about years from now. For our family, the Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina was that kind of destination. A place where luxury meets true family-friendliness, and every detail feels crafted with thoughtfulness and care.

Below, I’ll take you through our stay: the warm arrival, the thoughtful room touches, the food that still makes me crave breakfast, the kids’ club that completely surprised us, and the small conveniences that made our trip seamless. If you’re a family looking for a blend of five-star luxury and kid-friendly fun in Hawaii, this review is for you.

Arrival at Midnight: A Warm Hawaiian Welcome

We arrived late at night, long after most resorts might have gone quiet. Instead of a rushed check-in or tired staff, we were greeted with genuine warmth—smiles, a tray of refreshing welcome drinks, and leis that instantly reminded us we were in paradise. Even in the dark, stepping onto our fresh lanai felt special.

The check-in process for our partial ocean-view room was smooth and surprisingly quick. The staff member not only handed us our keys but also walked us through the resort map, pointing out dining options, pools, and activities so we wouldn’t miss a thing. This early attention to detail set the tone for the days to come.

The Room: Spacious, Elegant, and Designed for Families

Opening the door to our room, we immediately knew this wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was a retreat. The king-sized bed was perfectly dressed, and the sofa bed had already been pulled out and made up for Elijah, a thoughtful detail that meant we could settle in right away without calling housekeeping.

The room was stocked with a Nespresso machine (a lifesaver for early mornings), sparkling and still bottled waters, and plenty of space to store belongings. The bathroom was its own highlight: large, luxurious, and equipped with two sinks placed on opposite sides. For families, this simple design is genius—no fighting over mirror space while getting ready.

And then there were the personal touches. Sponges spelling out “Elijah” by the bathtub. Kid-sized slippers and robes. A cuddly sea turtle stuffed animal waiting on the bed. Plus, a tray with a cupcake, fresh fruit, and a handwritten welcome note arranged on the desk. These details elevated our experience, showing us that the resort doesn’t just welcome kids—they celebrate them.

Morning Magic: The Ocean View Revealed

Because we arrived so late, we hadn’t seen what lay beyond our balcony. The next morning, when we slid open the doors, the view stopped us in our tracks. Sparkling turquoise waters stretched endlessly across the horizon. It was the kind of view that pulls you into stillness, the reminder of why you flew across an ocean to be here.

One of our favorite rituals for the rest of the trip was sitting on the balcony each evening to watch the sunset. No two sunsets were the same, and each one was breathtaking in its own way. Sometimes we’d bring drinks, sometimes just sit together quietly. Those simple moments ended up being some of the most meaningful.

Pools & Cabanas: Family-Friendly Bliss

Four Seasons O‘ahu offers multiple pools to suit every mood. There’s the main pool with its lively energy, the serene adults-only pool, and—our favorite—the Keiki Pool, designed specifically for families with kids.

We rented a cabana by the Keiki Pool one day, and it became our little headquarters. The cabana included bottled water, comfortable seating, and a $75 food and beverage credit, which we happily used on poolside snacks. (Ube Pina Colada is a must try!) What made this location perfect was its proximity to the beach. Elijah could bounce between building sandcastles at the cove and splashing in the pool without us having to pack up and move.

The poolside service was seamless—attentive without being intrusive. By the end of the afternoon, it felt like the servers knew our family’s favorites by heart.

A Calm Cove Beach: Perfect for Young Kids

The resort fronts a man-made lagoon rather than a natural surf beach. For families with young kids, this is a gift. The water is calm, with no waves or currents to worry about. Elijah could swim safely, paddle on his float, or just wade at the edge.

Yes, the lagoon is shared with Disney’s Aulani next door, but it’s spacious enough that each resort’s guests naturally gravitate toward their own side. It never felt crowded, and we appreciated being able to relax without worrying about strong surf.

For older kids or adults, there are paddleboards and kayaks available, so you can explore the lagoon together. It’s the kind of beach where everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, feels at ease.

Breakfast Dreams at La Hiki

Our mornings quickly fell into a happy rhythm: wake up, sip Nespresso coffee on the balcony, then head to La Hiki for breakfast. And let me say—this is not your average hotel buffet.

La Hiki’s spread is one of the best we’ve encountered anywhere. Fresh pastries, Hawaiian fruits, fluffy pancakes, savory Asian and international options—it felt like a culinary world tour every morning. For me, the standout was the iced coffee: strong, smooth, and served just the way I like it. Sitting by the pool with a hearty breakfast, the day’s possibilities stretching out ahead, was pure vacation joy.

A Kids Club That Won Over Our Son

Elijah usually isn’t a fan of kids’ clubs. He prefers being with us and often resists organized programs. But the Kids for All Seasons Club at Four Seasons O‘ahu completely changed his mind.

The club runs daily from 9 to 5, with activities scheduled each hour. Elijah spent time in the game room with LEGOs, air hockey, and foosball, but what really won him over were the outdoor adventures. The kids got to explore the resort, feed koi fish, and participate in creative activities that felt exciting rather than “babysitting.”

By the end of the trip, Elijah was asking us to drop him off every day. For parents, that’s the highest praise. It gave us a chance to enjoy some adult time, knowing he was having just as much fun as we were.

Small Luxuries: The Four Seasons App

One of the conveniences we loved most was the Four Seasons app. From ordering room service to requesting more towels to scheduling valet pickup, everything could be done in a few taps. The concierge responded quickly to chats, saving us from waiting on hold or walking to the front desk.

For families, especially, this was a game-changer. When you’re juggling kids, sunscreen, and pool toys, being able to handle logistics through your phone makes life so much easier.

Golf at Ko‘Olina

One of the more unique experiences of our trip was a beginner’s golf clinic at Ko‘Olina Golf Resort, located just across the street. Elijah and my spouse decided to give it a try, but we were running late. Without hesitation, the front desk arranged for the in-house car to drive them directly to the course. They arrived on time and had a wonderful morning learning the basics of golf together.

It’s small gestures like this—accommodating last-minute hiccups—that make a resort feel truly five-star.

Beyond the Basics: Enrichment & Extras

We opted for a star gazing activity one evening, which was wonderful. Everyone gather to take a look at the moon, planets, and other stars throughout the night and Eli had a blast learning about ancient Hawaii used star gazing as a tool.

While we packed a lot into our stay, Four Seasons O‘ahu offers even more family-friendly activities that we’ll definitely try next time. Polynesian canoe rides, lei-making classes, and sunrise yoga are just a few of the unique experiences available. There’s also a serene spa for parents looking to recharge, plus access to tennis and world-class golf for those who like to stay active.

These extras reinforce that this resort is about more than luxury accommodations—it’s about creating well-rounded, unforgettable family memories.

Final Thoughts: Why Families Will Love It

Looking back on our trip, what stands out most is how seamless and joyful everything felt. From the personalized touches in our room, to Elijah’s daily excitement about the kids’ club, to our sunset rituals on the balcony—it was the kind of stay that reminded us why travel is worth every bit of effort.

For families craving both luxury and kid-friendly amenities, Four Seasons O‘ahu at Ko Olina is a dream. It’s polished without being pretentious, relaxed without sacrificing service, and packed with experiences designed to bring out the best in every family member.

If you’re planning a Hawaii trip with kids and want a resort that balances relaxation, adventure, and thoughtful luxury, put this at the top of your list. It’s not just a hotel—it’s a memory-making destination.

Four Seasons Oahu Review