Finishing up lunch with Yvonne Hunter, the Director of Public Relations at the Four Seasons Oahu Ko Olina Resort, she took me on a tour of the newer resort. Almost three years ago the JW Marriott Ihilani (built in 1998), became the Four Seasons Oahu. Set among green lawns and a dramatic coastline with the Waianae Mountains in the background, Hunter told me Ko Olina in Hawaiian means "Place of Joy."
Walking out to the resort’s grassy oceanfront peninsula enclave, I noticed a long table beautifully set for 30 guests. Exotic flowers were displayed to enhance this semi-private wedding or reception spot offering ocean, resort and verdant mountains.
As we passed the adult-only infinity pool, I noticed the bride-to-be and her wedding party enjoying some sun and fun at a private cabana. Zane the Four Seasons Tanning Butler approached the ladies with a tray of five different strengths of sunning lotions and sunscreens to help prevent painful sunburns and achieve golden tans.
Hunter shared that other pre-wedding activities include swimming in the sheltered beach lagoon with complimentary water toys and paddle boards. Guests can take a ride on the Four Seasons outrigger canoe or relax and get a massage in a waterfront cabana at the Naupaka Spa & Wellness. The 35,000 sq. ft. space offers 17 treatment rooms, plus three muliwai healing hales. Muliwai is Hawaiian for where the water of a slow-moving stream meets the sea. These three hales offer two treatment beds and oceanfront breezes and views. Yamaguchi Salon is available for bridal hair, makeup and nails, while there is a men's barbershop for the groom and groomsmen. The luxury facility includes steam, sauna, whirlpool, change rooms, and relaxation areas.
Hunter walked me over to the historically inspired Hawaiian chapel built in the center of the resort. No one needs to leave the resort for a traditional or Hawaiian wedding ceremony. This intimate Four Seasons chapel has beautiful stained glass windows. Doors open out to the tropical gardens for cocktails and pompous. Executive chef Martin Knaubert and his team will happily prepare dinner outside or in the Ocean Ballroom. Weddings can also be held next door at the historic Lanikuhunoa Cultural Estate.
Before leaving Hunter led me through the 3,840 sq. ft. Presidential Suite on the fourth floor. Offering full ocean views, the suite offers two Hawaiian decorated bedrooms, a private theater screening room, elegant dining and living room, plus a stairway leading up to a 516 sq. ft. terrace and lounge area. She showed me a separate kitchen for guests to have meals prepared and enjoyed for al fresco dining.
The Four Seasons Oahu is truly a "Place of Joy" for vow renewals or a memorable wedding that appeals to all the senses.
The adult only pool offers serenity before and after a wedding.
The Four Seasons Oahu in Ko Olina offers multiple wedding venues indoors and outside under palm trees and water views.
Private cabanas offer shade and comfortable lounge chairs for napping before a wedding.
Visiting the Naupaka Spa & Wellness helps wedding parties look their best before a traditional or Hawaiian wedding ceremony.
