Kapolei

Oahu's second city. Ko Olina resorts, Disney Aulani, Wet'n'Wild waterpark, the west-side beaches.

About Kapolei

Kapolei is Oʻahu's second city — planned, modern, growing fast. Built on former sugar-cane plantation land 25 miles west of Honolulu, it's now home to ~50,000 residents and the Ko Olina resort complex.

Ko Olina has four man-made lagoons that look like postcards: calm, perfectly arc-shaped, lifeguarded, family-friendly. Disney Aulani is here, plus the Four Seasons, Marriott, and the Lanikūhonua oceanfront cultural site. All four lagoons are public by law — even if you're not staying at a hotel, you can walk in.

Wet'n'Wild Hawaii waterpark is 5 minutes inland. The Kapolei Golf Course is one of the busiest public courses in the state. Friday night high-school football at Kapolei High School is a community event the whole west side turns up for.

What to do in Kapolei

Ko Olina Lagoons (free)
Four lagoons. Public beach access. Parking $20/day; park free at Lagoon 4.
Disney Aulani Resort
Rooms from $700/night. Day-use access not allowed; lagoons + beach are public.
Wet'n'Wild Hawaii
$60 adult. Family waterpark. Closed Tue + Wed.
Electric Beach snorkel
5 min west. Underwater pipe attracts turtles + rays. Free.