Oahu Oasis

STAY + PLAY

When planning a trip to Hawaii’s largest island, find paradise at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina—prime beachfront property known for the best sunset views, a perfectly calm-watered ocean lagoon in front and an all-star concierge crew to make any fam getaway easy. Arriving on-property is a breath of fresh air, especially after a long day of travel with a toddler. The valet draped us with orchid leis before we headed up to our top-floor suite, stepping out on the lanai to take in the 180-degree ocean view. Our 16-month-old loved stepping into her very own pair of mini slippers, playing with a set of sponges set up in the bathtub that spelled out her name, then swaying her hips along to the traditional live Hawaiian music that greeted us on the TV. This is the type of luxury that welcomes kids with open arms while maintaining total decorum and serenity; from plates of fresh fruit that arrive early for hungry mouths to nibble on (while mains are prepared by a Michelin-starred chef) to amenities like an on-site kids’ club. No kids? No problem. There is plenty of room away from little ones, like the jaw-droppingly beautiful adults-only infinity pool. Fourseasons.com

EAT + DRINK

At the Four Seasons you’ll find everything your culinary heart desires, from “line-to-table” dining on the freshest Hawaiian butterfish puolo at Mina’s Fish House, to sipping an ube colada—a piña colada made with local purple potatoes—which appears on most of the hotel drink menus. If you’re craving something different after a few meals of Hawaiian fare, Noe is led by Michelin-starred, Japanese-Italian chef Ryo Takatsuka. Opt for decadent favourites like the tagliatelle with seasonal truffles, or a veal Milanese that is said to draw guests from all over the island. If a brunch with a side of Disney is on your kids’ bucket list, make a reservation at next-door Aulani Disney resort’s daily Character Breakfast. Going farther afield on the island, everyone sweet-toothed must seek out malasadas, deep-fried Portuguese donuts, from Honolulu’s iconic Leonard’s Bakery. And, of course, any great trip deserves some on-a-whim dining. That’s how we found Bob’s Bar-B-Que, a 45-year-old fixture beloved by locals that serves up Hawaiian-style plates of ribs under a yellow vintage sign.

LEARN + EXPLORE

What started as a fruit stand in 1950 is now one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. Visit the Dole Plantation and order a cup of “world-famous” pineapple soft-serve ice cream, stroll the grounds to learn how the fruits grow, hop aboard the Pineapple Express Train Tour for a more immersive experience, and even BYOP to take on the flight home (that’s “buy your own pineapple”, of course). The Polynesian Cultural Center showcases authentic Polynesian ways of life; a day pass gives you full access to a lush, 16-acre outdoor area of unique cultural villages representing places like Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and more. The choose-your-own-adventure exploration includes traditional performances and cultural experiences, such as learning about how taro root is made into poi, and canoe rides. Honolulu’s Bishop Museum is a world-famous collection of over 25 million historical, cultural, and natural treasures—from taxonomy (seek out the insects and butterflies), to precious cultural artifacts (hunt for the feather capes and leis from the 19th century). After a few precious hours well-spent here, return to the beach, slather on some SPF, and reflect upon it all with a cold drink in hand.

BY KATIE NANTON

RELAX

Up next: massage break. Snag some precious solo time with a Swedish-style Makana Massage in a private hale. A therapist guides you down a path leading from the on-site Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre to your very own cabana for a personalized treatment; you’ll emerge revitalized to sip on lilikoi passion kombucha in a private outdoor garden. Follow it up by connecting with your inner artist through one of the many #FSWayfinders Program artisan workshops offered, like a resin surfboard workshop led by local artist Christian Bendo. Craving a potentially life-changing experience? The enigmatic Pi’iali’i Lawson, an ancestral and intuitive energy re-alignment healing practitioner, offers private one-on-one and group sessions through the Four Seasons, along with a Muhala Sound Healing Ritual.