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Ko'olina (Kapolei) vs Hawaiian Princess (Makaha)

T

Tahiya

TUG Review Crew: Veteran
TUG Member
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In addition to two weeks on Maui in Feb/Mar 2019, we're hoping for about 2 weeks on Oahu in Feb of that year. We'll do VRBO on the North or East Shores (wanna see surfers and big waves), and are wondering whether to accept a lockoff at Ko'Olina, versus a one or two bedroom at Hawaiian Princess (assuming we can get one or both with our old Worldmark 3 bdrm request.) I dislike Waikiki, so don't want to spend time there.

We typically spend a fair amount of time in the unit, and cook most of our meals at the timeshare. (Based on this, Hawaiian Princess seems the winner.) However, activities we enjoy include checking out new bakeries, food trucks, and art galleries, and snorkeling from shore. (Ko'Olina may have the edge here?)

Would love your opinion on where to stay, given that we want to stay in a timeshare!
 
We like to cook many of our meals in the unit, but I would still pick a studio at Ko'Olina over any unit in the Hawaiian Princess Makaha. I don't enjoy the Makaha location as it's in a bad part of town (and I'm not against staying in locals areas by any means).
 
I agree with Chrispee. I'd stay at Ko'Olina. Makaha is at the end of the paved road on the Waianae coast, rather isolated and low-rent .... There are somewhat nicer beaches up the coast at Maile and Kahe? Pt park, but you can get to them easily from Ko'olina. I don't think there's good shore snorkeling at Makaha or Ko'olina; too rough or deep drop off. Makaha was a surfing area.
 
Makaha beach in winter has huge surf, and can be a terrible place to try snorkeling. Given the proximity from Ko'Olina to Makaha, I'd say take the Ko'Olina unit, enjoy your snorkeling there, and when you want to see surfers doing their thing, drive up to Makaha. Food trucks and such are everywhere. For winter time big surf in a better part of the island, drive up through Wahiawa to Haleiwa, and work your way down to the Windward side from there. That way you can see Sunset, Pupukea, Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and the rest of the "name" beaches.

Dave
 
We would also take a guest room at Ko Olina in this situation. You could also purchase ePlus and if a larger unit becomes available as your check in date approaches, I believe you could upgrade for a modest fee.

Best regards.

Mike
 
It's unanimous - stay at Ko Olina. You will not be disappointed. Also check Redweek rentals. You can pick up a week for a song. A 1 BR has a full kitchen and washer/dryer. If you dislike Waikiki, then Ko Olina is a great alternative. Beautiful resort, yet the opposite of Waikiki in terms of crowds.

Ko Olina has lagoons. Calm and peaceful for snorkeling, but not much in the way of fish... And I don't recall seeing food trucks anywhere near Ko Olina.
 
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For us, Makaha area is fine and the Hawaian Princess is about as close as it gets to being next to the ocean. If you are using the room for a view this resort won't disappoint as all the rooms have a fantastic view. The beach is long either way which makes for great beach walks. Sunsets are really good here. Golf course nearby. Shore fishing is decent. Not very many people here. Great place to chill and do very little. This area gets a bad rap because of local Natives and homeless camps. I haven't had a problem with either group but some have reported unpleasant encounters.

KoOlina is fantastic but the resorts are not as close to the ocean and many rooms are mountain view. The walk way in front of the lagoons is a really nice flat area to walk. Plenty of things to do. The lagoons are safe to swim and snorkel. Marina is in KoOlina. Many restaurants and many people.

Things do change and we haven't visited either place for at least 4 years. You might get some current trip advisor updates on the area. In Maui last December we found the beach had washed away in front of the resort we were staying at. It washed away about a month before we arrived. Things can change fast I guess.

Bill
 
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