Ko Olina Lagoons
The Ko Olina shoreline, a beachrock and limestone terrace that is the seaward edge of an elevated prehistoric coral reef, begins at Kahe Point Beach Park and ends approximately two miles south at the Barbers Point Deep Draft Harbor. Four large lagoons with white sand beaches approximately 1,000 feet long are located inland of the terrace between the Ihilani Resort and Spa and the harbor entrance. Small channels that cut through the terrace connect the lagoons to the open ocean. These channels allow water from the ocean to circulate through the lagoons, but at the same time they are narrow enough to prevent high surf from directly striking the beach. The ocean bottoms in the lagoons are sandy and slope gently to overhead depth. Swimming is safe, but the water clarity is normally too murky for snorkeling. The lagoons are identified by number, the First Lagoon being the one next to the Ihilani Resort and Spa and the Fourth Lagoon being the last one next to the harbor.
In the early 1990’s Hawaii developer Herbert Horita cut four lagoons and a marina out of the Koolina shoreline during the initial construction phase of his resort and residential community. He then imported sand to create four artificial beaches, one in each lagoon. When the project was completed and the lagoons were opened to the public, the response was overwhelming, especially by families with children. The lagoons filled a real need not only for the visitors and residents of Koolina, but especially for the residents of the surrounding communities. There are no other nearby beaches that are protected year-round form thigh surf, and the lagoons are ideal for families with toddlers and other nonswimming children. With their beautiful landscaping, well-maintained facilities, lifeguard-protected beaches, and free parking, the Koolina Lagoons now are not only the most popular family beach areas in central Oahu, but are among the best beach destinations in Hawaii.
A few of the activities at Ko Olina Lagoons are bodyboarding, fishing, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming.
During periods of high surf, waves surge across the limestone terrace that fronts each of the lagoons. Be careful walking on the terrace and pay special attention when you are crossing sections that are already wet from the wash of previous waves. During periods of high surf, strong rip currents run out the channels that join the lagoons to the open ocean. Swimmers would be well advised to simply stay away from all of the channels at all times of the year.
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