JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina - Kapolei - Oahu, HI Review

We stayed at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa while we were house hunting in Hawaii, and couldn't have been more pleased with the amenities or the service.  Located on the West side of Oahu, this resort is more low-key and peaceful than its counterparts in Waikiki.  It is about a 15-20 minute drive from Honolulu Airport (HNL).

The guest rooms are very spacious and luxurious.  Since the resort is located right on the beach, many of the rooms feature an ocean view.  There is nothing better than waking up in the morning to the sight and sound of the ocean right outside your bedroom window!  In addition to the ocean, the resort has three pools, and a few outdoor tennis courts.

Also, the Ihilani resort has one of the best spas on the island.  If you have time, I definitely recommend spending some time at the spa.  It is 35,000 sq. ft. of relaxation and pampering.  I can personally recommend the body wraps, massages, and facials.  They were some of the best I have ever had.  The spa also has various saunas, hot tubs and lounges for relaxing before or after your services.

The Ihilani has three restaurants on-site.  Azul is the resort's top restaurant, and known throughout the island as being on the of the classiest places to eat on Oahu.  They have a wonderful selection of meat and fish, and a huge wine list to compliment any entree.  Azul is only open for dinner.  Naupaka Terrace is the resort's informal dining area.  This is where the continental breakfast is served every morning.  It is also open throughout the day for lunch and dinner.  Naupaka Terrace has typical resort food: salads, sandwiches, etc, but is still very good.  The last restaurant, Ushio-Tei, serves traditional Japanese food.  It features an amazing dinner buffet on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.   The food at Ushio-Tei is authentic (not Americanized) and very good.

Overall, I would recommend this resort to anyone wanting a bit of rest and relaxation.  It is not overcrowded as some "on-the-strip" resorts tend to be, and we never had to fight for a chair by the pool or on the beach.  We plan to stay here again in the near future, and will suggest that friends and family who visit us while we are in Hawaii also stay here.