The Dish: The Four Seasons Oahu
- Caitlin Loftus
- Aug 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Welcome to The Dish! Whether you're searching for a new dish to try or you're a dish yourself seeking the latest scoop, we're here to dish out all the details on ways to elevate your everyday! This week we're discussing our recent stay at The Four Seasons Oahu and if it's worth the hype.

When it comes to vacations, my partner John and I tend to do a lot of planning and research without actually making any trip reservations. However, after the recent loss of both our 14-year-old cats, we realized the importance of taking a vacation to heal and recharge. Although we've been considering a trip to Hawaii for nearly two years, we always hesitated due to overthinking. This time, we have finally made the decision to go ahead and book the trip.

We recently spent 5 nights at the Four Seasons Oahu, which provided the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. The resort is currently offering a promotion where if you stay 3 nights, you get the 4th night free—a great deal that allowed us to extend our stay just enough to fully experience both the resort and some off site excursions. Located in Ko Olina, the resort is situated adjacent to Disney's Aulani Resort and shares it beachfront. There are paved paths around the lagoon that provide a pleasant chance for a leisurely afternoon stroll.


The resort itself is stunning, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with areas and events reserved for adults, ensuring plenty of quiet time if you need it. The beaches and pools were never too crowded, allowing us to enjoy the serene beauty of Oahu without feeling overwhelmed.



When it comes to dining at the Four Seasons, there are various choices available. The most popular dinner spot is Mina's Fish House, led by the renowned Chef Michael Mina, a James Beard Award winner. Due to its constant busy atmosphere, it is highly recommended to secure reservations in advance through the concierge.
Noe puts a contemporary spin on Italian favorites, showcasing a selection of artisanal pastas and fresh local seafood. The cuisine was exceptional, but we were let down by the unavailability of the Veal on that particular evening.
Personally, our favorite meal was at the Mānalo Lounge, where everything we tried was exceptional. Inspired by the Hawaiian word for “sweet water” Mānalo Lounge celebrates Hawaii’s diverse mix and the sashimi trio should not be missed.
One thing to note is that by the fifth day, the breakfast and lunch menus at La Hiki did start to feel a bit repetitive, which could be a drawback for longer stays. The beach, pool, and in room dining menus are basically the same just pared back to one degree or another.
The resort offers a wide range of activities, both on-site and off (for a fee of coarse). We chose to go horseback riding and do some stargazing. The horseback riding was enjoyable, but in retrospect, we might have chosen one of the other locations. We opted for the closest spot to avoid a long Uber ride, but the experience was somewhat underwhelming for the price. The journey there was also a bit nerve-wracking, as the road was remote and challenging to navigate even for our experienced taxi driver. The horseback ride itself took us halfway up a mountain, where we stopped for photos before returning the same way. Because of the remoteness of the place we ended up paying our taxi driver to wait for us, adding to the overall cost, which approached $700 for two people—a price that felt steep, even by Four Seasons standards.
On the other hand, the stargazing event was absolutely incredible and worth every penny. Initially, I thought the $50 fee was just for sitting on blankets under the stars, but I was pleasantly surprised. A resident astronomer guided us through the night sky with a laser pointer, a massive telescope, and a camera with GPS tracking. He shared stories about the constellations, Hawaiian folklore, and how ancient sailors navigated the seas. The images we saw through the telescope, including the rings of Saturn and a dying star, were breathtaking—something you truly have to see for yourself.

We also took a day to venture down to Waikiki for some shopping. While it was an interesting experience, as a local friend described, it's essentially the "Times Square of Hawaii." For those seeking the most beautiful beaches, we were advised that Lanikai and North Shore are must-visit spots, though we didn’t get a chance to explore them this time.
In conclusion, our stay at the Four Seasons Oahu was a blend of relaxation and discovery. The resort's beauty, the quality of service, and the unforgettable stargazing experience made it a trip to remember, even if some excursions didn’t quite meet expectations. If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway with a mix of leisure and adventure, the Four Seasons Oahu is a solid choice. Just be sure to choose your offsite activities carefully to ensure they meet your expectations.


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