It’s hard to compete with a Disney-owned resort — especially when it’s right next door. But Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club holds its own next to Aulani – A Disney Resort. In fact, the resort is so popular that another high-rise tower of accommodations is in the works.

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is a timeshare property, but you don’t need to be an owner to stay here, nor are you obligated to tour the hotel (as is the case at many timeshare resorts). Instead, your family can simply enjoy this hotel for what it is — an expansive, oceanfront vacation destination with one- to three-bedroom villas, complete with fully equipped kitchens; several swimming pools, a kids’ club, cultural events, a spa, game room, fitness center, and more.

The location is quite convenient, too — and we’re not just talking about Aulani. Ko Olina is a resort complex (just outside of an industrial hub), and within it, there are lots of restaurants and shops to be found. The hotel is also a short drive from a water park, Wet ‘n Wild Hawaii… not that you need to leave the resort for water fun (or anything, for that matter). The hotel pools, with cascading waterfalls and slides, are a water park destination of their own.

For more information, visit Marriott Vacation Club Resorts and Hotels.

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club has one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, each equipped with a kitchen that has plates, utensils and all manner of cookware (including rice cookers and tea pots); washers and dryers; spacious bathrooms (in many cases, more than one per unit), and patios or balconies.

Tip: There are two options for room views: Ocean View or Mountain View. Splurge for the ocean view rooms, as the mountain views may actually mean views of the industrial area nearby.

Cribs and rollaway beds are available; there is a charge of $20 per night, plus tax for the rollaways. Reserve in advance.

One-Bedroom Villa
The one-bedroom villa has one king bed in a separate bedroom, and a sleeper sofa in the living room. It sleeps four people (five if you add a rollaway bed or crib).

Two-Bedroom Villa
There is one king bed in each bedroom in this villa, and then two sofa beds, sleeping up to eight guests. It has two bathrooms -- one with a stand-up shower, and another with a shower/tub combination.

Three-Bedroom Villa
This room also sleeps eight, with two king beds (each one in their own room), two twin beds in a third room, and two sofa beds. It is 1,800 square feet in size. This room also has two full bathrooms.

Beach
The hotel is situated on a private beach, where families can rent water sports (kayaks, paddleboards and more) via an outside vendor.

Pools
The hotel has several pools, all of them interconnecting to create the ultimate tropical oasis. One pool is an activity pool that's perfect for families, with a shallow wading area and beach just for little ones. The resort also has a total of seven Jacuzzis.

Kids' Club
The kids' club offers a daily schedule of activities, distributed in guestrooms. Activities include everything from designing your own race car to painting a coconut (and sending it to someone via snail mail)! Fees apply for certain activities, while others are complimentary.

Activities are separated by age group, and this is specified on the resort activities guide. Some programming is designed for teens, while other events are best for young children.

Game Room
Next to the kids' club is a room with billiards and Ping-Pong -- an especially popular spot for teenagers.

Longboards Bar and Grill
Longboards Bar and Grill is just steps from the sand, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a totally casual setting. Kids' menus and coloring sheets are available.

Chuck's Steak and Seafood
Chuck's is a well-known establishment in Hawaii, with several locations across the islands. Open for dinner only, the restaurant specializes in juicy steaks and fresh seafood. Kids are welcome.

Fia Fia Polynesian Dinner Show
The hotel hosts a fantastical luau every Tuesday night -- complete with fire dancers. A "preview night" is hosted on Mondays, giving families an idea of what they can expect at the event. Reservations are required for the Fia Fia Polynesian Dinner Show.

Nai'a Pool Bar
Head to the pool bar for light bites and Hawaii's famous shave ice. There are two locations at the resort. Pool toys are also sold at both spots.

Marketplace
The Marketplace has everything, from snacks and beverages to made-to-order meals. Souvenirs and toiletries are also sold here. It's open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, staying open until 10 p.m. on weekends.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Fitness Center
The hotel has a fitness center with the basics -- cardio machines and free weights. It is open 24 hours. Another option for getting exercise is walking the trail that winds through the resort -- it's actually 3 miles round-trip.

Check-In and Check-Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 10 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
Like all resorts on Oahu, Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club is consistently busy, with the resort at (or almost at) full capacity during the winter holidays, spring break, and summertime.

Getting There
Honolulu International Airport is about 30 minutes from Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club -- possibly a little longer depending on traffic. The entire drive is highway, with the resort tucked away just off the main route.

Getting Around
You'll want to explore other areas of Oahu, especially North Shore, which is just over an hour away. Parking is $35 per day, plus tax.

For Mom and Dad
Enjoy a quiet dinner at Chuck's Steakhouse before heading to the beach for a romantic stroll. You might also consider dining at one of the fantastic resorts at Aulani (just don't tell the kids), or reserving a treatment at the Spa by the Sea.