Makai Hale: the beach bar on Honu Lagoon at Beach Villas

One of the best things about staying at Beach Villas is how little you have to plan to have a good evening. The resort has its own beach bar and grill, Makai Hale. It sits on Honu Lagoon, steps from both towers. You can come up from the sand still in your slippers, order a cold drink and watch the light change over the water.

Where it is

Makai Hale ("house by the sea") is on the lagoon side of the grounds, between the towers and the beach. There's no car to move, no reservation to make and no resort shuttle to wait for. If you're staying in Beach Tower or Ocean Tower, you can be there in a couple of minutes from your villa door.

Why it's the easy sunset spot

Ko Olina faces west, so the sun goes down over the open Pacific. From the lawn and the beach bar you can watch the sunset across Honu Lagoon without driving anywhere. If your villa is on the sunset side of the building, you get the same view again from your own lanai. Many guests catch the first half at the bar and the last glow from upstairs.

Good to know

• Hours change with the season. Ask at the 24-hour front desk, or stop by when you arrive, for this week's hours and any specials.
• Gift cards. Makai Hale sells gift cards online. They make a nice welcome gift if you're arranging a villa stay for family or friends.
• Keep it lagoon-friendly. Take your cups back to the bar and keep glass off the beach. Honu Lagoon is a protected, family swimming beach, and everyone enjoys it more when it stays clean.

Make an evening of it

A simple Ko Olina evening plan for your first night:

1. A late-afternoon swim in Honu Lagoon or the lagoon pool.
2. A drink at Makai Hale as the sun drops.
3. Dinner on your lanai. Fire up one of the resort barbecues, or pick up something from the markets and restaurants around Ko Olina.
4. A walk along the seaside path to the next lagoon.

On some evenings Ko Olina also has live music and cultural events within walking distance. Occasionally there are offshore fireworks, sometimes for a private event, that you can see from the lagoons. Check at the front desk for what's on during your stay.

The rest of the grounds

The beach bar is one part of a full set of shared amenities. Owners' guests at Beach Villas also share:

• two pools, including a lagoon pool and a lap pool;
• three spas and a kiddie pool;
• a fitness center with steam rooms;
• barbecues;
• a 24-hour front desk.

Around the grounds, the gardens, koi ponds and open-air lobby give the resort its relaxed, tropical feel.

Find your villa

Ready to trade your commute for a lagoon view? See open dates for every villa, check this week's specials, or read about the sunset-side villas.