Most of the known resorts on Oahu are in Waikiki. Hyatt Regency. Hilton Hawaiian Village. Halekulani. The best resort on the island isn’t in Waikiki at all. It’s the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina. If it were not for that nearby oil refinery, the Ihilani would be the perfect resort.

First, it’s away from everything that’s crass, caustic, clattery, and commercial— that means most of Waikiki. Ihilani is on the west coast of Oahu; past the residential areas, past the major shopping centers, well off the Interstate (don’t ask—it’s called H-1, it’s part of the Interstate Highway System but doesn’t connect to another highway in another state), yet, remarkably, only minutes from the airport and the rest of our paradisiaical island.

Did I mention the nearby oil refinery?

Second, Marriott doesn’t stick the JW Marriott name on just any building these days. JW Marriott is connected to the founding fathers so they’re very careful about which property bears that part of the family name.

In their defense, they could not have chosen a more beautiful property. There’s secluded beaches. A quiet, gated community. Golf courses nearby. Tropical lagoons. No noise from the highways and residential areas. No shopping center in sight. The barren Waianae Mountain Range off to the right. Pearl Harbor, Downtown Honolulu, and Diamond Head to the left.

All at a very comfortable distance from the trappings of civilization.

Of course, all this beauty and service and seclusion will cost you. Mountain view (yes, you can see the highway) is $354 a night. Ocean view (no, you can’t see the refinery from here) is a whopping $434 for a slice of paradise. Deluxe rooms START at $549 a night.

That’ll get you a first class Spa, a world class Golf course, and Tennis in the sun. There are also Ocean Activities, a Marine Life Program (which, fortunately has nothing to do with the Marines from the Marine Corp Air Station at Kaneohe Bay), and Kids Programs.

Did I mention the nearby oil refinery?

The nearest KFC, Jack-in-the- Box, or McDonald’s is miles away. Ihilani wants you to stay on the resort grounds so they entice you with a quiver of excellent dining that’ll make you and your checkbook quiver.

Azul is the signature dining room—expect to wear a collar. Naupaka Terrace overlooks the pool and is open all day for informal dining.

The Ihilani once had Japanese owners so their flare and taste is evident all over—including the Ushio-tei Japanese restaurant. Sushi and sashimi are specialties.

There’s a whole lot more going on at this luxurious Oahu resort (comfortably far away from everything irritating about Waikiki).

The only problem I have is the nearby oil refinery. Maybe that’s why the Ihilani’s had more owners than J Lo’s had husbands and lovers.

To find out more, Click Here for the Ihilani web site. The photos on the site are stunning. There’s an oil refinery nearby, but I couldn’t find it in the photos.

Want to know the best places to eat in Hawaii? Click over to Ono Dining for totally biased reviews on Hawai's best (and not so best) restaurants.