Atlantis Resort Is Coming To Hawaii

Soon U.S. citizens won't need a passport to visit the iconic themed resort. Atlantis Ko Olina, a luxury resort featuring approximately 800 guest rooms and 524 residences, has been officially announced for the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

The 26-acre property is the latest addition to Ko Olina, a resort community on the southwest coast of the island. The area is home to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Oahu Ko Olina and Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club.

Atlantis Ko Olina plans to offer guests an authentic Hawaiian experience. The resort's architecture and landscaping will incorporate elements of the island's unique environment.

"Hawaii is the perfect location for our next Atlantis destination resort," says Serge Zaalof, Chief Operating Officer of Atlantis Resorts. "This resort is set to quickly become a new landmark in Hawaii and will introduce the fun, interactive entertainment experiences at the heart of the Atlantis philosophy," says Zaalof.

Those offerings include attractions like Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium and an open-air marine habitat.

While exact details about the property have yet to be confirmed, those looking for a sneak peak of Atlantis Ko Olina can look to Atlantis, the Palm in Dubai for a preview of some of the possibilities for the Hawaiian resort.

The Dubai property features an Aquaventure Waterpark, where guests can find a number of waterslides, including Poseidon's Revenge, which propels guests downwards at speeds of more than 35 miles per hour. The Leap of Faith lives up to it's name with a near-vertical nine-story drop. More nature-oriented options include the Atlantis Shark Safari, featuring sharks, fish, and rays.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium, which figures to be a centerpiece of Atlantis Ko Olina, is also a key attraction at Atlantis, the Palm. The aquarium is designed with the story that the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis have been discovered. Lost Chambers is home to over 65,000 animals, some of which guests can interact with in snorkeling pools, diving excursions, and interactive feeding shows.

There will also be plenty of dining options, with Atlantis offering everything from casual lounges and bars to high-end restaurants. The resort also promises notable chefs — Atlantis Dubai features Bread Street Kitchen, a restaurant run by Gordon Ramsey, and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's Japanese restaurant, Nobu. Even future chefs can get in on the fun, with culinary lessons for younger guests.

While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, development on Atlantis Ko Olina will begin soon.