Big news today as Disney announces the development of a 21 acre property on Oahu’s Leeward Shore in the area of Lagoon 1 at the Ko Olina resort. Here’s the Honolulu Star Bulletin story on the project. 800 rooms and a Disney Vacation Club to boot! Disney may have done similar resort projects elsewhere, but Ko Olina is the hottest spot in the Islands for timeshare trades right now. Booked up most of the time as I’ve heard from folks who have tried to reserve time only to be turned away.

I’ve been to Ko Olina, twice. Once each direction during a ride along the Hawaiian Railway (the former Oahu Railway) on a visit a few years back. Here’s a couple of images from that visit:

This is a view of the Leeward Shore heading north from Ko Olina towards Nanakuli. A very scenic ride along the ocean.

A view of a chapel at Ko Olina right on the shore. A very romantic spot for a wedding to be sure.

A view of the Hawaiian Railway train about to enter Ko Olina. Image by Gail Treiber, Hawaiian Railway Society.

This page for the Lost Virtual Tour has a great aerial view of the property:

The railroad is visible in the lower left corner of the image.

Check this link for this map of the area:

Plans call for the Disney resort at Lagoon 1 to open sometime in 2011. Should be a great addition to the area and another winner for Disney, too!