When I went to the JW Marriott Ihilani I thought it was up against the mountain too, but it is actually some distance away. Yes, the area is not quite as green as the photograph as it is on the dry side of the island. It is still a nice hotel with its own uncrowded artifical beach (actually there are three identical artificial beach coves) with the MVC on the far one.

Even the dumpiest hotels try to put their best face forward in photos. It is still a very nice resort but it is on the less popular side of the island.