JAN 4
2025
Workshop participants will carpool from Makakilo (about 15 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas) and travel 2,500 feet above sea level to the Ossipoff Cabin on Pālehua Ridge. Guests will be taught lei po’o, worn on the head, as lei wili, where the stems of ferns and flora are bound together by winding rafia to create a flat base for the forehead.
The cabin was designed by renowned midcentury modern architect Vladimir Ossipoff as a personal retreat, the Japanese-style cabin offers a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the Wai‘anae Coast. The 4-hour workshop includes an hour of guided travel up and down the mountain, and three hours of instruction. Guests can look forward to refreshments and time to explore Vladimir Ossipoffʻs personal retreat.
Instruction by Island-Boy and Pua Hana will bring color, fresh blooms, and joy to Pālehua. Island Boy and Pua Hana are both located in Kaimukī on Waiʻalae Avenue. Island-Boy is a one-man retail experiment curating a diverse spectrum of items and art through a fun, tropical lens. Pua Hana offers fresh and unusual botanicals in arrangements and lei that lean towards the contemporary, with a taste of retro.
Hosts encourage 14 years and older for ideal participation. Limit 13 people per workshop. For more information and to book in advance, visit https://www.palehua.org/events.
NOV 30
2024
Stars Above Hawaii, just 5 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, is recognized around the world as Hawaii’s Gateway to the Stars for evening entertainment. The star shows are held at the Four Seasons Oahu Resort & Spa in the Ko Olina Resort. All ages are welcome.
Become a star explorer and discover the mysteries of the universe through a powerful, computerized, GPS telescope capable of seeing into the craters of the moon. See the clouds of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and hundreds of newborn baby star clusters up close and in color.
Explore the mysteries of the universe, seeing the unseen like you have never seen before. The star show will highlight Polynesian star navigation, Hawaii star lines, and the latest discoveries throughout the universe. Various cultural star-related mythologies are also covered.
Star shows take place every week on various evenings by reservation and are hosted by NASA Ambassador Greg McCartney.
For more information and to book your spot, visit https://www.viator.com/tours/Oahu/Stars-Above-Hawaii/d672-8103P2.
NOV 4
2024
Ko Olina Marina, just a 5 minute drive from Ko Olina Beach Villas, offers an array of ocean adventures. Guests can book a sunrise or sunset sail, a snorkel excursion, or charter a private sport-fishing adventure.
Visitors who rise early can set sail at sunrise and anchor at incredible snorkel reefs teeming with tropical marine life and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Alternatively, a midday catamaran snorkel cruise is also an option.
Oahu’s sunsets are even more spectacular. Guests can choose between a catamaran sunset sail with complimentary champagne and appetizers, a sunset snorkel dinner cruise, sunset glass bottom boat tour, or a private sunset cruise charter. All options provide an opportunity to see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Humpback Whales (seasonally), Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphin, and even Flying Fish.
For those who fancy themselves sea anglers, a private charter reserves the boat exclusively for up to 6 people. Enjoy reeling in the dream catch in the comfort of friends and family.
For more information and to book an ocean adventure, visit https://koolinamarina.com/activities/ocean.
OCT 7
2024
The Hawaiian Railway Society is keeping the dream of railway travel alive in Hawaii on three vintage diesel locomotives departing from the Ewa Train Depot (about 20 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas).
The nonprofit preserves and maintains the tracks and trains of the original Oahu Railway and Land Company founded in 1889 by Benjamin Dillingham. Now, the railway that once acted as a critical mode of transport for goods across the island, takes visitors on a quick scenic ride down the coast.
The two-hour ride travels between the Ewa Train Depot and Kahe Point. It is narrated by a local expert who teaches guests everything they need to know about the train’s history. Passengers will enjoy gorgeous views of the water and the Waianae mountain range along the way while travelling at 15 miles per hour.
The Hawaiian Railway Society operates rides on Wednesdays and weekends. Departures on Wednesdays are at 1:00 p.m., Saturdays at noon and 3:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Visitors may want to arrive early as the Ewa Train Depot is a destination in itself. It contains a small museum about the island’s railway history, including vintage rail equipment guests can explore up close and a gift shop selling souvenirs to remember the journey.
Consider choosing the Wednesday or Saturday rides, as the train stops for ice cream in Ko Olina (except the Sunday 1:00 p.m. ride). The ice cream is not included in the fare, so make sure to have some extra cash handy.
Tickets for the rides can be purchased in advance for $18 for adults and $13 for kids (standard ride) through the Hawaiian Railway Society’s website or at the depot on the day of the ride — though booking in advance is likely a better option as the rides are rather popular with tourists and locals alike. There is a premium ride option in the historic Parlor Car 64 and is only available on the second Sunday of each month for $35 (14 passengers maximum).
For more information and to book in advance, visit https://www.hawaiianrailway.com/.
SEP 3
2024
Everything you need and more can be found less than 5 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas at Island Country Markets located within Ko Olina Center and Station. An Island Lifestyle market and gift shop in one.
Island Country Markets offers a full-service deli with fresh salads, tasty gourmet sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and local plate lunch specials daily ~ such as their Herb Roasted Prime Rib on Thursdays. They also have an impressive collection of fine wines and spirits, a great selection of gourmet meats and cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables alongside a large selection of local and logo apparel, daily needs, groceries, drugs and cosmetics, gifts and souvenirs.
Also on offer are award-winning artisan gelatos and sorbets from IL Gelato Hawaii and an extensive gourmet coffee menu. For more information about opening hours and to view the menus, visit https://islandcountrymarkets.com/koolina/.
AUG 3
2024
Head to the Makai Hale Beach Bar at Ko Olina Beach Villas lagoon on the last Wednesday of every month to sip and sample various wines. The monthly wine tasting will feature 5 oz. pours of four different wines. Wines are accompanied by a small charcuterie snack, fresh fruit, and a take-home souvenir Makai Hale wine cup for $40 per person.
The beach bar also offers locally crafted beers (on tap and canned), including beer flights. Cocktails, mocktails, and other non-alcoholic beverages are available as well. Makai Hale offers food and snacks for all ages (pizza, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, rice bowls, gelato, and more).
For more information, visit https://beachvillasaoao.com/makai_hale/.
JUL 2
2024
Relax and rejuvenate with Yana Massage Therapy at Ko Olina Beach Villas. Delight in therapeutic spa treatments, including massage sessions, in the comfort and solitude of your villa. Indulge in the ultimate tranquillity, customized to your individual needs.
Costs vary by time, ranging from $125 for 60 minutes to $175 for 120 minutes. Bookings can be made in advance by emailing Yana Lehua at ylehua@hawaii.rr.com or by phone at (808) 225-8698.
JUN 5
2024
The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture comes to Hawaii for the first time from June 6 to June 16, 2024, with multiple sites on Oahu hosting exhibits and performances about 40 minutes or less from Ko Olina Beach Villas.
Since 1972, leaders from around the Pacific have gathered every four years in a different island nation to celebrate the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture, or FestPAC. The latest event—Hawaii’s first as host—was delayed by the pandemic, but will finally take place from June 6 to June 16, with numerous ways for the public to participate.
Much like the Olympic Games, FestPAC will begin and end with a parade of nations at the opening ceremony and a passing of the torch to the next host at the closing ceremony, both held at UH Mānoa’s T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Other festival highlights include:
Festival Village & Marketplace – Cultural practitioners, such as weavers, fiber artists, and jewelry makers, will demonstrate their crafts and sell their wares at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Film Festival – In addition to screenings, keep an eye out for panel discussions, lectures, and workshops.
Carvers Showcase – Many Pacific cultures have rich carving traditions, which will be on display at Bishop Museum.
For more information and to view the full schedule of events over 10 days, visit https://www.festpachawaii.org/festival-schedule.
MAY 2
2024
Little Plumeria Farms, about 40 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, offers guided tours on Oahu’s North Shore. This 20-acre property has been named “Best New Attraction” in America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Little Plumeria Farms is open for tours until October 31, 2024, while the flowers are in bloom. Three generations of photographer Clark Little’s family have been propagating plumeria trees and developing new cultivars through selective breeding for five decades. Their hard work has resulted in more than 100 named varieties of hybridized plumeria and dozens of unnamed ones, making this the largest collection in the world.
The plumeria farm has a sweeping view of Ka‘ena Point and the North Shore. After booking a tour, visitors will be met at a nearby macadamia nut farm and transported in a small tour bus to this stunning and private hilltop site. Put on sunscreen and wear a hat since there’s not much cover out in the field. Also, wear comfortable covered shoes for walking through the trees. Don’t skip the gift shop. It has branded Little Plumeria Farms merchandise like hats, tote bags, and plumeria photo-printed towels, as well as fresh leis.
Guided tours are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. For more information, visit https://littleplumeriafarms.com/.
APR 4
2024
The Wai Kai’s Ono Grindz & Mākeke Farmers Market is only 20 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas and is held every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It features food trucks and local vendors selling food, produce and fruit, crafts, unique art, and gift items. There are water filling stations onsite, so bring a refillable water bottle. If visitors need cash, there’s an ATM on the lower boardwalk café level. Ample free parking is available onsite in the Wai Kai parking lot and a separate event parking area.
For more information, visit https://www.onogrindzandmakeke.com/.
