MAY 3

2023

50 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Waimea Valley is an area of historic cultural significance on the North Shore. The valley, being an important place in Hawaiian religion, includes several historical structures including stone terraces and walls constructed during the time of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Waimea Valley is a historical nature park featuring 52 themed botanical gardens and is the home to over 5,000 documented types of tropical and subtropical plants including native Hawaiian plants and globally endangered species. The garden valley is approximate 0.75 miles (1.21 km) in length, with a small waterfall and swimming hole at the valley’s hind end. Swimming is allowed when the weather permits.

Waimea is always a hub of community and cultural activities featuring local artisans, educational programs, and many scheduled activities. Moon Walks are a popular monthly activity from May to October. Once a month, visitors experience a unique opportunity to walk the Valley’s main corridor to the waterfall under the moon. Guests experience the unique sites and sounds of the Valley by night and learn about the mahina (moon).

The valley is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday. For more information about scheduled events and admission prices, visit https://www.waimeavalley.net/.

 

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APR 2

2023

35 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Makua Beach is one of the most secluded spots on Oahu. This undeveloped and never crowded white-sand beach is backed by the Waianae Mountain Range.

Most Oahu visitors never see this beach, because no tour buses go here. After the small town of Makaha, the development soon ends, there aren’t any other buildings, and the road narrows. This is quite a remote beach. There are no toilets, food trucks, or buildings. There are trash cans and spots to park on the side of the road. That’s one of the reasons this beach is so special. It still feels wild and free. Make sure to bring enough food, water, and gear for your time at the beach from towns you pass along the way.

From November to April, there is some excellent surf on this side of the island, perfect for expert surfers. Unlike many Oahu beaches, Makua Beach is not protected by an offshore reef, so the waves can get really high and the currents strong. The ocean bottom drops off quickly here, so swimmers should stay close to the shore. Fishing and bodyboarding are popular activities on calmer days. There are no lifeguards or facilities here.

The sand on Makua stretches for about half a mile. You can explore this beach by taking a walk. Along the beach, you’ll find tide pools, beach breaks to surf or bodyboard, and you may also encounter some wildlife along the way.

In the morning, be on the lookout for the dolphins that swim a few hundred yards off the shore. Besides dolphins, you may also see sea turtles and whales breaching in the distance (during the winter season). Be sure to carry your binoculars.

From Ko Olina Beach Villas, follow signs for Waianae and merge onto HI-93 W (Farrington Hwy). Take HI-93 for 15.9 miles. There will be signs for Makua Beach. You will notice a gate on the left-hand side of the road. Drive through the gate and onto the dirt road that parallels the beach. There are many pull offs along the road, so choose a parking spot wisely and head out onto Makua Beach.

 

 

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MAR 4

2023

A short 10-minute drive from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii will be celebrating Keiki Fun Day on Monday, March 19, 2023.

In addition to all of the fun little ones already have at the water park, they can also interact with storybook prince and princesses, mermaids, magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, face painters, balloon twisters, and more! There will also be live entertainment from Uncle Wayne and the Howling Dog Band.

For more information about times and ticket prices, visit https://www.wetnwildhawaii.com/event/keiki-fun-day/.

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FEB 7

2023

The legendary Rainbow Drive-In at Ewa Beach is just 20 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas and is considered the best place to experience a classic Hawaiian meal, the plate lunch.

When former President Barack Obama landed on his first vacation home after taking office, he  famously announced, “I’m going to get a plate lunch.” The plate lunch features a protein, two scoops of rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. It is considered a staple of the local food culture.

The Rainbow Drive-In serves up a fast, hearty, and affordable meal. Shoyu chicken, barbecue beef, or pork cutlet plates tend to be the most popular. For those who can’t decide, a mixed plate is the perfect option.

For location and menu information, visit https://rainbowdrivein.com/.

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JAN 5

2023

50 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Lyon Arboretum is part of the University of Hawaiʻi and considered Oahu’s best public botanical garden. It has walking trails, native plants, tropical trees, a waterfall, and a walking Buddha statue (symbolizing inner peace and grace).

It is nestled in the back of Mānoa Valley, just five miles from the bustle of Waikiki. Lyon Arboretum has over seven miles of hiking trails and is home to more than 6,000 groups of tropical and sub-tropical plants on nearly 200 acres.

The university-affiliated arboretum seeks to increase knowledge and awareness of tropical plant species, preserve endangered specimens, and bring to the public new, ornamental plants it cultivates. Established paths through the grounds allow visitors to wander among the plantings and appreciate the birds that make their home there.

Lyon Arboretum is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. It is closed on weekends and state & federal holidays. Reservations are required and visits must be limited to two hours.

For more information and to book your reservation, visit https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyon/.

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DEC 8

2022

Only 10 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Kapolei City Lights will be spreading holiday cheer with decorations inside and outside the hale/civic center. The festivities kick off with a block party and holiday parade on Saturday, December 10, from 5 PM to 9 PM.

The block party will include a variety of food, vendors, live music, and activities for all ages. Visitors will get the first look at the 45-foot Christmas tree and colorful ocean-inspired decorations on display inside and outside of Kapolei Hale through the holiday season. Lights will be on display through Tuesday, January 3.

For more information, visit https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-dpr-menu/site-dpr-sitearticles/45058-kapolei-city-lights.html?utm_source=kapolei,+city+lights,+kapolei+city+lights,+parks+and+rec,+oahu,+hawaii.

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NOV 2

2022

Photo: Looks Can Be Deceiving, 2022, Courtesy of Noah Harders

About 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Honolulu Museum of Art is debuting Maui-based Native Hawaiian artist Noah Harders’ wearable art. Moemoeā means “to dream” or “fantasy” and unveils Harders’ technical skill in creating surrealist, haute-couture creations out of found organic and discarded materials (flowers, leaves, lobster shells, fish bones, beach glass, and more). This exhibit displays his artistry expressed through self-portraits shot in his home studio along with several of his signature mask sculptures and will run until July 23, 2023.

For more information, visit https://honolulumuseum.org/.

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OCT 11

2022

About 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Honolulu Museum of Art is featuring acclaimed British artist Rebecca Louise Law. Her debut exhibit, Awakening, is an immersive floral fantasy experience across two galleries. Her retrospective showcases and celebrates pua – both native and imported flowers. This exhibit will run until September 2023.

For more information, visit https://honolulumuseum.org/.

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SEP 5

2022

About 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, visitors to Waialua’s Sweet Land Farm can learn about modern farming while feeding the friendliest goats on the island and enjoying the freshest gelato around. The farm was established by Emma Bello who was on her way to being a pastry chef when she fell in love with goats. Her family laid the groundwork for Sweet Land Farm while she completed her culinary degree. Emma also wanted to become a part of Oahu’s local sustainable agriculture movement.

On the farm, there is a store where guests can enjoy goat milk caramel and gelato, purchase lotions and soaps, and take home some of her handmade farmstead goat cheese (called chèvre), aged feta, award-winning tomme, and gouda.

Sweet Land Farm welcomes visitors on Fridays and Saturdays, with two tours Saturday mornings. Tours run about one hour long. Sign up at the farm store fifteen minutes before the tour. Guests can shop and feed the goats without signing up for the farm tour.

For more information, visit https://www.sweetlandfarmhawaii.com/.

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AUG 8

2022

About 40 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, all are welcome to celebrate Pa’ina Po’alima (Friday Party) at the Hawaii State Art Museum on August 26, 2022. In partnership with the Mayor’s Office on Culture and the Arts, the free, family-friendly evening of art and music will run from 6 PM to 9 PM. All museum galleries and the Sculpture Garden will also be open. Guests are invited to visit the exhibits and enjoy performances in the garden. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

For more information, visit https://hisam.hawaii.gov/event/paina-poalima-august-2022/?instance_id=13112.

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