SEP 1
2025
The Highway Inn in Waipahu, about 20 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, won silver in the 2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards for Best Hawaiian restaurant. When in Oahu, the best food you can ask for is some traditional Hawaiian flavors prepared with fresh ingredients. Stop into this old-fashioned iconic Hawaiian diner known for its large comfort food menu with flavorful food and big portions.
Highway Inn has been in business since 1947, serving Hawaiian and American food to the people of Oahu. The restaurant was created by Japanese immigrants recently returned to Hawaii after being interned for much of World War II. Highway Inn is famous for its Hawaiian food, which is the combination of all the locally grown food that was native and brought to the islands by successive waves of immigrants and settlers over the last few hundred years.
Due to its popularity, they only accept bookings for parties of 6 or more. Parties without reservations will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. The wait time during peak hours can be approximately one hour and much shorter during off-peak hours.
To view the menu or make a reservation, visit https://www.myhighwayinn.com/location-waipahu/.
JUL 31
2025
Every Saturday morning, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, visitors can shop, eat, and explore the local Waianae Farmers’ & Green Market about 20 minutes north of Ko Olina Beach Villas. The market features fresh produce, delicious local Hawaiian food, handmade goods, and more. It’s the perfect place to experience community, culture, and aloha.
While visiting Waianae, music fans shouldn’t miss the Israel Kamakawiwoʻole statue at the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center at 85-670 Farrington Hwy #3, Waianae. The memorial pays homage to one of the most popular Hawaiians of his generation. He is most remembered for his voice-and-Martin tenor ukulele medley of two great American standards: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow: and “What a Wonderful World.”
For more information about the market, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/makekefarmers.
JUL 2
2025
Experience Hawaii’s best thing to beat the heat while taking in stunning ocean vistas and spectacular sunsets at Mountain Magic Shave Ice, only 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas. Just jump in the car and head north on the Farrington Highway along the western coastline until you reach Mauna Lahilahi Beach Park. Tucked between Waianae and Mākaha Beach, this tiny shave ice spot has a loyal following.
Discover the ultimate shave ice experience at the Makaha location store. Nestled in the heart of paradise, the store offers a delightful escape from the sun-soaked days, where each shave ice creation provides a refreshing sensation like no other. What truly sets Mountain Magic apart is the addition of velvety ice cream, elevating each bite of indulgence. The journey to shave ice perfection begins here, where every scoop promises a taste of aloha and an unforgettable escape.
For more information about the menu and location, visit https://www.mountainmagicshaveice.com/.
JUN 2
2025
From June 21 to October 12, 2025, the art of the only American to be a member of the French Impressionists, Mary Cassatt, will be on display at Honolulu Museum of Art (about 40 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas).
Cassatt is renown for her intimate depictions of women and children. Mary Cassatt at Work presents 21 works from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one from a private collection, and eight from HoMA’s own collection, along with the artist’s personal correspondence.
Mary Cassatt at Work is the first major showing of the artist’s oeuvre in 25 years. It is a rare opportunity to delve into the work of an Impressionist artist who has been a part of HoMA since it opened in 1927. Cassatt’s print The Banjo Lesson was among the group of works gifted to the museum by founder Anna Rice Cooke, creating its core collection.
For more information and to book tickets in advance, visit https://honolulumuseum.org/pQ8NNTw/mary-cassatt-at-work.
MAY 6
2025
Poke Fest is back on May 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei (about 20 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas). The eighth annual Poke Fest will celebrate Hawai‘i’s iconic dish with over 40 local food trucks and vendors, live music, keiki activities, giveaways, and much more. Admission is free.
Vendors are asked to create a unique, one-of-a-kind poke creation to serve at Poke Fest. Guests are encouraged to try them all and select the King of Poke Fest by voting for their favorite dish.
Guests can bypass lines by buying a Poke Pass, which includes a 4-ounce portion of exclusive new Poke Fest poke from five poke vendors of their choice. Visitors can avoid the lines in the fast lane. Poke Passes are limited and sell out every year. To purchase a Poke Pass, visit https://hnltix.com/events/frolic-hawaiis-poke-fest-presented-by-american-savings-bank-5-17-2025-196446.
FEB 28
2025
La Mariana Sailing Club, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, returns visitors to a bygone era – one that’s rapidly disappearing in Honolulu. This legendary tiki bar will not disappoint. It’s an authentic relic of mid-century Hawaii, with bamboo-lined walls, vintage Polynesian décor, and a laid-back atmosphere that starkly contrasts Waikiki’s polished resorts.
Guests sip on Mai Tais and enjoy a menu filled with nostalgic Hawaiian-American dishes. It’s easy to see why this place has remained a favorite since 1957. There’s nothing else quite like it left. La Mariana is the real deal if you’re looking for a slice of old Hawaii.
If visitors have time before boarding their departure flight, La Mariana is less than 10 minutes from Honolulu airport and is the perfect stop before leaving Oahu.
To view the menu or make a reservation, visit https://la-mariana-sailing.club/.
FEB 1
2025
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design (about 45 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas) is the United States’ only standalone museum of Islamic art. For art aficionados, this is a can’t-miss site to explore. Shangri La deepens the understanding of Islamic art, culture, and design by amplifying, highlighting, and valuing diverse voices and global perspectives – both historic and contemporary.
Constructed from 1935 to 1937 by philanthropist Doris Duke (1912-1993), Shangri La was inspired by her extensive travels throughout North Africa and Western, Central, South and Southeast Asia, and the landscapes of Hawai‘i. Over the course of 60 years, Duke assembled an impressive collection of nearly 4,500 artworks, cultural resources, and architectural designs through commissions from artisans, purchases from dealers and bazaars, or received as gifts. The collection is particularly strong in ceramics, wood, glass, and textiles from 1600 to 1940.
As part of her lasting desire to promote the study and understanding of the art and cultures experienced during her travels, Doris Duke directed in her will that Shangri La be “available to scholars, students and others interested in the furtherance and preservation of Islamic art and make the premises open to the public.” In 2002, Shangri La opened as the only museum dedicated exclusively to Islamic art in the United States.
The Honolulu Museum of Art coordinates 75-minute tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at various times. Reservations are required (and the tours fill up fast).
For more information and to book in advance, visit https://www.shangrilahawaii.org/.
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.
