OCT 11
2015
Explorers can examine the reef with Waikiki Aquarium staff in search of nocturnal marine life, about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The first Exploring the Reef at Night of the 2015 season is Sunday, October 25, from 6 to 8 PM.
While wading through nature’s aquarium, inquisitive minds use clear viewing boxes to scoop up night-active crabs, lobsters, eels, and octopuses that call the reef their home. Look for sea cucumbers, brightly colored angelfish, sleeping parrotfishes, triggerfishes, and day octopuses in their dens.
Reserve your spot in advance for an adventure and fun-filled evening for the whole family (ages 6 years and up; youngsters must be accompanied by an adult). Be sure to bring a flashlight.
Check out http://www.waikikiaquarium.org/interact/activities-classes/exploring-the-reef-at-night/ for more information.
OCT 4
2015
Hawaii’s Plantation Village is an outdoor history museum located in historic Waipahu town, about 20 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. Step back in time to when ‘sugar was King’ and explore a living history museum and botanical garden. By day, the whole family can learn about life on Hawaii’s Sugar Plantations (c. 1850-1950) and visit restored buildings and replicas of Plantation structures.
Check out http://www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org/admissionshours.html for more information.
Of the 25 plantation houses, about half of them are said to be haunted. The Sy-fy Channel’s Ghost Hunters team once visited the village to investigate the reports of paranormal sightings. Beginning the night of October 9th, the plantation becomes the Haunted Plantation with over 50+ costumed actors on a real haunted location. The Haunted Plantation is not for children under the age of 13, pregnant women, or people with heart/breathing problems.
Check out http://www.hawaiihauntedplantation.com/ for more information.
SEP 23
2015
In the middle of downtown Honoulu, about one hour from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, sits Iolani Palace. It is the only royal building in the United States. The Palace is an ever-present reminder of the royal heritage of the Hawaiian Islands.
Iolani Palace offers a docent-guided tour or a self-guided audio tour. Both options include a tour of the first and second floors of Iolani Palace. Learn through stories about the furnishings and Royal residents as you tour the first floor state rooms and second floor private quarters.
For a small, additional fee you can explore the basement gallery exhibits. The basement gallery includes an exhibit of select treasures from the Royal collection and an exhibit about the restoration of Iolani Palace and historic photographs.
Tour options vary based on the day of the week and the time. Check out http://www.iolanipalace.org/Visit/ToursAdmission.aspx for more information.
SEP 16
2015
Oahu’s first zipline tour, at Keana Farms in Kahuku, is about 70 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The tour consists of 8 dual ziplines ranging from 500 feet to up to a half a mile long, 3 sky bridges, 2 rappels, and an ATV adventure. Starting high in the mountains, visitors will have a bird’s eye view of a working commercial farm overlooking North Shore’s famous beaches. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
Visitors must weigh between 80 and 270 pounds and be at least 7 years old to participate. Children at least 7 years old and under 80 pounds can still participate, but may be required to ride tandem with a guide or another lightweight sibling.
Check out http://www.climbworks.com/keana_farms for more information.
SEP 5
2015
The Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea is Hawaii’s largest block party, about 35 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. Visitors and locals will gather along Kalakaua Avenue between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM for food, fun, and entertainment. A myriad of Hawaiian music genres will entertain the crowds and hula halau (hula schools) will perform. Hawaiian crafts, flower leis, and an assortment of authentic island dishes will be featured throughout the event.
Check out http://www.alohafestivals.com/aloha-events.htm for more information.
AUG 25
2015
The Bishop Museum is currently running an exhibit celebrating the 125 anniversary of Duke Kahanamoku’s birth, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. Duke Kahanamoku was a native Hawaiin competitive swimmer, who is widely credited with popularizing the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. He was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming, as well as a law enforcement officer, an actor, a beach volleyball player, and businessman.
The exhibit offers a unique collection of rare photos, video, and artifacts—ranging from his Olympic medals to business correspondence—that give a behind-the-scenes look into his life.
For directions, museum hours, and more information about all of the current exhibits, visit bishopmuseum.org.
AUG 11
2015
Instead of bringing the farm-fresh vegetables and grass-fed lamb to a restaurant table, Chef Lan Thai is bringing the table to a local farm about 50 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas. She began organizing monthly sit-down dinners at local farms that feature her Asian-infused cooking and offerings from the hosting farm or ranch.
The next event will be held at the North Shore’s Tin Roof Ranch on Aug. 23. Many dishes on the menu will incorporate Tin Roof’s locally raised grass-fed lamb.
Check out http://farmtochopstix.bigcartel.com/product/august-23-tin-roof-ranch for more information about the event, view the menu, and purchase tickets.
JUL 26
2015
Amazing Hawaii Comic Con runs from September 18 through 20, 2015, about 35 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas. The event features the best and brightest in comic book and pop entertainment. Meet your favorite creators and celebrities at this 3-day event, filled with a giant exhibitors hall, an international artist alley, video game arena, hundreds of people in costume and more. Stan Lee is the creator of the Marvel Universe, and will be spending the weekend with the fans.
Amazing Comic Conventions are family friendly, introducing all ages to the fun of a Comic Con Experience, including a KID’S DAY on Sunday, September 20th. With Children 10 and under FREE all weekend.
The Comic Con takes place at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu.
Check out http://www.amazinghawaiicomiccon.com for more information.
JUL 20
2015
Kō Hana rum has been around for a couple of years, but Manulele Distillers has only recently started offering public tours and tastings, about 20 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas.
Kō, sugarcane, was used in daily living and was planted around homes. Its sweet juice was a key ingredient in many medicinal recipes and also used as an offering to the Gods in many ceremonies. From dark purple and light purple to red and green, each sugar cane varietal is unique, with its own taste, sugar content and history.
Kō Hana is not yet available in stores, but bottles can be purchased directly from the distillery during tours and tasting hours, which are Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Private tours are also available by appointment.
Check out http://www.kohanarum.com/contact-1/ for more information.
JUL 11
2015
Hawaii’s most popular hike is taken by more than 1.3 million people annually and is about 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. When you reach the top, you take in a sublime 360-degree view of Oahu. The postcard view of the shoreline of southeastern Oʻahu from Koko Head to Wai’anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.
From the parking lot on the crater floor, the trail to the summit is 0.8 mile one way and climbs 560 feet in elevation. There is a paved concrete walkway for a distance of 0.2 miles at the start of the hike, but the trail becomes uneven and steep, requiring caution and appropriate footwear. Portions of the trail involve steep stairways – take your time. Another portion of the trail goes through a long, narrow tunnel which is lighted.
The trailhead is adjacent to the parking lot within Diamond Head State Monument. The entrance is off Diamond Head Road between Makapu’u Avenue and 18th Avenue, Honolulu. Entry fee of $5 per vehicle.
