JUL 4
2015
The lush 400 acres in windward Oahu features plantings from major tropical regions around the world, about 35 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The garden park, Ho’omaluhia, is Hawaiian for “make a place of peace and tranquility.”
Following floods in 1965 and 1969 that devastated Kaneohe communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a dam to provide flood protection for Kaneohe. The 32-acre reservoir created by the dam was given the name, Loko Waimaluhia, or “lake of tranquil waters.”
The park is open between 9 am and 4 pm and admission is free. Stop at the visitors center on Saturday and Sunday for guided nature hikes and to participate in the family fishing (catch and release) program. Bamboo poles with barbless-hooks are provided and you bring the bait (white bread works Wonders – a little bread pun).
Check out http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-dpr-menu/site-dpr-sitearticles/569-ho%60omaluhia-botanical-garden.html for more information.
JUN 27
2015
The Ala Moana Center will present one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks shows in the country, about 35 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas.
You will be able to watch the 24th Annual Fireworks Spectacular from Ala Moana Beach Park. Free parking will be available at Ala Moana Center. Alternative parking will be available at the Hawaii Convention Center with a $10 fee.
In addition to the fireworks, Ala Moana will offer a weekend’s worth of live entertainment between July 3 and July 5 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Check out http://www.alamoanacenter.com/Events/4th-of-July-Celebration for the dates and times of the center stage entertainment.
JUN 21
2015
Obon is a Buddhist custom that originated more than 500 years ago in Japan and came to Hawaii with the Japanese immigrant workers of the nineteenth century. Obon is celebrated as a time to remember your ancestors.
Each weekend throughout the summer, one or more of the Japanese Buddhist temples throughout Hawaii hosts a two-night festival – many of which are open to the public. Common elements from one temple to the next are tasty local treats and the Bon-Odori (Bon dance). Temples are anywhere between 15 and 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
The Bon dance itself is perhaps adequately described as line dancing (but in a circle) around a specially-constructed tower bandstand called the yagura. You will hear approximately three hours of some live, some recorded, some traditional, and some less so music. It’s just good, wholesome, fun – perfect for family vacations in Hawaii.
Many Bon Dances begin with a Taiko drum performance. Some Obon festivals include lantern parades and floating lantern services. Some have open markets. Some have games and crafts. It’s a sensory experience that many Hawaii visitors will consider to be exotic and exciting.
Check out http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/June-2015/Hawaii-Summer-2015-Bon-Dance-Schedule/ for the dates and times of the summer schedule.
JUN 14
2015
Looking for a relatively short hike on a kid-friendly trail? The hike to Likeke Falls is a nice trail through the jungle with a beautiful waterfall as a destination or a place to stop and snack, about 35 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
This trail does get muddy in a few spots and at the waterfall you have to cross over a little stream. The trail continues on past the waterfall and not too far after the falls there’s a neat mango grove. The trail goes all the way to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.
This waterfall is located between the Ko’olau Golf Course and the Pali Lookout. The easiest way to access it is from the back corner of the Ko’olau Golf Course parking lot. The address for the Golf Course is 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii.
After you’ve parked, walk up the road that leaves the back corner of the lot and heads up to a water tank. Just before you reach the tank, look for a trail on the left. Follow this through the jungle until it turns into an old rock road. When the rock road heads uphill and takes a left, look for a trail on the right and take that to Likeke Falls.
Be sure to take drinking water (and snacks for kids) in with you and remember to take your trash out. Take bug repellant, and if your kids play in the water, be aware of the risks of Leptospirosis and take appropriate precautions.
JUN 6
2015
Bishop Museum is the premier place to experience the history, arts and culture of the Hawaiian people, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The traditional Hawaiian practice of weaving hala has been a cultural force throughout time. You can try your hand at lau hala weaving as an experienced weaver teaches the art of weaving with pandanus leaf.
Over a dozen life-like animatronic dinosaurs will stomp and roar at Bishop Museum in the exciting and interactive family exhibit Dinosaurs Unleashed. Interactive stations and activities will highlight how these animals flourished in their respective environments.
For directions, museum hours, and more information about all of the current exhibits, visit bishopmuseum.org.
JUN 1
2015
Try gazing at heavenly bodies with the guidance of experts from the Hawaiian Astronomical Society about 55 minutes away from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The Hawaiian Astronomical Society is holding a free public star party on June 6, 2015, at their dark sky site (Dillingham Airfield in Mokuleia). They provide the telescopes and you get to look at really cool stuff like globular clusters, double stars, galaxies and nebulae!
Be sure to arrive before 6:30 p.m., because the gate to the airfield is locked at around 7:00 p.m.. The gate will be opened at scheduled times to allow people to leave – usually about two hours after sundown, at 10:30 p.m. and at midnight (when everyone must leave).
For directions and more information about “Star Party Etiquette,” visit hawastsoc.org.
MAY 28
2015
Take in a panoramic view of Oahu’s beauty about 50 minutes away from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. It was along this ridge trail that the Battle of Nu’uanu took place and where Kamehameha I defeated King Kalanikupule of Oahu and unified the Hawaiian Islands. Park at the Pali Lookout parking lot and enter through the opening in the crumbling rock wall in the parking area reserved for tour buses. Parking is $3 for non-residents.
The trail will start off immediately with you working your way up the Pali and things will start to get steep very quickly. Within a few minutes, you’ll reach an open ridge area and be exposed to exhilarating views of the Windward side of Oahu. The views are spectacular, but be mindful of the intense winds – they are strong enough to blow you right off of the exposed ridge.
The trail to the Pali Puka is fairly well defined, so once you are on the exposed ridge simply follow the trail until you reach a large rock face. The Pali Puka is located just below this rock face. Carefully navigate your way down and you will be greeted by the Pali Puka. In 30 minutes or less you’ll be gazing out at the Windward side through a puka in the ridge.
Take H1 east bound and then take the Pali Highway exit. There are ample signs that will lead you straight to the Pali Lookout parking lot.
MAY 24
2015
Memorial Day in America is a day when people remember and honor those who have fallen in service to their country. Lanterns are placed onto the water at Ala Moana Beach, about 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, with wishes for the peace and happiness of loved ones past while unveiling courage and hope in the hearts of those in the present.
Six large Main Lanterns carry prayers for all spirits on behalf of all people. Individual lanterns are distributed on the event day, one per family or party. There are three sides of the lantern that are available for writing multiple remembrances. Those receiving an Individual Lantern will personally place the lantern into the water during the ceremony.
Free parking is available at Hawai`i Convention Center on Monday, May 25, starting at 7 a.m. to midnight. A complimentary shuttle will transport passengers from the Hawai’i Convention Center to Ala Moana Beach from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. then back to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center from 7:30-9:30 p.m. A Handi-Cab shuttle will also be available during these same hours.
There is no cost to attend, place a remembrance on a lantern, or float a lantern. However, voluntary donations received on the event day will be gifted to the City & County of Honolulu for the beautification of Ala Moana Beach Park. Check out lanternfloatinghawaii.com for more info.
MAY 18
2015
Wet ‘N’ Wild Hawai’i is located about 10 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
It’s been six years since the park has opened a new ride and the designers succeeded in making it a whirl of both fun and terror. The colorful Godzilla-sized attraction, sandwiched between the Big Kahuna and the Wai‘anae Coaster, can accommodate 250 riders per hour.
The park features more than 25 exhilarating attractions. Nestled on 29-acres in lush tropical landscaping and natural cliffs, you will find a different adventure in each corner ideal for families and thrill seekers alike.
General admission is $47.99+tax, junior under 42″/senior is $37.99+tax, children under 2 are free. Get $15 OFF General Admission by visiting any participating Oahu Taco Bell store and get a $15 OFF coupon good towards a single-day ticket. Offer ends June 30, 2015.
For more information, check out http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/May-2015/We-Tried-Wet-n-Wilds-Newest-Ride/
MAR 16
2015
The 61st Annual Kunia Orchid Show will take place March 20-23 at the Leilehua High School in Wahiawa, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
The orchid show will feature 22 distinct vendors selling a range of beautiful orchid plants and succulents, as well as an exhibition by the Department of Agriculture on local insects. Additionally, the Sogetsu Ikebana Club will showcase innovative flower displays. Several student-run food booths will also decorate the gymnasium and raise funds for the clubs and high school athletic department.
The show will take place from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday and 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday A $2 donation is encouraged as an admission fee. For more information, check out http://kuniaorchidsociety.tripod.com/.
