MAR 13
2015
Ko’olau Range is the eastern remnants of the Oahu shield volcano, stretching across eastern Oahu about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
Ko’olau Range was named a national national landmark in 1972 and has since provided many eager tourists with challenging hiking and spectacular views. The range was formed by the Ko’olau Volcano which first erupted some 2.5 million years ago. The volcano has erupted several times since, creating a number of other Oahu landmarks such as Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay.
The total elevation is 3,100 feet. Several hiking paths can be found from main roads leading to and around the mountain range. Hikers are encouraged to always carry water.
MAR 10
2015
The Honolulu Music Arts and Food Festival will take place in Aloha Stadium, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, from March 13 through 15.
The festival will feature a number of local music artists in genres ranging from country to reggae to jazz. Music performances will be coupled with delectable food presentations from several local restaurants. Additionally, the festival will include a number of family friendly events and games, such as an obstacle course, ropes course, and giant slide.
Regular admission costs $20 for one day and $50 for three days, and VIP admission costs $50 and $100 respectively. For more information, check out http://https//www.hiticketing.com/event/honolulumaffest.
MAR 7
2015
The Honolulu Zoo is located just off Waikiki Beach in Honolulu proper, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
The zoo includes a wide range of exotic and interesting animals, including chimpanzees, gibbons, elephants, and hippopotamuses. Furthermore, the zoo includes a reptile aquarium with a number of lizards, turtles, and snakes. Beyond the wildlife, the zoo is home to extensive, well-maintained gardens that appeal to any horticulturalist and represent a range of different biozones from around the world.
The zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Admission costs $14 for adults and $6 for children, and military discounts are available. For more information, check out http://www.honoluluzoo.org/default.htm.
MAR 3
2015
Medici’s, located in Honolulu about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, hosts jazz performances every Friday night. Next Friday, March 13, Medici’s will host the Pacific Harp Project.
The Pacific Harp Project features artists Megan Bledsoe Ward on harp, Noel Okimoto on vibraphone, Mark Tanouye on bass, Allan Ward on drums, and Melissa Fischer on piano/vocals. Their original compositions celebrate the harp as a focal instrument for a contemporary version of classic music. The group emerged from a doctoral dissertation on jazz and has explored jazz styles from several eras over time, ranging from impressionist to modern.
For more information about the Pacific Harp Project, check out http://www.pacificharpproject.com/.
FEB 28
2015
Mitch’s Fish Market and Sushi Bar, located just off Nimitz Highway, is about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. Mitch’s won the 2014 ‘Ilima Awards for Best Sushi Restaurant.
Head chefs Hideo Mitsui and Masakazu Murakami perform their art by skillfully building masterful sushi rolls behind an open counter. While several options are available, the most renowned is the Chef’s Special. At $75 per head, it’s no small undertaking. However, the platter comes with a number of traditional rolls such as maguro, slamon, ama ebi, and hamachi, as well as a serving of lobster sashimi. Furthermore, the plate typically includes a daily caught special.
Mitch’s is open from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm daily, and reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, check out http://www.mitchsushi.com/.
FEB 26
2015
Olomana is a series of three mountain peaks in eastern Oahu, about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The peaks are connected by the Olomana Trail, a hike that affords excellent views of Diamond Head and Oahu’s southeastern coast.
The trail is quite rocky but follows a relatively shallow gradation, with a few steep but short stretches, as it ascends and descends each of the three peaks. While the interim hike itself is quite nice, the real accomplishment comes from successfully summitting all peaks.
Hikers are strongly encouraged to carry water and wear appropriate footwear. Hikers should plan to spend at least four hours to complete the full hike.
FEB 22
2015
The Hawaii Bicycling League is Oahu’s preeminent group of cycling enthusiasts. The league leads several training rides and hosts periodic races and other competitions.
Their major upcoming training ride, “Bike to Train” begins in Blaisdell Park, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, and visits Ewa Beach and Electric Beach. The ride will take place on February 28 and includes several enjoyable stops for ice cream and a Mexican lunch along the way.
Total cycling duration is approximately 6 hours. Tickets for lunch, ice cream, and the interim train ride can be purchased online. For more information about this particular ride or other Hawaii Bicycling League activities, check out http://www.hbl.org/.
FEB 19
2015
The Manoa Valley Theater, located just past Honolulu in Manoa Valley, is about 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
The theater will host a production of Peter and the Starcatcher next month, from March 5 through 22. The fantasy piece includes an extravagant musical score. The play tells the story of the infamous Peter Pan as an imaginative prequel to the well known story and explores the origin of the Lost Boys.
Tickets cost $39 for adults, $34 for military, and $20 for youths under age 25. For more information about showtimes or to purchase tickets, check out http://www.manoavalleytheatre.com/9.html.
FEB 16
2015
Hawaiian Watersports is one of the premier sites for introductory windsurfing on Oahu. They have two offices, one on Kailua about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, and one in Honolulu, just thirty minutes from Ko Olina.
Hawaiian Watersports provides all necessary equipment for windsurfing, and requires only that participants be able swimmers. The lightweight rigs are designed to be user friendly for the most novice of water sports enthusiasts.
Rentals are available in 1.5 and 3 hour increments for both individuals and small two to four person groups with tiered pricing. A complete list of prices and details is available at https://www.hawaiianwatersports.com/windsurfing/lessons/.
FEB 13
2015
The Bishop Museum, located in Honolulu just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, will host an exhibit titled “Dinosaurs Unleashed” starting at the end of this month. The interactive exhibit will last through early September.
The family friendly exhibition features a number of dinosaur artifacts, the most popular being simulated “live” dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era, including a mother Maiasaura and of course, a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The exhibit explores their livelihoods and examines their eventual demise.
Admission to the museum costs $19.95 for adults, $16.95 for military, and $14.95 for children. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesdays through Mondays.
