Ko Olina Beachfront Penthouse

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Oahu Choral Society will perform the Legend of Zelda Symphony on January 30 as a tribute to the popular video game.  The performance will take place in the Blaisdell Center in Waikiki, about thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.

The performance will borrow classic musical undertones from the game, adapting them into an orchestral symphonic context.  The orchestra itself features musicians from Hawaii.  This master quest is designed to appeal to music enthusiasts as well as video game aficionados.

Ticket prices begin at $39.  The show will start at 8:00 pm and last approximately two hours.  For more information, check out http://www.blaisdellcenter.com/ or call (808) 768-5400.

The Bishop Museum, located in downtown Honolulu just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, is hosting an exhibition dedicated to exploring 125 years of Hawaii’s change now through March 6.

The exhibit features over 1,000 photographs of Hawaiian history.  The exhibit touches on fifteen distinct themes that have shaped present-day Hawaii, including food, entertainment, transportation, and more.  A number of interactive displays add further depth to the photographs, enabling guests to envision life of the past.

Admission costs $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children.  The museum is open Wednesdays through Mondays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  For more information, check out their website (http://bishopmuseum.org/) or call (808) 847-3511.

Banzai Pipeline is located just off Sunset Beach Park along Oahu’s North Shore, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.

The pipeline is a surf reef break point notorious for its enormous waves.  Notably, the pipeline is a dangerous surfing destination because of its proximity to the reef, which creates a shallow pool of water.  However, for experienced surfers, the thick curls of water offer an unbeatable surfing experience.  The pipeline is famous for four iconic wave types: the left, peak, A-frame, and backdoor, each of which creates a uniquely challenging surfing experience.

While the beach is open to the public, novice surfers and casual swimmers are cautioned against exploring the waters.

Island Vintage Coffee, a small cafe, is located near Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, about thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.

Island Vintage Coffee specializes in coffee and tea but offers a range of quick eating options. Innovative coffees include the Hawaiian Honey Latte, Lava Mocha, and Vintage Kona Mocha, each of which features local, fresh ingredients.  Popular breakfast items include the acai bowl and lychee streusel.  Bagged coffee for later enjoyment is also available, featuring a number of real Hawaiian Kona varieties.

The store is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.  For more information, check out their website https://www.islandvintagecoffee.com/ or call (808) 941-9300.

The Ko Olina Lagoons, located just walking distance from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, are a popular family destination.

The lagoons offer a safe, easy swimming space appropriate for young children and weak swimmers.  Protected from the current and larger waves, the lagoons are cut into Oahu’s southeastern coastline.  The four beach coves themselves are pristine with clean sandy beaches and towering palm trees. The beaches are quite empty of vendors and other retail activity, lending themselves as the perfect quiet picnic destination.

The lagoons are free and open to the public year round.  For more information, check out http://www.best-of-oahu.com/Ko-Olina-Oahu.html.

The Honolulu Museum of Art, located in downtown Honolulu just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, is hosting “The Nightscapes of Saito Kiyoshi and Kawase Hasui” exhibit now through January 18.

The exhibit features a number of intricate paintings of the night which seek to capture different emotions of the darkness, ranging from serenity to eeriness.  The exhibit is comprised primarily of 20th Century Japanese works by Kiyoshi and Hasui which use two dichotomous artistic methods.  The art remains timeless today.

Admission is open to the public for $10.  The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.  For more information, check out http://honolulumuseum.org/.

The Kumu Kahua Theater will present “The Underneath” now through December 7.  The theater is located near Chinatown, Honolulu, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.

The mystery play follows a man trying to uncover his brother’s confusing story.  After a ten year absence, he is urgently called to return to Hawaii where he discovers a number of startling changes since his childhood.  Written by a Hawaiian-born playwright, Susan Soon He Stanton, the piece includes many local references, scenes, and characters.

Tickets are available for sale online and cost $10 for students, $16 for seniors, and $20 for general admission.  Student tickets are available for only $5 each on Thursdays and Fridays.  For more information or to reserve tickets, check out http://kumukahua.org/.

Chef Mavro is a fine dining option located in the heart of Honolulu, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.

The gourmet Hawaiian-French fusion restaurant offers a menu inspired by Chef Mavrothalassitis’ native Provence.  The restaurant has accumulated a number of accolades, including a James Beard Award, AAA Five Diamond Status, and Gayot Three Toques 18/20 rating.

The most popular menu is a $95 four-course prepared menu with an optional $60 wine pairing.  Featured dishes include bacon crusted scallops, steamed snapper, curried pork loin, and a roasted pineapple with coconut sorbet.  Vegetarian alternatives are also available.

Reservations are highly recommended.  For more information, to see a menu, or to reserve a table online, check out http://www.chefmavro.com/.

The Honolulu Museum of Art will host an exhibition, “The Nightscapes of Saito Kiyoshi and Kawase Hasui” from November 21 through January 18.  The museum is located in downtown Honolulu, about thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.

The exhibit will feature nighttime paintings from two renowned, twentieth century Japanese artists.  Each artist takes a unique approach to nighttime image portrayal, and their works contrast deeply.  The exhibit maintains a strong air of mystery as it tries to capture an elusive, haunting theme.

Admission to the museum costs $10.  The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  For more information, check out http://honolulumuseum.org/.