SEP 2
2014
The fifth annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival will take place from September 3-7 at various hotspots across Honolulu, within easy reach of the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
The multi-day event celebrates the most lavish of cuisines featuring resplendent, endless champagne, caviar, sushi, and other luxurious foods. Many of Oahu’s best known chefs participate in the event, with various tastings and prix fixe menus offered at top restaurants. In keeping with tradition, the event is chaired by award winners Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong. Several events serve to benefit community organization such as the Hawaii Agriculture Foundation and the Culinary Institute of the Pacific.
For more information or a full schedule of events, check out http://hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/.
AUG 28
2014
Located in Kaneohe, just fifty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, Heeia State Park is one of many relaxing destinations on Oahu.
Heeia State Park is best known for its sweeping views of Kaneohe Bay. Nestled just along the shoreline, Heeia sits on an elevated peninsula. In addition to its own coastline, Heeia is decorated with coconut and palm trees, as well as breadfruit and monkeypod trees. In addition to simply enjoying the rhythmic to and fro of the ocean, many visitors to Heeia take advantage of the excellent kayaking opportunities.
For more information about the park, visit http://www.heeiastatepark.org/ or call (808) 235-6509.
AUG 24
2014
Located on Ala Moana Drive, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, Dive Oahu is a popular scuba hotspot in the heart of Oahu.
Dive Oahu is a scuba center that offers numerous training programs and diving excursions for beginners and experts alike. Popular classes include Deep Diver, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, and a number of scuba rescue courses. Most classes require participants to provide their own equipment, but Dive Oahu sells the full range of scuba gear needed for an enjoyable excursion.
For more information, pricing details, or to reserve a space in a course, check out http://diveoahu.com/divenew/ or call (808) 922-3483. Online bookings are subject to a 20% discount.
AUG 21
2014
Manoa Valley Theater, located in Honolulu about forty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, is debuting its production of the Addams Family on September 4. The show will run through September 21.
The musical comedy follows an adult Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a normal man. The play features several beloved characters from the original 1960’s family. The cast is comprised of local actors and is sponsored by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
Showtimes vary by day and can be verified online at http://manoavalleytheatre.com/. Tickets cost $20 for youth, $34 for military and seniors, and $39 for adults and may also be purchased online.
AUG 17
2014
Located in the heart of Waikiki, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, the Royal Hawaiian Center is central to Waikiki life.
The center is home to a number of shopping outlets and restaurants, including both a food court and a number of individual restaurants. Additionally, the center hosts regular cultural exhibitions which take place during early evening nearly every night in order to showcase a glimpse into Hawaiian culture. These performances typically include music, song, and dance.
The center stretches along Kalakaua Avenue. For more information or to see a complete list of vendors and restaurants, check out http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/.
AUG 14
2014
Doraku Sushi is among Oahu’s premier sushi establishments. Located in the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, Doraku is just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
The menu features classic Japanese appetizers and entrees as well as typical sushi rolls. Additionally, the menu offers a number of specialty sushi rolls, such as the geisha roll, red dragon roll, and Waikiki roll, each featuring a unique palate of flavors. Doraku also serves a range of sakes that can complement the meal. Doraku also offers a rotating happy hour menu.
Reservations are recommended. For more information or to consult a menu, visit http://dorakusushi.com/.
AUG 11
2014
The Bishop Museum, located in Honolulu just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, will host the Stars and Guitars evening of music on August 16.
The event will feature performers such as Tavana, Taimane, and Shawn Pimental. The director of the museum’s planetarium will also play his guitar in honor of the Classical Stars Tonight program. Provided clear weather, guests will be able to use the planetarium’s facilities to view the planet Saturn while surrounded but melodic musical notes.
The event is open to the public. General admissions costs $10, and children and museum members get in for $5. Performances will begin at 5:00 pm. For more information, check out http://www.bishopmuseum.org/.
AUG 7
2014
Visitors to Hawaii may prefer to indulge in a different mode of transport than the usual rental car or public bus. Hawaiian Style rental agency offers just that with their selection of mopeds, bicycles, and scooters available for rent. Hawaiian Style is located in central Waikiki, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
Maps are also available, as well as pre-planned routes to Oahu’s most scenic and popular destinations.
Half day moped rentals begin at $30 with full day / 24 hour rentals starting at $40 per vehicle. Bicycles are available starting at $15 per half day. For more information or to reserve a bike online, check out http://www.hawaiianstylerentals.com/.
AUG 3
2014
Jameson’s by the Sea is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike in search of an evening cocktail. Jameson’s is located in Haleiwa right along the North Shore coast, about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
In addition to a wide selection of hand crafted cocktails – including a world renowned Mai Tai – Jameson’s offers a full menu. It’s fresh fish dishes, such as the opakapaka and ulua, are particularly popular. The rustic set up has created a tropical, welcoming atmosphere perfect for guests looking to unwind and enjoy the sweeping sea views. Jameson’s also offers a weekend brunch menu.
For more information or to make a reservation, check out http://www.restauranteur.com/jamesonshawaii/.
JUL 31
2014
Slow Food Oahu, an affiliate with an international organization based in Italy, now offers Chinatown Tours in Honolulu, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
The tours include a heavy emphasis on food and food culture by highlighting busy markets, top bakeries, noodle factories, and popular dim sum restaurants. Each tour lasts about two hours total. Slow Food Oahu’s expert tour guide, Laurie Carlson, takes extra care to share Oahu’s exotic local fruits and vegetables with visitosr, explain proper culinary techniques, and introduce guests to a wide range of foods.
Tours cost $30 for members and $40 for non-members. For more information, check out http://www.slowfoodoahu.org/.
