JUL 6
2014
The Hawaii Shakespeare Festival will take place from July 18 through August 31. The festival is designed to share the timeless works of William Shakespeare with island residents and visitors.
The festival will include three classic plays, beginning with She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith, followed by Edward III, King Lear, Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado about Nothing. These classic tales are retold through innovative presentation, set design, and acting techniques featuring local actors.
The plays will be performed at the ARTS at Marks Garage on Nu’uanu Ave, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Resorts. Tickets can be purchased online at http://hawaiishakes.org/index.html. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
JUL 2
2014
Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is a popular destination on Oahu, located on Farrington Highway in Kapolei, about twenty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
Wet’n’ Wild is home to several rides and attractions, including chill, moderate, and extreme water rides. Popular attractions include Kapolei Kooler, Flowrider, and Waianae Coaster. Several of the rides are not for the faint of heart.
Wet ‘n’ Wild is open daily, excepting major holidays. A full calendar with opening and closing times is available online. General admission costs $47.99, youth and senior tickets cost $37.99, and Wednesday special admissions costs $24.50. Season passes are also available. For more information, check out https://www.wetnwildhawaii.com/.
JUN 29
2014
Cookie Thyme with Stacie is an opportunity for visitors and locals of Oahu to gain hands on experience cooking. Stacie offers weekly cooking courses from her home on Ford Island, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
Stacie has been a home cook for years and enjoys sharing the gift of good food. Class menus vary, featuring dishes such as shrimp and grits, homemade ricotta cheese, and coeur de la creme. The overall theme ranges from southern American to Italian.
Each class is designed to last 3 hours, and classes typically take place on Tuesdays beginning at 6 pm and culminating in a homemade meal. Reservations are strongly recommended.
For more information, or to make a reservation for your own class, check out http://www.cookingthymewithstacie.com/default.html.
JUN 24
2014
The Kahuku Motorcross Track is located on Oahu’s North Shore, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
The track offers cycling opportunities for fast-paced downhill cyclists as well as leisurely cross country riders. Due to its location, the course is free of traffic and offers spectacular views of Sunset Beach. The area includes a renowned barbecue option as well to satisfy the eager appetite of a long ride.
An annual pass to Kahuku Motorcross Track is $30 with daily rides of $5, or non-pass daily rides of $10 each. The park is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and parking is available onsite. For more information, check out http://www.mtbhawaii.com/trails/kahuku_motocross_track.
JUN 20
2014
The Bishop Museum, located in Honolulu just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, is celebrating Maoli Arts Month with the He Kumu Kukui Exhibit.
The exhibit features works by Paulette Kahalepuna, Kauka de Silva, Meleanna Meyer, and Duncan Seto. Each award-winning artist features distinctive aspects of Hawaiian culture through sculpture, ceramics, painting, or other media.
The exhibit will continue through July 21. Admission to this exhibition is free with the price of admission to the museum. The Bishop museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, check out http://www.bishopmuseum.org/.
JUN 16
2014
Arancino is among Hawaii’s most refined Italian restaurants with three locations across Oahu: the Beachwalk, Arancino di Mare on Kalakaua Avenue, and Arancino at the Kahala, all within easy distance from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
Arancino was chosen as the Critics’ Choice Best Restaurant in Oahu for 2013-2014. Japanese-born head chef Daisuke Hamamoto trained in Florence, Italy with dreams of running his own restaurant in Hawaii. The menu features classic, Napoli-style dishes such as bagna cauda, spaghetti astice, and a range of fresh pizzas. Dessert is not to be missed, with favorites such as homemade tiramisu and panna cotta.
For more information, to see a menu, or to make a reservation online, check out http://www.arancino.com/.
JUN 12
2014
The Honolulu Zoo, located on Kapaulu Avenue about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, is hosting the Wildest Show in Town now through August 13.
The evening concert series will take place at the zoo itself, and features names such as Raiatea Helm, Jimmy Borges and his Jazz All Stars, and Manoa DNA. Visitors can combine their enjoyment of the musical spectacular with a visit to the zoo’s animal kingdom.
The family friendly concert event takes place each Wednesday. Zoo gates open at 4:30 pm, and the concert lasts from 6 to 7 pm. Admission costs $3. Small guided tours of the zoo facilities are offered for free to the first thirty attendees. For more information, check out http://www.honoluluzoo.org/.
JUN 9
2014
Kaena Point, located near Waianae about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, is a popular viewing point overlooking the Pacific coast.
The scenic lookout statiosn of Kaena Point can be reached by a popular hiking and biking trail. The trail is about three and a half miles in legnth and of moderate difficulty, taking between one and three hours to hike according to hiking speed and photographing frequency. The route traverses the shoreline, crosses huge boulders, and passes by windswept cliffs.
Visitors are encouraged to carry water. Kaena Point is free to the public and open year round, and parking is available near the trailhead. For more information, check out http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/hiking/oahu/index.cfm?hike_id=21.
JUN 5
2014
Waimea Bay is among Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions. Located near Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore, Waimea Bay is about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
Waimea Bay gained fame through its prominence in Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet music, and is aptly characterized as a surfer’s haven. Novice surfers are cautioned against riding the aggressive waves. Instead, many visitors choose to hang out along the beach while watching experienced surfers turn out tricks along the coast. Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picnicking are also popular activities at the bay.
Nearby parking is available but limited. The bay is free and open to the public year round.
JUN 2
2014
Vintage Cave, a renowned Oahu restaurant, was recently named a finalist for Hawaii’s Hale Aina restaurant awards. The restaurant emanates a theme of returning to the earth through its cave structure. Located in Honolulu, Vintage Cave is just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
Vintage Cave’s tasting menu features authentic dishes such as avocado and abalone, shinsato suckling pig, and smoked banana with the goal of showcasing the freshest products available. Wine pairings are also available and designed to enhance the entire culinary experience. Each dinner is further enhanced by the extensive art collection located in the restaurant.
For more information or to make a reservation, check out http://vintagecave.com/ or call (808) 441-1744.
