JAN 30
2014
The Kaneohe Swamp Romp, an annual race hosted by the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, will take place on February 8. Well known as the dirtiest race of the year, the race includes a challenging obstacle course that passes through mud and dirt before reaching the finish line.
The run passes through Nu’upia Ponds and along Fort Hase beach, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort. Individuals and teams are both encouraged to run, and teams can i
The event is fully open to the public, but registration is required for challengers. Registration costs $40 for individuals and $140 for teams. For more information or to register, check out http://mccshawaii.com/swampromp/. The event begins promptly at 7:00 am.
JAN 25
2014
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a well-known feature of Oahu’s North Shore, about fifty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort. The iconic white food truck has been identified as one of the top ten food trucks in the country.
The food truck originated out of a converted bread truck in 1993 and quickly became a popular feature of Kahuku, where it served customers for several years before opening a second truck in Haleiwa. Pure to its name, the simple yet delicious menu includes several Hawaiian favorites, including a shrimp scampi, hot ‘n spicy shrimp, and lemon butter shrimp.
For more information or directions, check out http://www.giovannisshrimptruck.com/ or call (808) 293-1839.
JAN 21
2014
Every Wednesday, Next Door, a bar/club in Chinatown just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, hosts live music featuring popular tunes from the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s. Featured musical genres range from pop to hip hop and R&B.
The chic bar features many pieces of local art along the walls surrounding a small center stage and an open dance floor. In addition to musical performances each Wednesday, Next Door hosts a First Friday event each month. The wide bar provides easy access for customers to a range of specialty drinks and standard beers.
Wednesday events have no cover fee. Admission is open to guests ages 21 and over. For more information, call (808) 852-2243.
JAN 18
2014
Round Top Drive is a scenic nine mile loop around the Tantalus mountains, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. Spectacular itself, the drive includes offshoots to many top visitor attractions, including Puu Ualakaa State Park and the Pacific National Cemetery.
Furthermore, there are several scenic overlooks that afford excellent views of colorful sunsets, Oahu’s coastline, or the Tantalus mountain range. Additional lookout points open views of Diamond Head or Waikiki itself, with unprecedented visibility for Oahu. The drive is a memorable experience in and of itself and can be done by car, bike, or even foot.
For more information or driving directions, check out http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahusights/ss/tantalus.htm.
JAN 14
2014
The Ukulele Club of Hawaii will offer free beginner ukulele lessons on the first Tuesday of every month at the Windward Mall in Kaneohe, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
Lessons will take place in the mall’s Center Court, where an experienced ukulele player will lead students through a series of basic chords and progressions. Students are recommended to bring their own ukuleles, but a small supply of practice instruments will also be available (first come, first serve).
Instrument tuning will begin at 5:00 pm before each lesson starts at 6:00 pm. Participation is free and open to the public. For more information, check out http://www.windwardmall.com/event/the-ukulele-club-of-hawaii/ or call (808) 235-1143.
JAN 11
2014
RumFire Waikiki hosts a happy hour event daily from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, excluding holidays. Located on Kalakaua Avenue along Waikiki’s coast, RumFire is just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
Guests can enjoy discounted cocktails and appetizers while absorbing the breathtaking views of Oahu’s southern coast. In addition to a cocktail of the day for just $7, the happy hour offers include an assortment of red and white wines and draft specials and tasty appetizers such as kim chee fried rice, stir fried edamame, and foccacia.
RumFire also offers weekday nightcap specials from 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
For more information or to check out a menu, visit www.rumfirewaikiki.com. Reservations may also be made through their website.
JAN 8
2014
Located in eastern Oahu just south of Hanauma Bay, about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, the Spitting Cave of Portlock is a real hidden gem. The name comes from the routine splash of large waves crashing into the cave.
While experienced swimmers may choose to cliff dive in the area, it is discouraged for novices due to fast currents. Many visitors choose to enjoy the scenery over a picnic or visit at night to stargaze rather than dive into the water. During certain months, visitors may also be able to whale watch from the cave.
To reach the Spitting Cave, simply follow Lumahai Street until it ends. The cave is free and open to visitors year round.
JAN 4
2014
The Waialae Country Club, located in Honolulu just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, will host the Sony Open from January 6 through January 12. The Sony Open consistently attracts a range of professional, competitive golfers to Oahu, where they can compete for a grand prize of $5.6 million.
The charitable golf event, initially established by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, benefits over 100 non profit organizations annually. The week includes option free admission to professional practice sessions.
The event is open to the public. Tickets cost $15 per day or $50 for the entire week and can be purchased online. For more information, to reserve your tickets, or for a complete schedule of events, check out http://www.friendsofhawaii.org/sony-open-hawaii.
DEC 29
2013
In an effort to usher in the New Year, Honolulu will host an Ugly Sweater Run at Waikiki Shell, about thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Paradise. The run will take place on January 4 beginning at 9:00 pm.
The 5 km run is open to all ages, and will include two gratuitous post-run Sam Adams beers for adults over the age of 21. In addition to awards recognizing quick running times, awards will also be given for the best mustache, best beard, and ugliest sweater in an effort to promote the festivities and celebrate the theme.
Children ages 8 and under are invited to participate for free. Adults must pay a registration fee of $45. For more information or to register, check out http://blaisdellcenter.com/ai1ec_event/the-ugly-sweater-run/?instance_id=47812.
DEC 24
2013
Magic Island, a man-made peninsula built atop a shallow reef just off of Honolulu, is located only 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The island was initially designed to be a resort complex in the 1960s, but was instead converted into a park open to the public.
Several events are hosted throughout the year on Magic Island, including picnics, pick up ultimate frisbee games, and drama performances. Additionally, Magic Island is home to white sandy beaches and a shallow lagoon that is insulated from the more aggressive breakwaters. Visitors to the island can enjoy scenic views of both Honolulu’s skyline and the southern coast of Oahu.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Admission is free. Visitors gain access from the east end of Ala Moana Beach Park.
