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.
DEC 20
2013
The Honolulu Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition titled “Sheer Delight: A Look Behind Translucent Textiles” now through February 2. The museum is located in Honolulu proper, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
The exhibit examines sheer textiles in terms of their utility, decorative uses, structure, and fashion by exploring the prevalence of sheer textiles in several different cultures. Featured textiles range from delicate Filipino pina cloth made from pineapple leaves and carefully embroidered to Indian sashes bedazzled with beetle wings.
The museum is open to the public. Admission costs $10 for adults and is free for children ages 17 and under. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays. For more information, check out honolulumuseum.org.
DEC 17
2013
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort, located just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, hosts a fireworks display every Friday evening. Known as a pau hana (after work), the weekly event is designed to help locals and visitors alike relax and welcome in the weekend.
The fireworks are visible along the coastline, stretching from Ala Moana to Diamond Head. The display is a popular compliment to outdoor drinks and dining.
The event is family friendly, and admission is open to the public. Admission is free. The fireworks display begins at 7:45 pm weekly. For more information, check out http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/ or call (808) 949-4321.
DEC 13
2013
The Honolulu Museum of Art, located just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Paradise, will host an exhibition titled Decisive Moments which features photographs from the Jim and Cheyre Pierce Collection.
Accumulated over the previous forty years, the photographs range in theme and scope from iconic, traditional images to conceptualized pieces. The exhibit was inspired by the photograph “Behind the Gare St. Lazare”. Over eighty photographs are on display, depicting moments that led to conclusive decisions or inspiration. A wide range of photographers have featured works.
Admission costs $10 for adults and is free for children ages 17 and under. For more information, check out honolulumuseum.org or call (808) 532-8700.
DEC 9
2013
Ka’au Crater, located in the Wakiki Lower Punchbowl area, about thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, is a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The least known of Oahu’s three largest craters, Ka’au Crater is traversed by many miles of well maintained hiking trails.
In addition to an intermediate and undulating climb, the trail, which begins in Palolo Valley, passed by five waterfalls before reaching the crater itself. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with a view of Olomana, Waimanalo, Chinaman’s Hat, and several other iconic viewpoints. The trail passes through stretches of thick, jungle-like vegetation.
Hikers are cautioned to carry plenty of bugspray and water. The trail begins at the end of Wai’oma’o Street.
DEC 5
2013
Sweet Home Waimanalo is a casual fresh market and cafe located in Waimanalo on Oahu’s eastern coast, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.
Recently featured on the acclaimed Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives”, Sweet Home Waimanalo offers a selection of popular vegetarian and meat options. Featured dishes include a black bean tofu burger as well as pulled pork with a bok choy slaw. Seared fish tacos are another favorite from the menu. With a backyard setup, much of the cooking is done outdoors overlooking the coast, providing both staff and guests with a memorable view.
Additionally, Sweet Home Waimanalo offers catering services that feature the same fresh ingredients and flavors.
For more information, check out http://sweethomewaimanalo.com/.
DEC 2
2013
Santa Claus will be available for individual or family photographs at Ala Moana Shopping Center through Dec. 31. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the occasion to prepare Christmas cards, snap a photograph, and share their gift wish lists with Santa.
The time honored tradition of visiting Santa during the holiday season continues. Santa will be located on the first level of the mall, near centerstage.
Santa will be available for photographs from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Mondays through Saturdays and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve. Additionally, he will be available for photographs with pets (cats and dogs only) on Dec. 23 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Special photo packages are available starting at $22.99. The event is sponsored by Gymboree.
NOV 30
2013
The Gallery of Hawaii Artists will host an exhibit titled “In the Beginning” through December 20. The gallery is located just off Kalakaua Avenue, about 20 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort. The exhibit will feature photographs by renowned Hawaiian artist Willy Branlund. His photographs document the talents, processes, and perseverance of several artists in their various fields, including Nicholas Cage and Celine Dion.
The project focuses on candid moments in each artist’s life so as to depict them personally and freely. The photographs contrast their more common appearances in the media.
The gallery is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, check out www.galleryofhawaiiartists.com or call (808) 447-8908.
