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.
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.
