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.
NOV 27
2013
The Kapiolani Community College Cactus Garden is a small but detailed botanical garden located on the Kapiolani Community College campus near Diamond Head Crater, about 45 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The garden specializes in various varieties of cacti.
The garden was founded in 1988 by Moriso Teraoka, a long-time supporter of the community college, botanical endeavors, and natural flora. The cacti on site were collected over a period of several years.
The garden is free and open to the public year round, and a great way to support local agriculture, student education, and the strong community effort involved in collecting, cultivating, and maintaining the garden.
NOV 24
2013
Sanju Pagoda is the iconic, three-tiered pagoda located in the Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park, about forty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort. The gardens are also home to the Kinkaku-ji Temple and Mirror gardens.
Sanju Pagoda, the largest pagoda of its kind in the world, was built in the style of traditional Japanese architecture and modeled after the Minami Hoke-ji Temple in Japan. Now, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Kyoto Gardens are open year round to the public. Admission is free, and all visitors are encouraged to enjoy the gardens respectfully, as they embody traditional Japanese culture while also serving as a cemetery.
NOV 21
2013
Known as the “Pride of the Pacific”, the Historic Hawaii Theatre has been operational for over ninety years. Located on Bethel Street in Honolulu, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, the theatre has a rolling list of plays and performances. Upcoming performances include an evening of Mythology and Storytelling on December 8 and A Cazimero Christmas from December 13-15. A full list of upcoming and previous shows is available on the theatre’s website.
Ticket prices are subject to change according to the performance and can be purchased online.
The theatre also sponsors a series of educational programs for youth and adults, including a student acting and apprenticeship program and a student matinee program.
For more information, check out www.hawaiitheatre.com.
NOV 17
2013
Sea Life Park – Hawaii is an educational park with reefs, lagoons, and pools filled with aquatic life. Located in Waimanalo just off Kalanianaole Highway, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, Sea Life Park has a range of activities that appeal to the whole family.
Popular attractions include Sea Life Park’s new shark tank, dolphin cove, sea bird sanctuary, and ocean theatre. The park also offers several participatory activities, including swimming with dolphins, sharks, or sea lions, and a ray encounter.
General park admission costs $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children, and tickets can be purchased online. Pricing details for additional activities can be found on the park’s website, www.sealifeparkhawaii.com. The park is open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
NOV 13
2013
The Honolulu Zoo, located between Diamond Head and Waikiki just 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, is home to 905 different animals. Spread over 42 acres, the zoo’s grounds also include extensive, colorful gardens featuring native and exotic flora. The zoo hosts a series of family friendly educational programs and events, including an animal photography contest, twilight tours to observe animal behaviors after zoo hours, and a dinner safari.
The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Admission costs $14 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 12. Parking is available on Kapahulu Avenue. For more information or to plan your visit, check out www.honoluluzoo.org or call (808) 971-7171.
NOV 9
2013
The Honolulu Museum of Art, located just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, is currently hosting an exhibit featuring the works of 11 native Hawaiian artists. The art covers a wide range of media, including sculpture, painting, ceramics, photography, and other artistic variations.
This exhibit is designed to showcase the best of Hawaii, featuring artists such as John Ferdico, Drew Broderick, and Yumiko Glover. All works presented were created specifically for the exhibit were created. Artists were selected through a competitive process, and finalists were chosen by a panel of contemporary art curators and other museum officials.
The museum is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission costs $10 for adults and is free for children 17 and under. For more information, check out honolulumuseum.org or call (808) 532-8700.
