JUN 7
2013
Shaka Kayaks is a North Shore based eco-kayak company, located just fifty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort. Shaka Kayaks offers ocean guided tours that provide visitors with the chance to get up close and personal with the coast’s wide variety of wildlife, including coral reefs, various tropical fish, and other interesting aquatic creatures.
The Turtle Bay tour begins with a 7:45 am pick up. Guests then kayak to the middle of the bay, where they can observe sea turtles, the coral reef, and more. Then, guests have the opportunity to take a short hike, bird watch, or otherwise enjoy the scenery. The tour costs $100 total, and all kayak equipment as well as snacks and water are included. For more information, check out http://www.shakakayaks.com.
JUN 4
2013
With Father’s Day just around the corner, Kahala Spa is offering a month-long special. The Kahala Spa and Resort is located just five minutes from Ko Olina, and the four-star spa has received many awards and recognition for its service.
This June, all men are eligible for a 15% discount a signature spa treatment. This sports massage includes a t-shirt, sleeve of golf balls, and chance to win two free rounds of golf at the Ko Olina Golf Club. The massage itself is designed to treat the lumbar region, loosen any tight muscles, and work through any kinks to increase flexibility and range of motion for golfers, tennis fans, and other sports enthusiasts. Of course, the spa package is appropriate for non-golfers as well.
For more information, check out www.kahalaresort.com. Reservations are recommended.
MAY 30
2013
Diana Anjali Halford of Open Space Yoga will host the Yoga FUNdamentals four-week workshop during the month of June at the studio, located just thirty minutes from Ko Olina in downtown Honolulu. The workshop is designed to explore the basics of asana yoga, including mental focus, posture, movement, and breathing techniques.
The course is appropriate for students of all levels, and each week will explore a new facet of yoga, beginning with basic standing poses and culminating in inversions, hip openers, and meditation. The course will try to combine the physical merits of yoga practice with the spiritual and mental benefits of meditation and self-reflection.
The workshop costs $50 and takes place every Monday from 10:30 to 11:45 am. For more information, check out mindbodyonline.com.
MAY 26
2013
Sandy Beach is a popular destination for many visitors to Oahu, as well as local residents. Located just 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort near Waimanalo Beach Park, Sandy Beach is aptly named for its expansive, sandy shoreline. Notably, the area is prone to a massive shore break that can make surfing and swimming a bit dangerous, so water enthusiasts are encouraged to be extra careful. However, many people still take advantage of the exhilarating body surfing afforded by the beach’s wave activity.
The beach itself is also very scenic for picnics, games, sun bathing, reading, or other low key activities.
Sandy Beach is open to visitors year round.
MAY 22
2013
Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, located near Kuhio Beach Park just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, will host yoga classes every Wednesday and Sunday between now and June 30. Classes are led by master instructor David Sanders and his peers and are designed to share proper yoga technique, encourage relaxation and meditation, and enable students to connect with mind, body, and soul.
The practice of yoga traces its roots to the Indian subcontinent, but it has become a common practice in Hawaii, where several prominent yoga studios have cultivated a culture of meditation. Hula’s yoga is less rigid; the instructors focus on encouraging students to reach the correct positions while improving flexibility and posture.
Classes cost $10 each. Classes last for one hour and begin at 9 am. Students should plan to bring their own yoga mat, towel, and water. For more information, check out www.hulas.com.
MAY 19
2013
Gyotaku is a classic Japanese restaurant with three locations on Oahu, including Pearl City, King Street, and Niu Valley, all easily accessible from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort. The restaurant was established by Tom Jones and Tony Saka after they discovered a mutual desire to create an artful cuisine in Oahu.
Several dishes at Gyotaku have received wide acclaim, including the miyosaki butterfish, the Nattochos, a range of sushi options, and several other classic Japanese dishes. The green tea ice cream is also very popular.
A full menu is available online at gyotakuhawaii.com. For more information or to make reservations, check out the website for contact details for each of the three locations.
MAY 15
2013
The Bishop Museum of Natural History, located just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, is hosting an exhibition titled “Life Through Time: Dinosaurs and Ice-Age Mammals” now through September 15. The exhibit includes ten life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs and ice-age mammals to simulate prehistoric life. Furthermore, the exhibit includes several hands-on components that allow visitors to better appreciate the action, including a hands-on robotic skeleton and simulated bone impressions.
Visitors can travel through time as they explore the exhibit, culminating in the Ice Age some 2.6 million years ago. Full sized dinosaurs on display include the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Brontosaurus.
The exhibit is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Monday. Admission costs $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, and $16.95 for seniors. For more information, check out www.bishopmuseum.org.
MAY 12
2013
Waikele Premium Outlets, an extensive outlet mall in Waipahu, just twenty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, hosts a range of top brands for eager shoppers. Top fashion names include Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, and Levi’s. The outlet mall also has several quick eats, including Coconut Joes, Quick Thai, and Sakura Sushi.
Waikele Premium Outlets also has several shoe stores, accessory shops, and other specialty kiosks. As an outlet mall, many of the stores offer heavy discounts on regular store items.
The outlet mall is open from 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Holiday hours differ and can be found on the website. For more details or directions, check out http://www.premiumoutlets.com.
MAY 8
2013
The Honolulu Museum of Art, located just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Paradise Beach Villas and Resort, will host an exhibition featuring 25 pieces of Kuba Cloth. The Kuba kingdom was once located in present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. Because of their textile ingenuity, the Kuba peoples became known as the “people of the cloth”.
The fabric is traditionally hand woven from textiles made of raffia palm leaves and accented with embroidery, applique, or other cut pile techniques. The clothes often have geometric, kinetic patterns of interlocking shapes and mythical Kuba figures.
The exhibition will last through July 21, 2013. The museum is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays. Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children but is free for members. For more information, check out honolulumuseum.org.
MAY 4
2013
Tita’s Grill is a quintessential little cafe in Oahu with several locations, the oldest of which is in Kahuku, about one hour from the Ko Olina Beach Villas on Oahu’s North Shore. The grill specializes in several local dishes, including garlic shrimp and Kalbi ribs. Visitors interested in a sample platter can try a full meal that includes a taste of several different iconic dishes, including mahi mahi, rice, and various other meats. The casual dining atmosphere appeals to solo travelers and families alike.
Tita’s Grill also hosts regular philanthropic events, including food donations to a nearby disabled community.
Tita’s is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 4 pm. Note that the lunch menu is not available before 11 am. For more information, call (808) 293-2225.
