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.
APR 30
2013
Nico’s Pier 38 is a fusion restaurant that combines classic French tastes with local Hawaiian specialties. Located in the middle of Honolulu’s Pier 38 Fishing Village, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, Nico’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Head chef Nico Chaize has combined the flavors of his French homeland with his Hawaiian surroundings.
All fish is caught locally and served fresh. Popular dishes include the Furikake Pan Seared Ahi and Rosemary Roasted Prime Rib. A selection of specialty cocktail drinks are also available, such as the Manoa Mountain Apple Martini and Kilauea Lava Flow. Jazz musicians routinely perform at Nico’s.
Reservations are recommended. For more information, to read a menu online, or to see a performance calendar, check out www.nicospier38.com.
APR 27
2013
The Honolulu Museum of Art will host the third annual Cinematheque Francaise Film Festival from May 4 through May 17 at the Doris Duke Theatre, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Paradise Beach Villas. The festival will include a range of acclaimed French films from various genres, including comedies, dramas, and classics.
Opening night on May 4 will include a reception with wine and cheese from 6 to 7:30 pm before the Renoir screening. Reception night tickets cost $40 for general admission and $35 for museum members.
Tickets to general screenings cost $12 for members and $15 for general admission. The festival is open to the public. For more information or a full schedule, check out www.honolulumuseum.org.
