Ko Olina Beachfront Penthouse

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Honolulu Zoo Society will host a Senior Safari Workout every Friday through April 26 to promote health and wellness while celebrating the Honolulu Zoo.  The zoo is located just off Kapahulu Avenue in Waikiki, about thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Paradise Villas.

Guides will lead the tours through the zoo while sharing facts and stories about resident animals, their natural habitats, their feeding and mating habits, and other interesting facts.

The walk is free, though a $5 donation is strongly encouraged to help fund the zoo and support ongoing educational programs.  The program takes place every Friday from 9 to 10 am, and reservations are recommended.  The program is aimed at adults over the age of fifty.  For more information or to register online, visit www.honoluluzoo.org.

La Mer is a sophisticated Neoclassical French restaurant located at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.  Although the cuisine is French inspired, all ingredients are locally grown in Hawaii, so the menu has a tropical flair.

Several of the dishes have received widespread acclaim, including the Marseille style lobster bisque, the steamed seabass with a spicy tomato chutney, and prime beef filet.  A decadent dessert menu includes items such as a milk chocolate and Kona coffee sphere and chocolate mousse with yogurt ravioli.  A tasting menu is also available for guests interested in a wide sampling of La Mer offerings.

For more information or to check out a menu, visit http://www.halekulani.com/living/dining/la_mer/.  Guests are reminded that the restaurant requires formal attire during dinner hours.  Reservations are recommended.

Kaena Point Natural Area is located within Kaena Point State Park on Oahu’s western coast, about 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.  The state park is often identified by its wide open spaces and sandy beach coves.

Hiking enthusiasts may find some appeal at Kaena Point Natural Area, where a three hour trek travels from Kaena Point to Yokohama Bay.  The trail includes scenic coastal views and a moderate ascent.  Hikers are encouraged to carry sufficient water, sunscreen, and snacks for the journey.  Non-hikers may enjoy the peaceful setting to relax, enjoy a picnic, and absorb the scenery.  Visitors may be able to see whales during peak season, from December through May.

Admission is free and open to the public year round.  For more information, check out http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=19.