Ko Olina Beachfront Penthouse

A popular lunchtime destination for local Hawaiians, the Rainbow Drive-In is a casual eatery that features a hearty plate lunch.  The typical plate lunch includes two scoops of rice and macaroni salad accompanied by any number of delectable options, including loco moco, barbecue ahi, a beef or curry stew, shoyu chicken, roast pork with gravy, and other classic dishes.  The Rainbow Drive-In menu changes from day to day and season to season, so visitors never run out of options.

The establishment has proudly served the Oahu community for over fifty years.

Located in the heart of Honolulu just 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, the Rainbow Drive-In is open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.   For more information, check out http://rainbowdrivein.com/.

The Pipeline is a quintessential destination for serious surfers.  Located on Oahu’s North Shore, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, the Banzai Pipeline, typically shortened to just Pipeline or “the Pipe”, is infamous for its large, frequent, and potentially dangerous waves.  Nearby is a shallow, table top reef that augments the danger and adrenaline rush of surfing in the area.

There are several small caves within the reef that catch and release pockets of air that surface as waves break overhead.  Additionally, the reef contains a series of underwater lava spires that are a potential hazard to surfers.  As a result, the Pipeline has gained a reputation based in infamy that has drawn surfers from around the world.

The Pipeline is open to visitors year round, but surfers are encouraged to monitor weather conditions carefully before venturing into the water.  Visitors can also enjoy watching quality surfing from the shore.  Parking is available at nearby Ehukai Beach Park.

Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha, located in the Aina Haina Shopping Center in Honolulu, just thirty minutes from Ko Olina, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.  Uncle Clay’s is most famous for its shaved ice, which features a dozen all natural, homemade syrups inspired by tropical Hawaiian flavors, such as mango, lychee, and North Shore coffee.

Uncle Clay’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 6pm and Friday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 8 pm.  For more information, check out http://www.houseofpurealoha.com/.

The Spaulding House is hosting a unique exhibition to explore the relationship between mathematics and art entitled “Finding X”.  The exhibit focuses on artists’ incorporation of mathematical principles, such as ratios and geometric shapes, as well as artistic depictions of abstract mathematical concepts, such as infinite.

The Spaulding house is associated with the Honolulu Museum of Art, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.  Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.  Admission is free for members of the museum.  For more information, check out honolulumuseum.org.

The Lanikai Pillboxes trail begins in Kailua on Oahu, about one hour from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.  The short trail is named for the World War II bunkers it passes, affording hikers the chance to visit history up close.  The bunkers were used in the 1940s to protect Oahu’s harbor from Japanese invasion.  The trail begins with a quick ascent and typically takes hikers one to three hours to complete.

Parking is available at the trailhead, and visitors are encouraged to pack plenty of water, as the hike quickly becomes dry and dusty.

The Mokichi Okada Association of Hawaii will promote Healthy Monday Wellness events on February 11 and 25 at Pearlridge Center in Aiea, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort.  The events will include flower therapy and a Japanese Bontemae tea ceremony to promote wellness of mind, body, and spirit.

The events are open to the public from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm.  For more information, check out http://www.pearlridgeonline.com/.

Le Bistro, a popular restaurant in Honolulu, was the 2012 Hale Aina Bronze Award winner.  Located just off Kalanianaole Highway about 30 minutes minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, Le Bistro serves elegant dishes such as oysters on the half shell, barbecued lamb chops glazed with balsamic vinegar, and takanohana grilled chicken.  The menu offers an inspired fusion of traditional Hawaiian flavors with a classic French spin.

The restaurant is open daily except Tuesdays.  For more information or to make a reservation, call (808) 373-7990.

Rum Fire in Waikiki, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, will serve afternoon daily afternoon tea that is mixed with a range of alcoholic beverages until March 31.  Favorites include Lavender Mint and Plantation Pineapple which incorporate other tropical and soothing flavors.  The afternoon menu also includes sliders and desserts, and guests have the option of upgrading to ‘High Tea’, which includes two sliders, a cocktail, and desserts for a set price.

For more information, check out rumfirewaikiki.com or call (808) 922-4422.

Hawaii Plantation Village is an outdoor museum located in Waipahu, just 20 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.  The museum shares the social, economic, political, and cultural story of Hawaii’s early sugar plantations.  Visitors can observe a simulated experience of life in Hawaii in the early 1900s and wander through authentic plantation homes, see a range of historic artifacts brought by early settlers, and taste samples of different fruits brought to Hawaii from around the world.

General admission costs $13, and children’s admission is $5. Guided tours are conducted Monday through Saturday and last 1.5 hours.  For more information, check out http://www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org/.