DEC 28
2012
Hastsumode is a common Japanese custom to usher in the new year of the snake. Over a three day period, many people will visit the Shinto shrine on Olomea Street, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, to pray for prosperity, good fortune, peace, and happiness and internalize positive energy. Drummers and lion dancers will perform throughout the day, and mochi soup is complimentary for all visitors between midnight and 2 am or 10 am and 1 pm.
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, check out http://e-shrine.org/.
DEC 24
2012
The Olomana Three Peaks Trail begins just off Auloa Road in Kailua, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The trail has three major peaks and is 5.4 miles long round trip. It is very strenuous due to the rapid elevation climb, so all hikers should be prepared with proper hiking shoes, plenty of water, and trail snacks.
Each peak then offers spectacular views of Oahu, coupled with the rigor of an intense workout. The trail is open daily, but be sure to check the weather forecast before setting out.
DEC 21
2012
The Honolulu Museum of Art, located just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort in downtown Honolulu, boasts an extensive collection of visual art, as well as rotating exhibits featuring films, performances, and other interactive media. The museum also includes a second location, the Spalding House, which holds more contemporary pieces and a sculpture garden.
The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children, and admission is free for members and active military.
DEC 17
2012
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail begins in Makapuu Point on Oahu’s eastern coast, about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort. The trail follows a paved incline until it reaches the red-capped lighthouse. Since the trail is open, there are wide views throughout the hike of the coastline. Visitors are recommended to carry binoculars between November and May in order to see the humpback whales migrating along the coast.
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is open year round for visitors interested in a quick 2 mile hike.
DEC 14
2012
The Veranda at the Kahala Hotel and Resort about 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas will host an afternoon tea every afternoon from now through December 31. With classic and royal tea service options available, the Veranda will include scones, small sandwiches, and other treats with a selection of fine teas. Tea parties can also be customized for baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, and other events.
The classic tea costs $28 and royal tea costs $42. For more information, call (808) 739-8760 or check out http://www.kahalaresort.com/dining/veranda.cfm.
DEC 11
2012
The Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, located at the University of Hawaii just thirty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, offers a quick immersion into Hawaii’s flora. About 200 acres of tropical rainforest are open to visitors. Additionally, the botanical education center offers a series of classes for adults and children, including Hawaiian ferns identification and make-your-own Kapa tools.
For a complete class schedule, check out http://www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum/. The arboretum is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. A $5 donation per person is requested for admission.
DEC 7
2012
The East-West Center will host the Exhibition: Dancing in the Spirit: Korean Masks, Music, and Social Concerns until January 6. The exhibition features characters and performance patterns from all over South Korea. The styles include influences from shamanism and Buddhism, as well as various historical factors such as Japanese colonial rule.
The exhibition is open from 8 am to 5 pm Mondays through Fridays and noon to 4 pm on Sundays. The East-West Center is located just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. For more information, visit http://www.eastwestcenter.org/.
DEC 3
2012
The classic musical Annie will be performed at the Diamond Head Theatre, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas and Resort, every weekend beginning Dec. 7. The musical shares the story of the optimistic orphan, Annie, as she gets to know the wealthy businessman, Mr. Warbucks.
For more information about show times, visit www.diamondheadtheatre.com or call (808) 733-0274. Tickets range in price from $15 to $50 each.
NOV 30
2012
Opal Thai is a casual Thai eatery in Haleiwa, just forty minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. In addition to standard Thai fare, the chef works with each guest’s individual tastes to craft a personalized Thai-inspired dish. As a result, Opal Thai is a crowd favorite, and its restaurant experience can be a solid introduction to Thai cuisine.
The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm. For more information, call (808) 381-8091.
NOV 24
2012
‘Iolani Palace, the official home of Hawaii’s monarchy, was originally built in 1882 by King Kalakaua in downtown Honolulu, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort. Known as the ‘merrie Monarch’, King Kalakaua’s cheerful, sociable lifestyle is evident through the palace’s many parlors used to host visitors and entertain guests.
The palace is open to visitors Mondays through Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Visitors have two tour options: self-guided ($14.75) or guided ($21.75). Japanese language tours are also available. For more information, check out http://www.iolanipalace.org/.
