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/.
NOV 21
2012
The Japanese Cultural Center will host tours of a Japanese Buddhist Temple and Exhibit every week day from now through February 2013. The gallery exhibition will include temple furnishings, and tours will explain the cultural significance of architecture and religious practices.
Tours last from 9 am to 11 am with check in from 8:45 am and are followed by a one hour discussion. Tours cost $25 for non-members and $20 for JCCH members and depart from the Japanese Cultural Center about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. For more information, email info@jcch.com.
NOV 17
2012
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, a fleet attack submarine, is designed to preserve the memory of World War Two. Bowfin was initially launched exactly one year following the attack on Pearl Harbor and is now open to visitors interested in exploring US naval history.
The museum is located on Arizona Memorial Drive in Honolulu, about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort. Admission for a submarine and museum tour costs $10 for adults and $4 for children, but admission for just the museum costs $3. It is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit http://www.bowfin.org.
NOV 14
2012
The Ko Olina Lagoons, located just minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas, are a generally crowd-free beach are consisting of several beautiful lagoons. Unlike the popular Waikiki beaches, Ko Olina Lagoons offer visitors a simple experience, as even tents and umbrellas are not permitted.
Visitors should be aware that the Ko Olina Lagoons do not have active lifeguards or nearby food stands, so they should arrive prepared. The lagoons are open to the public daily, and parking is available off Aliinui Drive.
NOV 11
2012
Located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, about 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort, Byodo-In Temple is a testament to the significant Asian, particularly Japanese, influence throughout Hawaii. The Byodo Temple, built in 1968, is a non-practicing Buddhist temple open to visitors of all religious affiliations.
The temple is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Admission costs $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, and $1 for children. For more information, check out http://www.byodo-in.com/.
NOV 8
2012
During a trip to Hawaii, many visitors try to incorporate critical bits of US history by visiting the USS Memorial or National Cemetery of the Pacific. The National Cemetery is a well preserved open space nestled within a natural crater created by volcanic activity. The cemetery, located about 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, is designed to honor America’s fallen soldiers from many 20th Century conflicts.
Of course, this is a solemn location so all visitors should be respectful of the grounds and other individuals on site. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8 am until 5:30 pm (6:30 pm during the summer). For more information, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/nmcp.asp#gi.
NOV 4
2012
The Arts at Marks Garage, located on Nuuanu Avenue about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort, will host a screening of the film Solar Mamas on Tuesday, November 6. The event is co-sponsored by Hawaii Women in Filmmaking and the Hawaii People’s Fund. The film recounts the tale of a Bedouin woman from rural Jordan who traveled abroad to India to study solar engineering to harness environmentally friendly technology.
The free screening will begin at 6:30 pm, and a post-screening discussion will be led by Teresa Bill and Sierra Dew. For more information, check out http://www.artsatmarks.com/.
OCT 27
2012
Shangri La, the Honolulu home of Doris Duke, is located just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. Considered one of Hawaii’s most architecturally significant homes, Shangri La features influences from around the world and a large collection of Islamic art.
Guided tours last about 2.5 hours and begin from the Honolulu Museum of Art. General admission costs $25, and tickets cost $20 for Hawaii residents. For more information, check out www.shangrilahawaii.org.
OCT 24
2012
Fiber Hawaii: In, Of, or About Fiber, a thirty year annual exhibition, will be hosted from October 25 through November 17 this year at the Honolulu Museum of Art School about 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort. The exhibit will feature displays from artists who work with a variety of media including fiber in a range of ethnic to contemporary styles.
The exhibition is open from 10 am until 4:30 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.hawaiicraftsmen.memberlodge.org/fiber.
