OCT 21
2012
Happy Trails Hawaii, a horseback ride operator located just 50 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas on Oahu’s North Shore, leads trail rides overlooking Waimea Valley. Tours led by local area experts are available for an hour and a half or two hours daily beginning from 8 am, and riders of all ages over 6 years old are permitted. Each tour is designed to allow riders to enjoy the coastline.
Short rides cost $79 and longer rides cost $99 per person. Reservations can be made online at happytrailshawaii.com or by phone at (808) 638-7433.
OCT 17
2012
Many visitors to Oahu enjoy interacting with aquatic animals, especially dolphins, during their stay. Dolphin Excursions, Snorkel Adventures offers four part tours to meet Oahu wildlife. Tours depart from the Waianae Boat Harbor, about 50 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas, and begin with a tour to see humpback whales and spinner dolphins. Later, guests have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the dolphins before an operator-provided lunch.
Tours leave at 7 am and 10:30 am daily. Tickets cost $120 for adults and $85 for children between the ages of 4 and 12. For more information, check out www.dolphinexcursions.com.
OCT 14
2012
Terror at the Tower, an annual haunted experience, will take place through October 31. Located at Aloha Tower Marketplace, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort, will be hosted by Scare Hawaii. A total of 29 rooms will feature Halloween inspired ghosts, goblins, and other scary antics.
The Tower is open from 6 pm until 11 pm on weekdays and 1 am on weekends. Tickets cost $13 for general admission and $20 for a fast track pass to avoid lines. Guests must be fourteen years or older. For more information, visit http://www.scarehawaii.com/.
OCT 10
2012
Bellows Field Beach Park in Waimanalo on Oahu’s eastern coast is a family-friendly park about 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas. The park features a calm beach for swimming and bodysurfing as well as an offshore reef. Many tourists enjoy a picnic lunch from the shore where they can gaze out to the turquoise waters and enjoy some shade.
The park is closed to the public on weekdays, but camping (with a county permit) and general park activities are allowed on weekends. A lifeguard monitors the area’s safety on weekends and during the summer. For more information, check out http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/bellows-field-beach-park/.
OCT 7
2012
The annual Haunted Lagoon is open through October 31. Hosted by the Polynesian Cultural Center, just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort, the Haunted Lagoon allows you to see Lady Laie as she searches for her long lost son. The spooky event takes place on a canoe ride through the PCC, and milder rides are available for children.
Tickets costs $19.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. Rides begin at 6:30 pm for children nightly and 7 pm for adults. For more information or for discounted online booking, visit www.hauntedlagoon.com.
OCT 3
2012
Many visitors to Hawaii enjoy an aerial view of the islands. Paradise Air Hawaii is an ultralight flight operator based just 30 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas in Oahu. Ultralight flying is the navigation of a 1 or 2 seat lightweight aircraft, and it provides a sensation similar to hang gliding that appeals to the same adrenaline-based senses. Paradise Air requires all guests to participate in a flight lesson to learn basic safety tips and techniques before flying.
For more information, check out http://paradiseairhawaii.com or call (808) 497-6033.
SEP 30
2012
HawaiiSlam’s First Thursday Poetry Slam will take place next Thursday, October 8, at 8:30 pm. The event will be hosted at the Fresh Cafe Warehouse on Queen Street, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina. In addition to local poets, performers will include national touring poets, painters, and musicians.
Admission costs $3 before 8:30 pm and $5 after, and the event is open to people of all ages. Food and drinks will be available from the cafe. For more information, check out hawaiislam.com.
SEP 27
2012
Rated number one on Trip Advisor, Uncle Bryan’s Sunset Surf School offers surfing lessons on Oahu’s North Shore for students of all experience levels. Whether you’ve surfed for years and are looking to perfect your technique or you’re interested in testing the water for the first time, this surf academy has qualified instructors eager to share tips and tricks. Group and individual lessons are available.
For more information or to make an online booking, check out http://surfnorthshore.com/.
SEP 23
2012
Criterion, an exhibition produced by artist Calvin Collins, is currently hosted by the Gallery of Hawaiian Artists (GoHA). Honolulu-based Collins has gained much of his inspiration from observations of the life around him as well as the film “Criterion”. His exhibit explores psychology, imagery, and emotion through many different artistic media.
The gallery is located on Kalakaua Avenue, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gallery-of-Hawaii-Artists-GoHA/90290688897.
SEP 19
2012
Chef Russell Siu, head chef of 3660 on the Rise, says the restaurant’s award winning streak can be credited to its creative, casual approach. Winner of the ‘llima People’s Choice Award 3 years in a row, 3660 on the Rise is best known for fusion cuisine that merges island, European, and Asian flavors. Some favorite dishes include the pan seared hatcho miso glazed scallop appetizers and tempura farm raised catfish.
For more information or to check out a menu, visit www.3660.com. Call (808) 737-1177 to make a reservation.
