AUG 12
2012
Every Monday, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, hosts a Royal Luau. The festivities are designed to commemorate Helumoa, the recreational area that belonged to Hawaiian royalty. The modern vignette dinner show includes a “Aha ‘Aina” feast, luau, and hula performance. With Waikiki beach in the background of each performance, the weekly show is scenic and celebratory.
Tickets cost $169 for non-guest adults and $159 for guest adults. Children’s tickets cost $97 for non-guests and $89 for guests. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining/ahaaina/.
AUG 9
2012
Sam Choy’s, Breakfast, Lunch, & Crab features island favorites and all-American dishes. Located near Honolulu International Airport, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, the menu includes hearty signature breakfast specials, seafood platters, locally flavored sandwiches and burgers, and a range of creative appetizers. The restaurant is also a brewery, so locally brewed beers are available.
To check out the menus and restaurant hours, visit www.samchoyhawaii.com. The website’s events page also details upcoming, themed dinners, such as A Night int he Philippines or the Brewer’s Dinner.
AUG 6
2012
Men in Grey Suits, a surf rock band, will perform live at Anna O’Brien’s on Beretania Street, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina. The relatively young band is based in Honolulu and hopes to record their first original album this year. Their performance is part of the Tuesdays ‘surf rock series’.
Admission costs $5, and the event is only open to those 21 years old or older. The two story bar is designed to let music enthusiasts enjoy live performances while also having a quieter, relaxing space available.
AUG 3
2012
Lanikai Beach, located on Oahu’s Windward Coast about 40 minutes from Ko Olina, translates to “heavenly sea” in Hawaiian. It’s a popular hangout destination for tourists due to its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and gentle breeze. It’s a good area for swimming and snorkeling due to the gentle slope of the beach and calmer waves than those found on Oahu’s North Shore.
Lanikai Beach is easy to access from the town Kailua and is open to visitors year-round.
JUL 31
2012
A series of films about skating in Hawaii will be shown every evening from August 1 through August 6 at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Just 30 minutes from Ko Olina, the film series will include “Upper Case with Hindsight” and “Defcon HI”. In addition to film viewing, visitors on opening night, August 1, will enjoy food from Downbeat Diner.
Screenings begin each evening at 7:30 pm, and the opening night kick-off dinner will begin at 6:15 pm. Tickets cost $10 for museum members and $12 for general admission. For more information or to reserve a seat, check out www.honolulumuseum.org/373-doris_duke_theatre.
JUL 28
2012
Luau, the art of rhythmic storytelling through movement, is an age-old cultural tradition in Hawaii. Several luau packages are available at Paradise Cove, home to some of the largest luau shows on Oahu. Just a fifteen minute walk from Ko Olina, Paradise Cove luau packages include day snorkeling, Mai Tais on arrival, and a full buffet during the show.
Prices range from $86 to $182 per adult and $66 to $138 per child. For more information about specific packages or to book a reservation, check out www.paradisecovehawaii.com.
JUL 25
2012
The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Awards Dinner will take place this coming Saturday, July 28, at the Bishop Museum, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina. An annual event, the awards dinner celebrates the vibrant storied culture of Hawaii. This year, the event will recognize Wilmer Morris and Winona Rubin, two individuals who have contributed greatly to Hawaii’s community. In addition to an elaborate meal, the event will include live music and a silent auction.
Tables of ten range from $3,500 to $25,000 each, and tickets can be purchased online at www.bishopmuseum.com. Proceeds will benefit the museum and continued community outreach and service projects.
JUL 23
2012
Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, located on Waikiki Beach about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, has won numerous awards for its extensive sushi menu. It has been recognized by Honolulu Magazine, as well as Travel and Leisure Magazine.
The menu boasts both contemporary sushi and new wave Asian cuisine. Each sushi roll is highly creative and concocted on site by sushi experts. Some of their unique rolls include the Panko Crusted Ahi Roll and the Kapalua Butterfly Roll.
For more information or to make a reservation, check out their website, www.sanseihawaii.com.
JUL 20
2012
The Honolulu Museum of Art, located about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, is currently hosting an exhibition that details the history of boardshorts. These shorts, designed for surfing and swimming, have evolved over the years to include complex decorative designs and high tech textile fabrics. They have become the emblem of Hawaiian fashion and a symbol of extreme sports in general.
The exhibit will be open to visitors until January 13. The museum is open from 10 am until 4:30 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays. General admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, visit www.honolulumuseum.org.
JUL 18
2012
Chef Mavro, named for executive chef George Mavrothalassitis, is the only independently-owned Hawaiian restaurant to receive AAA Five Diamond status and numerous other culinary awards. The restaurant features a contemporary Hawaiian menu with noticeable influences from Mavrothalassitis’ Provencale background. The seasonal menu is crafted with local, fresh ingredients and includes recommended wine pairings.
Chef Mavro is located on South King Street, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina. For more information or to check out the menu, visit www.chefmavro.com. To make a reservation, call (808) 944-4714.
