Ko Olina Beachfront Penthouse

Renowned Japanese printmaker Satoshi Takahira is hosting an exhibition at the HPU Art Gallery, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina.  The exhibition features minimalist art crafted from lithograph and woodblock prints.  His work was inspired by the Japanese adage, “A moment is in everything, and everything is in a moment.”

The exhibition is open to the public from 8 am to 5 pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and admission is free.  For more information, check out http://www.hpu.edu/CHSS/Arts_Humanities/Arts_at_HPU/ArtGallery/index.html.

The Native Hawaii Library will host a Summer Fun Book Fair today, May 31 from their location on Keawe Street, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina.  In addition to selling a variety of fun summer reads, the fair will include crafts, a storytelling event, and the potential to win a $50 gift certificate to Regal Theaters.

The fair will last from 9 am to 6 pm.  Admission is free.

Precious Cakes will host a cupcake and wine tasting event next Thursday, May 31, from their location on Restaurant Row on Ala Moana Boulevard, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina.  Each attendee will be able to choose four cupcakes out of six different flavors offered in addition to one glass of wine.  The cupcakes are designed to embody the whimsical attitude of cupcake baking and the distinctive gastronomic features of Hawaii and feature flavors such as margaritas, pina coladas, and kahlua.

Tickets cost $13 each.  For more information or to purchase a ticket online, visit http://preciouscakesmayevent.eventbrite.com/.

The Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, will host the 2012 Shop and Grind for a Cause Series on Monday, May 28.  This event is part of a series that takes place periodically throughout the year.  The event will feature a variety of foods, fresh produce, entertainment, and giveaways.

Although admission is free, visitors are encouraged to make a donation, monetary or otherwise, to support the Ronald McDonald House Charity.  For more information, visit www.alohastadium.hawaii.gov.

Artist Mayumi Oda will host a painting exhibition titled “A Prayer for the New Birth of Japan” at the Honolulu Museum of Art, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina.  This artistic series was inspired by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan and follow the ancient Japanese style “Yamato-e”.

The exhibition will begin with an exhibition blessing by members of the Buddhist temple and the director of the Hawaiian cultural foundation on Thursday, May 24 at 3 pm.  Admission to the museum costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.  Admission is free for children under 4 years old.  For more information, visit honolulumuseum.org.

The Hilton Hawaii will host a concert on the lawn tonight, Friday, May 19.  Just 30 minutes from Ko Olina, the Hilton’s concert will feature artists such as Cyril Pahinui, Maunalua, and a group of Tihati Polynesian dancers.  In addition to music and food, the event will culminate with fireworks on the lawn.

General admission costs $20, but VIP seats are available for $50.  Proceeds will benefit the 2012 Charity Walk.  For more information, check out http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/mele/.

The seventh annual Native Hawaiian Arts Market will be held this weekend, May 19-20, at the Bishop Museum, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina.  The market is a feature of this month’s recognition of Maoli Arts and will feature visual arts from over 40 native Hawaiian artists.  Their work will range from jewelry to leatherwork to gourd carvings.

Admission costs $5 for kamaaina and military.  For everyone else, standard admission rates will apply.  For more information, check out www.bishopmuseum.com.

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), located about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, will host the 20th Annual World Fireknife Competition from now through May 12.  Dancers from around the world will converge in Hawaii to compete in the dangerous and beautiful art of fireknife.

Admission to preliminary events is $10 for adults and $6 for kids.  Tickets for the finals (May 11 and 12) start at $45.  Advanced purchase of tickets is recommended for interested visitors.  For more information or to reserve your seats, check out worldfireknife.com.

The Garden Club of Hawaii will host their major, annual horticulture show, “Echoes of Rainbows”,next weekend at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina.  In addition to sharing the intricate flower arrangements and exotic horticulture species they have grown, they’ll hold seminars on flower arranging, sell botanical jewelry, and showcase a series of flora-inspired photographs.

Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.  For more information, visit www.honoluluacademy.org.