JUN 16
2011
Wet’n’Wild Hawaii in Kapolei offers more than 25 water rides and attractions, perfect for families and thrill seekers, and only a short half an hour drive west of Waikiki. The water park takes advantage of the slopes, cliffs and natural beauty of the surrounding area.
The 25-acre water park features…Waterworld, a multi-level activity pool with over seven family slides… Waianae Coaster, a choice of four thrilling tube slides sitting 4.5 stories high… Da Flowrider, a state-of-the-art stationary wave… and the Tornado, a speedy ride through a 130-foot tunnel and final drop into the eye of the storm from 50 feet in the air.
Thrill-seekers can also blast down the Cliffhanger, thrilling six-story, side-by-side freefall body slides. Or the Flyin’ Hawaiian shoots you out of a flume mid-air to then plunge into a pool below.
Or simply relax in the large wave pool where you can surf or ride two to four foot waves on inner tubes or drift along the 800-foot lazy river in an inner tube.
The Park is open year-round and worth checking out!
JUN 13
2011
I’m always surprised at all the things to do at an Waikiki Aquarium…
This Thursday, June 16 at 5:30 pm: The popular summer concert series, Ke Kani O Ke Kai (The Sound of the Ocean). As the sun sets on Waikiki, the aquarium lawn will light up with five unforgettable performances, accompanied by signature offerings by one of Hawaii’s noted restaurants at each performance. Hawaii’s top artists include Jake Shimabukuro. Olomana, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Nā Palapalai with Mailani, and the Brothers Cazimero will share their musical talents and create the perfect summer experience of great music, food, and fun for the entire family. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the music begins at 7 p.m.
Next Thu, June 23 from 7-9 pm: Discover if fish sleep on an after-dark flashlight tour of the Aquarium. Find the sleeping spot for the red-toothed triggerfish or the rock-mover wrasse. What color are yellow tang at night? Children must be at least 5 years old; youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.
Check out weekly at the Waikiki Aquarium… amazing fun with learning hidden in there too!
JUN 10
2011
This weekend and next Hawaii celebrates their 95th annual King Kamehameha Day. The festivities start this weekend on Oahu and the Big Island and will wrap up on Sat., June 18 on Maui and Kauai.
This state holiday marks the day King Kamehameha V chose to honor his grandfather, King Kamehameha I, on June 11, 1872. The day is one of the first holidays announced by Hawaii when it became a state in 1959.
Look for parades and musical entertainment. And even more fun — the annual lei draping of the King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu. You’ll want to arrive early and bring a camera. Volunteers begin stringing the fresh, 25-foot flower and maile lei from the early morning through much of the afternoon.
During the draping ceremony, volunteers are lifted by cherry picker, or fire truck ladder, to string long strands over the king’s outstretched arms. A cool sight to see.
JUN 6
2011
The Aloha International Piano Festival invites piano students from around the world to compete in the Sixth Annual Aloha International Piano Competiton in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 11 to June 18 at the Hawaii Convention Center.
The Festival also welcomes renowned pianists such as Sara Davis Buechner, Norman Krieger, Lisa Nakamichi, Jon Nakamatsu, Sean Botkin and Noriko Uenaka, who will teach masterclasses, judge the piano competition, and perform concerts featuring light-hearted music in a family-friendly setting.
The excitement and talent make for a fun event! Click here to order tickets.
JUN 2
2011
If you’re going to be in Ko Olina in September, be sure to plan for the 12th Annual Ko Olina Taste at Kapolei. This hugely popular event is just four months away and planning is already underway.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, and includes 19 tasting tents planned for the one-day extravaganza. The fundraising event has secured more than 20 restaurants with chefs ready to dish up island favorites. Plus, look for a Margarita bar from the restaurant Just Tacos for preferred-seating guests.
Proceeds go to scholarships for aspiring college students from West Oahu. The event has raised an estimated $1 million for the cause over the past decade. Cool food and cool giving… a definite “must attend” event!
MAY 30
2011
Thanks to Absolutely Charmed’s posting for some of the best photos of the Ko Olina Glass Chapel, quite the hot spot for weddings… or just a cool place to visit and see the amazing view from the building! The inside is all white and styled with modern, contemporary fixtures. Definitely worth adding to any “To Do” list when you’re in Ko Olina.
MAY 26
2011
The Honolulu Zoo offers unique activities… like the family-friendly event “Snooze at the Zoo” on certain Saturdays each month (next event is June 4). See the zoo in a whole new, magical atmosphere. The zoo offers pizza, tours and campfire time with s’mores, breakfast and a morning stroll.
The Honolulu Zoo also hosts “Stargazing at the Zoo” with the UH Institute of Astronomy and a “Dinner Safari” complete with red-light flashlights to tour the zoo at twilight after a delicious buffet dinner.
Check out the Honolulu Zoo for upcoming events.
MAY 22
2011
Skydive Hawaii is just up north of Ko Olina by about 20 miles at Dillingham Airfield. Known as as the Center of Skydiving in the Pacific, Skydive Hawaii offers a safe, professional drop zone for first-time skydivers with “over 150,000 people chooosing Skydive Hawaii for their first tandem event.”
The skydiving center features licensed, professional, USPA Instructors and videographers that can capture the whole experience to take away on DVD. If you’re looking for an amazing backdrop for a skydive, Skydive Hawaii can deliver.
But even if you’re not looking to skydive, the drop zone is a great place to watch the sport and see the sky filled with parachutes. The drop zone welcomes sightseers to come out to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, whether you decide to jump or not. Pack a lunch, have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful skies!
MAY 19
2011
Get ready for some amazing food and wine tasting this Friday and Saturday for the third annual Hawaii Wine & Food Festival in Ko Olina.
During Friday evening’s tasting session (starts at 6 p.m.), guests can talk up wines with the actual winemakers, ranging from Emeritus Vineyard to Dutton Estate. Event will also feature live jazz music.
Then Saturday at noon, get ready to enjoy a food and wine pairing event. The event features a friendly competition in which diners sample food and wine pairing submitted by a panel of chef competitors and vote on the best pairings.
Then wrap up the day with a beachside barbecue and fashion show at 6 p.m. at Paradise Cove at Ko Olina.
Great event, great food, great chefs!
MAY 12
2011
The manmade Ko Olina Lagoons are a great way for you to kick back and relax. The four lagoons — Hanu, Naia, Kolola, and Ulua — are setup with nice amenities like showers, restrooms, picnic areas and beach shops. Lifeguards are typically on duty, for an extra set of eyes to look out for any kids playing in the water.
The lagoons are located on southwestern Oahu and much less crowded than the popular Waikiki Beach. The Ko Olina Lagoons are definitely worth checking out any time your visiting Hawaii!
