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!
MAY 8
2011
The Hawaiian International Film Festival is keeping the celebration going with Art, Culture and Music events in Ko Olina. From May through October, come on out for monthly outdoor film screenings at Ulua Lagoon. Picnic baskets, low beach chairs, blankets and cushions are welcome.
This months films? True classics that everyone will enjoy… May 13 for GREASE, the sing-along version, and May14 THE PRINCESS BRIDE. You’ll love these films even more viewed outdoors in Ko Olina!
MAY 5
2011
First Friday’s are something to get excited about in downtown Honolulu! Tomorrow (May 6) is the monthly event/party celebrating culture, art, shops, food and drinks… and toss in some live music. This homegrown street festival occurs on the first Friday of each month between 5 pm and 9 pm.
Downtown Honolulu is only a 30-45 minute drive from the Ko Olina Beach Resort. And after nine, the district gets a little more festive, thanks to a growing number of bars and clubs (20-30 or so now).
And all the fun is free. To check out all the goings on, check out the First Friday’s event calendar.
