JUN 30
2011
Only two months left before the completion of Disney’s Aulani Vacation Club on August 29. Can’t wait to see how close the artist rendering is to the actual Disney resort! Knowing Disney, it will be even more spectacular in person.
JUN 26
2011
Summers session for Daunna’s Art Studio are in full swing through July 30. Students from age six and up are welcome, even adults interested in exploring new forms of art. Each lesson in different media is taught individually or in small groups, and each student can progress at their own pace.
Students can learn all forms of art including:
- pencil and pastel drawings
- watercolors and acrylics
- ceramics and sculpture
- silk screening and even puppetry
Art classes are a great way to enjoy Ko Olina and its surrounding beauty in a whole new way!
JUN 23
2011
The Ko Olina Film Series continues this Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. The Pink Panther 2, starring Steve Martin, screens Saturday and 50 First Dates, starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, shows Sunday.
The event takes place on the lawn at Ko Olina Resort’s Ulua Lagoon (#4) at sunset, rain or shine. Watching fun films doesn’t get any better than under the Hawaiian stars!
JUN 19
2011
I just discovered Wet’N’Wild Water Park offers more than water slides — how about Island Adventure Golf?! Somehow miniature golf always leads to nonstop laughter and fun.
The $1-million project features 18-holes of creative and challenging miniature golf set in a Hawaiian theme environment, surrounded by lush vegetation and native plants.
Island Adventure Golf includes nine ADA accessible holes and a putting green. And the facility combines challenging holes, stunning water features and tropical landscaped foliage any family or group will enjoy!
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.
