Ko Olina Beachfront Penthouse

Join in the statewide holiday and annual celebrations this weekend on Oahu and Kauai, honoring the birthday of Hawaii’s Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Celebrations started Thursday and will run through Saturday. Check here for Prince Kuhio events.

Hawai’i Magazine reports that “…Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole created much of the Hawaii the world sees today. A prince of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Kuhio was next in line to become king when Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown in 1894 bringing an end to the Hawaiian monarchy. Despite the overthrow, Kuhio’s determination and dedication to the people of the Hawaiian Islands never wavered. “

Kuhio worked to preserve Native Hawaiian culture and practices as he served as Hawaii’s second congressional delegate from 1903 until his death in 1922. Kuhio helped create King Kamehameha Day on June 11, the only other state holiday dedicated to Hawaiian royalty.

The Interisland Wind Project is exploring expanded wind options on Oahu.

The study suggests adding more wind power, along with current wind power and 100 megawatts of solar power found on Oahu, could eliminate the need to burn 2.8 million barrels of low sulfur fuel oil and 132,000 tons of coal annually.

The island of Oahu is looking to be a bit “greener” with new energy options. Aloha!

A world of marine life exists in the coral reefs in the ocean outside of Ko Olina. Visitors discover vibrant starfish and other exotic fish not typically seen elsewhere in the world.

The Coral Reef Network has these wonderful photos to share with people interested in snorkeling or diving, to see all Hawaii’s ocean has to offer below the surface.

Only a half hour’s drive from the Ko Olina Resort, the Waikiki Shell is a large outdoor amphitheater in Waikiki’s Kapiolani Park. The location seats 1,958 visitors in stadium chairs and includes space for an additional 6,000 guests on various lawns.

The Waikiki Shell was built in 1952 and is often billed as a place to “see the stars under the stars.” The Shell is decked out with a large stage, dressing rooms, professional sound and lighting systems. The large seating capacity and convenient location offers a popular venue for large concerts, conventions events, meetings and receptions.

The Waikiki Shell also houses… a smaller amphitheater located closer to the ocean which hosts a daytime hula show…. and the Diamond Head Greens, described by some as “a wonderful tree-lined lawn area for theme parties, receptions, banquets and weddings.”

The next time you are in Ko Olina, be sure to see what’s happening at the Waikiki Shell.

Across from the J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa and Ko Olina Golf Club will be a major Walt Disney property. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is in the process of building its first Hawaiian destination. The 21-acre oceanfront property is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011 (no part of the construction site cannot be seen from the Beach-Front part of the Ko Olina Beach Villas).

Just like the Marriott, the Disney destination will overlook crystal blue lagoons and white sand beaches. The project, which was first unveiled last October, is on schedule to open in 2011 at Ko Olina Resort & Marina.

Reports indicate, “The resort is also being planned to connect with the local culture of the Hawaiian Islands. The Walt Disney Imagineering team has been working with local architects and cultural experts as part of the resort’s creative design process.”

The Byodo-In (平等院) Temple is a non-denominational Buddhist temple located on the island of O’ahu in Hawai’i at the Valley of the Temples. A trip to the Byodo-In Temple is a sight to behold. The temple is a marvel, and the setting with the pine trees and Koolau Mountains as the backdrop. The temple is off the beaten tourist path, but considered worth the effort to see it. The temple is on the other side of the island from the Ko Olina Resort.

The Byodo-In Temple was constructed in 1968 to honor the first Japanese immigrant’s arrival to Hawaii. It is an exact scaled replica of the 900 year old Fuji Temple in Japan. The temple was built without the use of any nails; an amazing feat when you get a chance to actually see the temple.

Things to note:

* At the entrance to the Valley of the Temples, stop at the gate to tell them you are there to visit the temple and ask for directions.
* Byodo-In is a Buddhist Temple.
* The Valley of the Temples is actually a memorial (cemetery) park, so please do be sensitive to those who are visiting the area.
* Admission to walk around the grounds and visit the temple is $3 per person, $2 for seniors. If you just wanted to snap a photo from the bridge, you can do that for free.
* Allow plenty of time for your visit.

he Byodo-In Temple is visited and used by thousands of worshipers from around the world. It is open to people of all faiths. Apart from worship, the temple grounds are also used for weddings and office meetings.

The Byodo-In Temple is located off Highway 83 (47-200 Kahekili Highway) at the Valley of the Temples in the Kaneohe area of Oahu.

Downtown Honolulu is only a 30-45 minute drive from the Ko Olina Beach Resort. And downtown Honolulu has a party each month called First Friday. It is a homegrown street festival that occurs on the first Friday of each month between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. Visit the art galleries for refreshments, art and live entertainment for free. After nine, the district gets a little more festive, thanks to a growing number of bars and clubs (20-30 or so now).

As the First Friday website has said, “Chinatown is the place to be if you want to join the hip crowds at the many unique galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants that feature exciting art exhibits and free entertainment.”