2/12/2016 at 8:00 pm at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center- Concert Hall.            

Brian McKnight

Saturday 2/13/2016 at 7:00 PM at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Arena

Sol3 Mio

Saturday, 2/13/2016 at 7:30 PM at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Concert Hall

Hawaii Opera Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream    

Sunday, 2/14/2016 at 4:00 PM and Tuesday, 2/16/2016 at 7:00 PM at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Concert Hall

G-Eazy 

Wednesday, 2/17/2016 and Thursday, 2/18/2016  at 8:00 PM at The Republik

Hawaii Warriors vs. New Mexico            

Friday, 2/19/2016 at 6:35 PM at Les Murakami Stadium

Additional games scheduled for: Saturday, 2/20/2016 at 6:35 PM; Sunday, 2/21/2016 at 1:05 PM; Monday, 2/22/2016 at 6:35 PM

Hillsong United               

Friday, 2/26/2016 and Saturday, 2/27/2016 at 7:00 PM at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Arena

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra: Canadian Brass    

Friday, 2/26/2016 at 7:30 PM at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Concert Hall

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra – Mozart & Mahler              

Saturday, 2/27/2016 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, 2/28/2016 at 4:00 PM at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Concert Hall

For tickets to events at the Neal S. Blaisdell center, please click here.

For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com

The doors opened at 4:30, just as it started to cool off on the bluff overlooking the ocean. There could not be a better panoramic vista for a Luau. As you enter through the park, you catch a glimpse of tropical fish and sea turtles, and then you are greeted with leis by hula dancers, and ushered to your reserved table. From there, you can take photos with the hula and fire dancers, and the Chief, who emcees the Luau.

Pre-dinner activities include a hula lesson, weaving coconut tree leaves into headbaNds, spear throwing, and of course a visit to the bar. Your dinner ticket includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with a voucher for one drink (soda, beer, wine, or a mai tai). The buffet includes local favorites such as Kalua pork, mahi-mahi, teriyaki chicken, taro rolls, poi, sweet potatoes and more. Dessert, coffee, and fruit punch are also included in the buffet. The real focus at this luau, however, is the entertainment.

Chief Sielu Avea is famous for his fire knife dancing and comedy all over Oahu and the world. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show, and The Amazing Race, to name a few. The Chief keeps things light and entertaining, sharing a few personal/historical anecdotes but mostly involving the guests in dance performances representing the various Polynesian Islands. The highlight for my family was watching the fire dancers. The ages in our group ranged from one year old to mid-seventies, and everyone was entertained.

Toward the end of the luau, the Chief asked all those celebrating anniversaries and honeymoons to come to the stage. They were presented with leis and beautiful bouquets, and kicked off a dance that everyone was welcome to join. At one point they even turned off all of the lights for an incredible view of a pitch-black sky studded with bright stars.

Everyone is welcome and made comfortable at this luau, where you can watch from the sidelines or be as involved as you’d like. There is no pressure to dance and embarrass yourself unless that’s what you’re into (and believe me, you’ll be in good company either way)! All of the staff and performers at the luau are full of that world-famous Aloha Spirit, and it is an extremely well-organized event. At the end of the night, you can pick up your developed photo for $20 as a souvenir.

We decided to make the trip out to Sea Life Park an all-day event. We bought tickets to the park during the day and saw a spectacular dolphin show, as well as the rest of the animal exhibits including the shark tank and walk-in bird aviary where you can hand-feed tropical birds. And just in case the dolphins aren’t exciting enough, Sea Life Park is home to the world’s only “wholphin” (killer whale-dolphin hybrid). You can stay at the park all day until the Luau, or head over to Makapu’u Point in between activities. This is the Eastern-most point on Oahu, and less than a mile away from the park. It’s a great spot for photos, as the view includes the mountains, beach, and a wide panoramic view of the ocean.

For more information on Chief’s Luau, click here.

For more information on Sea Life Park, click here.

Susie Bowman

Reservations Agent

Grab your surf boards and binoculars — Big Wave season has officially rolled in! World famous for picturesque vistas and astounding surf competitions, Oahu has nothing but the best beaches to offer to visitors year-round. From late October to mid-March, things really get exciting as Northern Pacific storms send big swells our way. From the annual Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing to the seldom-held yet always exciting “The Eddie” surf competition the island is booming with big waves. Visit The Aloha Surf Guide for the latest information on this season’s surf competitions all over Oahu.

If you find yourself wanting to explore the surf, sand, or marine life, we have compiled a list of some of the most exciting beaches to visit during big wave season here on Oahu:

1.Hanauma Bay :

Have you ever been to a beach nestled in a volcanic crater, and home to some of the world’s most beautiful tropical sea life? Hanauma Bay, one of Oahu’s most popular snorkeling sites boasts both of these unique characteristics. This beach is definitely a must-see. Just keep in mind that the Bay is closed every Tuesday to give the fish a traffic-free day in their natural habitat. There is a large parking lot ($1 per car) that fills up early in the day. This beach charges $7.50 admission per person (13 and older). Admission is free for children, residents, and military stationed in Hawaii. A shuttle to and from the beach to the parking lot is available for $1 each way, making this beach handicap accessible. Please call 808-396-4229 for a recorded message with all current fees, times, conditions.

2. Kaimana Beach

, also known as Sans Souci (French for “without a care”) is a popular beach located on the South Shore of Oahu. The water is shallow and tends to be calmer nearshore, making this a good spot for families, swimmers, and beginning kayakers.

3. Looking for a relaxing day in the sand and surf?

Then head over to the windward side to Kailua Beach and Kailua Beach Park. Once rated the best beach in the entire country, this slice of paradise is sure to impress both first-time and repeat visitors to Oahu, particularly those looking to escape the hubbub of Waikiki.

4. Makapu’u Beach

and Beach Park is the Eastern most point on all of Oahu. This beach is popular for body surfing, but the surf changes frequently and can be quite dangerous in the winter. Relax on the beach or walk up to Makapu’u point lookout on the cliffs above for breathtaking vistas as the sun rises over the ocean and sets behind the pali. Sealife Park is located less than a mile away for a closer look at marine life, or for an evening Luau.

5. Check out Sunset Beach

on the North Shore for some of the biggest waves on the island. This beach is the site of many surf competitions and surf films. While you might want to stay out of the water here in the winter due to the size of the waves and unpredictability of the currents, you’re sure to see some monstrous waves and seasoned surfers gracing the waters.

Please keep in mind that big waves are only for the pros, and conditions change frequently. Please click here to see current conditions on Oahu’s various beaches.

For those who prefer to wade in the smaller waves, the lagoon and Duke’s Beach right outside of the Ilikai are tough to beat for their tranquility, ample space, and convenience. Lounge on the sand or grass, or rent a stand-up paddle board or kayak if you are feeling adventurous. For more information on water activity rentals at the lagoon, please click here. We hope to see you soon, on the beautiful beaches of Oahu!

Waikiki Beach

This famous 1 ½ mile long beach is the most popular beach destination in Hawaii. It is best known for its long-lasting wave break, which make it the best place in Hawaii to paddle a canoe or learn how to surf.

Lanikai Beach

Tucked away from the tourist, this windward side beach has a mile of powder-soft sugar sand and is a great spot for swimming. With the non-stop trade winds, it is also a fantastic location for windsurfing and sailing.

Ala Moana Beach Park/Magic Island

Just a few minutes from Waikiki, this ½ mile beach is protected by an edging reef, creating smooth, calm waters. Magic Island extends out from the beach and ideal for picnics and swimming.

Kailua Beach

Located on the windward side of the island, Kailua Beach is a 30-acre public park with green space, picnic tables, a pavilion, boat ramp, and food stands. The Beach is perfect for diving, swimming, sailing and boarding.

Sunset Beach

The beach known around the world, this site is famous for its amazing winter surf, with waves up to 20 feet. In the summer, the beach calms down and is ideal for swimming, sand sports and people watching.

Oahu is a pacific island golf haven, with 9 military, 6 municipal, 20 private clubs and numerous tropical resort courses to choose from. The courses range from 9-hole courses, perfect for the novice player, to championship links hosting professional tournaments. The top Honolulu golf courses include:

• Ko Olina Golf Club – Ko Olina Golf Club is one of the top golf resort courses in the world with spectacular water features, challenging greens and an award winning golf shop.
• Turtle Bay Resort – Located on the north shore of Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort features 2, 18-hole golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and George Fazio with amazing ocean views.
• Makaha Resort Golf Club – Named the best course on Oahu by the readers of Honolulu magazine, this challenging course is surrounded by volcanic walls and tropical palm trees.
• Olomana Golf Links – This Waimanalo golf course is on the opposite side of the island from Waikiki and offers the breathtaking views of the rugged Koolau mountain ridges.
  
  
• Hawaii Prince Golf Club – Hawaii Prince Golf Club is the only 27-hole course in Oahu and is located just forty minutes from Waikiki on the sunny Ewa plains.

The City of Honolulu operates and maintains six municipal golf courses including Ala Wai, Ewa Villages, Kahuku, Pali, Ted Makalena, and West Loch.