Author: Donica Kaneshiro

I have only 6,575 days from my kids' birth until their 18th birthday, and I’m trying to make the most of every day.

Fueled by Fire

Polynesian Cultural Center presents its 26th We Are Samoa Festival, highlighted by the impressive World Fireknife Championships May 10 to May 12. Contestants as young as age 6 compete for titles in both Junior and Senior Divisions.
Preliminary rounds start at 6 p.m. Thursday; finals start at 6 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, finalists perform during the Ha Breath of Life show at 7: 30 pm. and a champion is crowned at the conclusion of the show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for keiki for the first two nights of competition and $19.95 for kamaaina and $49.95 for visitors for the finale and evening show admission. polynesia.com

Free Comic Book Day

Free comics. No strings attached. Go get your free comics May 5 at Dragon’s Lair in Mililani, Other Realms on Nimitz Highway, Westside Comics and Games in Kapolei, Collector Maniacs and Gecko Books and Comics in Kaimuki and the following public libraries on Oahu: Aiea, Hawaii Kai, Kailua, Kalihi-Palama, Kapolei, Liliha, Manoa, McCully-Moiliili, Mililani, Nanakuli, Salt Lake-Moanalua, Wahiawa, Waikiki-Kapahulu, Waimanalo and Waipahu. Did I mention they are free? freecomicbookday.com

Celebrate Words and Music

With hardly any bookstores left on the island, it’s more important than ever to support the Hawaii Book and Music festival May 5 and 6. There will be nonstop performances, appearances by the stars of PBS Kids, music, readings and so much more all on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds near Honolulu Hale. www.HawaiiBookAndMusicFestival.org

May flowers

Hawaii is famous for its cultural festivals and May 5, known in other parts of the country for Cinco de Mayo or Children’s Day, will also mark the 26th Annual Filipino Fiesta 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kakaako Gateway Park. The free celebration of Filipino traditions will include food, arts and crafts and entertainment. The event marks the traditional Filipino event Flores de Mayo or Flowers of May. For information, visit www.filcom.org or call (808) 680-0451.

Digimon sequel is coming

Following the February film, “Digimon Adventure tri.: Loss,” the next installment in the series is due to hit the big screen 7:30 p.m. May 10 at Dole Cannery Stadium theaters. The single showing of “DIGIMON ADVENTURE tri.: Coexistence” is sure to sell out. Arrive early as the first film will be recapped rpior ot the new movie’s screening. The final film in the Digimon trilogy will come to cinemas in September.  www.fathomevents.com

Jedi on the North Shore

May 4 has been known as “Star Wars” Day  (as in May the 4th be with you). The Polynesian Cultural Center’s Hukilau Market Place is getting in on the act with a special outdoor screening of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” The free event starts at 7:30 p.m. May 4 in Laie. www.HukilauMarketplace.com or facebook.com/hukilaumarketplace.