Once a month Regal Dole Cannery will screen a film from Studio Ghibli. First up is “The Cat Reruns” April 22, 23 and 25. Followed by “Porco Rosso” May 20, 21 and 23; “Pom Poko” June 17,18, and 20; and “Princess Mononoke” July 22, 23 and 25. Buy tickets here.
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.
Zoo News
Earth Day coincides with the second Aloha Aina Conservation Fest at the Honolulu Zoo April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Environmental groups will be on hand to educate those in attendance about their efforts in the islands and beyond. There will also be informative talks with zoo keepers, keiki activities and a birthday event for Galapagos Tortoises at 1:30 p.m.!
Open Mission House
Get a little culture and history in your weekend plans. The free Hawaiian Mission Houses Open House is taking place from 12 to 4 p.m. April 21. There will be games, self-guided tours, lau hala and stitching demonstrations, and more. See the tight quarters that served as the missionaries home — this is no monster home. The next open house is on Sept. 22.
Shocka
Lightning strikes twice as HTY repeats the success of last years H20 with this year’s “Shocka: The story of Energy & Hawaii.” The musical theater production explore energy through skits and songs. The play runs on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. through May 12. htyweb.org
Tree-mendous
On April 28, The Outdoor Circle and Malama Manoa will give away more than 1,000 trees and plants at Manoa Marketplace from 8 a.m. to noon. Trees include mountain apple, plumeria and papaya trees, and so much more.
Book it
Everyone wants to encourage their kids to read over the summer and who doesn’t like free stuff? Barnes and Noble book store has brought back its annual summer reading program. Just read 8 books and log them in your reading journal. Bring it to the book store and claim your book. There are tons of choices, including books from the Flat Stanley and Judy Moody collections, and one of my childhood faves “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.” https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-rs9
Healthy and fun
The free annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA’s Camp Erdman (69-385 Farrington Highway) camp lets kids get some exercise while having a lot of fun. There is a ropes course, a giant swing, a rock-climbing wall, obstacle courses and a pool. It’s totally worth the drive to the north shore for free access to the ropes course alone! Plus, there will be crafts, games and food for purchase. April 14. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ymcahonolulu.org
Kids with drive
I’m not an auto show fan. I barely know my Porsche from my Volvo. But what I do love is the Texaco Kids Test Drive area at the First Hawaiian International Auto Show April 13-15 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Kids 3-7 can take their own test drive on their own special track, driving those kiddie vehicles they always whine about buying at Toys R Us and Walmart. Too cute. http://autoshowhawaii.com/events-attractions/
In case you missed it
Can’t believe my little boy is going to enter high school next year. Here’s a link to my column that appeared in last Sunday’s Star-Advertiser: http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/04/08/features/she-speaks/countdown-to-adulthood-brings-sense-of-urgency/
Fair food fest
The fair with the best food is coming back to town. Sure, it has the E.K. Fernandez rides the array of keiki games but the thing that sets the Iolani Fair apart from the rest of the fun fairs out there is the gourmet tent. This year looks for the lobster bisque served with a grilled cheese sandwich and the lobster and shrimp roll, among other gourmet offerings. Grab some grinds while the kids get dizzy on the dragon ride. April 20-21, noon to 10:30 p.m. iolanifair.org