A mishmash of family fun and news

Water park hosts teens’ summer bash

Teens can kick off their summer break by cooling down in the pool and heating up the dance floor at the High School Block Party 6 at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii on June 7.

The festival, open to teens ages 14-19, features four stages with DJs spinning the latest hits, contests and, of course, the water park’s many rides in a drug- and alcohol-free environment. The party runs from 6 p.m. to midnight.

New to the event this year is the color splash stage, hosted by Micah Banks and Romeo Valentine of Power 104.3. Teens will get splashed with glow-in-the-dark, neon-colored powder (don’t worry, parents, the powder is nontoxic and biodegradable).

Other stages include the Lazer Beats stage, featuring modern house, dubstep and trap with laser lights and special effects; the Giant Beach Ball Pool Party held in the massive wave pool (6-8 p.m.); and the Party Platform, featuring a dance floor elevated 5 feet off the ground.

This year’s event will include three contests, each with a $500 cash prize: a kendama challenge, an all-styles solo dance battle and a fitness competition between schools. To enter any contest, call 321-3895 or email hsbphawaii@gmail.com.

Water rides, open from 6 to 9 p.m., include Island Racer, Raging River, Flow Rider, Tornado and Big Kahuna.

Event sponsors Hawaii Meth Project and Hawaii Army National Guard will set up activity areas to educate teens and promote awareness.

Tickets are $20 presale, $25 during the week of the event and $35 at the door. They are available at all T&C Surf locations, select military outlets, Wet ‘n’ Wild and online at www.eventbrite.com.

A driver’s license or high school, state or military ID is required upon entry. Proceeds benefit the Hawaii High School Athletic Association’s "Save Our Sports" campaign.

Stefanie Nakasone, Star-Advertiser

Zap extra energy with Zumba

To help kids burn off some energy this summer, consider Zumba, the Latin-dance inspired fitness routine.

The Honolulu Club is offering Zumba classes for kids twice a week from June 17 to July 25. The program features age-appropriate music and moves that get kids dancing to the beat. The class will be taught by a teacher certified to work with children. 

"It’s a special class designed for kids with the kind of music kids listen to, and the games that they play in this class are more kid-friendly," said Janna Young, program coordinator for the club.

Zumba has become one of the more popular dance fitness programs in the country. In February, first lady Michelle Obama joined actor Mario Lopez in a kids Zumba class in Miami as part of her efforts to promote children’s health.

The classes run from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and noon to 1:15 p.m. on Fridays. Cost is $95 for kids who are not club members and $85 for members. Nonmember adults can buy a $25 day pass and take an adult Zumba class at the same time and use other club facilities, or relax at the club’s lounge for free. 

The deadline for sign-ups is Monday. Register by phone at 585-9626 or come to the club at 932 Ward Ave. to register and make initial payment.

Steven Mark, Star-Advertiser

Ocean day promotes education

Get your child in tune with the ocean at Na Kama Kai’s free Ocean Safety and Conservation Awareness Clinic, scheduled for June 8 at Waimanalo Beach Park.

Founded by professional surfer Duane DeSoto, Na Kama Kai (Children of the Sea) aims to empower youth through ocean-based programs using Hawaiian cultural values and traditions as the basis.

Its monthly clinics are aimed at developing a deep sense of love for the ocean among youth and helping them become confident in the ocean. The clinics have a special focus on water safety and environmental awareness, offering interaction with watermen and women, lifeguards, firefighters and marine scientists. Surfing legend Jock Sutherland often shows up to talk about surfing.

Hawaiian cultural practitioners will also be on hand for storytelling about Waimanalo; the experts include Leleo Kinimaka, a traditional Hawaiian surfboard shaper. The clinics are appropriate for youth ages 2 to 18.

The clinics will be coordinated with a beach cleanup program that will aim to sweep about 3 miles of coastline, DeSoto said.

The two-hour clinics will be given in five overlapping sessions at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., and 1 and 2 p.m. Preregistration for the clinic begins at 7 p.m. Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome, but preregistration guarantees your child a spot. Visit nakamakai.org or call 864-9164 for information.

Steven Mark, Star-Advertiser

Catch keiki films on the cheap

If you’re looking for a respite from the summer heat without spending a bundle, local movie theaters will be offering weekly movies for just $1 admission. 

On the slate are recent favorites such as "The Lego Movie," "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" and "Despicable Me 2."

The Summer Movie Express at Regal’s Dole Cannery Stadium 18, Pearl Highlands Stadium 12 and Windward Stadium 10 will be showing two movies at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Summer Movie Express schedule:

Tuesday and Wednesday: "Hotel Transylvania" and "The Smurfs 2"

June 10 and 11: "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" and "The Pirates: Band of Misfits"

June 17 and 18: "Arthur Christmas" and "Despicable Me 2"

June 24 and 25: "The Lego Movie" and "Free Birds"

July 1 and 2: "The Adventures of TinTin" and "Rise of the Guardians"

July 8 and 9: "Kung Fu Panda 2" and "Madagascar 3"

July 15 and 16: "The Croods" and "Epic"

July 22 and 23: "Turbo" and "Walking with Dinosaurs"

July 29 and 30: "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" and "Rio 2"

Consolidated’s Keiki Film Hui plays one offering at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at Ward Stadium 16, Mililani Stadium 14, Pearlridge West, Kapolei 16, Koko Marina 8 and Koolau Stadium 10.

Keiki Film Hui schedule:

Wednesday and Thursday: "Turbo"

June 11 and 12: "How to Train Your Dragon"

June 18 and 19: "The Lego Movie" 

June 25 and 26: "Despicable Me"

July 2 and 3: "The Nut Job"

July 9 and 10: "Kung Fu Panda 2"

July 16 and 17: "The Croods"

July 23 and 24: "Despicable Me 2"

July 30 and 31: "Rio"

Donica Kaneshiro, Star-Advertiser