A mishmash of family fun and news

COURTESY HILO HATTIE

The Elvis Hawaii Beanie Baby sells for $8.99.

COURTESY JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER HAWAII

Kikaida and Friends will be a part of the Ohana Festival Sunday.

COURTESY HONOLULU MUSEUM OF ART

Azusa A, her friend and her friend's daughter practice the Pretzel Twist Partner Pose.

COURTESY HILO HATTIE

The Blue Hawaii Elvis Mr. Potato Head sells for $19.99.

COURTESY HILO HATTIE

The Pop! Rocks 1970s Elvis Vinyl Figure sells for $11.99.

Merchandise captures Elvis' charm and appeal

For kids growing up with Skype, YouTube and "American Idol," it may be tough to understand the influence of Elvis Presley and the magnitude of a concert broadcast live via satellite around the world.

Hilo Hattie, the state's exclusive distributor of merchandise marking the 40th anniversary of Presley's historic Jan. 14, 1973, "Aloha from Hawaii" concert, has several items that may make the music icon's charm more accessible for your little ones and will appeal to grown-up fans and collectors as well.

» Blue Hawaii Elvis Mr. Potato Head ($19.99) sports a red aloha shirt, flower lei and Presley-esque lip curl. The removable pieces are interchangeable with two previously issued Elvis Mr. Potato Head characters.

» The Elvis Hawaii Beanie Baby ($8.99) is a blue bear with sunglasses and the King's signature hairstyle complete with sideburns.

» The 3 3/4-inch Pop! Rocks 1970s Elvis Vinyl Figure ($11.99) captures the singer in mid-croon, dressed in his white jumpsuit and cape.

The retailer is selling a variety of Elvis in Hawaii T-shirts, magnets and other merchandise at its Nimitz store (9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, 535-6500) and Elvis Hawaii Shop on the ground floor of the Tapa Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (8 a.m. to 9 p.m., through Tuesday), or visit www.HiloHattie.com.

Ohana Festival offers lots to do

Mochi pounding and kimono dressing are among the featured activities at the 20th annual Ohana Festival on Sunday. Festivities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Japa­nese Cultural Center of Hawaii. Food trucks, special appearances by Kikaida and Friends, arts and crafts, and keiki activities are also among the highlights. Reservations for kimono dressing are strongly recommended.

Festival admission is free. Shuttle service is available from the University of Hawaii parking structure on Dole Street. Call 945-7633 or email info@jcch.com.

Strike a yoga pose with the family

Family yoga sessions will be held at the Hono­lulu Museum of Art's Spal­ding House from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Jan. 19.

Stretch Your Imagination Yoga incorporates yoga breathing, simple poses, partner poses, games and relaxation techniques. The workouts are child-centered and designed for fun. All ages, from preschoolers to grandparents, may attend. Bring your own mat.

Cost is $12, $5 for ages 6 to 12, children under 5 free. Call 237-5230 to reserve a spot.