Sand sculptors show off their holiday spirit

Check out the 7-foot Santa-inspired sand sculptures at the Sheraton Waikiki this holiday season.

The three sculptures are designed by world-champion sand sculptors Thomas Koet and Jill Harris.

The creations, which are constructed of only sand and water, tell the story of Santa preparing for his trip, arriving in Waikiki with Mrs. Claus, and Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoying a nice day by the water.

The sculptures are available for viewing in the Sheraton Waikiki’s first-floor lobby throughout the day until the end of the month.

Salt Lake, Kunia centers host festivities for children

Christmas is just around the corner, and Santa Claus is making appearances throughout the island. Salt Lake’s Candyland Celebration will be held at the shopping center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. Highlights include a holiday train ride, face painting, keiki holiday crafts, a play zone and free photos with Santa. Call Krysti at 551-8930 for more information.

On Friday, Kunia Shopping Center will be transformed into a Keiki Wonderland from 4 to 6 p.m. Activities include balloon art, face painting, carousel and holiday train rides and photos with Santa. Children from the Cole Academy will present a Christmas performance. Call Samantha at 722-4347 for more information.

HiSAM fair features Hawaiian arts and activities

Celebrate the season with "Hawaiian Arts for the Holidays" at the Hawaii State Art Museum today.

Hands-on activities include learning how to make ornaments with the Lauhala Hui weavers and Poakalani Quilters. You can also watch leather-smith Clive Ushijima and tapa maker Dalani Tanahy demonstrate their skills.

Handmade gifts from Hawaii artists will be available at the museum gift shop.

Galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arts activities take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free while supplies last. The HiSAM is at 250 S. Hotel St. Flat-rate parking is available for $3 across the street at Alii Place. Visit www.hawaii.gov/sfca.

Experience holiday origami in Waikiki

Tucked away behind the carved coconuts and the kitschy key chains is the intricate and beautiful Fishmas Tree on display at Origami Do Experience in the International Marketplace in Waikiki.

Origami Do co-owner Richard Alexander designed and folded the tree from five rolls of green gift wrap. It took the origami expert two days to complete the tree, which is suspended from the ceiling of the shop where it can rotate freely.

The more than 300 fish, divers and ocean-themed origami ornaments that adorn the tree were folded by more than 50 artists from all over the world, including Michael Naughton, who folded the turquoise Omega Star.

The tree, which was commissioned by Alvin Miyatake of Japan Airlines, made its debut in Kona last year.

If you are inspired by the tree and want to try folding your own piece, Origami Do also offers half-hour family folding classes for $30. Reservations are recommended, though Alexander said walk-ins are accepted when the gallery is not too busy.

The Origami Do Experience gallery is on the second floor of the International Market Place, in Unit ES-201. For more information or class reservations, contact the gallery at 927-5768 or info@origamido.com. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Go on a sci-fi adventure at Aiea library movie night

Aiea Public Library hosts a "Mystery Sci-Fi Movie" night at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The movie tells the tale of Flynn, who hacks the mainframe of an ex-employer’s computer system in order to prove that his work was stolen. Flynn ends up inside the computer, where he joins the gladiators on a deadly game grid. Together they fight the ultimate battle to decide the fate of both the electronic and real worlds. The film is rated PG and designed for ages 12 and older.

The library is located at 99-143 Moanalua Road. Call 483-7333 for the movie title or more information. Admission is free.