Merrie Monarch coverage

Three days of hula competition kick off tonight at the Merrie Monarch Festival, with 12 women vying for the coveted title of Miss Aloha Hula. Star-Advertiser staff writer Nina Wu and photographer Dennis Oda are in Hilo to cover the world-renowned event. Find results, photo galleries, Twitter feeds, an “Around Hilo Town” blog and stories on kumu hula Mapuana de Silva, Ishmael Stanger’s new hula book and other features in our special Merrie Monarch section, and find more photo galleries at honolulupulse.com.

WHAT’S IN STORE

Slap Mickey’s ears on a necklace

Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears are not just to wear on your head anymore. Now that Q-pot, the Ala Moana Center purveyor of all things kawaii, is collaborating with Disney, your accessories can don mouse ears as well.

In time for summer, Q-Pot is carrying the collaboration pieces, including Mickey’s cool Ice Cream necklaces ($153) with optional mini ear charms ($64). There are also Mickey and Minnie mini ($102) and maxi mouse earrings, and Mickey Mouse biscuit necklaces, key holders and phone leashes.

Call 955-9517.

Blaisdell is place for more sweets

If you haven’t yet had your share of Easter treats, you might want to stop by the 14th Islandwide Crafts & Food Expo at the Blaisdell Center tomorrow through Sunday, where Bit of Sugar’s Lei Matsuura and Brad Tada will be among the vendors.

The duo creates handmade Deco Sweet jewelry, accessories and gift items from a wide range of media such as blends of polymer, paper, flour, wood clays, resin and crystals.

Among their creations are marshmallow Peeps bunny charm bracelets ($28), a shave ice necklace ($16) and “Tweet Me” Sweethearts phone leash ($7).

The event will take place 5 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 general, $2 for 65 and older and military with ID; free for children under 12.

Trunk show features tapestries

Tapestries by Hauoli will be hosting a trunk show event with You & Me Naturally during store hours today through Monday at Pearlridge (483-0810), and Tuesday through May 8 at its Ala Moana store (973-0566).

Those who place a trunk show order of $100 or more will receive an exclusive floral-design tote.

Lolita Fashion Show due to dazzle

Photographers are guaranteed an eyeful of pink, frothy and gothic creations at the Lolita Fashion Show, an annual part of Kawaii-Kon at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. The show takes place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Milling around Kawaii-Kon is free, but to enter any event fees are $26 for ages 13 and older for a one-day membership, $36 for two days, and $50 for three days. Fees for ages 6 to 12 are $16, $26 and $40, respectively.

Call 866-493-7108 or visit kawaii-kon.org.

Note to self: Don’t forget your pink wig.

Gucci offers aloha for Japan

Gucci has launched a limited-edition charity bracelet to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan. The white-red-white web bracelet incorporates the colors of the Japanese flag and carries a medal that reads “Gucci loves you.” The cost is $100, and all proceeds from sales of the bracelet will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society. Call 942-1148.