A mishmash of family fun and news

Imaginarium grows fun with Magic Tree House

Fans of the Magic Tree House books will be thrilled to learn that "Magic Tree House Space Mission" is taking off at Windward Community College’s Hokulani Imaginarium.

Follow Jack and Annie on a fun-filled journey as they discover the secrets of the sun, moon and planets.

The original UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center production worked in partnership with authors Will and Mary Pope Osborne to bring the blockbuster Magic Tree House stories to theaters.

Through books, Jack and Annie globe-trot to go on many adventures. On this trip they venture a bit too close to a black hole. The 32-minute film is suitable for all ages.

Screenings are 7 p.m. (sold out) and 8 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. April 27.

General admission is $7; UH students, military and seniors $6 and $5 for children 4 to 12. Children under 4 are free.

Call 235-7433 to reserve tickets or get tickets at the Imaginarium box office 30 minutes before the show. Credit cards are not accepted.

The Imaginarium is at 45-720 Keaahala Road. See aerospace.wcc.hawaii.edu/imaginarium.html for more information.

The Imaginarium schedule

» Friday: 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. "Magic Tree House"
» April 11: 7 p.m. "Stargazing"
» April 13: 7 and 8 p.m. "Mauna Kea Between Earth and Sky"
» April 27: 7 p.m. "Magic Tree House"
» May 9: 7 p.m. "Stargazing"
» May 11: 7 p.m. "Mauna Kea Between Earth and Sky"

St. Patrick, prince honored in Waikiki parades

Parades will be marching down Kalakaua Avenue two weekends in a row.

Don’t forget to wear green for the 45th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade today at noon.

Irish eyes will be smiling as the parade, organized by the Friends of St. Patrick, makes its way from Fort DeRussy Park, reaching Kapiolani Park about 2 p.m.

The sounds of Celtic pipes and drums will fill the air as 750 marchers, 50 vehicles, the Royal Hawaiian Band and other celebrants perform for crowds.

Call Chuck Wall at 220-2584 or email him at irishladhi@mac.com for more information, or visit fosphawaii.ning.com.

Next weekend the Prince Kuhio Commemorative Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Kalakaua and Saratoga avenues and finishes up at noon at Kapiolani Park.

The grand marshals of the March 24 festivities are former Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster Aaron Mahi, choral director Nola Nahulu and kumu hula Manu Boyd.

The parade’s focus is on honoring the accomplishments of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Expect about 800 participants composed of Native Hawaiian groups that provide services and programs for the community, as well as floats and bands.

For more information, email Leimomi Khan at 372-0630 or mkhan@hawaiiantel.net.

Hunt or eat Easter eggs at festivities

Enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Dave & Buster’s on April 7. Festivities include an egg hunt, balloon art and face painting from 8 to 10:30 a.m.

Cost is $17.99; $11.99 for children ages 3 to 10; kids under 3 are free. Photos will be sold separately.

Bring a canned or nonperishable food product to support the Hawaii Food Bank and receive a gift.

Call 589-2215 or email hawaii_rep@daveandbusters.com.

Stores collect plastic caps for Earth Day

Thinker Toys and Thinker Tots, two locally owned retail businesses at Ala Moana Center, will be collecting plastic bottle caps and lids for window art displays to be showcased on Earth Day, April 22.

The stores need to collect about two tons of the caps for two window displays — one to represent the ocean and other as abstract art.

Creative director Ka‘ohu Cooper says the stores used newspapers for a display last year. The displays include information to teach kids about what happens when plastic bottle caps end up in the ocean, he said.

After the display, the Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawaii (BEACH) will help the store get the plastic caps shipped to the mainland for recycling.

The stores welcome clean plastic bottle caps and lids bearing the recycling symbols No. 2, No. 4 or No. 5. Place caps or lids in a clear bag labeled with Ka‘ohu’s name. Visit www.b-e-a-c-h.org for more information.

Whale foundation offers ocean program for keiki

Is there a potential Sea Wee in your household?

Professional marine educators at the Pacific Whale Foundation guide keiki, ages 3 to 5 accompanied by a caregiver, through an early-childhood program that includes music, movement and guided exploration with an aquatic twist.

The program, in its seventh year, takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Foundation’s Discovery Center overlooking Maalaea Harbor, next to Maui Ocean Center.

The next session, "Seaside Storybook Science," begins April 4.

Each week a story is used to spark the children’s curiosity as well as lead them on a creative journey, which includes observations of live animals, short field walks and arts and crafts.

Participants can sign up for a single morning or the five-week session, which includes four classroom sessions and one "Seafari" field adventure.

Cost is $50 per child for the five-week session or $12 for a class. Reservations are required by calling 808-249-8811, ext. 1.