Kalakoa! A mishmash of family fun and news

Spookilau: A paranormal adventure awaits on the Mission Houses tour

‘Tis the season to get spooked, so head over to Spookilau, an ghost-seeking event at Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives on Oct. 27.

The evening features tours of the two oldest documented houses in Hawaii and walking tours of the grounds, said Jermel-Lynn Quillopo of Mission Houses.

Spooky Kine Investigations, a company that offers research into paranormal activities, will help visitors identify haunting hot spots.

"Spooky Kine will be in charge of educating people about some of the equipment they use, such as a magnetic field detector," Quillopo said. "They‘ll show people how to use it, what to look for. … It’s kind of like ‘Ghostbusters’ in real life."

Quillopo said paranormal activities are "part of our culture." She cited a story about King Luna­lilo, who, upon his death in 1874, was to be buried without the customary 21-gun royal salute, as decreed by King Kalakaua.

"There was actually a storm that was documented in a newspaper in our archives," she said. "There were 21 thunderclaps. A lot of people and Hawaiians believed that since King Kalakaua had denied it, the lords and the gods were the ones sending their honor."

A tour of the surrounding area will give guests the chance to learn about the burials of smallpox victims, hauntings at the Kakaako Fire Station and paranormal activity at Iolani Palace.

Family activities include face-painting and zombie portraits.

HalloMarine celebration features creatures from land and sea

Halloween gets an aquatic twist at the Living Art Marine Center, which celebrates HalloMarine 2012 next weekend.

Kids are invited to come dressed up for a costume contest, participate in a scavenger hunt, witness a moray eel feeding and take a self-guided tour to find more creepy crawlers at the HalloMarine party, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28.

Special crafts for the day include decorating a Halloween gourd and printing a T-shirt. Have your photo taken for the HalloMarine Creepy Costume Contest.

The Living Art Marine Center is at 3239 Ualena St. Admission is $2 with an online coupon or free if you come in costume (material fee applies for crafts). No reservations needed.

Call 841-8080 or visit livingartmarinecenter.com.

Do a triathlon with the family

Ko Olina Resort hosts its annual international Sports Fest next weekend.

The whole family can compete in running, swimming, bicycling events or join the triathlon to do all three.

On Oct. 27 an Aquathon swim/run is scheduled, along with a lagoon swim challenge, a relay race and triathlon for kids ages 7 to 10.

On Oct. 28 participants can compete in a triathlon or triathlon relay, a three-person mini­tri­ath­lon relay or the "Two Scoops & Swimsuits 5K" fun run/walk. Triathlons will also be held for Youth (ages 11 to 15) and Juniors (ages 16 to 19).

Besides the sports competitions, there will be clinics, seminars, exhibits and more at the Health & Fitness Expo at Lagoon 1.

Registration and packet pickup for the races take place from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday at Island Triathlon and Bike, 569 Kapa­hulu Ave. For Oct. 28 events, registration and packet pickup are also available from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor at Ko Olina Station. Parking will be available at Lagoon 4.

Register at www.ko­olina­tri­ath­lon.com, email JJ Johnson at goprojj@hawaii.rr.com or call 782-2161.

Kids Fest focuses on healthy fun

Bishop Museum is presenting Kids Fest, a free day of fun and health and wellness workshops, Oct. 28 at the museum.

Kids Fest, sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Health and its affiliates, promotes exercise, nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and prevention of injuries.

Among health and wellness workshops scheduled are "Breathe Easy: Keiki Asthma Workshop," as well as "Eating a Rainbow," "Ocean Safety" and "Staying Alive with Hands-Only CPR."

Kids can meet Olympic gold medalist Bryan Clay, stay fit with Tucker the therapy dog and participate in keiki Zumba.

Kids Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free admission to the museum for Hawaii residents and military during the event.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Call 522-3469.

Wear Halloween best for costume contest

Get ready for the 2012 Halawa Complex Halloween costume contest Friday at Halawa District Park.

Children will be broken into five age groups: 2 years and under, 3 to 4 years, kindergarten to first grade, second to third grade, and fourth to sixth grade.

Registration will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m., with judging to begin shortly thereafter. Each contestant receives a goodie bag and is welcome to participate in the "Trick ‘O Treat Lane."

Halawa District Park is at 99-795 Iwa­iwa St. Call 483-7852 or 483-7850.