Kalakoa! A mishmash of family fun and news

Learn all about sharks at Ocean Literacy Day

Sharks are the focus of this year’s Ocean Literacy Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Waikiki Aquarium.

The event will feature marine-themed storytelling and appearances by Kimo and Olina, costumed mascots from Diamond Bakery.

Shark experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System will be on hand to teach families about shark biology and behavior and how scientists track them during research.

Children will be able to play with Legos, make ocean-themed crafts and get free toothbrushes in an activity related to shark teeth.

Ocean Literacy Day is free with aquarium admission ($9 general; $6 kamaaina, seniors and military; $4 teens ages 13-17, $2 youth, ages 5-12; and free for keiki, ages 4 and younger.

For more information, visit www.waquarium.org.

Keiki show offers wishing wisdom

"Be careful what you wish for; you may get it" is advice common in many cultures.

Three stories with that theme are on tap Sept. 21 as the Hawaii Theatre Education Program and ‘Ohi‘a Productions present Lisa Matsumoto’s "I Wish … Wishing Tales from Around the World" in a matinee performance at the theater.

Kids will be entertained by Matsumoto’s versions of stories from China ("The Wishing Fish"), Hungary ("The Ridiculous Wishes") and India ("The Stonecutter"). All three stories teach kids to be careful what they wish for.

The show, geared toward kids ages 4-11, will entertain with all the basics — energetic performers, colorful costumes, Michael Furuya’s puppets and Roslyn Catracchia’s songs.

Parents are advised to arrive early as the show’s six performers will be wandering the theater to interact with and entertain audience members before the curtain rises.

Download a free study guide at www.hawaiitheatre.com for arts and crafts activities, simple puzzles and story­telling opportunities.

Get Halloween happenings listed

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Today section is preparing a guide to Halloween haunts, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, costume contests and trick-or-treat affairs that take place during October.

Email details of your event to features@staradvertiser.com or mail to Halloween Events, Honolulu Star-Advertiser Features Department, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813.

The deadline to submit information about events is Sept. 25. The guide to Halloween fun will be published Oct. 1.

Get listed in our craft fair guide

The onset of autumn in Hawaii may not bring a chill in the air or the turning of leaves, but one sure sign of the season is an outbreak of craft fairs.

To help our readers keep track of where to pick up crafty gifts, homemade jams and baked goods, the Star-Advertiser’s Today section will publish its Fall and Holiday Craft Fair Guide on Sept. 22, listing events happening through the end of the year.

To submit a free listing, email details about your craft fair — date, time, location, sponsor, description of event, contact information — to calendars@staradvertiser.com by Sept. 16.