Guide To Party Planning! on page 38 July/August 2024 Contents 8 Island Events & Family Fun 38 Guide To Party Planning! 76 Auditioning Advice For Young Performers 92 Food Sensitivities? No Problem! 110 Desperately Seeking Date Night 116 Teaching Kids to Win (and Lose) with Grace 130 Life Skills Through Art 140 Top 12 Family Adventures July/August 2024 HAWAII PARENT 3
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Publisher: Charles Harrington • Assistant Publisher: Janis Harrington Production Director: Joel Lovingfoss • Managing Editor: Hannah Perriguey Contributing Writers: Karen K.C. Gibson, Stephanie Lopes, Vinson Diep, Nancy Arcayna Alyssa Chirco, Sarah Fox, Kyle Kakuno, Mary Rene Rueter Illustrations: Dennis Fujitake • Cover: Brett Pruitt Next Issue: September/October Focus on Learning/Enrichment • Advertising Space Deadline: July 15th Phone: 808-728-3341 • 350 Ward Ave, Suite 106-304, Honolulu, HI 96814 publisher@hawaiiparent.media • www.HawaiiParentMedia.com July/August 2024 HAWAII PARENT 5 Contents July/August 2024 66 Nurturing Families for 125 Years: Celebrating Parenthood with Child & Family Service Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging journey, and while there's no manual, Hawaii parents can access resources to help raise healthy, happy, and resilient children. 82 First Aid: Tips and Breaking Myths When children get minor injuries while exploring, caregivers often administer first aid to manage symptoms until further medical help is available. 102 Connection Versus Correction: A Positive Discipline Approach Feeling frustrated by your child's misbehavior is common, but fostering a strong connection rather than focusing solely on correction may be more effective in guiding their behavior. 122 To Share Or Not To Share: Teaching Children Healthy Boundaries Teaching children that "sharing is caring" fosters empathy, cooperation, and social connections, promoting generosity, community, emotional intelligence, and stronger friendships, which are essential for their overall development. Page 82 Page 122 Page 66 Page 102
SCREEN ON THE GREEN AT WAIMEA VALLEY Every Thursday in July July 4, 11, 18, & 25 Grab your family and friends for free movies on the main lawn at Waimea Valley every Thursday in July! Movies will start once the Haleiwa Farmer’s Market is done and the sun has set around 7 pm. Get there early and stop by the market to grab dinner before the movie! Chairs and blankets are welcome. Every Wednesday, kamaaina and military children ages 0-12 enter free with a parent/guardian for Kamaaina Keiki Day. Can’t make Wednesdays? Every third Sunday is La ‘Ohana day, when Waimea Valley admission prices are 50% off for kamaaina and military families. Visit waimeavalley.net for more information on these events and more. 8 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Waimea Valley’s natural wonders are a place full of history, culture, and spirituality.
10 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Enjoy a night of exploration, education, and relaxation at Bishop Museum’s monthly After Hours event. JULY BISHOP MUSEUM AFTER HOURS July 12 & August 9 2nd Friday of Every Month Need a place to pau hana? Bishop Museum has you covered! Explore Historic Hawaiian Hall, experience unique changing exhibitions, hear about the latest scientific discoveries, and engage with Hawaiian cultural practitioners all at Bishop Museum’s monthly After Hours event. Kamaaina and visitors are invited to the museum to explore Hawaii’s unique and unparalleled cultural and natural history. Spend your evening under Honolulu’s star-lit sky on the Great Lawn with food and drinks for sale by local vendors. Free admission for Bishop Museum members; learn more at bishopmuseum.org. HAWAII UKULELE FESTIVAL AT KAPIOLANI PARK Sunday, July 14, 10am – 5pm Ukulele enthusiasts can look forward to this free to the public event at Kapiolani Park with live stage entertainment on the bandstand, a keiki cultural fun zone, Hawaii crafters and artisan village, multi-ethnic food court and ukulele merchants; plus, community information booths and ukulele inspired merchandise ranging from gifts, books, apparel, jewelry, art and more. Visit hawaiiukulelefestival.com for more details.
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12 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 YMCA CAMP ERDMAN SUMMER CAMP Weekly, through July 28 YMCA Camp Erdman’s weekly overnight camps provide a safe environment for children in grades 1-10 to explore their interests, build new skills, and gain Camp Erdman offers opportunities to explore from the mountains to the ocean, find new talents, try new activities, and make lasting memories. independence. Choose from a broad range of exciting activities, ranging from archery and high rope challenges to arts and crafts and campfire smores. Campers can choose to add a specialty to their camp week, such as surfing, horseback riding, climbing lessons, off-site North Shore adventures, or Hawaiian cultural activities. Learn more at ymcahonolulu.org.
14 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 KEIKI HULA COMPETITION AT BLAISDELL CENTER July 25 – 27, 5pm – 11pm The Kalihi-Palama Culture & Arts Society presents the 2024 Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, with more than 500 young hula dancers, ages 6 to 12, from across the Hawaiian islands. The public is also invited to visit the Exhibition Hall which will be home to a variety of fun Keiki Hula Festival activities. Go to keikihula.com for more information.
18 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 games, interactive activities, singing, arts and crafts, choreography, concerts and more. For more information, visit hawaiidancebomb.com. SUMMER ART CAMP AT RAINBOW ART STUDIO Weekly through August 9 Get creative this summer at Rainbow Art Studio’s Summer Camps! Keiki ages 6-14 beam with pride when bringing home their creative handiworks made on their own canvas. There are 4 sessions still available this summer, and each camp is 5 days long, from 8:30am to 3pm, with an extended art class option available until 4pm. All supplies are included with the registration fee. For more information and to register, please visit rainbowartstudiohawaii.com. A ridiculously fun kids hip hop dance camp includes dancing, games, interactive activities, singing, arts and crafts, choreography, concerts and more! AUGUST HIP HOP SUMMER CAMP AT HAWAII DANCE BOMB Weekly, through August 9 8:30am - 2pm Join Hawaii Dance Bomb for a ridiculously fun kids hip hop Summer camp for children ages 5-9! There will be dancing, Summer Art Camp at Rainbow Art Studio
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20 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 DUKE’S OCEANFEST August 16 – 25 The annual Duke’s OceanFest Watersports Festival, held on the shores of Waikiki, celebrates Duke Kahanamoku’s life, athletic contributions, legacy and spirit through a variety of events including surfing, swimming, paddleboard racing, menehune surfing, surfboard water polo, foil surfing, beach volleyball, and Hawaii’s only dog surfing competition! Festivities throughout the week also include cultural, hula, film and music presentations. Register your keiki for an event and learn more at DukesOceanFest.com. Ocean-loving keiki don’t want to miss Duke’s OceanFest keiki competition!
22 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 HYOC 64TH SEASON Fall Semester Enrollment Starts August 17 Hawaii’s most advanced and oldest community choir fosters the performing arts through choral music, utilizing world music and honoring Native Hawaiian culture. Open enrollment for HYOC’s 64th season will be held for K–12 students on August 17th, 24th, and 31st with no previous experience required. For more information, visit hyoc.org. HYOC 64th Season honoring Native Hawaiian culture.
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24 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Indulge in local celebrity chef demonstrations, food samplings, and Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning entertainment at this year’s Made in Hawaii Festival. MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES August 23 – 25 For the last 30 years, the annual Made in Hawaii Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center has served as Hawaii’s premier event exclusively showcasing thousands of locally made goods including art, clothing, jewelry, food and much more. “Buy Hawaii for Hawaii!”. This festival is the work of the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Please visit madeinhawaiifestival.com for more information.
26 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 LAUREL SPRINGS ONLINE SUMMER PROGRAMS Now through September 4 Laurel Springs School’s private, online K-12 summer courses provide the perfect Learn to surf and paddle at The LineUp at Wai Kai’s ocean youth program. opportunity for students to get ahead, catch up, stay sharp or simply indulge in exciting learning experiences this summer. They offer flexible options including year-long courses to be completed in eight weeks, semester-long courses to be completed in four weeks, several intensive six-week courses, as well as week-long camps. To learn more or to register, please go to laurelsprings.com. ONGOING LINEUP AT WAI KAI OCEAN YOUTH PROGRAM The LineUp at Wai Kai’s popular Na Opio Kai (“ocean youth”) program teaches kids the fundamental skills of surfing and paddle sports through wave and lagoon activities such as surf sessions, outrigger canoes, SUP, kayaks, and surf skis. The program also includes lessons on water safety, waterman etiquette and much more. Afterschool, weekend, and school holiday break programs are available through August 2024. Learn more and book today: atthelineup.com/na-opio-kai-kids-multilesson-bundle.
28 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 AFTER-SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS AT MO’OLELO STUDIOS Allow your child to thrive in a safe yet challenging creative space while making lifelong friends and endless memories at Mo’olelo Studios. Classes are comprised of age-appropriate lessons taught by instructors with real-world performing experience. Registration for Fall classes is currently open to students in grades 2 through 12, with more year-round programs, classes and workshops available in 2025. Visit moolelostudios.com for more information. SHRINERS CHILDREN’S INJURY CLINIC Did you know that Shriners Children’s Hawaii offers a sameday injury clinic for keiki? If your child suffers from an injury on the playground, during dance class, on the court or out on the athletic field, their specialists can help get your keiki back to enjoying the activities they love! Call 808-941-4466 for an appointment or please visit shrinerschildrens.org/hawaii.
30 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 MONTHLY FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT HAWAII ACADEMY Honolulu Gym: First Fridays Pearl Harbor Gym: Second & Fourth Saturdays Need a night off? Hawaii Academy opens its doors so keiki (and participants of all ages) can immerse into gymnastics or general fitness activities while parents spend quality time alone. For $10/hour, ages 6 and up can revel in a safe and inspirational atmosphere at the Honolulu Gym (808-842-5642) from 8-10pm (First Fridays) and at the Pearl Harbor Gym (808-422-2223) from 5-8pm (Second and Fourth Saturdays). For more information, visit HawaiiAcademy.com. KEIKI CRAFT CLASSES AT BEN FRANKLIN CRAFTS Saturdays, 10am - 12pm Have a creative kid? Ben Franklin stores host crafting classes for keiki every Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome to these creative sessions where imaginations are encouraged to run amok! Locations include Enchanted Lake & The Frame Shop (808-261-4621), Mapunapuna & The Frame Shop (808-833-3800) Pearl City (808-455-1909) and Market City (808- 735-4211). For more details, go to benfranklinhawaii.com. Hawaii Academy’s monthly family fun night where keiki immerse into gymnastics and fun.
TENNIS LESSONS 15+ LOCATIONS ACROSS OAHU Kids and Adult Classes To Sign Up, Visit: www.ustahawaii.com/classes Email: playandlearntennis@hawaii.usta.com Play And Learn Tennis is powered by U.S. Tennis Association
school, club, or group can sell Diamond Bakery cookies in exclusive flavors — not available in stores or online — Cotton Candy and Cookies & Cream. For more information, visit diamondbakery.com/fundraising. UPCOMING CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN GALA Saturday, September 7 Hawaii Children’s Action Network (HCAN) will be honoring community members going above and beyond for keiki at their annual fundraiser at the Pacific Club in Honolulu on September 7. This year, HCAN will present five awards: Youth Advocate of the Year, Innovator, Unsung Hero, Family-Friendly Employer, and Advocate. Visit champions.hawaiican.org for more information. HCAN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit working to ensure all keiki are healthy, safe, and ready to learn: hawaii-can.org. 32 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 DIAMOND BAKERY FUNDRAISE FASTER & BETTER! Founded in 1921, the Original Diamond Bakery Shop has grown to become Diamond Bakery, Hawaii’s first bakery focused on the perfect Hawaiian-made cracker. Timeless, iconic products include Graham, Soda, Saloon Pilot, and Royal Creem crackers, along with Hawaiian Animal crackers and cookies. Don’t forget, Diamond Bakery offers non-profits a new way to fundraise. Your
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ANNUAL CANSTRUCTION COMPETITION BENEFITING THE HAWAII FOODBANK at Kahala Mall, September 14 - 21 Teams of local architects and allied design and engineering professionals put their design and building skills to the test as they “CANstruct” dynamic 3D structures, made entirely of several thousand cans of food, which will be donated to Hawaii Foodbank, in AIA Honolulu’s 19th Annual CANstruction competition at Kahala Mall. Since its inception, this event has gathered enough canned goods and food to make 612,437 meals, and over $110,000 for the Foodbank. Families can bring the kids to Keiki Corner on September 14 from 10 a.m. to noon, where AIA Honolulu member-architects will lead keiki ages 5-12 in building with hundreds of cans donated for their use. For more details, visit aiahonolulu.org. HAIS EDUCATION FAIR AT THE HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER September 28 Find a school that works for your child at the annual free Private School Education Fair! The Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) Education Fair offers a lineup of independent schools and guest speakers, giving parents a unique and free opportunity to have all their education questions answered in a central location. Breakout session topics will include kindergarten and elementary school admissions, SSAT testing, and applying to and affording private school. To learn more, go to hais.us. 34 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Teams compete to construct amazing structures built entirely from canned goods at AIA Honolulu’s Annual CANstruction Competition.
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38 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 As parents, we want our kids to feel special on their birthdays. So it’s easy to get caught up in planning the perfect party. Before you know it, you’re worrying about one-of-a-kind cakes and Pinterest-perfect decorations. Will a simple bounce house be enough for the kids? If you find yourself treating birthday parties as a competitive sport, you’re not alone. Over–the–top kids parties are getting more popular. One survey party company found that one in seven parents spent more than $1,000 on their child’s birthday! Expensive parties and sky-high expectations aren’t a recipe for enjoyable party planning. Parents often find themselves by Sara Tiller
July/August 2024 HAWAII PARENT 39 worrying about the party instead of enjoying it. When you’re stressed out, it’s hard to enjoy your child’s big day. What’s worse, a parent’s stress can make the birthday less fun for your child. So cut down on the stress of party planning by putting yourself in your child’s shoes. What are the memorable events at their friends’ parties? What do they have the most fun doing? Pinterest-perfect decorations probably aren’t at the top of their list! Get your child involved in the planning to connect before the party. The things your child wants – and what they don’t care about – might surprise you. Once you know what you both care about, focus on those parts of the party. Focusing on the most enjoyable parts of a birthday is a great way to cut down on party planning stress. If you love baking, making and decorating your child’s cake might be a great idea. If not, buying a cake may be a better idea. Costco offers sheet cakes with a variety of popular decorations. Princesses, dinosaurs, and beach decorations are sure to be a hit with the kids. At the same time, cut down on the parts of party planning you dislike. If you hate cleaning, consider having the party away from the house. Many parks and beaches are free; you can reserve picnic tables at other sites for a small fee. If you’re short on time, many places on Oahu offer party packages for kids. The Children’s Discovery Center in Honolulu is a popular location that offers party packages. Their “Birthday Bash” package includes pizza, juice, crafts, and admission to the discovery center. The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are also popular birthday party spots. You might look at other places that offer party packages, like the Wet‘n’Wild Water Park. There are many other ways that you can cut down on party planning stress. Here are more tips to help you focus on your kids and enjoy the party planning process. BABIES AND TODDLERS Most babies and toddlers won’t remember their birthday parties. But these first few birthdays can be a big deal for mom and dad. Get a friend to take pictures or videos at these parties. This way, you’ll be able to focus on your baby. Remember to think small and simple when you’re planning birthday parties for young kids. Separation anxiety kicks in around this age. Most one-year-olds want to stick close to mom and dad. Toddlers and preschoolers can also get overwhelmed easily. Small parties can help them feel comfortable. TIPS • Plan birthday parties for right after your child’s nap. This way your toddler will be refreshed and excited to celebrate.
40 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Finding and sticking to a simple theme can help cut down on party planning stress. Good themes could be a favorite sport, animal, or color. These themes are broad enough that you’ll be able to find related decorations easily. They’ll also help to make the day memorable for your child. And because they’re classic, your child is likely to be interested in them for a while. TIPS • Decide on a reasonable number of guests. A good rule of thumb is your child’s age, plus one. • If your child has a close friend with a birthday around the same time, team up with his parents to have one big birthday party. • Think of party planning as a way to connect with your child. Find age-appropriate things you can do together, like dec- • Consider a drop in, open house style event. This allows other families with young kids to work around their schedules. It also helps keep your baby or toddler from getting overwhelmed. • Skip party favors. At this age, party favors tend to be a choking hazard. • Keep party food simple. Chicken nuggets, pizza fingers, and fruit are all great choices. • Choose cupcakes as an easy-to-serve alternative to cake. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN Once your child starts school, birthday parties can become more than you bargained for. In some places, it’s common to invite your child’s whole class. If you want a smaller party, consider handing out invites outside of school. You can also use evites, or simply text other parents, to make this easier. „Avoid competitive games, since young kids tend to feel bad if they donÊt win.‰ Many places on Oahu offer party packages for kids.
July/August 2024 HAWAII PARENT 41 orating cupcakes or making goody bags. Including him in the party planning can also help you manage his expectations. • If the birthday boy has siblings who might get jealous, make sure that a close friend or your spouse is around to provide backup. They can keep an eye on the kids while you take care of the sibling. • Avoid competitive games, since young kids tend to feel bad if they don’t win. If you’re worried about bad sportsmanship, offer crafts as an alternative to games. OLDER CHILDREN As kids get older, it’s more common for parents to drop them off and pick them up after the party. Make the party more enjoyable to you by enlisting a friend to help you watch the kids. Make sure parents know when they should be back to pick up their kids. TIPS • Consider throwing birthday parties every few years, and alternating them with other fun events like sleepovers. • Request RSVPs and include a date that guests should reply by. That way, you won’t need to feel bad about following up when no one has replied. • Older kids often know what they want at their parties, and are old enough to help plan. Pick two or three things that you both enjoy, and focus on planning those. If you and your son love games, spend some quality time together picking out games to play. • If you’re worried that kids will get bored, have a few extra party games on hand. A scavenger hunt, balloon stomp, or photo booth with props from the dollar store are all fun and affordable ways to keep the kids entertained. • Plan the party for after lunch to avoid making lunch for all the guests. You can set up a table with self-serve snacks, juices, and water instead. Planning a party without a meal can also make the day easier on kids with allergies. „Finding and sticking to a simple theme can help cut down on stress.‰
42 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 BARBERS POINT BOWLING Looking for an exciting and affordable place for your next special event? Barbers Point Bowling Center is the place for you! For birthday parties and other celebrations, bowling parties are fun for all ages. Their hourly standard party rate includes unlimited bowling with additional party upgrades available, such as Glo Bowling and a private room for you and your guests to use. Food and beverages can also be purchased at their convenient snack bar, The Prop Stop. Just give them a call and reserve a date! For more information, visit barberspointbowling.com. BAY VIEW MINI-PUTT Bay View Mini-Putt & Zipline is the perfect venue for all types of occasions and celebrations, including graduations, baby luaus, company retreats, birthday parties, fundraisers, retirement parties and more. Located in Kaneohe, they offer wholesome fun for everyone, for those who are young and those who are young at heart. Receive special discounted rates on mini golf and zipline when booking a party of 10 people or more! You are “good to go” with Bay View Mini Putt. They offer several large and private party areas with catering options available. For more information, go to bayviewminiputt.com. We have party rates available along with a private party room for you and your guests to use. Call Barbers Point Bowling Center at 808-673-2695 to reserve a date!
44 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 BIG CITY DINER In addition to being a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Big City Diner can also cater for your next celebration. They have a private event room for 20-50 guests at BCD-Windward Mall and an outdoor private patio at BCD-Pearlridge, both with free parking. There are a variety of fresh buffet options, or if you want to create your own menu, Big City Diner also provides individual platters for the majority of the items on their menu. Six bento combinations are also available for parties, which makes planning, mealtime, and clean up easy! For more information, call their catering director at 808-657-7711, or visit bigcitydinerhawaii.com. DIGITOONS Digitoons Hawaii draws all over the island at many of Oahu’s finest venues and rockin’ parties. Digitoons can create quicksketch cartoon color drawings of you and your guests in about 5 minutes each! Hand-drawn on an iPad, this allows for quick coloring and multiple natural-media brushes (i.e., hair, airbrush, light pen, bokeh, etc.). Guests are mesmerized as drawings take form in seconds on the large display monitor. 4”x6” color photos are printed out on an industrial high-speed printer and can be airdropped or downloaded via a QR code. People tend to reserve services at least 3 months in advance, so be sure to book early. Visit digitoons.com for more information. FUN FACTORY Fun Factory’s family entertainment centers have been making fun for families throughout Hawaii and across the U.S. since 1977. They take great pride in creating an exciting environment where families and friends can share good times together. Whether it’s playing the latest and most popular video games, winning tickets on a myriad of prize redemption games, selecting a prize from the hundreds of items on display at the prize gallery or participating in their many promotional activities, guests of all ages can count on Fun Factory to provide the very best in fun. Visit funfactorygames.com for more information.
their highly qualified instructors will teach fundamental gymnastic skills, facilitate games, and supervise obstacle courses tailored to your group. A typical party includes 90 minutes of gym time and 30 minutes for eating. You are welcome to bring your favorite foods and decorations; they will provide the tables, chairs and cleanup. For more information or to make a reservation please call 808-842-5642 (Honolulu), 808-422-2223 (Pearl Harbor), or 808-676-2222 (Waipahu). 46 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 CHUCK E. CHEESE’S Chuck E. Cheese’s, where “A Kid Can Be a Kid,” specializes in birthday parties where the birthday child is the center of attention. They have 4 tiers of party packages to fit every family’s budget and needs. To book a party, there is a minimum of 10 people. If you’ve been to Chuck E. Cheese’s before, it’s worth another visit because the memories made here last a lifetime. To make a birthday reservation please contact the stores directly; Honolulu (808-851-7400), Pearl City (808-455-1448), Kapolei (808-762-7414). Let them take care of all your birthday party needs! HAWAII ACADEMY Hawaii Academy offers children and adults the opportunity to participate in fun, highly active and quality parties in a safe and educational environment. Guests can jump, swing, tumble and climb at the bestequipped rebound facilities in the Pacific! With gyms in Honolulu (Kalihi), Pearl Harbor (JBPHH-military only), and Waipahu (Lighthouse Outreach Center),
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48 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 GUNSTOCK RANCH Located on the North Shore, Gunstock Ranch is the perfect spot for family-friendly activities and beautiful venue spaces. They cater to all types of events, and they don’t limit the number of guests you can invite. You can even bring your own food! Their amenities are unique and exciting, including a petting zoo, pony rides, a playground, and a campfire pit. Additionally, Gunstock Ranch offers specialty packages such as group trail rides and off-road UTV tours. This is also a great field trip destination! To book a party and for more information, contact their event specialist at 808-341-3995 or visit gunstockranch.com. Gunstock Ranch is the perfect spot for family-friendly activities.
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50 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 kids safe and happy. Keiki Kingdom’s main indoor playground is for children 13 years and younger, and toddlers have a special gated section with fun activities specifically designed for them. Reserve a party room or buy-out the entire facility to celebrate your child’s next birthday or other event! For more information, visit keikikingdom.com. HAWAII DANCE BOMB Hawaii Dance Bomb offers facilitated Silent Disco Parties for children aged 5-12, where everyone wears headphones and grooves to the music without disturbing neighbors. You can choose to have staff help you set the party up, or you can run the party on your own with headphone delivery available anywhere on Oahu. Kids are sure to be engaged with up to 90 minutes of interactive games, an amazing DJ, dancing, disco and laser lights. Parents are free! Silent Disco Parties are wireless so they can be held inside or outside. For more information, visit hawaiidancebomb.com. See you on the dance floor! KEIKI KINGDOM Keiki Kingdom is the biggest indoor playground in Hawaii, offering a multilevel play structure, separate area for younger children, party rooms, slides, climbing walls, ball pits, sand box and much more. It is fully air-conditioned and supervised by trained staff to keep your Keiki Kingdom is the biggest indoor playground in Hawaii.
52 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 DRIFT ZONE Experience an adrenaline rush at Drift Zone! With two locations, (Ka Makana Ali’i and Pearlridge Center) Drift Zone’s party packages include track time, head socks and helmets, with package upgrades available such as cosmic drifting and your own party room. Your designated party host can help plan your event and provide private space and track time for your group. They also allow outside food and beverages. Both children and adults ages 3-103 can experience the thrill of drifting at Drift Zone! To make a reservation, call the reservations team at 808-388-8844. For more information, visit their website at driftzoneint.com. KEIKI KICKS Keiki Kicks provides a unique experience for keiki to be introduced to the game of soccer by offering fun birthday parties, where they provide the soccer gear (balls, goals, cones, etc.) and a coach to play fun soccer games. Parties are customizable to accommodate children ages 1 and up. Parents, aunties, uncles, and grandparents can join their keiki on the field or cheer them on from the sidelines. To help make it a special day to remember, they will come to you with the entertainment. Visit keikikicks.com or contact them for more information. ROCK ‘N FUN Book your party with Rock ‘N Fun in Kapolei and enjoy a memorable experience filled with entertainment, fun and food. While the kids play the latest games, you can sip a cold beer at the bar and watch your favorite sports team. Or show ‘em how it’s done with your classic arcade favorites. All you need to do is load up your Good Times Card with credits to start having a blast and earning prizes. Plus, with Johnny Rockets on the scene, delicious burgers, shakes, and fries are never far away. Book today at rocknfunhi.com.
56 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Touch offers activities for all kinds of events including birthday parties, baby showers, fundraisers, holiday parties and more. Last-minute reservations are welcome! For more details, go to partyentertainment-hawaii.com. SWEET LAND FARM Nestled on Oahu’s north shore is the island’s only certified commercial goat dairy farm and the most adorable place you’ll ever visit. Sweet Land Farm’s mission is to educate our youth about the farm and the importance of agriculture to our island. Visitors leave the tours stimulated by the experience and captivated by the friendly goats. They are open to the public on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no farm entrance fee. Sign up for a tour at the farm store, where you can also find delicious homemade goat cheese, cheesecake, and other goodies. For more information, visit sweetlandfarmhawaii.com. MAGICAL TOUCH Create an unforgettable occasion by offering fun and creative additions to your next event with the help of Magical Touch. Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon twisting, magicians, and more; there are attractions available that will appeal to everyone in your group. With a wide selection of quality party entertainment, Magical
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58 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 stress-free! Make the day extra special with the Dolphin Aloha Experience package or visit Storybook Station’s new “Tails and Scales” mermaid makeover bar! Kamaaina discounts are available. Browse Sea Life Park’s birthday party packages to find the perfect one for your group at sealifeparkhawaii.com/groups. TOUCH GRASS OAHU Give your kids the gift of outdoor fun for their next birthday party with Touch Grass Oahu! With 3 keiki-friendly activities that can be enjoyed on their Waimanalo Farm, your little riders can experience the exhilaration of riding an off-road quad/dune buggy, enjoy a game of Gelly Ball, and then cool off on the refreshing waterslide. Party packages include 4 hours of use on our private oval off-road track, 2 acres of land, riding and/or Gelly gear, picnic pavilion, 50 lbs. of ice, gas grill and staff support. To learn more, call 808-688-3714 or visit touchgrassoahu.com. PANIOLO PARTIES From pony rides and petting zoos, to costumed characters, party games and more, Paniolo Parties is a great option for your next event. They also offer carriage rides - perfect for cowboy or princess themed bashes - magic shows, clowns, and face painting. Coming from Los Angeles where their sister company, Fantastic Parties operates, Paniolo Parties can customize any event, from children’s birthday bashes and holiday parties to corporate events and more. Visit panioloparties.com for more information. SEA LIFE PARK Make your child’s birthday extra memorable and fun this year by celebrating at Sea Life Park. Enjoy access to all the park exhibits and shows, eat a special birthday cake, and celebrate in your own private party area. They will take care of all the planning and preparation so that you can simply celebrate alongside your child,
60 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 STORYBOOK ENTERTAINMENT Storybook is Oahu’s trusted source for all your party entertainment needs, with over 350 high quality character hosts to choose to match your theme, skilled face painters, balloon artists, glitter tattoos, caricature artists, stilt walkers, assembly packages, mad science parties, foam and bubble parties, glow parties and more! Need a venue or a unique idea for your little one’s big day? Visit their Fantasy salon and all-inclusive party venue, Storybook Station, located inside the Windward Mall. Your little ones can transform into fairies, pirates, mermaids, dragons and more, by getting a detailed fantasy makeover performed by one of Storybook’s fantasy stylists. To learn more, visit storybookstationhawaii.com. THE LINEUP AT WAI KAI The LineUp at Wai Kai is the perfect venue for birthday celebrations, family gatherings, holiday parties, sports clubs, fundraisers, reunions and more. The LineUp’s Group Sales and Catering team can help you to plan the perfect event, offering healthy and delicious catering options for groups of 20 people up to a full buyout of The LineUp for a private event for up to 750 people. Former or current pro surfers are even available for teaching and/or sessions. They can package outdoor recreational activities for your group at both the Wai Kai Wave and the Wai Kai Lagoon. The possibilities are endless! For more information visit atthelineup.com. The Lineup at Wai Kai includes Learn to Surf and Learn to Paddle lessons.
62 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 venues are set against the backdrop of the Valley’s natural beauty and are accessible and diverse, ranging from an open-air pavilion, waterfall, lawns, meadows, an amphitheater and a historical courthouse. Explore the historical Valley at your own pace, experience daily cultural activities and demonstrations by cultural artisans and staff throughout the Valley, and enjoy in-house catering by Ke Nui Kitchen, which specializes in custom menus and showcasing global cuisines through locally grown ingredients. Visit waimeavalley.net for more information and schedule a site tour today! WET N WILD Celebrations are meant to be fun, and with Wet ‘n Wild’s group packages, you can relax and enjoy your day at the water park as everything is taken care of! Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, family reunion, graduation, or any other special occasion, Wet ‘n Wild caters to all types of group celebrations and events and can provide the flexibility to help you create your own perfect party. Visit wetnwildhawaii.com for more information. TWILIGHT TENT SLEEPOVERS Immerse your children in the enchanting world of cozy tents, twinkling lights, and magical memories. Twilight Tent Sleepovers takes the hassle out of organizing the perfect sleepover for your child and their friends. They are dedicated to bringing the magic to your home with expertly crafted teepee sleepover parties - set up and cleaned up right in the comfort of your own home! Twilight Tent Sleepovers understands the importance of creating magical memories, and their beautifully designed teepees set the stage for a night your little ones will cherish forever. Choose from a delightful array of themes, from mystical adventures to whimsical wonderlands, tailored to capture your child’s imagination and interests. Visit twilighttentsleepovers.com for more information and to book today. WAIMEA VALLEY Waimea Valley is the ideal setting for truly memorable occasions, including but not limited to birthdays, weddings, receptions, baby luaus, graduation, reunions, workshops, and retreats. Their event
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July/August 2024 HAWAII PARENT 67 Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to supermarket tantrums, raising children can often feel like navigating uncharted waters. While there’s no manual for parenting, there are resources available to help guide Hawaii parents as they do their best to raise healthy, happy and resilient keiki. In recognition of the diverse challenges parents face, The Parent Line, funded by the Department of Health and operated by Child & Family Service, helps local parents and caregivers on their parenthood journey. This free, statewide telephone line provides a premier resource on child behavior, child development, parenting, caregiver support, and community resources. The Parent Line also provides a confidential and nonjudgmental space for parents to seek guidance, advice, and support on a wide range of parenting topics. Karen Gibson, a Mililani resident, relied on The Parent Line when she faced challenging parenting issues. Gibson tapped into these resources when she became frustrated when her toddler daughter would not stay in bed. “The Parent Line suggested that I take her back to bed without any interaction each time she came to my bedroom. Several times, during the night, I followed their suggestions,” Gibson said. “After a few nights of being consistent, this strategy worked. Problem solved!” by Nancy Arcayna
A Hawaii-born nonprofit, Child & Family Service (CFS) is celebrating 125 years of strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children. CFS offers programs and services to those who want to help themselves to transform their lives. The nonprofit partners with families to provide hope and healing in ways that are healthy and empowering. Resources such as The Parent Line propel positive changes into the future. “As Child & Family Service celebrates our 125th anniversary, we reflect on the countless families we’ve had the privilege to serve over the years. From new parents seeking guidance to those navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, we serve as a trusted source of support for families,” said Amanda Pump, CFS President & CEO. “Founded in Hawaii for the people of Hawaii, our commitment to nurturing families remains as strong today as it was 125 years ago, and we are honored to continue this important work for generations to come.” The experienced phone line team at The Parent Line help callers to problem solve parenting challenges, help decode child and adolescent behaviors, and can advise on how to deal with difficult conversations, especially when situations of crisis arise such as community tragedies or school lockdowns. Free virtual workshops The Parent Line provides free virtual workshops each month. The topics include building safe sleep habits, praising children and their behavior, motivating keiki to stay active, practicing self-care for parents, understanding discipline, understanding and owning your feelings, and helping children express anger appropriately. Visit www.theparentline.org to learn more. Gibson was grateful to have received support and it served as an inspiration to help others. She later became a private tutor and has worked with students and their parents for the past couple of decades. As the Founder of Letting Go With Aloha, she now serves as a Parenting Coach and author of two books, “One Hundred Parenting Tips Inspired by the Pandemic” and “Mama’s Gotta Let Go.” The Parent Line led her to forge this career path and “embrace our children as imperfect humans with perfect souls and trust their journey.” 68 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Author and parenting coach Karen Gibson found helpful advice on her daughter’s sleeping habits through The Parent Line over 20 years ago. “Gibson was grateful to have received support and it served as an inspiration to help others.”
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70 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Statewide Programs for All Families The CFS statewide community programs include preschool education, prevention of child abuse and neglect, programs for at-risk youth, domestic violence emergency services, therapeutic counseling, employment assistance, and programs for elder care. Using the organization’s core values of H.O.P.E. (Humility, Ownership, Perseverance, and Engagement), CFS works with families to help them achieve their dreams including, financial independence, planning for a thriving future and caring for all generations of their ‘ohana. CFS team members partner with individuals and families to Available for All Caregivers The Parent Line serves anyone with concerns about parenting, including expectant parents, grandparents and other caregivers, teachers, child care and healthcare providers, social workers and home visitors, mental health specialists and other professionals. CFS supports caregivers by providing encouragement to face new challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Whether it’s managing screen time, dealing with sibling rivalry, or discussing sensitive topics like puberty and sexuality, the hotline is available to help parents navigate these often-complex situations. “The experienced phone line team at The Parent Line help callers to problem solve parenting challenges.” The Parent Line can provide tips and resources to help make your parenting journey a more rewarding experience.
provide them with the tools and resources they need to create meaningful and lasting change. “No one should have to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone. Through The Parent Line, we can offer support and guidance statewide whenever it’s needed. We also provide a wide range of services across all islands to help keiki and parents live their best lives,” Pump continued. 72 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Child & Family Service provides nearly 50 integrated programs statewide that strengthen families by caring for keiki, empowering youth, healing from trauma, and honoring our kupuna. “CFS team members partner with families to provide the tools and resources they need to create meaningful and lasting change.” Call 808-526-1222 or visit www.theparentline.org to sign up for upcoming free virtual workshops. The Parent Line is open from Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Child & Family programs are also in place to help families work through challenges so they may thrive and flourish. For more information on various statewide program and services, visit www.childandfamilyservice.org or call 808-681-3500. The Parent Line
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76 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Mo’olelo Studios will be holding auditions for their upcoming musicals in August and October, and being prepared is essential to having a good experience! Here are some tips for young performers who are interested in trying out to be cast in a musical: Find out as much as you can about the audition. Usually, a notice will be posted online (or on your school’s call board) telling dates, times, and requirements for the auditions. You might want to ask others who have auditioned for the company/teacherdirector before what to expect. Prepare. You should have a strong idea of what type of show you are auditioning for. This will give you a clue of which type of song you want to audition with, which monologue is appropriate, and what style of dance/movement may be required. Make an impression. The moment you step into the theatre, your audition is already underway. As you sign in and fill out your audition form, be friendly and confident. If you come across as authentic and happy to be there, it will work in your favor. The more genuine you are, the better. by Kyle Kakuno, Art Director at Mo’olelo Performing Arts Studio
Put some thought into your audition look. There are no magic outfits that will guarantee you’ll be cast but be sure you wear clothes you can move well in, makes you feel confident, and looks put together. Also, make sure your hair is not hanging in your face. Do the best you can. Once you are onstage, introduce yourself and what you will be performing. Then take a deep breath, relax and do the best you can. When you are finished, wait for any questions that the director may have for you, answering them the best you can. Always say “thank you” when you are finished. At Mo’olelo Studios, we initially ask for you to sing one song and tell a joke. It’s important to select an appropriate song that you can sing well. If it’s a Disney-type show, sing a Disney-type song. If it’s more of a pop musical, choose a pop song. Make sure you know the difference between a joke and a riddle. A riddle is usually in the form of a question (what do you call a …?) with a oneword punchline. It may be funny, but it doesn’t show much of your acting ability; this is what the joke is for. Choose a tasteful joke that tells a short story and ends with a clever punchline. Be sure to work some expressions into telling it. If you sing and tell a joke well enough – you’ll be called back for a dance or movement audition. For dance callbacks, wear loose clothing and shoes you can move well in. The choreographer will likely teach a dance combination (a sequence of steps). You’ll have a little while to learn the combination, and then you’ll perform it (often in small groups). Whether you’re a trained dancer or not, do your best to learn and 78 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Cast members at Mo’olelo Studios practice their lines before showcasing their performance on the big stage. “If you sing and tell a joke well enough – you’ll be called back for a dance or movement audition.”
execute the steps correctly. When it’s time to perform, project confidence. Not everyone gets cast in a show. If you are not cast, don’t take rejection personally. It isn’t a reflection of your ability, but your suitability. Sometimes you’re simply not right for the part. However, don’t be discouraged. There are always new things to learn from each audition. Need inspiration to persevere? Jennifer Aniston was being rejected time and time again as she desperately waited for her big break. Feeling defeated, she asked Warren Littlefield, president of entertainment at NBC at the time, if her dreams would become reality or should she just quit. Years later, Littlefield shared the conversation he had with Aniston. “[It’s] 10:30pm at night on Sunset Boulevard,” he said. “I’m at the Chevron station gassing up, and Jennifer is over at the other island, and she comes over, and says, ‘Is it ever going to happen?’ and I say, ‘We believe in you. I’m sure it will.’ A few months later, we handed her the Friends script.” It’s a good thing Aniston persevered and walked over at that gas station. Imagine a world without “Friends”. Young performers are making powerful, lifetime memories at Mo’olelo Studio, which operates out of the Dr. Richard T. Mamiya Theatre on the campus of St. Louis School. We produce four musical productions a year - in the spring, summer, fall and one during the Christmas season - with auditioning opportunities for all within an appropriate age group. When cast in one of these productions, the skills you develop at our studio will be further nurtured and tested on stage in rehearsals and during performances in a professional setting. A wonderful opportunity awaits all who try out and earn a role in the cast. July/August 2024 HAWAII PARENT 79 “There are always new things to learn from each audition.”
82 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Keeping keiki safe is a parent’s top priority. But, as children learn and explore, accidents are prone to happen. What do you do when a child gets a scrape from a fall or a sting from a jellyfish? A caregiver often immediately administers first aid, which is medical assistance given to help treat minor injuries or to assist with symptoms until more medical help is available. How first aid is administered often differs according to what those caregivers have learned – whether through research, word-of-mouth or their own parents. However, what would a medical professional recommend? Trusted pediatrician, Dr. Vinson Diep, who has an office at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, shares his expert advice for helping during common medical emergencies. by Dr. Vinson Diep and Stephanie Lopes
July/August 2024 HAWAII PARENT 83 Call 911 for an unsafe scene, compromised “ABCs” and other critical emergencies. “(You) always want to check to make sure the scene is safe to do first aid,” explains Diep. “This means that you’re not trying to administer first aid in the middle of busy traffic or in a similar situation where all people involved may be hurt. If there is any concern about the scene not being safe, (it’s) best to just immediately dial 911 and await paramedic instructions.” “You always want to check the ABC’s, which is airway, breathing and circulation,” continues Diep. “If any of these are compromised, then you should also just dial 911 and wait for EMS to arrive or go to the emergency room (ER) immediately.” “If anything is suspected to be broken, bleeding that doesn’t stop or significant pain, then seek ER evaluation,” adds Diep, mentioning an immediate ER visit is also appropriate for heat cramps, heat exhaus-
tain mini first aid kits to help with minor emergencies on-the-go. Of course, if your family is hiking, swimming or doing any other fun, outdoor activity, ensure first aid supplies are readily available, too. “A standard first aid kit is good to have and usually contains similar items,” Diep expands. “Some of these items may include bandages, alcohol wipes/pads, gauze, gloves, scissors and maybe an antibiotic ointment.” Know how to effectively respond to common injuries. Cuts and scrapes, including blisters and wounds: Active children – and adults – often experience abrasions to the skin that are tion, stroke, chemical burns, corneal (eye) abrasions, foreign objects in ears or skin, anaphylactic reactions (severe allergies) – and any occasion where a caregiver might feel a visit to an ER, urgent care clinic or trusted doctor is appropriate. For poisoning, Diep says to immediately call poison control at 1-800-222-1222. Prepare a first aid kit for home, the car and on-the-go. Every home and car should have first aid supplies stocked. If an emergency happens, care might need to be administered immediately with little time to drive to the local drugstore to purchase first aid supplies. Also, diaper bags or purses can con84 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Accidents can happen anywhere, so it’s important to be prepared. “Every home and car should have first aid supplies stocked.”
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