Our Picks for the Weekend Star-Bulletin staff

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FREEBIE
Pick up cookies and milk for Santa at Doubletree

The Doubletree Alana Hotel Waikiki is giving away free care packages for Santa -- with two chocolate chip cookies, milk and a thank-you note.

Just stop by the hotel at 1956 Ala Moana Blvd. between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Christmas Eve, to pick up a box. You don't have to be a hotel guest and you don't have to buy anything else.

The giveaway is a joint project of Doubletree hotels nationwide and the California Milk Processor Board -- creators of the "GOT MILK?" campaign.

The chocolate chip cookie is a Doubletree signature, given to hotel guests as they arrive. The chain gives away about 15 million each year.

Call 941-7275.

CONCERT
Rapper Wall debuts with 3 days of performances

Houston-based rapper Paul Wall makes his Hawaii debut this week, wrapping up three days of appearances with a concert at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park on Friday.

Wall spent years working as an independent artist and promoter, doing everything from pushing other rappers' albums and throwing club parties to making his own mixtapes and selling his now-famous diamond grills. He also partnered with Chamillionaire to form the Color Changing Click, but went solo with the release of "The People's Champ" in 2005.

Wall will perform at Hawaiian Waters on Friday, following an all-ages party at the same venue on Wednesday. The 18-and-over show starts at 9 p.m. with I.A. and Big Every Time performing after Wall's set.

Tickets are $25 at the door; $50 VIP passes are also available. Call 723-9961 for more information.

MUSIC
Don Ho's to feature up-and-coming local acts

It's hip-hop on the positive tip at Don Ho's Island Grill on Friday night.

Promoter Rob Godinet of 5th & Vogue Entertainment is trying to feature up-and-coming local acts looking for a foothold on the club entertainment scene.

This weekend, it's rapper Origin AL, who also does outreach work for the Word of Life ministry. The bill is rounded out with Bless'd Chil' and Soul Pacific.

Things kick off at 10 p.m. at the Aloha Tower Marketplace venue, with $5 cover. Only for those 21 and over.

FAMILY
Get your fill of magic at annual club show

If you're having holiday withdrawals after all the hustle and bustle of the weekend, don't despair. Just make your way down to Jikoen Hongwanji Hall on Dec. 28 for I.B.M.'s Hawaii chapter's annual club show, the "Holiday MaGic!" show.

There will be a multitude of magicians appearing -- from the novice to the professional -- each bringing an act to amaze you.

At 6:30 p.m. there will be strolling magicians, where the audience can see what's happening close-up. Stage acts follow at 7 p.m. and a first-time "Commando Act Challenge" will pit magicians against each other.

Performers include Alan Arita, Harvey "Mr. O" Ouchi, Richard Hucko, Fanny Kwan and Glen Bailey. But many more will be joining them.

Tickets are available at the door only, $5 for children 12 and under, and $10 general.

The hongwanji is located at 1731 N. School St.

FOOD
MAC 24-7

Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel, 2500 Kuhio Ave. / 921-5564

MAC 24-7 aims to lure insomniacs and all who thrive on a hectic 24-7 lifestyle, the ones you know better than to call before noon.

That doesn't shut out the three-square-meals-a-day crowd. Whether you take your main meal at noon, 6 p.m. or 2 a.m., you'll find the same menu of MAC's "Modern American Cooking" -- classics updated for a contemporary clientele -- available on demand in a room with a vibrant purple-and-red color scheme.

For some items, like a half-pound Angus burger for $13, you'll be paying a Waikiki premium, but chef Reynaldo Dasalla does his best to compensate by offering huge portions, as in four-egg omelets ($12) and pancakes ($11) that are about a foot in diameter and stacked three per order. Staffers suggest it's enough to feed a family of four. I ordered pancakes with banana slices and melted dollops of milk chocolate and walnuts, and three of us put away only a quarter of it. The leftovers fed 10 when brought into the office the next day.

Destined to become favorite pupu are sweet and sticky honey-coated chicken wings ($9) and deep-fried rock shrimp and calamari ($12).

Costs $25 to $35 for two without drinks; free valet parking with validation.