Hang 10 on a surfboard, sip a fruity frozen drink and carve some Spam as The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk helps you imagine a tropical getaway March 18 & 19 during its annual “Long Island Sound Luau.”

Both days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Maritime Aquarium is offering a sunny selection of fun special activities, crafts, tropical drinks and special IMAX movies to usher out the final weekend of winter.

Among the “Long Island Sound Luau” highlights is an inflatable surfing machine featuring a rollicking surfboard, billed as “a real-life surfing experience without getting wet.” Aquarium guests can take turns testing their surfing skills on the ’board, in a manner similar to bull-riding

machines. (The “wave action” will be adjusted for younger guests.) Cowabunga, dude: the surf machine is free with Aquarium admission.

Also during Luau weekend, guests can compete in Spam-Carving Contests. (Why Spam? Hawaiians have been eating Spam since the canned meat was introduced as an important staple during World War II. Still today, the island state has the largest consumption per capita of

Spam.) The Spam-Carving Contests will be held at 1 & 3 p.m. both days. Aquarium guests paying $5 will receive a can of Spam, a tray and a plastic knife, and have 30 minutes to sculpt a masterful Spam creation. Contestants can work as individuals, couples, families or other teams. Aquarium staff will judge the entries, with first prize in each of the two daily competitions receiving a Maritime Aquarium membership.

Also during the Luau, Aquarium guests can decorate straws at a craft station and then use their straws to enjoy free fruity non-alcoholic frozen drinks at a Tiki Slushies Bar.

Plus, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., The Maritime Aquarium will be filled with the tropical sounds of the Roylety Steel Pan Band, a local ensemble led by Jim Royle.

On both days, Aquarium educators will staff a station with hands-on artifacts focusing on tropical ocean currents and the animals who use these “ocean highways” to their advantage, including certain species of whales, sea turtles and – unfortunately – invasive lionfish.