Halloween is nearly here. The yearly holiday, observed around the world on Oct. 31, marks the eve of the feast of All Hallows. Halloween is nearly here. The yearly holiday, observed around the world on Oct. 31, marks the eve
Halloween is nearly here. The yearly holiday, observed around the world on Oct. 31, marks the eve of the feast of All Hallows.
Many scholars believe that All Hallows’ Eve was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and festivals of the dead with pagan roots. Today, Halloween is most associated with trick-or-treating, costume parties, pumpkin-carving, haunted houses and horror films. And, of course, lots and lots of candy.
On the Big Island, there are plenty of “spooktacular” Halloween activities from which to choose. The list below highlights just some of the festive and fun events taking place this year. So assemble your favorite costume, grab your treat bag, and enjoy.
Kohala Mountain Farm’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
The state’s only corn maze is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28. Admission to the maze is $9 general, $7 for kids 6-12, and free to those 5 or younger; bring a food donation for $2 off admission. In addition to the maze and pumpkin patch, there is a petting zoo, hay rides, shave ice, cotton candy and brick-oven pizzas. Picnicking encouraged. Location: On Highway 250 north of Waimea between mile markers 12 and 13. Information: www.kohalamountainfarm.com.
HAAS Spooktacular at Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science, Pahoa
HAAS 5th Annual Spooktacular is Puna’s scariest and most elaborate haunted house. Ages 7 and older, parental discretion advised; children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t want to get scared? There’s also a Keiki Karnival for all ages. Food, entertainment. Cost: $6 donation; please bring a canned food item for the Hawaii Food Basket.
When and where: Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m.; Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27, 6-10 p.m. HAAS is located at 15-1397 Homestead Road, Pahoa.
Contact: Maiva Blaisdell, 965-3730 ext. 244.
Waiakea Intermediate School Pumpkin Patch
Everyone is invited to Waiakea Intermediate School campus on Oct. 20 , from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. for its first annual Pumpkin Patch. Come early for the best pumpkin selection. This Waiakea Intermediate School PTA sponsored event will include food, live music, craft booths, games, a petting zoo, and more! Proceeds will go to support the many organizations and programs at Waiakea Intermediate School. For more info please call Curt at 959-8289, please leave a message. Waiakea Intermediate School address is 200 West Puainako St., Hilo Hawaii 96720.
Haunted House at East Hawaii Cultural Center
Details: For all ages, with a maze filled with scary creatures, candy land featuring life-size candies, lots of fun.
Haunted House at East Hawaii Cultural Center! Where: East Hawaii Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St., Hilo When: 6 PM October 26 Details: Visit the Haunted House at EHCC! Walk through the “Sunnyvale Creep-a-torium: House for the Criminally Insane”, and visit the kid-friendly “Candyland”. Fri, Sat, Sun – October 26-28, & Wed – October 31st, 6pm-10pm nightly. Admission by donation, proceeds to benefit EHCC’s ongoing art programs.
Contact: Jessica Takayama, (808)961-5711, arts@ehcc.org
Happy Halloween at Keaau Library
Where: Keaau Library When: 9:30 AM October 26 Details: Piccadilly reads funny stories about Halloween, then helps keiki make a funny, silly mask. Contact: Lynise Tarring, 982-4084, mehappy@hawaiiantel.net
Parker School Family Fright Night
Where: Parker School, Waimea
When: 3-6 p.m. on Oct. 27
Details: Celebrate the spirit of Halloween with your ohana at Parker School Family Fright Night. Enjoy ghost stories written and shared by Parker School middle and upper school students. Explore your creative side at “create your own” booths (slime, trick-or-treat bags, more). Great food. Free; keiki in costume receive one free scrip at entry. Contact: Christina Tramontin, 345-7410, ChrissieAlberto@hotmail.com.
Mutants of Mauna Kea: 4th Annual Spooky Science Hall
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center dares you to explore “The Mutants of Mauna Kea” when ‘Imiloa transforms the exhibit hall into a “spooky science hall” on Friday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27. The doors open from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (no tickets sold after 8 p.m.) each night with early entrance for ‘Imiloa members at 5:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and bring a collection bag to fill with their findings on their journey of discovery.
This year we will feature Maunakea’s strangest endemic species with activities for all ages. The journey starts below the earth in the deepest parts of a lava tube and travels all the way to the summit of Maunakea. Along the way ‘Imiloa staff will feature the innovation of Maunakea’s strangest inhabitants and the unique ecosystems that they live in.
The exhibit hall will be filled with educational and fun hands-on activities like the ‘alalā penny toss, the not-so-stinky koa bug shrinky dinks, and happy face spider mask making.
If you’re 10 or older, dare to brave the “Mutants Gone Wrong” maze! Walk through the corridors of change where you can see the strange life forms that result when nature’s adaptations goes astray.
Fee is $6 per person (for all participants, adults as well as children) and $5 for members. Keiki 2 years and under are free. Families should plan on arriving anytime between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. No tickets will be sold after 8 p.m. on the day of the event. Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult. Call the front desk to pre-purchase your tickets today at 969-9703.
Spartan “SPooktakulah” at Hilo Intermediate School
When: 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27
Details: Haunted house, games, food, entertainment for whole family. The event is free, with a $3 donation to visit the haunted house.
Contact: Lindsay Pickup, 974-4955, hispcnc@gmail.com
Prince Kuhio Plaza Halloween Funfest
Where: Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
When: 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Details: Halloween games, crafts, photo taking, costume parade, coloring contest, trick-or-treating. Family fun.
Contact: 959-3555, beverly.crudele@ggp.com.
Annual Halloween Pet Walk
Do you have the cutest pet in Hawaii? Come and prove it! The Hawaii Island Humane Society is having its Annual Halloween Pet Walk Saturday, Oct. 27, in Queen Liliuokalani Park in Hilo and on Sunday, Oct. 28, in Historic Kailua Village at Hale Halawai. You can register for free from 8 a.m.; the walk begins at 9. Dress your pet as the scariest or cutest monster you can imagine and watch the other owners gawk in awe. Contests and prizes will be available both days. You can also form teams and raise pledges to support the Hawaii Island Humane Society (proceeds will help provide pet food and low-cost spay and neuter services). If you earn at over $50, you will get a free T-shirt. You can reserve vendor space or donate contest prizes by contacting Donna Whitaker at 329-8002.
Hilo Missionary Church Harvest Carnival
Members of the congregation of Hilo Missionary Church invite the community to join them for the annual fall “Harvest Carnival” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
“An alternative to Halloween, the theme of this year’s event will be ‘Trust in the Lord’ and there will be games, food, prizes, relays and a piñata — all for a safe and fun night,” said spokeswoman Margaret Yafuso. There is no charge for this event. For more information, please contact Yafuso at 959-9211.
Neighborhood Place of Puna Halloween Party
Neighborhood Place of Puna is having a party. Celebrate Halloween with us this year in upper Puna. Families are invited to enjoy the free “Trunk or Treat and Halloween Party” on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be fun, games, goodies, prizes, and “trunk or treat.” Children can make Halloween crafts to take home. Neighborhood Place of Puna in Mountain View is located at 18-7965 North Kulani Road, approximately 1.7 miles from the highway. For more information, contact Jay Ihara at 965-5550 or email jihara@neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org.
