’Tis the season for costumes, pumpkins, tricks and treats.
On the Big Island, there is no shortage of Halloween-themed events being held this week through Oct. 31.
This is a roundup of some of them. Happy Halloween!
‘BOO AT THE ZOO’
The Department of Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo will present the second annual “Boo at the Zoo” event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday.
During the event, the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo will become a place where trick-or-treaters can safely enjoy their favorite Halloween traditions, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the rainforest.
Attendees can look forward to treats, animal tours, story time, food vendors, face painting and a keiki costume contest.
“Last year was our first-ever ‘Boo at the Zoo’ event, and it was so well-received that we decided to add a second day to this year’s event,” said Maurice Messina, director of Parks and Recreation, in a press release. “Our maintenance team, zookeepers, and Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo have been working hard to ensure the zoo is ready to receive our guests, and we look forward to another fun event.”
Know before you go:
— Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo will sell trick-or-treat bags for $1, which will be required to receive treats. Proceeds will enhance the zoo and exhibits.
— “Boo at the Zoo” is a cash-only event.
— The zoo will close its gates to regular visitors at 2 p.m. on the event days.
— Petting zoo hours will be 1-2 p.m. Saturday.
— Event parking will be at the zoo parking lot and the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center parking lot.
“We’re thrilled to once again offer a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience for our keiki at Panaewa zoo,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in the press release. “By extending the event to two days, we hope to welcome even more families, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the fun and excitement of ‘Boo in the Zoo.’”
“We are so excited to be bringing this event to our community,” said Mindy Runnells, zoo administrator. “It’s more than just a trick-or-treat evening; it’s an opportunity for families to come together safely, experience the zoo in a unique light, and create a new fall tradition.”
For further information, please contact Runnells at (808) 959-7224.
THE HAUNTED PALACE
Ready for a scare? At the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo, all eyes are on you at the third annual Haunted Palace. This year’s theme is “Stage Fright,” where attendees are welcomed to step into the spotlight — if they dare.
The Haunted Palace is an immersive walk-through experience featuring 10 bone-chilling settings throughout the theater, featuring ghastly sights and terrible frights. Experience the hidden terrors come to life of the historic Palace Theater.
The Haunted Palace operates from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. this Friday and Saturday night, and the Palace recommends ticket holders arrive between 7-9 p.m. on the night of their ticket.
Each ticket guarantees entrance to The Haunted Palace experience for the night it is issued for.
Tickets are limited, so buy in advance. Tickets are $20 general admission/$25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at hilopalace.com.
Check in curb-side upon arrival to the theater. Groups will be lead through every 10 minutes, and entrance is first come, first served. Anticipate a wait time to get in.
Content warning: This event features flashing lights, loud noises, fog, laser effects, clowns, stairs and is not for the faint of heart! May not be appropriate for small children.
‘ROCKY HORROR’
The cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will once again be shown Halloween night at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo.
Festivities kick off at 7 p.m. with the opening of the doors and classic Halloween cartoons on the silver screen.
Sign up for the costume contest hosted by Lady Lily La Douce to compete for cool prizes. Costume contest is limited 25 participants and restricted to those 18 years and older. Sign-ups in the lobby start at 7 p.m., so arrive early to register. The contest is at 8:15 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded to first-, second-, third-place along with Riff Raff’s Choice award. Winners will be determined by a panel of three mystery judges.
“Rocky Horror” participation kits ($5) are redeemable in the lobby on night of the event and can be pre-ordered or bought that night.
The R-rated movie will begin at about 9 p.m.
Visit hilopalace.com for tickets and more information.
PUMPKIN PATCH IN HILO
The Downtown Improvement Association of Hilo invites the public to Kalakaua Park for its 2nd Annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch.
The family-friendly event is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is free, and there will be free pumpkins (one per family).
Join the DIA and its partners for a fun-filled event with entertainment, food and craft vendors, games, prizes treats, scavenger hunt and craft activities.
Don’t miss the pumpkin-carving station and a free pumpkin for each family.
Dress up in your favorite costumes, and get ready for a spooktacular time.
GET SPOOKED AT KTA
KTA Super Stores Puainako is hosting it 12th Annual Haunted House beginning Sunday.
The theme for this year’s spooktacular event is”Great Explorations.”
The Haunted House will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Oct. 27 through Oct. 31 on the sidewalk in front of the store.
This is a free event, but donations of nonperishable food will be accepted for The Food Basket.
EHCC’S PHANTOM FARM
The East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo is hosting the Youth Arts Series 5th annual Haunted House: Phantom Farm.
Take a tractor out to the Phantom Farm, a desolate landscape where the veggies bite back.
An art-based sculptural installation, pieces in the Haunted House were created by the Hilo High School Art Club, UH Hilo CCE Bonner Program, Konawaena National Art Honor Society, Waiakea Intermediate School Art Club, YAS Fall Break Halloween Camp Students, Dena Nakahashi, Ian and Parker Gill, and Akane Kinjo.
The Haunted House is a fundraiser for the Youth Arts Series.
Admission is by donation. Proceeds from entry will go toward continuing youth programs at EHCC throughout the year.
Haunted House hours are:
— Friday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (spooky hour is 6 to 7)
— Saturday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (spooky hour is 3 to 4)
— Halloween, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (spooky hour is 6 to 7)
Note that the spooky hours include jump-scares and may not be appropriate for younger keiki.
YMCA DANCE PARTY/CARNIVAL
Island of Hawaii YMCA is holding a Vizion 2020 Dance Party &Halloween Costume Contest on Friday.
The event for adults 21 and older is from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 300 W. Lanikaula St. in Hilo.
There will be fun, dancing and prizes. Costumes are encouraged. Bring your own food and snacks.
Presale tickets are $20 at the YMCA office or $25 at the door.
Call (808) 935-3721 for more information.
The YMCA also will host a Halloween Carnival from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 29.
This is a free public event featuring carnival games, prizes and food vendors. Costumes are encouraged.
SHARKS, RAYS AT ‘IMILOA
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s Halloween event, “Sharks and Rays: Mysteries of the Deep,” invites attendees of all ages to dive into the fascinating world of Hawaii’s sharks and rays through educational crafts and activities.
This ocean-themed celebration will blend the excitement of Halloween with engaging hands-on learning experiences, offering participants the chance to explore the significance of these majestic creatures.
This event is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at ‘Imiloa in Hilo.
Tickets range from $10 to $16, but admission is free for keiki 4 and under. For tickets, visit imiloahawaii.org.
HALLOWEEN AT PUNA KAI
The Puna Kai Shopping Center in Pahoa has special plans for Halloween night.
There will be trick-or-treating at the center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The center also will have a “Movie on the Grass” event that same day from 6 p.m. until pau.
The featured movie will be “Nightmare Before Christmas” (rated PG, 76 min).
Event will be held on the grassy area inside the center.
HALLOWEEN BASH IN HOVE
The nonprofit Neighborhood Place of Kona invites the public to its Halloween Bash from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Ocean View Community Center in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates.
Come and learn about resources that are available for your family while the keiki enjoy safe trick-or-treating at the event booths. Costumes are optional but welcomed.
The Food Basket is a sponsor of this event.
TRICKS, TREATS IN WAIMEA
The public is invited to join the residents of Waimea’s Lua Lai community from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween for a trick-or-treat event that will have attendees howling with delight.
Costumed keiki are welcomed during this fang-tastic outing, which provides a safe trick-or-treating experience for families.
The Lua Lai Subdivision is located next to Waimea Elementary School.
This event is sponsored by Parker School and the Rotary Club of North Hawaii.
TRUNK-OR-TREATING
The Volcano Golf Course will offer trunk-or-treating, food, spooky games and more fun from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Halloween at the golf course.
This is a free event that is open to the public.
For more information, contact the golf course at (808) 319.4745.
FUN AT THE KINGS’ SHOPS
Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa invites the community to celebrate Halloween with five days of fun-filled events, from this Sunday through Halloween.
Guests of all ages are in for a treat with a variety of activities, including a puzzle challenge, a pumpkin decorating contest, trick-or-treating, and a special wine-tasting experience for adults.
Whether you’re solving puzzles or collecting candy, there’s plenty of Halloween excitement to enjoy at Kings’ Shops.
The Great Escape with the Hawaii Keiki Museum
Oct. 27-31: In “The Great Escape,” participants can challenge their wits with spooky quizzes and puzzles created by the Hawaii Keiki Museum. Adventurers can sign up at the museum and embark on a quest throughout the shops, competing for prizes and a $150 giveaway. This free events is a boo-nanza of brain-teasing fun for all ages!
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Oct. 29-31: Visitors can enjoy a gourd-geous display of creativity as retailers showcase their decorated pumpkins. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorites, with three lucky voters winning $150, $75 and $50 gift cards. Voting ends at 8 p.m. on Halloween night, and winners will be announced via Kings’ Shops’ social media.
Trick-or-Treating &Golden Tickets
Oct. 31: Families can embark on a trick-or-treat adventure from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. with 15 candy stops across Kings’ Shops. Each stop has hidden golden tickets that can be redeemed for prizes at Sugar Coast Candy. One lucky participant will win a $100 gift card. Guests can sign up for this fa-boo-lous activity at Center Stage, where the adventure begins.
Hallo-Wine for Adults
Oct. 31: For those 21 and over, Kings’ Shops will host the Hallo-Wine event, a boo-zy wine-tasting experience from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at participating stores.
For more information on Kings’ Shops Halloween events, visit kingsshops.com or follow on social media for updates on contests and activities.