Thrills, chills set the tone for Halloween family events

Spooks, spirits and Halloween splendor come alive across the island with a myriad of events for keiki, families and adults. From terrifying entities to chilling tales and classic movies to always fun family pursuits, there’s plenty of fun to go around.

The Haunted Plantation celebrates “30 Years of Fear,” Oct. 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 31

A haunted location in itself, Hawaii’s Plantation Village is transformed into Hawaii’s best and scariest walk-through haunted attraction with 60 actors transformed into horrific entities that will chase, taunt and scare the bejeezus out of you. Not for the faint of heart. Reservations are required (and be sure to read the warnings).

Keiki Sunday Halloween Under the Sea, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.

Sea Life Park invites families to come dressed in their Halloween best to enjoy games, trick-or-treat stations, face painting, a live DJ, and take part in a Halloween Costume Contest. Plus, for those who would like to witness a turtle release, park at Baby Makapuu Beach across from Sea Life Park at 9:30 a.m. Tickets.

October Horror Film Series, various dates

Hawaii Theatre presents classic horror films on the lineup with “Little Shop of Horrors” (part of Kupuna Movie Mornings, Oct. 14, tickets), “Nosferatu” (a double feature, Oct. 15), and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (Oct. 21). Tickets.

Hitchcock at Consolidated Theatres Kahala Mall, Oct. 15, 29, 30-31

See classic films — “Marnie,” “Dial M for Murder” in 3D and “Psycho” — created by the “Master of Suspense” Alfred Hitchcock on various days. Tickets.

Mysteries of Hawaii Halloween events

Hawaii’s own master spooky storyteller, Lopaka Kapanui, is in his element during the Halloween season and offers weekly tours such as the Waikiki Night Marchers tour, the Honolulu Night Marchers tour, Ghosts of Old Honolulu tour for the curious. Special Halloween events include — Oct. 17, Haunted Valley: Ghost Stories of Manoa; Oct. 19, Waianae I Ka Po Bus Tour, meet at Kunia Park and Ride; Nov. 14, Ghost Stories at Honolulu Museum of Art’s Doris Duke Theatre, revealing the most haunted schools, neighborhoods, shopping centers and even places to work in Honolulu! Tickets and information.

Aloun Farms 23rd Annual Pumpkin Fall Festival, Oct. 18-19, 25-26, Nov. 1-2, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Presented by D.R. Horton Hawaii and Pacific Media Group, this family fun event features all-day activities including local entertainment; food vendors; keiki rides, pony rides and a petting zoo; carnival rides; pick-your-own corn, string beans and pumpkins; farmers market; and free tractor hayrides through acres of farmland. EK Fernandez rides and pony rides are sold separately. $5/person includes parking; keiki under 2 are free. Located at 91-1440 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei.

Nā Moʻolelo Hawaiʻi, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Windward Mall’s new community event will offer something for everyone — a high school visual storytelling competition, family mask-decorating, malama ʻāina booths, keiki crafts and activities and stories about Hawaii. Activities will be ongoing at the Center Court where families can purchase papier-mâché mask kits for $15 that include a box of colored markers. Bring any additional supplies such as feathers, paint, etc. to embellish the mask. There will also be three live storytelling sessions in the Regal Theaters from Lopaka Kapanui (10-10:30 a.m.), Moses Goods (10:45-11:15 a.m.) and Keliko Hoe (11:30 a.m.-noon). Proceeds from ticket sales will support the restoration of the last 300 feet of the Heʻeia fishpond wall. Tickets.

Market City Shopping Center Halloween Celebration, Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m.

Dress up and join a guided trick-or-treat tour with a complimentary treat bag at participating merchants, plus enjoy free popcorn, balloons, a photo booth, arts and crafts and a costume contest. Activities will be in the lower-level parking lot fronting HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts, with additional parking at Kaimuki High School.

Storytelling Night with Jeff Gere, Oct. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.

Head to the Downtown Art Center for an hour of “Shiver Me Tales: True Supernatural Hawai” with master storyteller Jeff Gere. $10/person online or at the door.

Hapa Halloween: Mysteries of Hawaii, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Spine-tingling, chicken-skin Hawaii tales presented by Hawaii’s own Lopaka Kapanui pair with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra performing orchestral film scores conducted by Michael-Thomas Foumai for a unique Halloween experience at Hawaii Theatre. For those who want to get in on the costume contest (solo or group categories), be there by 6:30 p.m. For ages 12 and up. Tickets.

Three Little Ducks Halloween Play Date & Giveaway Bash, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-noon

Bring your keiki for a fun playdate and potluck with other families. Each adult is asked to bring a potluck item, a blanket to sit on, and a donation of opened/unopened diapers, wipes and/or formula for the Aloha Diaper Bank. Sign-up.

Pumpkin Poolooza 2025, Oct. 19, 3-4:30 p.m. or 5-6:30 p.m.

Open to children 6 months to 17 years, this Halloween event at Kroc Center Hawaii offers a floating pumpkin patch in the pool, a 90-minute swim session, pumpkin carving and more. Register.

Spooktacular Annual Halloween Costume Contest, Oct. 24, 4:30 p.m.

Newborn to 6th grade keiki, plus families/groups are invited to enter the Department of Parks & Recreation Waialae Complex 45th Annual Costume Contest at Kahala Mall’s Center Court Stage. Contestants will be eligible to win gifts and gift cards from Kahala Mall merchants. Line up at 4:30 p.m., contest begins at 5 p.m.

Hauntopica 2025: A Spooky Adventure! Oct. 24-26, 29-31, various times

This family-friendly adventure presented by Da Dream Lab with Kailua Dance Academy, Kailua Music School and local businesses offers participants walk-through theme rooms, trick-or-treat stations, crafts, interactive art and science activities, photo ops and more. Tickets and information.

FaBOOlous Frolic, Oct. 24, 5:30-7 p.m.

Organized by the Mililani Complex staff of the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, this free family event at George Fred Wright Wahiawa District Park will offer trick-or-treating around the football field (wear your costume!), games, keiki activities, a photo booth, plus booths.

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m

Head to the parking lot at Waipahu’s Hoʻaeʻae Community Park as the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation staff create a fun and safe space for keiki to gather goodies and play carnival games. Event is free, but registration is required. Information: 808-768-6797.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” 50th Anniversary, Oct. 24, 7:30-9 p.m.

Dress up in your Rocky Horror best and head to the Honolulu Museum of Art to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the film world’s most infamous movies, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” featuring special guests from the Hawaii Opera Theatre. Tickets.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Oct. 24-25, 31 

Audiences are invited to laugh, sing and cheer during this interactive audience participation screening of the 50-year-old cult classic with a live shadow cast for a fully immersive experience at Manoa Valley Theatre. Tickets for Oct. 31 include a prop bag and pre-show pupu. Tickets.

Pumpkin Palooza, Oct. 25, 8:30-11 a.m.

Families are invited to Koko Head District Park to enjoy fall games, arts and crafts, photo booths and join a “puzzling” pursuit to find hidden pumpkins. Complete all the activities, mark them in your passport and enter a drawing for a special grand prize. Goodie bags will be available for keiki up to 12 years of age. The event is free, but registration is required. Presented by Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Information: 808-768-6715.

Ward Village Halloween Celebration & Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-noon

South Shore Market invites families to its courtyard to enjoy a pumpkin patch, face painting, photo ops, pumpkin spice malasadas and more while supplies last.

(Photo courtesy of Ward Village)

Halloween in Chinatown 2025 – Crawl of the Undead, Oct. 25, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

The only official Halloween bar crawl organized and hosted by Chinatown bars invites you and your friends to enjoy live music, costume contests and exclusive drink specials. Tickets and information.

Thrill’n Villians Halloween Keiki event, Oct. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Storybook Hawaii presents a lineup of mischievous icons — the Joker, crafty Sea Witch, notorious Step Sisters, commanding Red Queen and the iconic Maleficent, plus the Galactic Enforcers and more at Windward Mall’s Center Court. Be sure to come in costume!

HallowZOO 2025, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This spook-tacular event for all ages features a Scare-venger Hunt for keiki — come dressed up! — that will take them through Honolulu Zoo’s exhibits, the Haunted Habitat Treat Trail through which keiki can trick-or-treat at 15 biome-themed doors for goodies, interactive animal bio-fact displays, hands-on activities and special booths hosted by the zoo’s conservation partners. Event is free with regular zoo admission.

(Photo courtesy of Honolulu Zoo Society)

Trick-or-Treat + Keiki Halloween Costume Contest, Oct. 26, noon-6 p.m.

Bring your little ghouls and goblins for trick-or-treating at Royal Hawaiian Center’s participating stores and restaurants while supplies last. From 2-5:15 p.m., sign up to take part in Waikiki’s largest costume contest with multiple prize categories and a special ‘ohana division. Be sure to pre-register ahead of time to secure a spot.

(Photo courtesy of Royal Hawaiian Center)

Makana Kids Halloween Costume Contest, Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m

Keiki, infant to 12 years of age, are invited to dress in the Halloween best for a chance to win prizes in several categories — funniest, cutest, scariest or most unique created from recycled materials — with host Magician Kaulana at Ka Makana Aliʻi.

Obake Sake 2025, Oct. 29, 5-8 p.m.

Join JCI Honolulu at Aloha Bento in Tidepools at Central Pacific Plaza on South King Street for an evening of unlimited Japanese sake tasting provided by Kokusai Sake Kai and light sushi appetizers. Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item donation (minimum two per person) for JCI Honolulu’s Thanksgiving Food Drive and get a $10 cash refund at the door. Donations will go to Hawaii Food Bank. Tickets and information.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat, various shopping malls

Pearlridge Center Free Halloween Candy Crawl, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30 – Get dressed up and go store-to-store in Mauka and Wai Makai for free treats, plus keiki are invited to take part in a costume contest.

Kahala Mall, 4:30-6 p.m. Oct. 31 – Families are invited to enjoy a safe Halloween with their costumed keiki throughout the mall.

Windward Mall, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 – Dress up in your favorite costume for candy and surprises at participating stores.

Ka Makana Aliʻi, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31 – Keiki can dress up and go store to store instead of door to door for treats.

Ghouls ‘n Gamblin’ Fundraiser, Oct. 30, 6:30-10 p.m.

Make it a fun Halloween night with friends or colleagues while benefitting two nonprofit organizations, AccesSurf and Hoʻōla Nā Pua at Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa Grand Ballroom. Enjoy games, Las Vegas-style casino tables, ʻono food and drinks, a silent auction, $500 costume contest, plus prize drawings. Valet parking will be available for attendees. Tickets.

(Photo courtesy of Elite Parking Services)

2025 Halloween Trick-or-Treating, Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m.

Bring the family to International Market Place for character meet and greets, face painting, balloon animals, plus trick-or-treating at businesses marked with festive balloons.

Ala-Ween Spooktacular, Oct. 31, 4-7 p.m.

Bring the family in full costume to enjoy live entertainment, including a dance party with host The Hawaii DJ, balloon creations by Adventure Balloons, photo ops, and trick-or-treating at over 100 stores and restaurants at Ala Moana Center. There will also be special pop-ups and seasonal promotions at various stores and restaurants.

(Photo courtesy of Ala Moana Center)

Inaugural Haunted Mansion, Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m.

This first-ever Monster Mansion event at McCully District Park will be an evening of trunk-or-treating, games, face painting and a haunted house suitable for all ages. Limited parking will be available at Lunalilo Elementary School so the Department of Parks and Recreation asks attendees to consider alternative transportation. Wear high-visibility clothes or lights for traffic safety. Presented by Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Information: 808-768-6707.

Halloween Specials at Air Park Karaoke, Oct. 31-Nov. 2

Sing your heart out to your favorite songs with weekend-long deals — receive a 10% discount off room bookings by mentioning the code “Halloween2025” and guests who come in costume will receive a complimentary specialty drink created just for the occasion. Located next to Ala Moana Center, Air Park Karaoke features 11 private karaoke rooms, a social lounge, full bar and a vast song collection in multiple languages. Reservations.

SpookyLaulea Halloween Block Party, Oct. 31, 10-11:30 p.m.

Moana Waikiki takes over the third floor of International Market Place for a party featuring multiple bars and stages with live performances by Likkle Jordee, The Braddahoodz, Osnizzle, DJ Karzy and more. For 21 and over. Tickets.

“The Green Lady of Wahiawa and Other Local Ghost Stories,” Nov. 7-16

The Hawaii Conservatory of Performing Arts takes audiences into the supernatural world in a reimagining of some of Hawaii’s most scary ghost stories — from the moss-haired Green Lady who walks Wahiawa gulch to the blank-faced apparition lurking in the mirrors of Kahala Mall — at Windward Community College’s Paliku Theatre. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Tickets.

2025 Fall Harvest Festival through Nov. 9

Though not a Halloween-specific event, the pumpkin patch will put you in the Halloween spirit as fields of delightful sunflowers welcome you to Waimanalo Country Farms. Stop by the country market for “grub stand” for fresh-squeezed lemonade, farm honey, handmade gifts, cornbread and more, then take a wander and enjoy fresh air and photo ops. No reservations for daytime hours; first come, first served. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Event details.

Halloween-themed eats and drinks

Black Angus Steakhouse

The culinary team presents a twist on the classic Piña Colada — the Bloody Colada — made with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and Pina Colada Mix with a drizzle of honey and red food dye, hence, “bloody.” There’s also the Vampire Margarita, blending Corazon Blanco Tequila, fresh jalapeno rings, fresh blackberries, lime mix, black charcoal activator and MONIN blackberry syrup. And finally, the Spicy Diablo Highball, a highball with a kick, incorporating Barton vodka, MONIN hibiscus syrup, fresh strawberry slices and lemon mix, simple syrup and club soda. Cocktails are available throughout the month.

(Photo courtesy of Black Angus Steakhouse)

California Pizza Kitchen

In honor of Halloween, CPK is featuring its seven-inch CPKids Jack-O-Lantern Pizza for just $5 throughout the month, plus its $10 Pizza Days every Monday and Tuesday. October is also National Pizza Month, so CPK is offering the new Cacio e Pepe Pizza, inspired by the classical Roman pasta, and fan-favorite Habanero Carnitas Pizza.

Jamba Hawaii

All 26 locations statewide are offering three pumpkin-flavored menu items through Nov. 10 — Pumpkin Smash Smoothie (classic and plant-based versions), Pumpkin Pie Crunch Smoothie and the Pumpkin Smash Bowl.

(Photo courtesy of Jamba Hawaii)

Hawaii Island

“Boo at the Zoo,” Oct. 25-26, 3-6 p.m.

Families will enjoy free admission in an enchanting rainforest environment at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens with treats, animal interactions, activities, food vendors and a keiki costume contest. Friends of the Panaewa Zoo will sell $1 (cash) trick-or-treat bags that will be required to receive treats; proceeds will benefit the zoo. The Costume Contest takes place at 4:30 p.m. on both days. Parking will be available in the zoo lot and Panaewa Equestrian Center.

Maui

Keiki Halloween, Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m.

The Shops at Wailea invites families to Keiki Halloween to enjoy activities, costume contest, balloon animals, a live magic show and trick-or-treating. Balloon animals will be offered from 3-5 p.m. in the Middle Valley in front of Rip Curl and trick-or-treating will be available at shops marked with balloons, 3-7 p.m. The highlight is the costume contest, 5-6:30 p.m. with judges announcing winners at 6:30-7 p.m. Keiki, families and event pets are invited to showcase their most creative, whimsical or spooky looks in these categories — 0-2, 3-5, 6-10, ‘ohana and pets. Register online in advance or onsite, 3-4:30 p.m. One costume and one category per contestant. There will be first, second and third place prizes in each category, plus a grand prize winner.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at [email protected].