Halloween in Hawai‘i

By: Noelani Kana‘e, Manager, Program Design & Development

October in Hawai‘i may not feel like autumn to those coming from colder climates, where the leaves change color, and the sun sets a bit earlier. Here in Hawai‘i, the keiki (children) don’t need to layer up their Halloween costumes. Young and old alike delight in the many events planned around the state for the holiday.

Lahaina Town, in West Maui is famous for having the biggest Halloween celebration in the State of Hawai‘i. Each year Lahaina’s Front Street comes alive, with the festivities becoming bigger and more exciting. You’ll find that it’s a real task trying to find anyone without a costume on!  Costumes range from fun store-bought outfits to completely homemade masterpieces. Some of the contestants in the various Lahaina Costume Contests have spent all year building their creative Halloween outfits. Make sure you’re prepared with a little more than an old sheet with holes cut for eyes…  A fun time is always had by all in Lahaina on Halloween!

On the island of O‘ahu, Halloween events abound!  Many of the hotels and resorts throughout Waikīkī hold Halloween costume parties, complete with food, fun, and fireworks.  A portion of the proceeds from many of the events benefit local charities.

If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, there’s a chance to be a walker for Halloween. Break out your gory face paint and join fellow undead in Chinatown, crawling from bar to bar to satisfy your ‘cravings’. No makeup? Don’t worry, makeup artists can zombify you!

The Chinatown Arts District comes alive on Halloween with music in the streets, art festivals, and a fun run to raise money for Hawai‘i’s nonprofit art organizations.

Throughout the State, haunted houses, haunted mazes and hay rides, spook walks and haunted trails, pumpkin patches, Halloween festivals and Halloween parades take place in many of the local communities.

Hau‘oli Ka La Ho‘ola‘a!  Happy Halloween!

Photo from Lahaina Halloween.