Things to do for Halloween in Oahu, Hawaii

Instagram addicts, rejoice! There are several pumpkin festivals to choose from on Oahu and, indeed, on the neighboring islands. Let’s start with the biggest (and arguably the best): Aloun Farms’ annual celebration of the big orange squash takes place over several weekends in October and early November, bringing Halloween spirit to Kapolei in the south-west of the island. This family favorite event is the real deal. From a pick-your-own-pumpkin excursion to hayrides and farm-style food, drinks and games, you’ll feel like you stepped straight into a New England pumpkin patch. There's something for everyone to enjoy, including pony rides, photo booths and seasonal games.

Elsewhere, Waimānalo Country Farms brings more Halloween energy in the shape of tractor rides, cute farm animals including donkeys, mini pigs and alpacas and, of course, more cute kid-sitting-on-a-giant-pumpkin photo ops than you can shake a broomstick at. Pick your own perfect pumpkin to take away and carve at home.

Can’t make it quite that far afield? Fear not: there are mini Halloween adventures of the urban variety to be had at Honolulu’s South Shore Market, where face-painting, pumpkin spice malasadas and a mini patch are enough to keep the kids (and their grown-ups) occupied for an hour or two.

Why are Hawaiian ghosts different from other ghosts? Well, for starters, they play a much bigger role in Polynesian culture than your average, run-of-the-mill poltergeist.

Mysteries of Hawaii not only showcases local hauntings and creepy legends but also exposes you to some of the ceremonial events that Hawaiians use to commune with long-dead relatives. It’s a truly different and special approach to the notion of Halloween; perhaps more educational than truly frightening, but maybe leave the kids at home nevertheless.

There are a number of spooky tours available, covering Hawaii hauntings galore, from the ancient rails of the Night Marchers to the infamous Kasha House of Kaimuki and the haunted halls of Iolani Palace. 

What’s Halloween for if not dressing up and frightening unassuming passers-by out of their wits? Good news: Honolulu and Waikiki come alive with costume parties on and around October 31st, with plenty for both adults and kids to get involved in. Keiki can unleash their very best Moana, Stitch and Elsa costumes at Sea Life Park, and in annual contests at Kāhala Mall and Hale‘iwa Store Lots. The Hyatt Regency in Waikiki ups the ante significantly for cosplaying grown-ups, with VIP tables and fab prizes for the best costumes. But who, or what, will you dress as? We reckon it has to be Wednesday Adams, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man or Pennywise for the win.

You’ll find several more such spooky get-togethers at bars and clubs along the main drags. Try The Boardroom Kailua, Sky Waikiki’s rooftop bar and – for those who want to monster-mash well beyond the witching hour – The District nightclub on Kapiolani Blvd.

Located near what’s purported to be a real haunted village in Waipahu, the Haunted Plantation is spooky enough to jump-scare even the most hardened Halloweener. This super-scary immersive nightmare unfolds after sundown, when more than 50 costumed actors in professional Hollywood-style horror makeup chase and taunt you around the sugar plantation’s haunted houses. There’s nothing sweet about these guys and ghouls though – expect full-on frights from as scary clowns (is there any other kind?) chase you down hallways, disfigured monsters leap from dark corners, and reanimated corpses emerge, shambling, from the fog. And that’s just the actors!

Popcorn at the ready for fright night at some of Honolulu’s premier cinemas. The beloved Hawaii Theatre and Kāhala’s Consolidated Theatres are safe bets for a few celluloid thrills and chills across the Halloween holiday season. We’re talking everything from creature feature classics like Jaws and The Thing to ghostly goings on in Poltergeist, The Blair Witch Project and The Conjuring and celebrated slashers like Psycho and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Something, in other words, for everyone. 

Beyond the Halloween scares, there’s plenty more to do in and around Honolulu and Waikiki at this time of year. For example…

There are usually several Halloween-based activities going on at the Polynesian Cultural Center this time of year but, even without those, this is an essential Oahu cultural experience par excellence. Expect multiple hands-on island villages, with activities that run the gamut from Tongan spear-throwing to Samoan fire-dancing, as well as rather more sedate fun like tasting Tahitian coconut bread and learning Hawaiian hula.

And, if you’ve been inspired by all this playful Polynesian culture, there are also several more cute activities you can try with the Go City Oahu pass, many – like coconut palm basket-weaving and traditional lei-making – producing unique souvenirs to take home, and others – like fire-dancing – that you might be better off not trying to recreate in your own living room. 

So there you have it. Our pick of some of the best seasonal fun to be had for Halloween in Oahu. All that remains is for us to wish you a very happy Honolulu Halloween!