’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!
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.
Spooktacular 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.
‘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. today 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. today.
— 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.
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:
— Today, 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.