We’re halfway through October. The weather remains sunny and warm. In fact, it’s very boo-tiful.
Wondering how to celebrate Halloween on the Big Island? Check out some of my recommendations for ghoulishly good fun.
Holoholo-ween Fall Fest & Pumpkin Patch
Maybe you associate pumpkins with flannels, scarecrows, and brisk autumnal vistas. But believe it or not, pumpkins do grow in the tropics!
On the Big Island, you can find them at Hawaii Green Earth’s farm in Paauilo. It’s about an hour and a half drive northeast of Kona.
But this destination is more than just a pumpkin patch. The Holoholo-ween Fall Fest features autumnal activities for the whole family. They even have selfie stations setup so you can snap that perfect pumpkin picture.
If that’s not gourd enough, try navigating their festive maze. Mainlanders have corn mazes. On Hawaii, we have cane grass mazes.
Once you’ve found your way out, visit farm animals such as cows, goats, pigs, and more. Then grab a treat from one of the many vendors at the Bat Booth. Local tip: I heard they might be selling caramel apple hand pies.
The Fall Fest runs 10am-4pm every Saturday and Sunday in October.
And if you don’t make it over to the pumpkin patch, why not learn how to carve a pineapple? This tropical jack-o’-lantern makes a spooktacular addition to any lanai.
Trick or Treat
Treat, please. Who said candy’s just for kids?
Family-owned Puna Chocolate Company crafts artisanal chocolates using Hawaiian-grown cocoa beans.
Grab a selection of their Fall Chocolate – pumpkin spice macadamia toffee, caramel apple chocolate bark, or black walnut praline. You really can’t go wrong, so long as you remember to pick up a bag of freshly roasted Kona Coffee while you’re there.
Visit their shop in downtown Kona at 74-5606 Pawai Place.
If you want the full experience, make a reservation to visit their chocolate farm. They offer farm tours, espresso workshops, and chocolate + wine pairings.
Kona Haunted Pub Crawl
This Halloween activity features the best kinds of spirits. (Is a pub crawl just trick-or-treating for adults?)
Operated by Big Island Ghost Tours, this pub crawl takes you on a spooky tour through downtown Kona. Enjoy tales of paranormal activity, unsolved murder, and human sacrifice… as told by local historians and ghost hunters. It’s certainly a seasonal way to learn about the area.
The Kona Haunted Pub Crawl starts at 7:30 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. You can also do other evenings by special request. The tour begins at Kailua Pier and covers a distance of approximately one mile.
A Not-So-Haunted House
While you’re riding out the inevitable sugar crash, pop on A Perfect Getaway for a scary movie set in Hawaii. No promises about the film’s Oscar-worthiness… but there are some beautiful vistas along with the thrills.
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood give me a call. I can’t help you with paranormal activity, but I can help you find your perfect piece of paradise.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.