Our Halloween celebrations, like many other things, are going to be a little different this season. That’s why we’re here to inspire you with alternative ways of getting in the spirit on the spookiest day of the year (a full moon on Halloween, I mean come ON!). We’ve compiled a list of the must-do ways to celebrate this Halloween that’s fun for ghouls and ghosts of all ages.
CRAFTING
Ditch the Pumpkin
Swap your pumpkins for tropical fruit (coconuts, pineapples, etc.) grown right in your own backyard or picked up from your local grower to give this year’s Halloween a bit of an island spin. All you need is some acrylic paint, a carving knife, and a creative bone or two to create some pineapple jack-o’-lanterns or painted Halloween show-stoppers for your porch.
Okay, Something for the Pumpkin-Lovers
If real pumpkins are still on your must-have list in terms of Halloween decorations, painting them is a great way to extend their time on the front porch. And, of course, getting creative with your jack-o-lanterns is always a fun contest between family members. If you’re feeling extra competitive with your creations, be sure to enter them in local contests by Keauhou Shopping Center or ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center! See more events like these at our official 2020 Halloween Events resource list.
MODIFIED TRICK-OR-TREATING
You Got Boo’d
We’re reviving this tradition and it might be the most socially distant Halloween activity yet. Prepare a festive Halloween basket for your friends, family, and/or neighbors and ding-dong-ditch it on their front porch! The rules of this game require that if you get boo’d, you have to pass on another basket without disclosing your identity to the next “victim” of your choosing.
Trunk-or-Treat, Stay Six Feet
The idea of door-to-door trick-or-treating seems to be a distant memory this year, so many businesses and organizations have turned to the next best thing—drive-thru trick-or-treating! Places such as Parker Ranch Center, Hawaiian Paradise Park Activity Center, Kona Elks Lodge, Lowe’s, and more are here to provide you and your family with a safe way to collect the long-awaited Halloween candy and other goodies. See our full events list for an activity near you!
Easter in October
If drive-thru trick-or-treating isn’t in the cards for you this year, fear not. Grab a bag of treats and other festive goodies from your nearest store, perhaps in “crow eggs” (plastic eggs that are Halloween-approved), and place them around your house and yard for a spooky twist on the classic Easter egg hunt from the comfort and safety of your own home.
WHAT'S TRENDING ONLINE?
You’ve Reached Halloween TikTok, Please Stay Awhile
If TikTok hasn’t been the outlet to cope with social distancing that we never knew we needed, we don’t know what is. Keeping up with the latest TikTok trends will be relevant all year-round, so check out these Halloween-themed video trends to recreate for your next viral post before spooky season is over.
Jack-O’-Lantern Heads
Ghost Challenge
Ocean Spray Challenge (Halloween Edition)
VIRTUAL CONTESTS
In-person contests are a thing of the past, so hop on board the social media bandwagon for these virtual pumpkin carving and costume contests around the island. Put your best claw, pitch fork, or broomstick forward to win some amazing prizes brought to you by the following businesses! Visit our official events resource list for more information on each of these events.
Virtual pumpkin carving contests:
Pumpkin Carving Contest by Keauhou Shopping Center
‘Imiloa’s Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
Virtual costume contests:
Pretty Cool Pumpkins Halloween Photo Contest by Keauhou Shopping Center
Gecko Girlz Grand Opening/Costume + Mask Contest
Spookiest Kid Photo Contest at Lanihau Center
Fall Harvest Photo-Op at Queens’ MarketPlace
GET OUTDOORS
Being outdoors is the best way to beat the quarantine blues. Discover the haunting unknown with a visit to some of the most frightening (and fun!) places and things to do on the Big Island—from land to sea.
The Spookiest Self-Guided Tour
Take yourself on a tour of Hawai’i Island’s scariest ancient sites… if you dare. Are you brave enough?
Blackwater Night Dive with Big Island Divers
If you’re scuba-certified and love a good thrill, this night dive on October 30 is the perfect chilling adventure for you this Halloween season. All divers must have completed a previous night dive with Big Island Divers before booking this excursion. Visit the link for more information about this underwater adventure!
Horseback Riding on Halloween
Have you ever wanted to dress up like the headless horseman for Halloween—with an actual horse as part of your costume? Now’s your chance! You can book a horseback riding adventure on Halloween day with Paniolo Adventures.
Halloween Witch’s Paddle
Calling all witches! Wear your best costumes and bring your standup paddle boards, kayaks, or anything that floats on October 31 for a festive paddle around Hilo Bay. Meeting location is at Reed’s Bay at 8:30am and the witches will “fly” the bay at 9am!
COZY AT HOME
Nothing will get you in the spirit better than inviting the spirits to cozy up at home with you with these spooky movies and books.
MOVIES
Kid-friendly Classics: HalloweenTown series (1998–2006), Hocus Pocus (1993), Twitches (2005), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Casper (1995), Coraline (2009), Corpse Bride (2005), It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1996)
Adult Frights: Us (2019), Beetlejuice (1988), Ghostbusters (1984), Halloween (1978), Hubie Halloween (2020), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), re-runs of the most recent Presidential debates
SCARY STORIES
Read the chilling accounts of paranormal activity across the island by members of the Kahuna Research Group (KRG). Dim the lights and sink your teeth into KRG’s six different haunting books about the realms unknown.
You can also tune into The Wave 92FM from 9pm–12am on Halloween night for Fright Night: the perfect nightcap to your spooky festivities.
FOOD & DRINK
These local haunts are celebrating Halloween with specialty drinks and snacks that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack—Halloween-themed soft-serve ice cream
- Cupcakes, BOOM—Halloween treats and DIY Halloween cookie kits
- Teaspresso Bar—pumpkin spice drinks throughout the Fall season!
- HiCO Hawaiian Coffee—Harvest Brew
- Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse + Gecko Girlz Halloween collab—Lilikoi Lemonade Margarita
And, if you’re looking to venture out on the town this year, we’ve compiled a few fun and safe events. Don’t forget your mask!
- MyBar Halloween Event + in-person costume contest
- Merriman’s Waimea Halloween Happy Hour with pupus, drink specials, and live music!
- Halloween Micro Pop-Up at Sweet Journey Soft Serve
HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM ALL OF US AT BIG ISLAND PULSE!
