There's no tricks — just treats — with this batch of upcoming events put on by local churches in partnership with businesses and the community on Oʻahu.
Here are some Halloween alternatives — from a Biblical Haunted House and a paniolo-themed pāʻina to festivals and trunk-or-treat — happening in neighborhoods across the island:
Central Union Church's Biblical Haunted House, Kailua
Rev. Irene Willis Hassan, associate pastor of Central Union Church Windward, told Aloha State Daily by email that the church wanted to try “something a little different for spooky season,” and soon after, Biblical Haunted House was born.
Step inside the spookiest scenes from the Bible from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the church’s Kailua campus, located at 38 Kāneʻohe Bay Drive.
“This is our first year hosting the event, so we intentionally made it a one-night experience so we can focus on doing it well. The idea is to offer something fun, creative and just scary enough for the community, while introducing kids and families to some of the wilder stories that are actually in the Bible,” she wrote.
Guests will walk through six Bible-themed scenes inspired by scripture, including Jael defeating the Canaanite general Sisera with a tent peg (Judges 4:21); the daughter of Herodias requesting John the Baptist’s head on a platter (Mark 6:22–28), and Ezekiel standing in the Valley of Dry Bones as the bones come together and rise before him (Ezekiel 37:1–14). The experience will last about seven minutes.
“The Bible has no shortage of dramatic, strange, frightening, and sometimes downright gruesome stories — and many people, including many Christians, have never heard some of them,” Hassan wrote. “In that sense, it’s a haunted house and Christian education at the same time.”
This event is recommended for those ages 10 and up. Admission is $5 cash or Venmo at the door, and kids under the recommended age are free.
Hassan said that all the actors will be children and youth between the ages of 8 to 17.
“Kids experience scripture differently when they actually become the characters, learn the context and figure out how to tell the story themselves,” she said, noting this event is also a way for the public “to discover Central Union Windward.”
“We’d love to welcome families back for Sunday worship or future children’s theatre programs, where we’ll continue bringing scripture to life — although, I promise they won’t all involve severed heads and tent pegs!”
Hassan adds: “Ultimately, we want people to leave having had a great time, learned something they didn’t know about the Bible, and perhaps become a little more curious about what else happens here.”
For more information about this event, click here.
Mary Star of the Sea’s Fall Festival, Waikīkī
Fall into fun at this family-friendly event featuring trunk-or-treat, pony rides and a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, games and more on Friday, Oct. 23.
The event is planned from 5 to 9 p.m.at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, located at 4470 Aliikoa St. in Honolulu.
Enjoy food from vendors including Katsu Sando, Diamond Head Drip and Leonard’s Bakery, among other eats.
Admission, which includes a $10 scrip (1 scrip equals 50 cents) and Halloween bag, is $10 per person for those age 3 and older. The deadline to pre-order scrip is Oct. 19. Children 2 years old and under are free.
Register and pre-order pumpkins, here. Walk-ins will be permitted subject to space.
New Hope Oʻahu's Harvest Fest, Sand Island
Harvest Fest at New Hope Oʻahu aims to offer a “safe and fun night” for the whole family, complete with trunk-or-treat cars, a costume contest, a kendama show, food and treats, and more.
The event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the church’s campus at 290 Sand Island Access Road in Honolulu.
“We are also collecting candy donations to help make the night extra special for all the kids attending,” organizers said. “Invite your friends, neighbors and family for a fun evening of community and connection."
For more information about this event, click here.
One Love Ministries' Pumpkin Pāʻina, Kakaʻako
One Love Ministries will host its fifth annual Pumpkin Pāʻina from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at The Barn at SALT at Our Kakaʻako, as well as its main campus and neighboring grassy areas.
Admission is free and there is no registration required. Guest parking will be available at SALT in addition to metered street parking.
In past years, OLM’s Pumpkin Pāʻina has welcomed more than 3,500 attendees; organizers aim to reach 4,000 individuals with the help of about 200 volunteers this year.
With a paniolo theme, this year’s festival will feature more than 20 carnival-style games, candy, face painting, balloon art, a photo booth, petting zoo and costume contests, among other activities for children and families.
Project Coordinator Haley Hasegawa told ASD that this is the first year the church is partnering with Nalo Keiki Paniolo’s mobile petting zoo — complete with goats, sheep and alpacas — which will come in costume.
“No promises on if they’ll keep them (the costumes) on throughout the night,” she said with a laugh.
Hasegawa adds that the paniolo theme will be carried over through the game designs and names, farm animals and “lots of palaka.”
“Our games have been reimagined. Even our cafe drink menu is themed,” she said. “It’s about going back to our roots in Hawai’i.”
Another feature of the event is the “passport adventure,” which takes travelers on a journey around SALT to participating vendors. Those who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a raffle to win prizes ranging from hotel stays and excursions to discounts from various restaurants and more.
“I’m excited to see the finished product and people having a good time … this is a fun, safe alternative for our neighbors in high-rises,” Hasegawa said. “I’m also excited for the vendors at SALT and our other business partners. … Their shops will be open for dinner and people can stop there for their passport stamp and receive some extra candy.”
Local businesses interested in donating toward candy, raffle prizes and other needs can email events@onelove.org.
“We hope to serve the community well this year during our Pumpkin Pāʻina event,” said Lead Pastor Maiola Vivas. “We do this for the community every year to provide a safe place for the keiki and their families to come and be blessed, have lots of fun, and know that they are loved.
“It’s always awesome to see the keiki playing games with big smiles on their faces,” he continued. “We love our community and we are here to serve them, while showing them God’s love.”
Vivas noted that the church is also looking forward to Christmas Day, where volunteers and staff plan to feed the homeless in the area, as well as “spend some time with them celebrating the birth of Jesus.”
For more information about the Pumpkin Pāʻina event, visit pumpkinpaina.com.
Cavalry Chapel Honolulu's Family Fun Night, Pearl City
By popular demand, Cavalry Chapel Honolulu is bringing back Family Fun Night.
The free event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at its Pearl City location at 98-1016 Komo Mai Dr.
This year’s Family Fun Night will feature game booths hosted by the church and its school families, live Hawaiian and island reggae music by Chauncy Kawika Bermodez, bounce houses and play areas, a kendama contest and more, according to the church’s post this week on Instagram.
“Come enjoy ‘ono grinds, fellowship with one another, and have some fun!” the post reads.
For more information about this event, click here.
Sunset Beach Christian Church’s Sunset Harvest Hoedown, Haleʻiwa
Get ready for games, food, line dancing and more at the Sunset Harvest Hoedown in Haleʻiwa, hosted at Sunset Beach Christian Church, located at 59-578 Kamehameha Highway.
Complete with carnival games, farmers market, petting zoo and obstacle course, the event is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. There will even be a watermelon eating contest and many chances to win prizes.
Not planning to join the contest? Food will be available for purchase at the JAX Wood Fired Pizza Truck for those looking for a bite.
“We can’t wait to host a fall-themed evening for the whole Sunset ‘Ohana with something fun for everyone,” organizers said on its website. “Costumes are encouraged, so come in your best western attire or any outfit of your choice.
The church is seeking volunteers to fill various roles throughout the night.
For more information about this event, click here.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Trunk-or-Treat, Lāʻie
The Lāʻie 10th Ward will offer trunk-or-treat for keiki and families from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 55-415 Iosepa St.
Organizers ask that if you plan on attending, RSVP ahead of the event here.
Historically, other local LDS churches, like those in ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei/Makakilo and beyond, have hosted trunk-or-treat at campuses across Oʻahu. For more information, check their individual websites or social media.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list; however, if you would like to share a church-run event in October with us for consideration, please email kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
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