Halloween in Hawaii is a unique and passionately celebrated event that captivates the spirit of the islands. But this year is different without the incredible Lahaina event called the Mardi Gras of the Pacific and the largest adult party of the year. The annual Halloween costume celebration drew up to 35,000 people along Front Street, which was closed to traffic. And now, only an eerie silence remains.
Halloween in Lahaina serves as a reminder of the loss.
The ultimate Halloween celebration in Hawaii had always unfolded on Front Street Lahaina. That is until it was all destroyed, with 99 people killed, 5 still missing, and thousands of homes and livelihoods destroyed. Our hearts remain with those impacted on this bittersweet Halloween weekend.
There is a long, unique, and rich history of Halloween celebrations in Lahaina town. It afforded it the reputation as the most popular and vibrant celebration in the Pacific. Here’s a brief history of Halloween in Lahaina Town:
- Origin: Halloween celebrations in Lahaina Town were a part of the culture for decades, although the exact origin isn’t documented.
- Unending Popularity: Lahaina Halloween grew in popularity among both residents and visitors and was seen as a bonding place. It evolved from a small-town party into a massive and world-renowned street party.
- Front Street: The celebration was focused on Lahaina’s Front Street, along the bustling, historic waterfront. During Halloween, except for 2022, Front Street was closed to vehicles, which transformed it into a pedestrian-friendly zone for kids of all ages.
- Lahaina Keiki Costume Parade: Always a prominent feature of the Lahaina Halloween festivities was the Keiki Halloween Costume Parade. Kids proudly showcased their often creative, spooky costumes.
- Live Entertainment: The celebration included live entertainment, with musicians and performers on stage at Campbell Park. This was always a hit with attendees.
- Costume Contests: All participants competed for prizes based on the most imaginative and well-made, original costumes.
- Involving visitors and residents: The Lahaina Halloween celebration was a melting pot for both tourists and residents. It was a true community event that leveraged the Aloha of Maui, and everyone eagerly joined in the festivities, adding to its welcoming and inclusive nature.
- Souvenir tee shirts: Halloween tee shirts were available, allowing visitors and residents a great takeaway from the annual celebration.
- Annual Tradition: Lahaina’s Halloween celebration was an awaited annual tradition for all. It well-showcased the unique sense of rich community and spirit in Lahaina via the festivities.
The Lahaina Halloween celebration grew into a massive and popular event, attracting thousands of people each year. It was a unique blend of traditional Halloween festivities and the aloha spirit of Hawaii. Visitors and locals come together to celebrate Halloween in a lively and memorable fashion against the backdrop of Lahaina’s historic and scenic setting.
Halloween in Hawaii events continue on other islands.
In spite of the loss of the irreplaceable Lahaina Halloween celebration, there are many other events occurring in Hawaii again this year. They include the ones below in Honolulu.
BOO! at the Bishop.
A special night at the museum. BOO! at The Bishop is Saturday, October 28. “Join The Bishop and other community partners for safe, family fun. Trick-or-Treat within the Museum while visiting with local community members. Light activities will also be provided for children as they explore! Child-friendly costumes are encouraged. You’ll leave with candy and plenty of great memories! Tickets are $5.
Celebrities in the night at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach.
Waikiki’s biggest and best costume celebrations, Halloween at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, returns Tuesday, October 31, at 8 p.m. “Prepare for a star-studded event, with this year’s theme, “Celebrities in the Night”. “Unleash your inner celebrity and join us for a night full of tricks, treats, DJ’s, dancing, and up to $2,000 in costume contest prizes, at this 21+ event.” This may be Waikiki’s best customer contest. Tickets from $15.
Haunted Plantation, Honolulu.
Dare to explore Hawaii’s spookiest haunted attraction, suitable for a thrilling walk-through experience. “Join us as we celebrate our 17 years of fear! Hawaii’s scariest and best walk-through haunted attraction. Located in a real haunted village and filled with more than 60 actors with professional makeup. Prepare to be chased and taunted by spirits of old Hawaii. $21 admission and reservations required.
HallowBaloo Music and Arts Festival – Cancelled.
What has been regarded as the “Best Costume Party in the Pacific” and Hawaii’s largest live music showcase, the HallowBaloo Music and Arts Festival normally transforms the streets of Honolulu into a vibrant celebration. They hope to return in 2024, pending resolution of event-permitting issues.
Royal Hawaiian Keiki Halloween Costume Contest.
One of Waikiki’s largest costume contests is back! “Royal Hawaiian Center’s annual spook-tacular Halloween Keiki Costume Contest returns on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 2 PM – 6 PM in The Royal Grove. Keiki from infants to 10 years old and their parents are invited to compete for first, second, and third place prizes and a Grand Prize for an overall winner in four categories!”
Aloun Farms Pumpkin Festival.
Aloun Farms 21st Annual Pumpkin Festival is a delightful family experience, and the Aloun Farms Pumpkin Festival is the place to be. Details can be found on the Aloun Farms website for events throughout this weekend. Entry is $5.
Waimanolo Farms fall harvest festival.
Set on a 52-acre farm with pumpkins and sunflowers galore. The 2023 fall harvest festival is in process through November 20. It’s a great place where visitors and residents mingle to pick pumpkins, enjoy food and drink, feed the animals, and more. There are photo ops galore, including the tractor hayride and the kid zone. Kids under 2 are free, and prices vary from $10 to $16, plus $5 for the animal farm.
Ala-Ween Spooktacular 2023.
“Keiki dressed in their favorite costume are invited to celebrate Halloween at Ala Moana Center’s Ala-ween Spooktacular! Families photos in front of our fall-themed selfie wall. Keiki can play and climb with friendly giant spiders at the Children’s Play Area on Level 3, Mauka Wing.” Then, on Halloween, from 4 to 7 p.m., 100+ merchants will participate in candy and other sweet surprise giveaways. And, in the Ewa Wing, other free festivities will include a dance party, giveaways, and more.
And if you’re not here this year, why not plan to spend the next Halloween in Hawaii? I
t’s an experience like no other. Enjoy the Halloween spirit amidst the enduring spirit and beauty of the Hawaiian islands.
It was really great until they decided to leave Front street open to vehicular traffic last year
Unfortunately the toll is 99, 5 still missing.
Where do you get your numbers from “71 people killed, 31 still missing”?
Aren’t current numbers 99 killed 5 missing?
99 people were killed in the fires, and missing stands at 5.
Halloween is a Celtic holiday that originates in the very heart of ireland. The history and the tangible presence of spirits in a sacred place became the traditional celebrations. A particular ancient cave that travels mysteriously across the entire country being the source of thesespirits that come out to haunt during halloween
I’m not a fan of Haloween. Was a big scaredy cat growing up, and still spooks me. But glad so many are enjoying the celebration all over the world.
Halloween on Front street was unlike any other Halloween event that I ever attended. The costumes, the entertainment, the food all came together to make for a really good time. Sadly that is not likely to happen again during my lifetime.
Hi Don.
You hit the nail on the head. Thank you.
Aloha.