As I am writing this, it is the last weekend of September, and Autumn definitely, has arrived on the island. The days have fallen just below 12 hours daylight time, the mornings are cooler, a crisp tingle is in the air at 5am. I am ever so glad I do have a blanket on the bench on my front porch, or morning coffee in civil twilight would be a bit too chilly these days.
I love autumn. I love all the seasons, matter of fact. Though O’ahu has only two seasons, summer and rainy. But even within these, there are very subtle nuances, one can observe just by paying little attention. I am excited for the changing of seasons, within nature but also within myself.
Autumn is usually much more busy for me and my family, but it is also a time to take things slower and embrace the passing of time and seasons.
Unfortunately, Oahu doesn’t have great color changing outdoors to admire, you won’t need to wear boots and a soft scarf to keep warm. Chances are, you’ll be wearing slippers and order an iced pumpkin spice latte. Nonetheless, autumn in Hawai’i is special. I mean, nothing beats a fall sunset at the beach, the grasses are dry and dancing in the wind, while the sun sits lower in the sky, painting the scenery a vibrant orange, red and pink.
Autumn on the island is magically with fun activities to squeeze in between time spent at the beach or on your favorite hike and I am the last to tell you to not visit any of them.
Without further ado, I have compiled a little list of activities you should plan for this autumn, weather you are living on O’ahu or are visiting the island over the nest couple of month.
Visit the Waimanalo Fall Harvest Festival
Waimanalo Country Farm is located in the east side of the island with the Fall Harvest Festival running from September 28th through November 9th.
Take some hours to spend strolling the pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, and visit the country market to pick up some delicious treats, handmade gifts, and so much more.
Bring the kids and enjoy the wee Kids Cow Train ride before finding your prefect pumpkin to take home. You are able to book professional photoshoots with an in-house photographer, or your own. Professional photoshoots cannot be booked during public hours, but after hours, which is quite something if you are looking to get your photos taken during golden hour.
For more info and pricing, visit https://www.waimanalocountryfarms.com/
Pumpkin Festival at Aloun Farms
Aloun Farm is holding its 22nd Pumpkin Festival starting October. It’s on the last three weekends of October in Kapolei. There are free tractor hayrides, lots of activities on the fair grounds and plenty of photo props, as well as local foods and gifts to take home. Take a stroll through the pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, or pick some corn. Aloun Farm is great fun, though consider getting there early.
The westside of the island is always a lot hotter. You can skip the noon heat by arriving earlier. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat and dress in your best fall outfit to get the most out of any photos you want to take.
For all the info and entry free, please visit https://alounfarms.com/pages/aloun-farms-22nd-annual-pumpkin-festival-educational-tour-presented-by-dr-horton-hawaii-meadow-gold-hawaii
HI Street Grinds & Crafts Fest
Hot October Spooktacular Night Market and Car & Bike Show
Saturday October 5th, 2025 4-9pm at Aloha Stadium Experience Oahu’s car & bike scene with the family. Organizers have come together to highlight Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles of the island with this fun event. There will be Live entertainment, food trucks and booths, as well as retail & crafts to pick something fun for yourself or as a gift.
HI Street Grinds & Craft Fest will wow you keiki with a Kid Zone, balloons, bounce houses, and face painting, so you have no excuse not to bring the Keiki along to look cars and get the treats.
For pricing and all the info, please visit https://linktr.ee/HIStreetgrindzandcraftfest
Sunset at the Beach – Hotel Transylvania
October 12th 2024 Festivities start at 4pm, movie starts at 6.30pm.
Bring your Keiki for a Halloween costume contest and a movie screening at the Queen’s Beach in Waikiki. Find a cozy spot, unwrap you picnic and enjoy the funny and spooktacular movie Hotel Transylvania with you family and friends.
For all info, visit https://southwestairlineshawaii.com/
O’ahu is also home to several Haunted House Events as well as real ghost story tours and Halloween themed bars. These events are not for anyone who easily gets frightened and definitely not for kids, but great fun to do on a date or a gathering with friends.
Almost all shopping centers have one day Halloween events, especially wonderful for the kids and many stores welcome trick or treaters on Halloween. That is quite wonderful if you are visiting the island over Halloween, but don’t want to go to a neighborhood with your little one. Just hit up a mall and let them get a little candy collection.
If you do want to visit a neighborhood while vacationing in O’ahu over Halloween with your kids, definitely drive through some first to get a feel for the area and your way around. Be respectful while trick or treating and enjoy your time mingling with the local ghost and goblins.
Have a wonderful October on O’ahu.