Add to the List: Things to do in October 2019 in Hawaii

From Kauai to Hawaii Island, we highlight our favorite festivals, fairs and local happenings in October.

STATEWIDE

Halloween

10/31

The spookiest night of the year is also the most entertaining: Face the horror at one of many haunted houses scattered across Oahu, including the famed Haunted Plantation in Waipahu, or spend the evening in costume, dancing or people-watching in Lahaina, Maui, at Hawaii’s biggest Halloween block party. hawaiihauntedplantation.com, visitlahaina.com.

OAHU

Annual Honolulu Intertribal Powwow

10/5–10/6

Started in 1974, the Annual Honolulu Intertribal Powwow is a celebration of Native American culture and history in the Islands. The event is held at scenic Magic Island, and visitors and locals alike can enjoy Native American dancing, singing, drumming, cuisine and educational booths. Admission is free. 1201 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, honoluluintertribalpowwow.com.

Waikiki Bazaar Festival

10/13

Closing down a chunk of Kalakaua Avenue, from Seaside to Kapahulu, the Waikiki Bazaar Festival gives visitors and residents the chance to score handmade products from local vendors. The event is kid-friendly, with keiki rides and entertainment on-site; some of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Kapiolani Medical Center Children’s Miracle Network. Find more info on the event’s Facebook page, Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki.

Honolulu Pride: Celebrate the Rainbow

10/19

Watch or march along in one of the most cheerful and upbeat parades on Oahu. Look for rainbow flags hung throughout Waikiki in celebration of Honolulu Pride, an effort made possible by organizations and individuals who support Hawaii’s LGBTQ community. 2805 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu, hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com.

MAUI

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

10/5–10/27

A celebration of fine dining and culinary excellence, this festival on Maui, Oahu and Hawaii Island is perfect for those looking to meet celebrity chefs and indulge in gourmet dishes and fine wine. Marvel at an Iberian feast at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (Oct. 5) or head over to the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (Oct. 20) for a six-course dinner by chefs celebrated for their mastery of Italian cuisine. Various locations, hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com.

97th Maui Fair

10/3–10/6

One of Maui’s most timeless traditions returns for a milestone year, along with all of the popular E.K. Fernandez rides, sugar-coated desserts, eating contests and friendly farm animals. 700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku, mauifair.com.

KAUAI

29th Annual Emalani Festival Kauai

10/14

Taking place on the Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow, Kokee Natural History Museum pays tribute to Queen Emma, known for her many humanitarian efforts, including the establishment of Queen’s Hospital. Kokee Road, Highway 550, Kekaha, kokee.org.

HAWAII ISLAND

Big Island Ube Festival

10/19

There’s no doubt about it: Ube, the bright purple, delectable yam, is taking over Hawaii. And there’s no better sign of this culinary revolution than the first-ever all-day Big Island Ube Festival. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Hawaii Food Basket and Childhope Philippines. For more info, visit the event’s Facebook page, 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa.

Traditional Tattoo Festival

10/25–10/28

For some, tattoos and the art of tattooing are ingrained in their culture. If you want to learn more about the ceremonial practice of traditional tattooing from Pacific and Arctic cultures, this four-day event will feature practitioners, scholars and others in facilitated conversations and artist talks. Find out more on the event’s Facebook page, 53-580 Iole Road, Kapaau.

MOLOKAI

Festivals of Aloha

10/11–10/12

One of the biggest events of the year on the little island of Molokai, this two-day festival celebrates aspects of Hawaiian culture. Listen to Hawaiian music, watch the Molokai Royal Court receive its royal symbols and get there early to taste the ulu, uala and kalo (breadfruit, sweet potato and taro) contest entries. 90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai, festivalsofaloha.com.