Halloween Weekend Update: October 28-31

October has flown by. It seems just the other day the kids were on fall break pestering me to put up the Halloween decorations up. Against my better judgement, I did bust out the decoration bins, and despite their most annoying efforts, I managed to resist putting up the webs and spiders until just last week. You see, there's been motivational issues in our household this past month, and each one of us are extremely guilty. No matter the offense, it's how we deal with it that matters. We power through it. I would absolutely love to not have to make lunches for quite some time (as well as dinner for that matter), as much as my son would love not to do his homework (or my nina pick up her toys, my husband -the trash). But we power through it because it must be done. We're stronger for it and we're happy we managed to get it done despite the mundane torture it is. And how are we going to celebrate?! By chowing down some chocolate!  Happiest of Halloweens to you all, spooky mamas!


Friday, October 28th

As far as I've seen (please correct me if I'm wrong), Friday seems to be the calm before the storm. We merely have our regular events, the Wine Tasting at the Kona Wine Market (3-6pm) and the weekly "Movie Under the Stars" showing at the Queens' Marketplace. Monte Carlo stars Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy as three friends posing as rich people in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The 5.2/10 stars that IMDb.com gave it sounds pretty generous, but that's just me. I might see the movie for the scenery however - Monaco is a gorgeous place which I had to pleasure to experience for one day back in 1996. I still remember a particularly delectable mini-quiche I ate from a bakery there, speaking the only French phrase I could remember...je voudrais (and point).


Saturday, October 29th


Saturday begins with some healthy, high energy activities to get the blood pumping.

First is the YWCA whY-Walk, starting at Hale Halewai on Ali'i Drive. This charitable event is an island-wide event to stop rape, sexual assault and family violence. Two whY-Walks will be held on the same day, one in Hilo and one in Kona.  Walkers can join Mayor Billy Kenoi and Kona walkers can join Hawaii County's top administrators.  Men, women, and children from all walks of life can proudly walk one mile in women's shoes through downtown to stop rape and raise money in support of our community programs:  Sexual Assault Support Services, Teen Court, Healthy Start, Enhanced Healthy Start, Preschool and Aquatics.


The community is invited to participate and show their support. The walk begins and ends at Hale Halawai with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the walk at 8:30.  Assistant Police Chief Paul Kealoha, Administrator of Housing and Community Development Steve Arnett, Hawaii County Managing Director Wally Lau and Director of Parks and Recreation Bob Fitzgerald will strap on their heels and lead walkers in this event.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you may have already signed up for the run at Pu'u Wa'awa'a. The State’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) in conjunction with the non-profit organization PATH (Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii) and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry will be holding their 5th RUN FOR THE DRY FOREST at Pu’u Wa’awa’a, a 10km run, 5km run/walk and ¼ mile keiki run on Saturday October 29th. This is an event geared to raise awareness and contribute to the conservation and preservation of Dry Forests in Hawaii. There are several endangered plants and birds in the Pu’u Wa’awa’a Dry Forest some of which are found in few or no other locations. Today’s threats to the forest include invasive alien weeds, wild fire, and introduced ungulates. Native tree seedlings will be given to age division winners as well as other wonderful prizes. In addition, all entrants will receive a beautifully designed shirt showcasing a dry forest plant on the front and a view of Pu’u Wa’awa’a on the back.

Maybe your legs might just take you down to the Keauhou Farmer's Market instead. Being the 4th Saturday of the month, it's Farmer-Chef presentation day! This month's highlight - lilikoi (passionfruit). Saturday at 10 a.m., meet farmer Diana Duff and Chef Patti Kimball. Diana Duff's Hoku Farm is a three acre organic farm in Honaunau. Along with coffee and bananas, Diana has diversified into other fruit including lilikoi, as well as veggies, greens and herbs. She also writes a weekly gardening column. At the presentation Diana will present insights into the growing and managing of lilikoi. Chef Patti Kimball, previously a culinary instructor for Konawaena High School, is now busy developing recipes for special diets and giving cooking demonstrations. At this month’s presentation Chef Patti will be making a macnut shortbread with a lilikoi curd. Be sure to join us as we explore the flavors of lilikoi. Yum! Read more and find recipes here.

Are you still working on your costume? The Aloha Performing Arts Company will offer a Halloween youth costume workshop recommended for ages 8 to 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  It's quick and easy, using recycled materials you already have on hand at home. You'll learn how to transform cast-off clothing into a uniquely-you costume. Start gathering up old baggy clothes, sheets and pillow cases, tablecloths, big shoes and anything else you think might work, and bring them to class! No-sewing required! The workshop will be followed by a costume parade, fun Halloween games and yummy treats! If you haven't already registered, you can register online here. Class fee is $25 plus another $10 late registration fee.

The Blue Sea Artisans gallery at Kona International Market will also be hosting a free children's Halloween art day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29. Preregistration is required because of space limitations. Call 329-8000. Check it out and check out their art as well - they have some great work displayed for sale right now.

Speaking of art, Makalapua Cinemas is showing the second of 11 live broadcasts of operas via satellite in HD Live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York (12:55 p.m.). This broadcast will be "Don Giovanni", by Mozart. The story of Don Juan is the story of a successful seducer who gets what he deserves. It is a masterpiece with wit, satire, drama and tragedy. The opera is sung in Italian, with English translation provided simultaneously on the screen. Tickets are available at the box office for $24, $22 Seniors, $18 Students with valid ID. For more information, call 329-7133, email sscadden@hawaii.rr.com, or visit Metropolitan Opera HD Live. Happy listening!

It wouldn't be Halloween weekend without the Rocky Horror Picture Show! That sweet transvestite and his motley crew return to do the Time Warp again! Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock 'n' roll sci fi gothic is more fun than ever.  You know you want to, so check out the show Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Aloha Theater. Tickets are $20 for adults and available here.

Chicken Skin Paniolo Ghost Stories to kick off the new Talk Story Nights at Waimea's Pukalani Stables. Hawai’i Island residents and visitors are invited to Waimea’s 100+-year-old Pukalani Stables for a new, free, after-dark series of Paniolo Talk Story evenings, a “mauka” version of Danny Kaniela Akaka’s “Twilight at Kalahuipua’a” gatherings at Mauna Lani Resort. Paniolo Preservation Society is proud to host these events to perpetuate Hawai’i’s Hawaiian ranching traditions and to introduce the community to its new Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables.

The first Paniolo Talk Story night will be 5-8 p.m., Sat., Oct. 29, 2011 and will feature “chicken skin” paniolo ghost stories. Each of the evening talk stories will be hosted by Ku’ulei Keakealani, who comes from a multi-generational ranching family and whose grandfather and father are both revered members in the “Paniolo Hall of Fame.” Ku’ulei brings to this new program the experience of not only having been raised in and still living the paniolo life, but also having organized numerous presentations about Hawaiian ranching, cultural traditions and land stewardship – ranging from the hard-core traditional skills of riding and roping wild pipi,(cows) in rugged upcountry forests, to swimming cattle out to waiting steamships to transport to market, to the ‘olelo (language), mele (music) and related paniolo arts of saddle and lei making.

Paniolo Talk Story is perfect for the entire family from keiki to kupuna. It’s a free event and BYOC – ie, Bring Your Own Coolers and Chairs though neither is necessary. School and community groups will sell snacks and food and PPS volunteers will offer a choice of hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages including Starbucks coffee and a paniolo family favorite of cocoa ‘n crackers. At the Oct. 29 gathering, Kanu o ka ‘Aina Charter School ‘ohana will sell a warm dinner, snacks and sweet treats with proceeds benefiting the school.

For more information about PPS and its new PanioloHeritage Center at Pukalani Stables, go online, Facebook,  email, or call (808)854-1541.

SPECIAL HALLOWEEN EVENTS - Saturday Evening

Queens' Marketplace, Waikoloa

Have your keiki put on their best costumes and join the fun at Queens’ MarketPlace from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A live DJ will be on hand and candy and give-a-way stations will be situated around the mall. Queens’ MarketPlace tenants will be showcasing their merchandise in our first Sidewalk Sale! Queens' Marketplace holiday events are always a great choice because it's a contained, controlled environment, lots of features for the keiki to enjoy (koi ponds, grassy areas & fountains) and of course, shopping & coffee for mama.

Keauhou Shopping Center

An 'Ohana Halloween Paina will take place from 4-9 p.m. The free family event will include live musical entertainment, vendors, and keiki activities such as an adult and a keiki costume contest, waterslides, bouncing castles, "scary-oke", "I-Scream" eating contest, a rock climbing wall, and more. No parking on the street, please. Parking will be available at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and the parking lot across Ali'i Dr. from the Keauhou Beach Resort. Shuttle service to and from the event will be provided by Roberts Hawaii. For more info, visit keauhoushoppingcenter.com

Kona Pacific Public Charter School, Kealakekua (above the hospital)

Enjoy a Camelot inspired theme as you enjoy 7 skits around the forest of the Kona Pacific Public Charter School telling the tale of Merlin, Excalibur, King Arthur's knights and more. Games, food, music and fun. Tickets can be purchased at the school. Time: 5 pm-9 pm at School is above Kona Hospital, Kelekekua, Cost: $5 for tickets. For more information, call 854-6769, email julie@ziemelis.com or visit www.kppcs.org

Lanihau Shopping Center

If you're not up for the Halloween themed events, check out the Car and Bike Show at Lanihau Shopping Center. Assuredly kid friendly, there will be costumes, face painting and candy for the keiki. This is a alcohol-free event.

Sunday, October 30th

Shake off the sugar withdrawal from Saturday evening with a Post- Ironman Sprint sponsored by Team Mango. Starting at Kailua Kona pier at 7 a.m., this 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike and 2 mile run will get your blood flowing. 

You can finish the race and dash on over to Hale Halewai with your pet to join in Hawaii Island Human Society's Annual Halloween Pet Walk, starting at 9 a.m. (Registration at 8 a.m.).

HIHS Pet Walks encourage pet owners to exercise themselves and their pets during these free, fun, family-friendly Halloween weekend events. Contests and prizes add to the day’s planned festivities. Walkers with – or without – pets are urged to raise pledges and support Hawaii Island Humane Society. Teams and team challenges are encouraged! Track your team's progress here on this site or join a team that is already registered.

Contact Donna Whitaker at 329-8002 or email your questions, to reserve vendor space, or to donate contest prizes. Registration is FREE! Earn at least $50 in pledges and receive a free t-shirt. Pet Walk pledge forms can be downloaded here, or picked up at HIHS’s Kona, Waimea and Hilo shelters or from many island veterinarians.

While your down there, be sure to check out the Big Island Bones dog treats tent.  Created by fellow KAMA mama Heidi Nikolai, they specialize in organic, hawaiian, and seasonal dog treats, and can accommodate any food allergy. "Homemade treats for your best friend, made with the best ingredients. Treat your Dog to some Aloha!"

If you steered clear of Saturday's events (early bedtime, too crowded, etc), perhaps Slime Time Fest might interest you. At The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity at 77-165 Lako Street from 2-4 p.m., this event features games, crafts, food, face painting, slime science, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, candy and spooky music. No charge to attend. For more information, call 329-5733.  

Monday, October 31 - Halloween!

Take the rest of Sunday to rest up, because Monday is HALLOWEEN!!  I'm not particularly FOR the idea of trick-or-treating the weekend before Halloween if it falls on a weekday, but I do see the wisdom of it. Maybe it's not exactly wisdom, but I'm sure some moms are behind the idea, since I myself am not exactly looking forward to the late night turning into a sloth-filled morning. The kids will be grumpy, want candy for breakfast, and we'll be late for school.  I frequently remind myself to chill out and relax and enjoy the moment, as it will be a moment lost before I even know it, but the niggler inside me knows that I, and I alone, will be the one to suffer the wrath of the children's sugar withdrawals.

Frankly, as I contemplate further, I'm not sure WHY all these special events are even happening. I mean, most of us with young children are already going trick-or-treating. And the majority of us most likely limit our children's sugar intake. So, since we already have a day designated for candy, is really necessary to quadruple our consumption? You know as a mom, it is nearly impossible to attend these events without purchasing a shave ice, cotton candy or some other sugary confection.  Just carve a pumpkin already and roast the seeds! Whatever happened to a corn maze, hay ride, and good old fashioned haunted house?  

Ok, I know I'm not in the midwest anymore, but the good news is there IS haunted house fun to be had!  Or haunted storefront, rather. 

In the Kona Coast Shopping Center (KTA, Jamba Juice), Blockbuster's old space is currently open to scare the pants off you! Sorry I don't have the deets handy, but if I can scrounge them up, I'll be sure to pass them along.

A favorite alternative to traipsing door to door to candy: the 8th annual Candyland extravaganza! Held on October 31st from 5-8:00pm at the Old Airport Field. Costume contests, jumpers, rock walls, food, candy themed scenes, games, face painting, and live entertainment, all for FREE!! Their mission: To provide a safe alternative for our children on Halloween, and to show the community that Jesus is just as sweet!

WhatEVER you decide to do this Halloween. Have fun. Let your kids have fun. Eat candy - it's a tradition. And enjoy a good scare.

Happy Halloween!