Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Oct. 24-30: Frightful fun featured at events around the island : Big Island Now

It will be a spooktacular weekend before Halloween, with several events on the Big Island once again planned to celebrate the holiday — each one a scream in its own right; all offering tons of frightful family fun.

You can trick-or-treat with the tenants at Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo during the 3rd annual Boo at the Zoo or have a fang-tastic afternoon of creativity, candy and community spirit during the Trunk-or-Treat and Craft Fair event at Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua-Kona.

Botanical World Adventures is again for the 11th year daring the brave at heart — and constitution — to face the monsters and maniacs in its haunted Halloween Maze (parental discretion is advised).

The next day, the firm in Hakalau will welcome keiki for a great Scavenger Hunt — and a chance to win some awesome prizes.

Next week, Island of Hawai‘i YMCA in Hilo will get everybody in a different, more kind of excited and celebratory All Hallows Eve mood by hosting a Halloween Carnival, with games and prizes, food and more.

There are definitely non-Halloween events happening during the next week too — the Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers Conference in HIlo, Club Kahilu Dance Night in Waimea and Gam3Escape’s Mini Collectibles Market — so keep reading to learn more.

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Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Oct. 24-30.

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Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers website

N0. 1 — 35th Hawai’i Tropical Fruit Growers Conference (Hilo, Oct. 24-26)

When: Various times

Location: Mostly at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive

Hear discussions about agricultural theft and new local industry research in addition to a full lineup of educational offerings on Friday and Saturday. A conference highlight is a massive display of a large variety of locally grown fruit followed by a tasting. Ever tried a soursop or durian? There also are farm tours planned Sunday. The conference is geared toward farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, and open to the public.

More info: Visit the Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers website.

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Image Courtesy: Kahilu Theatre website

N0. 2 — Club Kahilu Dance Night: Jump & Jive featuring Big Island Swing Band (Waimea, Oct. 24)

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When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Get ready to swing, sway and step out onto a high-energy dance floor for an unforgettable evening of music, rhythm and fun. The electrifying and ever funkalicious Big Island Swing Band will bring the golden era of swing back to life, delivering beats and brassy anthems that’ll keep you moving all evening. No experience necessary — just bring your dancing shoes and good vibes! Tickets are just $25. You can also enhance your evening with a live swing class before the main event.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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Screenshot of image from Donkey Mill Art Center website

N0. 3 — Hawai‘i Island Young Architects Workshop (Hōlualoa, Oct. 25)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Location: Donkey Mill Art Center, 78-6670 Māmalahoa Highway

Work side-by-side with local architects and investigate design related concepts during this event that offers students ages 12 to 16 years old the chance to dive into the world of architectural design. Participants will tackle a design challenge that pushes them to think critically about key architectural elements, including light, sun protection, airflow and environmental connections or protections. Cost to attend starts at just $45.

More info/register: Visit the Donkey Mill Art Center website (https://donkeymillartcenter.org/event/?event=6412). You can also check out the AIA Honolulu website.

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Image Courtesy: Gam3Escape Facebook event page

N0. 4 — Gam3Escape’s Mini Collectibles Market (Hilo, Oct. 25)

When: 2 to 7 p.m.

Location: Gam3Escape, 57 Shipman St.

Come check out all the items that will be available, including trading card games such as Pokémon, One Piece, Lorcana, Magic and others. Other collectibles such as Labubu, Sanrio, Funko, anime, Hot Wheels and others will also be up for grabs from vendors in attendance. So be sure to stop by and support all the local vendors and artists who are participating.

More info: Call 808-498-4095, email to g3ecustomerservice@gmail.com or visit the Gam3Escape website.

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Image Courtesy: Hawaiʻi County

N0. 5 — 3rd annual Boo at the Zoo (Hilo, Oct. 25-26)

When: 3 to 6 p.m.

Location: 800 Stainback Highway

Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens will become a place where trick-or-treaters can enjoy their favorite Halloween traditions surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the rain forest. Admission will be free, and attendees can look forward to treats, animal interactions, activities, food vendors and a keiki costume contest at 4:30 p.m. both days. Gates close at 2 p.m. both days to regular visitors. Bring cash for Friends of the Zoo treats and drinks.

More info: Call 808-959-7224 or email to mindy.runnells@hawaiicounty.gov.

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Image Courtesy: Kona Commons Shopping Center

N0. 6 — Trunk-or-Treat and Craft Fair (Kailua-Kona, Oct. 25)

When: 3 to 7 p.m.

Location: Parking lot (near Office Max and Petco), Kona Commons Shopping Center, 74-5450 Makala Boulevard

Get ready for some frightful fun for the whole family during this free Halloween celebration that promises a fang-tastic time for keiki and grown-ups alike. Enjoy an afternoon of creativity, candy and community spirit as you shop local at the craft fair, discovering handmade treasures from Hawai‘i artisans who will be ready for every trick-or-treater.

More info: Call Kona Commons Shopping Center at 808-334-0005.

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Image Courtesy: Big Island Dance

N0. 7 — 1st Big Island Dance Council Dance Extravaganza 2.0 (Hilo, Oct. 25)

When: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, 342 W. Kāwili St.

Experience “a feast of dance genres” celebrating the range and dance talent on the Big Island, representing studios invited from Kona, Kohala, Waimea and Hilo. The event will also feature special guest Peter Rockford-Espiritu and Tau Dance Theater. Tickets are $20 or $25 and can be purchased in advance online or at any of the participating studios.

More info/tickets: Visit the Big Island Dance website.

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Image cropped from courtesy image provided by Botanical World Adventures.

N0. 8 — 11th annual Halloween Maze and Keiki Scavenger Hunt (Hakalau, Oct. 25-26)

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday for Halloween Maze; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday for Keiki Scavenger Hunt

Location: 31-240 Old Māmalahoa Highway

Thrill seekers of at least 13 years old can prove their mettle by taking a stroll through BWA’s football-field-sized hedge maze filled with monsters, ghosts and other scary creatures. Be prepared to scream! The public is invited back Sunday to join keiki on a spooktacular quest, searching for hidden treasures throughout the park. Winners will receive prizes and everyone can enjoy free Halloween treats. Entry to Saturday’s popular Haunted Maze is $10 for adults and $6 for children. Reservations are required. Keiki ages 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian through the maze.

More info/reservations: Visit the Botanical World Adventures website.

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Photo Courtesy: West Hawaiʻi County Band website

N0. 9 — West Hawaiʻi County Band performance (Kailua-Kona, Oct. 26)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Hale Hālāwai Park, 75-5670 Aliʻi Drive

Comprised of local musicians from all walks of life, this civic and community band presents monthly concerts throughout the year, typically on Sunday afternoons, featuring an hour of band music from Hawaiian to film scores to marches. Concerts are free to attend; however, donations are welcome. All donations support the band.

More info: Visit the West Hawai‘i County Band website.

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Image Courtesy: Island of Hawai‘i YMCA website

N0. 10 — Halloween Carnival (Hilo, Oct. 28)

When: 4 to 8 p.m.

Location: Island of Hawai‘i YMCA, 300 W Lanikaula St.

It’s a carnival celebration and you’re invited, so put on that costume and come out for some fun with the entire family. There will be games and prizes, food and Zumba all evening, so something everyone should be able to enjoy. If you’d be interested in being a vendor during the event, the YMCA says welcome aboard, too. It’s actually a very good fundraising opportunity for teams, businesses, nonprofits and clubs. Free to attend. See everyone at the carnival!

More info: Contact Ashley at 808-935-3721.

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Combination Image Created by Big Island Now

Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.

Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/

Aloha Theatre, Kealakekua: https://apachawaii.org/

Blue Dragon Tavern, Kawaihae: https://www.bluedragontavern.com/

Donkey Mill Art Center, Hōlualoa: https://donkeymillartcenter.org/

East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hilo: https://ehcc.org/

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

Hilo Town Market, Hilo: https://hilotownmarket.co/events

Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786

Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, Honoka‘a: https://www.honokaapeople.com/

Kahilu Theatre, Waimea: https://kahilu.org/

Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona: https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com/experience/

Kona Commons, Kailua-Kona: https://www.konacommons.com/events