It’s almost Halloween! What’s new (and what’s canceled)
Hooray, it’s almost Halloween!
If you love the Halloween season as much as I do, you’re probably already out shopping for costumes and keeping an eye peeled for spooky accessories and decorations. Here’s some insider information on what’s new; who’s already announced Halloween parties; and sadly, which iconic parties are canceled this year. Later, we’ll be running a roundup of Halloween events, so look for that.
Spirit Halloween stores in Honolulu: Last year was the first year Spirit Halloween stores arrived in Honolulu. This year, the national chain is back with two stores — one in the Ward area (at the former Nordstrom Rack space at Kamakee and Queen streets) and at 683-771 Iwilei Road, off Nimitz near Party City. A one-stop shop for all things Halloween, Spirit has an extensive selection of costumes, accessories, effects & makeup and creepy decor.
Trending on their website right now: “Frozen,” “Batman,” “Star Wars,” “Game Of Thrones,” “Walking Dead,” “Maleficent,” “Ninja Turtles” and “Day Of The Dead.”
Cancelled: Crazy, Sexy, GHOULIf you’ve ever been to a Crazy, Sexy, GHOUL party, you’ll know why it’s sad that this huge Halloween bash has been canceled this year. Commonly known as the best pre-Halloween party in Hawaii, the event typically sold out The Waterfront at Aloha Tower, with almost 4,000 people dressed up in elaborate costumes. But a giant party that was open to everyone was never the intention of its organizers, Diamond Head HUI. So this year, they’re regrouping, reassessing and taking a break to get back to the original vision of a smaller, more exclusive gathering, with all the proceeds going to charity.
“The plan is to return in 2015 with an exclusive party of 1,500 guests, where everybody in attendance knows somebody in Diamondhead HUI,” organizer David Hayakawa said in a message earlier this month. “We considered reducing the size of the party this year, but telling 2,500 people that they can’t get tickets seemed like a recipe for a disaster, so we decided to shut down for the year while we prepare for a new GHOUL in 2015.”
Projected hot spots:
Hallowbaloo: Saturday, Oct. 25
Chinatown Arts District, 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Free admission to block party
Halloween falls on a Friday this year, which means no holds barred for the nightclubs and promoters hosting events. Rather than throw the giant Hallowbaloo Block Party in Chinatown on Halloween night and compete with everyone else, promoter Mark Tarone has decided to do the big event on Saturday, Oct. 25, a week ahead of the madness. With live music, special guests, street food and insane costumes everywhere you turn, this block party has been putting Halloween in Honolulu on the map. More information
Gotham City Masquerade Block Party, Friday, October 31
M Nightclub and Restaurant Row, 9 p.m.-4 a.m.
$15 general admission
Restaurant Row’s third annual Halloween block party promises to be one of the major hot spots on Halloween night, with free admission til midnight, a big costume contest with a combined total of $1000 in cash prizes, plus the Batman theme. Limited eye masks will be provided for early guests. More information
ARTafterDARK:’Nightmare on Beretania Street,’ Friday, October 31
Honolulu Museum of Art, 6-9 p.m.
$10 regular admission, free for museum members
ARTafterDARK gives a nod to classic horror films with this monthly event, which conveniently falls smack on Halloween night. Everyone is encouraged to dress in their terrifying best. More information
Halloween in Waikiki, Friday, Oct. 31
Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki, all night
Bar and club cover charges vary
Thousands of people converge on Waikiki just to walk the streets in costume and partake in the festive atmosphere on Halloween night. Various bars and clubs along the strip will be throwing their own Halloween parties.
