Out & About: 19 Things To Do in Fall 2017

We have 19 reasons to take the family out for some fun this fall.

Photo: Honolulu Theatre for Youth

August 25 (Start Date)

The Ballad of Mu Lan

Honolulu Theatre for Youth kicks off its new season with this legendary (made famous by Disney) Chinese tale. Mu Lan poses as a boy to take her ailing father’s place in the army. Contemporary music and HTY’s signature kid-friendly production add a new twist on this sixth-century story of girl power.

Tenney Theatre, 5 years and older, Friday, Aug. 25 through Saturday, Sept. 30., (808) 839-9885, htyweb.org

August 25

Family Night 

Photo: Courtesy of Waikīkī Aquarium

Spend an evening with the circus, the sea-creature type, at this annual evening event. Kids can learn about clams with 1,000 eyes, animals that change gender, the amazing glowing ostracods and more. After you explore, watch performances, picnic on the lawn and take home your own marine mystery kit. Kids 2 years and younger are free. 

Waikīkī Aquarium, All ages, Friday, Aug. 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m., (808) 923-9741, waikikiaquarium.org

September 23

Ko Olina Children’s Festival

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Pacific Health

Wear sunscreen, pack water and arrive early to avoid long lines for face painting, balloon artists, mini golf, music-mixing and other kid-focused activities at the annual fundraiser for Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children. When it gets hot, take a break to watch Disney and Pixar films in air-conditioned ballrooms. The marquee movie on the beach is the live-action Beauty and the Beast. The movie’s darker scenes may be a little scary for younger kids, but the animation in the palace is enchanting.

Kohola Lagoon 1, Kapolei, All ages, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2 to 9 p.m., koolinachildrensfestival.com

September 23

Museum Day Live!

Download a pass for free admission for two to some of Hawai‘i’s museums. ‘Iolani Palace, Queen Emma Summer Palace and Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor will be among the places participating in the national Smithsonian Magazine event.

Various locations, Saturday, Sept. 23, various times, smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-live-2017

September 23

HAIS Education Fair

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools

Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools’ fair offers families hands-on, in-person opportunities to learn about unique programs and financial aid at more than 35 schools. While parents chat, kids can try interactive activities at school booths or in learning corners featuring a maker space, robotics, movement and art. All receive a free raffle ticket for prizes, including books from HONOLULU Family’s library.

Hawai‘i Convention Center,Room 316 ABC, All ages, Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., (808) 973-1540, hais.org

September 30

Family Day Open House

Tour 19th-century homes during this free day at the downtown museum. See how missionaries lived in the 1800s, then join hands-on keiki activities and games. Stop by the gift shop first for a map and bring a change of clothes. Kids love the working water pump but they will get wet. See our tips here.

Mission Houses Museum, All ages, Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., missionhouses.org

October 1

Children and Youth Day

Based on years past, we bet you’ll find everything from rock climbing to carnival games, glitter tattoos, arts and crafts, free snacks and prizes, and a big crowd of families planning to do it all. Watch for our guide to this free family day on honolulufamily.com.

State Capitol Grounds, All ages, Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., (808) 262-4538, hawaiicyd.org

October 7

Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels

Interact with your favorite movies at this exhibit dedicated to the art of animation. Kids and cartoon fans of all ages can make their own animated shorts, learn about the history of storyboarding, watch characters come to life in America’s largest 3D zoetrope and use body-recognition hardware to draw in the air. Take photos with Warner Brothers-themed backgrounds at the Chromakey and visit “The Gumby Show.”

Bishop Museum, All ages, Saturday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, (808) 847-3511, bishopmuseum.org

October 14

Harlem Globetrotters

Spinning balls, sensational trick shots and physical comedy are the hallmarks of this show team’s performances. The Harlem Globetrotters will tear up the hardwood of the Blaisdell Center for three shows of the team’s 2017 World Tour.  

Blaisdell Center, All ages, Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15., (808) 768-5400, blaisdellcenter.com

October 29

Kids Fest

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Pacific Health

Get snacks, jump through obstacle courses, try hands-on fitness activities and enter to win a bicycle or helmet at Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s free annual event. Make sure to leave enough time to visit the Bishop Museum. Admission will be waived for festival families. 

Bishop Museum, All ages, Sunday, Oct. 29,10 a.m. to 2 p.m., (808) 522-3469, hawaiipacifichealth.org

Halloween Fun! 

ALL AGES

October 7 (Start Date)

Fall Harvest Festival

Pick pumpkins, shop in the country market and take a hay ride at this annual celebration on O‘ahu’s Windward Side. 

Waimānalo Country Farms, Weekends, Oct. 7 through Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (808) 306-4381, waimanalocountryfarms.com

October 14 (Start Date)

17th Annual Pumpkin Festival

Pick pumpkins, sweet corn, beans and sunflowers, then go for a free hayride or saddle up for a pony ride at this working farm in Kapolei. 

Aloun Farms, Weekends, Oct. 14 through Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., (808) 677-9516, alounfarms.com

October 21

The Great Pumpkin Festival

Photo: Courtesy of Holy Nativity School

Pick your favorite from more than 2,500 locally grown pumpkins at the largest patch in East O‘ahu, then create arts and crafts, play games and shop in the country store.

Holy Nativity School, Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., (808) 373-3232, holynativityschool.org

October 28

Kāhala Mall Costume Contest 

Prizes will be given in eight categories, including infants, family/group, and various age groups. Kids can start lining up at 5:30 p.m. 

Kāhala Mall, Saturday, Oct. 28. Judging at 6 p.m., kahalamallcenter.com

October 31

Trick or Treating

Kāhala Mall

5:30 to 7 p.m.

Ka Makana Ali‘i

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Koko Marina Center

5 to 7 p.m.

Mililani Shopping Center  

5 to 7 p.m.

Windward Mall

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Find even more events, trick-or-treat spots and spooky snack and craft ideas when our Halloween Corner goes live on Oct. 2!