Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals on O‘ahu
Take a tractor ride, choose the perfect pumpkin, pick your own produce and celebrate the season at a bustling block party.
Photo: Courtesy of Waimanalo Country Farms
Waimānalo Country Farms Fall Harvest Festival
[Opening date pending due to weather] to Wednesday, Nov. 11
Weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekdays 1 to 4 p.m.
Take photos in the iconic sunflower fields and pick out a pumpkin at Waimānalo Country Farms’ patch. The price of pumpkins ranges from $2 to $30 depending on size, and sunflower blooms are $3 each. Plus, indulge in eats from the Grub Stand, such as cornbread and lemonade, tour the farm via hayride and visit the petting zoo.
$10 to $15 admission, free for 2 years and under, 41-225 Lupe St., Waimānalo, waimanalocountryfarms.com, @waimanalocountryfarms
SEE ALSO: All the Spooky, Scary, Tricksy Halloween Fun on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Kailua Fall Fest
Kailua Fall Fest
Saturday, Sept. 26, 5 to 10 p.m.
Celebrate autumn at this annual block party in the streets of Kailua Town. Listen to live music from Last Minute, Peni Dean, Three Plus and Big Every Time (B.E.T.), play jumbo games, enjoy face painting, shop local vendors and snack on ‘ono grindz. For even more fun, those 21+ can join the party bus bar crawl ($22).
Free admission, Hahani St., Kailua, kailuaevents.com, @eventskailua
Photo: Courtesy of Mari’s Gardens
Mari’s Gardens Mini Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, Oct. 3, to Saturday, Oct. 31, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop by this charming nursery to choose the perfect pumpkin, available throughout the month while supplies last. You can also find Halloween-themed planters, just right for a spikey, spooky succulent.
Free admission, pumpkin cost based on weight, 94-415 Makapipipi St., Mililani, marisgardens.com, @maris_gardens
SEE ALSO: Happy Harvest: Where to Pick Produce This Autumn
Pumpkin Poolooza at Kroc Center
Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Swim in a floating pumpkin patch, ride waterslides, follow the lazy river, play games and pick a carving-sized pumpkin from the pool to take home with you. You’ll also leave with a goodie bag containing a craft kit and pumpkin decorating supplies.
$20 for Kroc Center members, $20 for non-members, 91-3257 Kualaka‘i Parkway, ‘Ewa Beach, kroccenterhawaii.org, @kroccenterhi
Photo: Courtesy of Gunstock Ranch
Gunstock Ranch’s Fall Family Fun Night
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wannabe cowboys and cowgirls can live out their dreams at the ranch. Make s’mores around the campfire, learn to line dance, play cornhole, make bandana crafts and jump in a bounce house. Animal lovers will enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, cattle feeding and the chance to paint a horse!
Free admission, small fee for activities, 56-250 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, gunstockranch.com, @gunstockranch
Photo: Aloun Farms
Aloun Farms Pumpkin Festival
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 17–18 and Oct. 24–25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
With a new location at Aloun Country Market in Waipahu, this year’s pumpkin patch will be a simple, relaxed farm experience. There will be no carnival rides or games, but you can pick a Hawai‘i-grown pumpkin, stroll through sunflower fields, shop for fresh produce and enjoy local vendors.
Free admission, Aloun Country Market, 94-488 Kunia Rd., Waipahu, alounfarms.com, @alounfarmshawaii
Photo: Courtesy of Holy Nativity School
Holy Nativity School’s Great Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This East Honolulu tradition is packed with fun, including a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, games, a silent disco, Toy Story character meet and greets and more. Shop at the bake sale, plant booth and The Gourd Eats Market with local dishes, country store favorites and food trucks.
$10 admission, 5286 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, ‘Āina Haina, holynativityschool.org, @holynativityschool
SEE ALSO: What to Watch at This Year’s Hawai‘i International Film Festival
Photo: Courtesy of Ward Village
Ward Village Halloween Celebration & Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to noon
Get in the Halloween spirit at Ward Village with a pumpkin patch, face painting, pumpkin spice malasadas and festive photo displays for snapping spooky pics with family, friends and even pets, free while supplies last.
Free, Victoria Ward Park, 1020 Auahi St., Kaka‘ako, wardvillage.com, @wardvillage
U-Pick Farm to Basket at Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha
Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to noon
Pick your own fruits, vegetables and kalo at this nonprofit farm and educational center. You’re invited to wear a costume, enjoy face painting and decorate mini pumpkins too. Parking is available at Mākaha Elementary School.
Free admission, donations welcome, 84-225 Ala Na‘auao Pl., Wai‘anae, hoaainaomakaha.org, @hoaainaomakaha
Photo: Courtesy of Hanahau‘oli School
Hanahau‘oli School Children’s Fair
Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ride a pony, walk through a haunted library, dance in the silent disco, get a keiki manicure or crazy hair makeover and play games to earn prizes at this annual elementary school carnival. You can also shop for produce and baked goods in the country store and second-hand treasures in the Orange Elephant booth.
Free admission, 1922 Makiki St., Makiki, hanahauoli.org, @hanahauoli
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Animal Sanctuary
Aloha Animal Sanctuary’s Fall Festival
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the season at this nonprofit safe haven for farm animals on the windward side. You’ll meet its beloved animal residents, including goats, sheep and ducks, watch them play with pumpkins and snap fall-themed photos. Plus, get hands-on with crafts, play games and enjoy vegan snacks.
$30, free for children under 2, 47-119 Pulama Road, Kāne‘ohe, alohasanctuary.org, @alohaanimalsanctuary
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
