Escape Your “Night Terrors” at Skeleton Key Hawai‘i

As far as local haunted productions go, we’re always impressed with KOA Theater’s annual walk-through, Skeleton Key Hawai‘i, which is back this year with an all-new theme: “Night Terrors.” The villain is an evil big pharma called Romero Pharmaceuticals, where scientists have put together a cure for the common sleep called DOZ-A-BAN that allows you to skip sleeping, consequently freeing up more hours in your day. While productive in theory, there’s a scary catch: the drug causes your deepest, darkest nightmares to escape into the waking world.

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SEE ALSO: All the Spooky, Scary, Tricksy Halloween Fun on O‘ahu

Photo: Courtesy of Skeleton Key Hawai‘i

What It Is

Skeleton Key is an indoor, walk-through production where each area has new scares. Each year, there’s a new theme. It’s put together by the cast and crew of KOA Theater and each year, its set design, costumes, lighting, props and acting have wowed local audiences. About 40 actors have been cast for the production this year, and all proceeds go towards funding the theater’s next productions.

When and Where

KOA Theater typically hosts the haunt, but for the first time this year, it will take over the former Inspirations space at Pearlridge Center, Wai Makai, second level. You can’t miss it—it’s directly below the movie theaters.

The production will run on various dates and times. Here’s the full schedule:

• Friday, Oct. 13, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 14, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct 19, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 20, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 21, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 22, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 27, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 28, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 29, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 31, 7 to 9 p.m.

Photos: Courtesy of Skeleton Key Hawai‘i

How Much It Costs

Regular tickets are $25 online and $30 cash only at the door. On opening night, Friday, Oct. 13, the tickets are only $13.

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Returning this year is “Chicken Skin(less),” a 15-minute guided tour that takes you through the haunt right before opening time. There’s no scares, and you get to see how the set and costumes were made. This option is only $5 and takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Oct. 21. Make sure to arrive by 5:30 p.m.

There is also a VIP package for $50, where you get to watch other people getting scared! The package offers front-of-line access and 20 minutes on a viewing platform where you can watch the haunt backstage. The VIP package is for groups no larger than four.

Keiki can join the fun too. While Skeleton Key Hawai‘i is recommended for ages 12 and up, keiki hours are available for ages 10 and younger. It’s the same haunt but takes place earlier in the day with milder scares and candy stations throughout. These hours will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 21 and 22 and Oct. 28 and 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Where to Park

The new location at Pearlridge Center means plenty of free parking! The mall closes at 8 p.m., so park on the second level and use the entrance to the left of Uncle’s Fish Market, which will be kept open late specially for Skeleton Key patrons.

SEE ALSO: Spooktacular Halloween Events on O‘ahu for Keiki and Families

Tips

• Tickets are timed to help cut down on wait times. Arrive before your scheduled entry time. There’s a 30-minute entry window, meaning you should arrive shortly before your ticket time, and you’ll be admitted within the next half hour. If you don’t arrive within that window, you’ll be able to enter at a later entry window after all other ticket holders have been admitted.
• While tickets are sold at the door at $30 (cash only), it’s recommended you purchase online before heading to the haunt for a shorter wait time.
• You don’t need to print your ticket. Just bring your ID or credit card to the door.
• Group size is strictly limited to five people only. If you have six people, you’ll be split into two groups.
• No eating or drinking is allowed.
• While it may be tempting, please refrain from touching the actors or any of the props.

Skeleton Key Hawai‘i, Pearlridge Center Unit 2408A, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd, ‘Aiea, koatheater.com, @skeletonkeyhawaii