HI Things To Do, Pearl Harbor

6 Virtual and Socially-Distanced Fall Events on Oahu

by Eilish
Photo courtesy of Waimanalo Country Farm Facebook Page

Fall on Oahu feels a little different for those of us that are used to the traditional four seasons. However, the fall is a wonderful time on Oahu, with many different activities to participate in. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPPH) is currently at “HPCON-Charlie,” and because of this, the activities listed below are fall activities that can be done at home or with social distancing (such as drive-thru activities).

As always, follow the guidance of your installation and command with respect to participation in activities:

Virtual Hawai’I Food and Wine Festival

Normally held in October, the majority of Hawaii Food and Wine Festival has been rescheduled for November due to the pandemic. They have also changed how they are conducting the festival, with tickets purchased in advance and/or changing the settings of some of the activities. For example, the “Cook & Drink Along” event, on October 29, will take place on Zoom this year. On October 31, they will have a “Keiki in the Kitchen” event, also over Zoom, which will include Halloween cupcake decorating.

Check out all the events for the 10th Annual Hawai’I Food and Wine Festival here.

Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch at Waimanalo Country Farm

Trying to figure out where to get a pumpkin this year? Opt for a very 2020 Halloween, with a “drive-thru” at Waimanalo Country Farm! The farm normally hosts a fun pumpkin patch event during the month of October. However, this year, they have decided to do a “Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch”. This is a “stay-in-your-car” pumpkin patch experience, but there are few places where you will be able to get out of your car to pick pumpkins and quickly take photos. Make a reservation, pack the family in the car, and enjoy 2020’s version of a fall pumpkin patch.

Kailua Town Seek & Treat

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Kailua Town Seek & Treat! Halloween will be celebrated differently for many this year, but kids and families can still find lots of socially distanced fun at Kailua Town’s FREE Seek & Treat scavenger hunt, presented by Alexander & Baldwin and Summit Media. All you need to participate is a smart phone, an adventurous spirit and a face mask. Costumes are welcome, too, if you want to stop for photo ops along the way. Enjoy this spook-tacular scavenger hunt from October 12 to 31, between 11am and 4pm. To play: Stop by any day between October 12 – 31 to play. Start your hunt at the first destination, the fall harvest stand next to the fountain outside California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in Kailua.* Look for the QR code posted on the stand and scan it with a smart phone to get the clue or riddle that takes you to your second destination. Solve the clues and riddles at all five destinations by 4pm daily. At the fifth and final stop, scan the final QR code, show your phone and say “Trick-or-Treat” and keiki will be rewarded with a Halloween treat. Participants 18 and older can enter to win a weekly prize that includes gift cards and goodies from Kailua Town tenants valued at $100. *While the scavenger hunt always begins at the same California Pizza Kitchen location, the clues and destinations will change on Mondays, October 19 and 26. Our centers in Kailua Town continue to take all necessary health and safety precautions to protect the well-being of the community. We kindly request participants to limit participation to groups of five and under and follow safety measures including wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing. Read more at What's New – Events & Promotions section of our website (link in bio). #halloween #hawaiihalloween #kailuahalloween

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If you are looking for a socially-distanced trick or treat experience with some adventure, head over to Kailua for a scavenger hunt. This “Seek & Treat” event is free, taking place from October 12-31 from 11am-4pm daily. Download a free, QR code reader app to receive clue instructions. Start at the fall harvest stand outside California Pizza Kitchen. There are treat bags for keiki (under 18 years old) if they complete the entire scavenger hunt.

Ko Olina Artfest

Now thru November 22, experience Artfest on Saturdays and Sundays. Head on down to Ko’olina Beach Lagoon #3 for this event hosted by Handcrafters and Artisans Alliance. During these events, there is artwork for sale and musicians playing. To find out more about dates and openings, please visit the Handcrafters and Artisans Alliance Facebook page. There are other events hosted throughout the year.

Virtual Concerts with Hawaii Theatre Center

The Hawaii Theatre Center is hosting a variety of virtual events and livestream concerts while their theater is closed to the public. On October 24 at 6pm, there is a Music of Queen Lili’uokalani-CD release and livestream concert. On Thursdays throughout the remainder of October and into November, the Moonlight Mele is hosting virtual concert series which are available via donation. These concert series are to help support the Historic Hawaii Theatre Center throughout the current restrictions. Check out their calendar to see their offering of virtual concert series. 

Celebrate Micronesia Festival

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They’re back! We’re celebrating the return of our beloved Living Culture presentations, and invite you to immerse in rich cultural and historical practices from Hawai’i and the Pacific. Lau hala (pandanus leaves) are carefully harvested, sorted by size and length, then bundled into a kī (a bunch of 40 leaves). They are then cleaned and assembled into kūkaʻa (rolled packs) in preparation for weaving. Join us for our upcoming workshop today, Saturday, October 10, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at our Gallery Lawn (in front of Hawaiian Hall) to learn about the process of preparing lau hala for ka hana ʻulana (weaving), with Mahina and Cheryl Pukahi — from the first step of gathering the lau (leaves) from the pū hala (pandanus tree), to the weaving process itself. This program is FREE with admission! For your safety, we’ll be providing hand sanitizers, implementing social distancing protocols, and requiring all participants to wear face masks that cover both the nose and mouth. The Bishop Museum Living Culture presentations are supported by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Kūkulu Ola Program. (@HawaiiHTA and @gohawaii). #LetHawaiiHappen #LauHala #LivingCulturePresentations #BishopMuseumLC #BishopMuseum #HawaiisMuseum

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The Celebrate Micronesia Festival takes place on October 24th. This year it will be a virtual celebration hosted by the Bishop Museum and various Micronesian community leaders. The festival celebrates Micronesian culture and heritage, with a look at both traditional and contemporary cultural activities and events. The festival is free and open to the public.

Run 4 Your Life Virtual Race

This MCBH Run 4 Your Life Virtual Zombie Race takes place October 30, 2020. The race is open to anyone in Hawaii and the mainland. Completing the virtual four mile or two mile run will earn you a t-shirt and a custom medal. This is a self-paced run/walk event. If you participate on the Marine Corps Base, you can end at the base theater and receive a goodie bag.

What is your favorite fall event on Oahu? Any other virtual or “drive by” events that we missed? Comment below and share any fall activities you enjoy.

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