October in Hawaii offers fun for Halloween fanatics of all ages

The Aloha State is full of pumpkin patches, autumn fairs and special Halloween events and attractions throughout the month of October. There are community events scattered across all of the islands, but the most action is found around Honolulu, where horror fanatics and families with cutely costumed kids in tow alike will find just the right activity, from adults-only haunted houses to hayrides through pumpkin patches.

Pack your superhero mask, fake blood or cat ears along with your bathing suit, and choose from one of the following events to get in on the fun.

Boo at The Zoo: There are two haunted houses, one for younger children and another for the less easily spooked, and a menu of activities including scary stories, a trick-or-treat trail, face painting, and "mad science" demonstrations at this family-oriented event at the Honolulu Zoo. The Boo at The Zoo takes place Oct. 25 and 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entry is $10 for Honolulu Zoo Society members, $15 for nonmembers, and free for ages 2 and under.

CarnEvil: The Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach will host this Halloween party and costume contest featuring more than $5,000 in cash and prizes, including a Las Vegas vacation. The 21-and-over affair kicks off at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 and includes three DJs, gogo dancers and other live entertainment keeping the festivities going until 2 a.m.

Aloun Farms Pumpkin Festival: Aloun Farms on Oahu has celebrated Halloween for nearly two decades by welcoming visitors for multiple weekends packed with activities. Kids can enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, pony rides, farm-style food, pumpkins for sale and a variety of games and activities. The pumpkin patch will be open three weekends, Oct. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Haunted Plantation: This annual maze of special effects and masked actors is only for Halloween fans ages 13 and older, and people who don't mind being chased by their worst nightmares in real life. Read the warning before going (no pregnant women or people with heart or respiratory conditions allowed), and steel your nerves for what many people call the scariest attraction on Oahu. Oct. 11-13,18-20, 25-27 and 31.

Hallowbaloo: With the purchase of one ticket, costumed revelers get access to a club crawl and street festival around Chinatown. The Oct. 26 event kicks off at 5 p.m. with the Ono Eats food court on Hotel and Nuuanu streets with a range of vendors. Next, work off the calories dancing until 2 a.m. at 11 different nightlife venues each with their own entertainment and specials.

Skeleton Key Hawaii: A horror fan's delight, this attraction is one of the most creative in the islands with a new narrative each year dreamed up by Jorge Garcia, an actor who starred in "Lost" and "Hawaii Five-O." This year's theme is "Mutant Massacre," and the elaborate production includes elaborate effects and a local cast of creepy characters. Children under 12 are not permitted, as well as people with certain medical conditions. Skeleton Key proceeds go to support the nonprofit Kailua Onstage Arts program and theater.

Halloween Bar Crawl: This bar tour for decked-out drinkers kicks off at 4 p.m. at Bethel Union before moving around to a handful of nightlife venues including SIN Lounge and Bar Elixir. The evening ends with a DJ-led afterparty at event space and concert hall Nextdoor. The event is for those 21 and older, and tickets ($15-$30) include two drinks and food and alcohol discounts.

Nightmare in Paradise: For action-oriented celebrants who need a spike of adrenaline with their holiday, head to the Island of Hawaii to hunt the living dead. The excursion from Kapohokine Adventures includes an evening UTV tour, laser tag and ziplining. Based on a zombie apocalypse theme, participants must navigate the undead-littered course to deliver an antidote to save humanity. The tour is available Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26, and costs $99 per person including transportation from Hilo.

Lahaina Halloween Party: Front Street in this west Maui town is closed to vehicle traffic for a full evening of festivities kicking off with a children's costume parade. At night the scantily clad and creatively costumed adults come out to hop between the plethora of restaurants and bars near the harbor offering live entertainment, drink specials and costume contests. Halloween in Lahaina is one of the biggest events on the Valley Isle each year and traffic jams are common. If you're not staying in town, one way to avoid the rubbernecking (and the need for a designated driver) is to arrange a boat ride from Maalaea Harbor to Lahaina Harbor with a tour operator.