Halloween is almost here! Planning ahead is key to a stress-free trick-or-treating experience this Friday, October 31, 2025. We tapped our Locations Neighborhood Experts to share their tips for a truly "spooktacular" trick-or-treating across Oahu.
Know Before You Go
- Trick-or-Treat Hours - Trick-or-Treating in Hawaii usually begins around 6 p.m. and ends at dusk, around 8:30 p.m. Peak hours are usually between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Parking - As some streets and neighborhoods can get very congested, allow plenty of time for parking, if you'll be driving.
- Participating Homes - Many residents will set up in their driveway, garage or front porch, making it easy to know who is offering candy. Participating homeowners generally leave an outdoor light on, too. If a home is dark, do not knock on the door.
- Weather - While the weather on Halloween night in Hawaii is typically not an issue, a sudden shower could put a damper on your evening. Check the weather before you head out, and bring an umbrella or make a back-up plan, such as mall trick-or-treating, if rain's in the forecast.
- Street Safety - Some neighborhoods on Oahu, especially older neighborhoods, lack sidewalks, which could create a dangerous situation for little ones. Play it safe and stick to well-lit streets with sidewalks, go with family or friends and cross streets carefully. Consider wrapping up before the sun goes down, or bring glow sticks or flashlights if you'll be out after dark.
- Costume Safety - Dress keiki in comfortable sneakers or slippers with straps—many neighborhoods have uneven sidewalks or stairs. If your child will be wearing a mask, ensure they can see well through it.
- Be considerate - Not all homeowners or neighborhoods welcome trick-or-treaters. If you do visit a neighborhood that is not your own, don't block driveways and consider bringing some candy to donate—it's not required, but it is a thoughtful gesture resident will appreciate.
Aiea
Visit Pearlridge Center on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the annual Candy Crawl, featuring family-friendly fun, keiki costume contest and plenty of treats throughout Mauka and Wai Makai.
East Oahu
According to Locations agent Shawn Baker, homeowners on the Wailupe Peninsula typically go all out with Halloween decorations. With no through traffic, the peninsula has minimal cars and street parking is generally available.
Nearby Kuliouou-Kalani Iki and Niu Valley also got rave reviews. Locations pro tip: Check out Kupaua Place for treats and Halemaumau Place for spooky decorations.
Ewa Plain
Hoakalei in on the Ewa Plain is a family-friendly neighborhood with interconnected streets and close-together homes, making it great for trick-or-treating. Street parking can get limited during peak hours, so arrive early for the best spot.
Hawaii Kai
Our experts claimed several trick-or-treating hot spots in Hawaii Kai. Baker, a Hawaii Kai resident, suggests Koko Head Terrace, near the Hawaii Kai Library, as well as Lalea townhomes. The Peninsula community and the Anchorage neighborhood are also known hot spots in Hawaii Kai, but note that parking can be an issue.
Other Hawaii Kai neighborhoods known for their generous treat bags and well-lit sidewalks include: Mariner's Cove, Hahaione, Kapulena Loop, Spinnaker Isle and Kalama Valley.
Hawaii Kai Town Center's annual Halloween Spooktacular returns with trick-or-treating, keiki costume contest and a chance to win big on the Center's prize wheel! Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category: Ages 0–3, Ages 4–8, Ages 9–12, and ʻOhana category. Spots are limited to 50 entries per category. Saturday, Oct. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Marina Docks stage.
Koko Marina Center will also host trick-or-treating Friday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Marina Courtyard. Enjoy treats and giveaways at participating merchants, a Monster Mash dance party at 6 p.m. and photo ops with the Wahiawa Spook Central Ghostbusters & the Ecto Van.
Kahala
With its wide, level sidewalks and generous residents, Kahala is always a hit with trick-or-treaters. Locations pro tip: Elepaio and Kolohala Streets have a rep for doling out lots of candy.
Worried about weather or traffic? Head to Kahala Mall Friday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for mall-wide trick-or-treating, festive decorations, a live DJ in Center Court and treats from participating stores marked with balloons. Families can enjoy candy and goodies, including Diamond Bakery cookies and animal crackers.
Kailua
The Aikahi Park neighborhood is usually one of Kailua's busiest trick-or-treating neighborhoods, thanks to its level sidewalks and festive residents.
Kaimuki
As a large, older neighborhood, Kaimuki is a mixed bag for trick-or-treating. Many parts of the neighborhood lack sidewalks and lighting, or have heavy traffic. In past years, Kaimuki Avenue, just ewa of 10th Ave., has been home to a festive alley packed with trick-or-treating activities that draws visitors from neighboring areas.
Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, Windward Mall is typically Halloween central, with store-to-store trick-or-treating on Halloween evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; however, this year's event has not yet been confirmed.
As for traditional trick-or-treating, a long-time Kaneohe resident suggests "Christmas Lane" in the Ahuimanu neighborhood (and be sure to go back at Christmas time for wow-worthy lights).
Kapolei
Large neighborhoods, many single-family homes and plenty of smooth sidewalks make Kapolei the west side's number-one Halloween hot spot.
Door-to-door not your bag? Head over to Kapolei Shopping Center Friday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to pick a pumpkin from the Center's pumpkin patch (next to Safeway, while supplies last) and trick-or-treat at participating stores and restaurants, including Locations' Kapolei Office (next to Sushi Bay). There will also be free make-n-take activities and fun photo opps. Ka Makana Ali‘i has hosted mall-wide trick-or-treating on Halloween evening in past years; however, this year's activities have not yet been announced.
Manoa
With its history of spooky tales (Night Marchers, spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors, are said to appear on the Manoa Falls Trail!), friendly residents and many decorated homes, Manoa is a trick-or-treating destination. Near Manoa Marketplace, off Lowrey Ave., the University of Hawaii's Faculty Housing complex is known for its decorations, large number of participating residents and well-lit sidewalks.
Mililani
The Mililani area offers plenty of options for traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, along with shopping center events.
Mililani Mauka is known for generous helpings of candy and its kid-friendly sidewalks. However, traffic can be heavy, as Mililani Mauka's reputation for a trick-or-treat destination has grown over the years, so plan accordingly. In Mililani, you'll find plenty of Halloween spirit and decked out homes.
Don't want to venture out after dark with little ones? Visit Mililani Town Center Sunday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring treats from participating stores, spooky music, a Bubble Zone, and a costume contest with prizes for all ages and families. The day wraps up with a Pet Costume Contest and Parade at 3:30 p.m. RSVP is required for the costume contest.
North Shore
According to Waialua resident and Locations agent Carolina Cristancho, Kukea Circle is typically a local favorite, featuring plenty of participating homes and trick-or-treaters.
Nuuanu
Many trick-or-treaters have their go-to spots in Nuuanu, where homeowners are known to go all out to create an extra-special Halloween experience. Dowsett Avenue is a popular street with fabulous decorations and great candies. The abundance of Halloween spirit in Nuuanu is worth the little extra walk between houses.
Waikiki
Comprised almost entirely of high-rise and walk-up condos, along with resorts and retailers, there is no door-to-door trick-or-treating in Waikiki. The popular tourist destination is also a big draw for adults on Halloween and has a reputation for large, wild crowds. For those reasons, we suggest that families with young children living in Waikiki visit another neighborhood, such as Manoa, Kaimuki or Kahala, or one of the following shopping center options.
International Market Place will host trick-or-treating Friday, Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Keiki can also pose for pictures with favorite characters, take home a free balloon animal and enjoy free face-painting.
Visit Royal Hawaiian Center Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 6 p.m. for trick-or-treating at participating stores. Be sure to stick around for the Royal Hawaiian Center's signature keiki Halloween costume contest, the largest in Waikiki!
In neighboring Ala Moana, stop by the "Ala-Ween Spooktacular" at Ala Moana Center Friday, Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for all-ages fun with trick-or-treating at more than 100 stores and restaurants, a dance party at Centerstage and free balloon creations.
No matter how you celebrate Halloween this year, we hope your evening is filled with fun, safety, and plenty of sweet treats! If you have any questions about the neighborhoods mentioned in this post—or any other Oahu neighborhoods—reach out to your Locations agent or find one here.
