15 Things to Do in Oahu in October

With the arrival of October, the calendar turns to autumn and the temperature begins to drop very gradually until it is at the ideal point to enjoy the beaches and the best plans.

October has a warm and pleasant weather but also an agenda full of special events such as the great celebration of Halloween and the "Hawaii Food and Wine" festival that are two opportunities to learn about the customs of the natives of the island and its traditions.

And of course to taste the most exquisite dishes and wines of Oahu and the world.

Now it's time for the exciting part and I'm going to tell you about the most outstanding activities of the month, which will make your trip to Oahu a magical and super fun stay.

You have to admit that celebrating Halloween, in Hawaii no less, is a plan not to be missed.

You can choose your own giant pumpkin and then take a ride in an antique carriage or on a pony decorated for the occasion, while you play some of the ghoulish games that the organizers have planned for you.

In the middle of the day you can also enjoy excellent food and craft beers.

October is definitely a great month to be on Oahu!

We are always interested in supernatural stories and horror movies, but in Hawaii you will have an additional bonus because you can take the authentic "Oahu Ghost Tours", where you will learn about the legends of ghostly apparitions in the area and the rituals that Hawaiians use to interact with beings that are on another plane.

Scary, isn't it? But the truth is that the Hawaiians provide an educational approach to this tour that makes it a very interesting activity.

October in Oahu emanates terror and its picturesque Chinatown dresses up with an incredible festival with live music, craft beer outdoors, food trucks with delicious dishes, street art and many many many peculiar costumes.

Hallowbaloo is without a doubt the biggest costume party on Oahu!

As the October nights in Oahu are a little cooler, I recommend you to bring a coat or a warmer costume to enjoy the party to the fullest.

In October the large concentrations of tourists decrease a little and that is why you can access some activities with more tranquility. The bay is considered one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii and is ideal for snorkeling and even has a Marine Education Center where you can learn about the aquatic life before taking the step to see it in the real world.

October, with its more autumnal weather, allows you to do more active activities than in the summer season where the heat is overwhelming. Hiking and trekking become a special attraction at this time where you can enjoy the scenery while exercising your muscles.

Would you like to walk and portray the most beautiful natural places that were the scene of Hollywood series and movies?

If your answer is yes, then you will love my proposal! This hiking trail has been filmed in the movie Jurassic Park and in the series Lost. As you hike the trail or take one of the Jurassic Park tours on Oahu, you will encounter flora and fauna that can only be found on Oahu specifically.

The highlight of this hike, one of the best hikes on Oahu, is at the end, where you will find the incredible Manoa Falls, a 45-meter waterfall with an impressive pool.

Located near what is supposed to be a real haunted town in Waipahu, Haunted Plantation is scary enough to scare even Halloween fanatics. This activity is probably not best suited to go with small children or scary adults.

Haunted Plantation offers tons of thrills and chills with over 50 actors in professional Hollywood-style horror makeup, plus terrifying backdrops and spooky sound effects, plus you'll be haunted and taunted by the spirits of Hawaii during your experience!

Visit this haunted house, designed by Halloween superfan actor Jorge Garcia (from Lost and Hawaii Five-O) and produced by Kevin Keaveney. You'll participate in a thrilling excursion to raise the dead where you'll have to see if you can survive the mummy's curse.

Sounds fun doesn't it? I recommend you to do this activity for a full Halloween experience in Hawaii.

The Pumpkin Festival at Holy Nativity School is a perfect alternative to enjoy the island's sunsets watching movies at the night drive-in theaters. Additionally, and if you haven't already done so, you can do some pumpkin picking and show up in your spookiest outfit.

Every Sunday you can find Oahu's large open-air market in Honolulu's popular Chinatown, which is located on the west side of the Downtown business district. In October the place is decorated with cobwebs and ghosts.

There you can find local produce and a large selection of Asian groceries. This area is much less touristy than other places on the island, so prices are a bit more reasonable. You can also find a ton of excellent Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and other Asian restaurants. mmmm!

The Waikiki Fall Festival Block Party on Kalakaua Avenue is a very entertaining and relaxed way to spend a day of your vacation if you visit Oahu in October.
There you can find dozens of street vendors selling crafts and souvenirs to take as gifts or souvenirs.

The typical Hawaiian food is a must that you should try, and the fall festival is the ideal time to do it.

A super fried squid and Hawaiian churros for dessert? Everything is possible in Oahu, and the best thing is that you will love it!

Enjoy the Hula Hula

The festival also promises live shows with DJs on the main stage, Hula Hula dances performed by local keikis, bands playing various genres from pop to classic rock and many surprises that are renewed year after year.

Activities for the whole family

If you go with your family this option is perfect because within all the attractions there are sectors created specifically for children to play and have fun while adults dance in the street to the rhythm of the artist of the day.

As I have told you, October is the month where outdoor activities begin that have some physical demands such as hiking and climbing.

Beach days are still good because the weather is still warm, but as it is cooler you can go hiking to see the scenic landscapes that Oahu has.

The Diamond Head (Lē'ahi) trail ranks high and contains the "must sees" concerning breathtaking coastal views, captivating military history and is one of the best nature walks on Oahu.

Diamond Head Location and History

The site is very close to the eastern end of the Waikiki coast, and Diamond Head State Monument encompasses more than 189 acres, including the inner and outer slopes of the crater.

This large, saucer-shaped crater was formed more than 300,000 years ago during an explosive volcanic eruption that sent ash and fine particles into the air.

As these materials settled, they firmed into a rock called tuff, creating the crater.

Hike to the top

The hike along the main trail to the top of Lē'ahi (as the Hawaiians call it) is only a mile long, but to reach the summit the access becomes steep and a bit tiring. Undoubtedly the views from the top are the perfect reward for those who dare to make the excursion.

A good sunny day at the beach in Oahu is a must when organizing a trip in autumn, especially in a destination where the Pacific offers incredible and extensive areas of golden sand, palm trees and lots of fun.

As October is the month dedicated to Halloween, both in the beach bars and along Kalakaua Avenue in the Waikiki neighborhood, you can enjoy themed settings in bars, restaurants and hotels, and taste scary and tasty cocktails.

Makaka Beach is the best known beach for surfers and big wave lovers, and it is even an excellent idea to take surf lessons on Oahu, but there are also several other beaches, such as Kailua Beach Park, Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Waikiki Beach and Sunset Beach.

The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival was inaugurated more than a decade ago to great public acclaim and is now a must if you're on Oahu in October. It began in 2010 and presents the best of Hawaiian cuisine.

With the most renowned chefs from the north, south and west coast of the island, and the elaboration of typical dishes of Hawaiian gastronomy, each participant will be immersed in a real luxury gastronomic and wine experience.

Honolulu celebrates its annual Pride Festival in October each year. The event is sponsored by the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation and features a colorful parade with over 25,000 spectators, various cultural and educational events as well as opportunities to socialize with other festival attendees.

If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate diversity during your trip to Hawaii, I recommend visiting the Pride Festival.

If you are passionate about art and music, then this event is perfect for meeting local artists who exhibit their art pieces while listening to top slack-key guitarists and ukulele players.

The event is held at Ko'olina's beach lagoon, and once there you can purchase the works of more than 49 local artists for special gifts or new home decor.

Final Thoughts: Is October the best time to visit Hawaii?

Hawaii offers beautiful weather, unparalleled charm and fun events throughout the year. However, if you're looking for the best time to visit the last state annexed to the United States, October may be your best answer as tourist concentrations drop, prices are cheaper and the weather is cooler, especially at dusk and during the evening.

As Oahu's weather is milder during this month compared to the higher summer temperatures, it is ideal for those activities that - as I have told you - during the summer season are more difficult such as hiking or climbing.

While rainy days are also on the increase, most of the precipitation occurs during the night, leaving clear and sunny days to enjoy to the fullest.

Fortunately, Hawaii does not experience many tropical storms and when there are, authorities announce them in advance so you can change your plans and opt to swap the beach for a visit to the Pearl Harbor museum or indoor activities.

When it comes to planning your dream trip to Oahu, October presents many advantages such as fewer crowds and lower prices for both large hotels and resorts, rental cars and other beach activities and outdoor excursions.

Another benefit of moving around Oahu in October is that the bars and restaurants are not as crowded and you can get to know the island culture and locals better.

October is definitely a great month to be on Oahu!