15 Things to Do in Oahu in October

With the arrival of October, the calendar turns to autumn and the temperature begins to gradually drop to the ideal point for enjoying the beaches and the best of what's on offer.

October has a warm and pleasant weather but also an agenda full of special events such as the big Halloween celebration and the "Hawaii Food and Wine" festival which are two opportunities to get to know the customs of the natives of the island and their 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 highlights 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 the organisers 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're always interested in supernatural stories and horror movies, but in Hawaii you'll have the added bonus of the authentic "Oahu Ghost Tours", where you'll learn about the legends of ghostly apparitions in the area and the rituals Hawaiians use to interact with beings from 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 exudes terror and its picturesque Chinatown is decked out for an amazing festival with live music, outdoor craft beer, food trucks with delicious food, street art and many many many quirky costumes.

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

As October nights on Oahu are a little cooler, I recommend bringing a warm coat or a slightly warmer costume to enjoy the party to the fullest.

In October the tourist crowds thin out a little and so you'll be able to access some of the activities in a more relaxed way. The bay is considered one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii and is ideal for snorkelling and even has a Marine Education Centre where you can learn about the aquatic life before you take the step to see it in the real world.

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

Would you like to walk and photograph 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 route 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'll encounter flora and fauna that can only be found on Oahu specifically.

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

Located near what is supposed to be a real haunted village in Waipahu, Haunted Plantation is scary enough to scare even Halloween fanatics. This activity is probably not best suited for young children or frightened adults.

Haunted Plantation offers tons of thrills and chills with over 50 actors in professional Hollywood-style horror make-up, 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 super-fan actor Jorge Garcia (from Lost and Hawaii Five-O) and produced by Kevin Keaveney. You'll take part in a thrilling excursion to raise the dead where you'll have to see if you can survive the mummy's curse.

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

The Pumpkin Festival at Holy Nativity School is a perfect alternative to enjoying the island's sunsets by watching movies at the nightly drive-in theatres. Additionally, 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.

Here 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 fun and relaxed way to spend a day of your holiday if you visit Oahu in October.
There you'll find dozens of street vendors selling crafts and souvenirs to take home as gifts or souvenirs.

Hawaiian food is a must-try, and the fall festival is the perfect time to try it.

Super fried squid and Hawaiian churros for dessert? Anything is possible on Oahu, and the best thing is that you'll love it!

Enjoy the Hula Hula

The festival also promises live DJ shows on the main stage, Hula Hula dances performed by local keikis, bands playing a variety of 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 the adults dance in the street to the rhythm of the artist of the day.

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

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

The Diamond Head (Lē'ahi) Trail is a highlight and contains the must-sees in terms of breathtaking coastal views, captivating military history and is one of Oahu's best nature walks.

Diamond Head Location and History

The site is very close to the eastern end of the Waikiki coast, and Diamond Head State Monument covers more than 189 hectares, 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 up the main trail to the top of Lē'ahi (as the Hawaiians call it) is only about a kilometre and a half, but the access to the summit is steep and a bit tiring. The views from the summit are undoubtedly the perfect reward for those who make the hike.

A good sunny day at the beach on Oahu is a must when planning a trip in autumn, especially in a destination where the Pacific offers incredible expanses of golden sand, palm trees and plenty of fun.

As October is Halloween month, both the beach bars and along Kalakaua Avenue in the Waikiki neighbourhood will have themed atmospheres in bars, restaurants and hotels, and you'll be able to enjoy scary and tasty cocktails.

Makaka Beach is the most popular beach for surfers and big wave lovers, and it's even a great idea to take surfing 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 launched over a decade ago to great public acclaim and is now a must-attend event if you're on Oahu in October. It began in 2010 and showcases the best of Hawaiian cuisine.

With the most renowned chefs from the north, south and west coasts of the island, and the elaboration of typical Hawaiian dishes, 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 colourful parade with over 25,000 spectators, various cultural and educational events as well as opportunities to socialise with other festival-goers.

If you're 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 exhibiting their art pieces while listening to the best slack-key guitarists and ukulele players.

The event takes place at Ko'olina's beach lagoon, and once there you can purchase the works of over 49 local artists for special gifts or new home décor.

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

Hawaii offers beautiful weather, unparalleled charm and fun events all year round. 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 crowds are lower, prices are cheaper and the weather is cooler, especially at dusk and at night.

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

While rainy days are also on the increase, most of the precipitation occurs at night, leaving clear, sunny days for maximum enjoyment.

Fortunately, Hawaii doesn't experience many tropical storms, and when it does, the 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 planning your dream trip to Oahu, October has many advantages such as fewer crowds and lower prices for large hotels and resorts, car rentals and other beach and outdoor activities.

Another benefit of moving around Oahu in October is that the bars and restaurants are less crowded and you can get to know the island culture and locals better.

October is definitely a great month to be on Oahu!