Is it fall yet?

Hawai’i Magazine
By Catherine Toth Fox

We’re still waiting for the first sighting of migrating humpback whales and maybe some chilly weather—it’s been blisteringly hot this week!—but there are a few ways you can conjure the season. Even if it still feels like summer. (Not complaining!)

1. Pick Pumpkins at This Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch in Waimānalo

The family-run Waimānalo Country Farms in Windward Oʻahu is hosting a fun—and safe—pumpkin patch drive-thru with photo ops, animal sightings and a huge field of pumpkins. (You have 20 minutes to run out and pick one!) You can also buy lemonade, fresh honey and other small treats at the drive-thru market stand. The first event is Saturday, Oct. 17 and runs through Oct. 31. Reservations are required. 41-225 Lupe St., Waimānalo, (808) 306-4381, waimanalocountryfarms.com/reservations, @waimanalocountryfarms

2. Head to Waikīkī, Like, STAT

Thursday (Oct. 15) was the first day of Hawaiʻi’s pre-arrivals testing program, which allows travelers with negative COVID-19 test results to bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine. On the first day, there was an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people arriving in the Islands—and that number will likely only increase if this pre-arrivals program is successful. So you might want to take advantage of the gorgeous weather predicted for this weekend and hit the beach—maybe one that’s normally crowded with visitors this time of the year. Our picks: Kailua Beach, Sunset Beach on the North Shore and, of course, Waikīkī Beach.

3. Get Your Cocktail On

Our pal—and master mixologist—Chandra Lucariello came up with a cocktail that’s packed with warm fall flavors: star anise, roasted pumpkin, orange and, of course, whiskey! And not just any whiskey but the craft spirit from Koʻolau Distillery in Kailua. Because who said Halloween was just for kids? (Not us.)

Things To Know Before Experiencing Your First Hawaiian Luau

Travel Awaits
by Sage Scott

With a whole roasted pig unearthed from an in-ground oven, grass-skirt-wearing hula dancers, and bare-chested fire dancers, a luau is a festive, can’t-miss experience in the Aloha State. Originally social gatherings meant to unite a community in celebration of significant events, luaus are now held nearly nightly at resorts and other venues across the Hawaiian Islands.

These casual outdoor evening gatherings are similar to backyard barbecues. But instead of hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on a grill, you’ll enjoy tender chunks of slow-roasted pig. Instead of cold beer, you’ll sip fruity rum-infused mai tais. And all of this will take place in a palm-tree-shaded, oceanfront tropical paradise unlike any other place in the United States.

Here’s what you need to know before you attend your first Hawaiian luau.

What To Wear To A Hawaiian Luau
You can celebrate the beauty of this tropical paradise by donning prints inspired by the islands. For both men and women, bright colors like lemon yellow, lime green, ocean blue, sunset orange, and cherry red are all good luau colors.

Men can wear Aloha shirts (also known as Hawaiian shirts). These button-down, collared shirts typically feature palm trees, flowers, and tropical birds in a variety of eye-catching colors, and they pair well with khaki shorts.

For women, a flowy, floral sundress or Hawaiian-style sarong would be a good choice. Glam up your outfit with a shell necklace or a single plumeria flower tucked behind your ear. Just remember to place the flower behind your right ear if you’re single and your left ear if you’re taken!

Casual footwear is the way to go. Leave your fancy shoes and high heels at the hotel, and opt for comfy sandals or flip-flops instead. You can even kick off your shoes and go barefoot — no one will judge you!

Although Hawaii is known for its beautiful temperatures year-round, it can cool off at night. Be sure to bring a sweater, wrap, or light jacket.

Arriving At A Hawaiian Luau
Guests are typically welcomed to a luau with a lei. Traditional leis are made from fragrant, fresh local flowers like ginger, jasmine, or orchid blossoms. But leis can also be crafted from kukui nuts or shells. Regardless of how it’s constructed, the lei is a symbol of friendship, and it’s important to wear it throughout the luau. Setting the lei on the table, stowing it in your handbag, or throwing it away is considered disrespectful and rude.

Seating At A Hawaiian Luau
At traditional luaus, guests sit on the ground on large mats decorated with elaborate natural centerpieces fashioned from ti leaves, lacy fern fronds, and fragrant flowers. While some luaus still offer traditional seating on mats, guests can also enjoy the luau at long community tables.

While mat seating is a more authentic experience, keep in mind that you’ll be getting up and down several times during the evening to visit the buffet, use the restroom, and enjoy the activities. While you’re sure to have an unobstructed view of the entertainment, consider whether you’ll be comfortable sitting on the ground for up to 3 hours before choosing this option.

Dining At A Hawaiian Luau
Just like Thanksgiving dishes vary across the States, there isn’t a set menu for a luau. However, just like you can expect turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie at any Thanksgiving feast, you can expect several staples at these tropical buffet feasts.

Like the golden brown turkey at the center of every Thanksgiving meal, the kalua pig is the star of every luau. In an earthen firepit known as an imu, a whole pig is seasoned, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow cooked over hot coals. Many luaus kick off with an imu ceremony, during which the roasted pig is unearthed before the pork is shredded and added to the buffet table.

Instead of starches like mashed potatoes or stuffing, luaus feature poi. Made from steamed taro root that is mashed and mixed with water until it has a paste-like consistency, poi is often described as having a bland taste, but it pairs well with the savory items on the buffet. Plus, this superfood is gluten-free, high in fiber, and a good source of calcium.

Fun Fact: Because luau foods were traditionally eaten by hand (and not with utensils), the consistency of poi was determined by how many fingers were required to scoop it up and eat it — three fingers, two fingers, or one finger (the thickest).

At the end of the luau buffet, look for coconut-flavored desserts like haupia and kulolo. Haupia is made by blending coconut milk with sugar, water, and cornstarch to create a thick, yogurt-like mixture that is chilled and served in squares. Kulolo mixes coconut milk with taro root (yes, the same staple used to create poi) and sugar to form fudge-like squares.

Other dishes commonly served at luaus include poke, lomi lomi salmon, huli huli chicken, sweet potatoes, chicken long rice, macaroni salad, Hawaiian rolls, and pineapple.

Drinking At A Hawaiian Luau
The mai tai is one of the most popular adult beverages served at Hawaiian luaus. This tropical fruit-and-rum cocktail is made by shaking rum, triple sec, orange juice, orgeat syrup, sugar, and a few other ingredients together before garnishing with tropical fruit like a slice of orange or triangle of pineapple.

Another popular rum-based drink served at luaus is the Blue Hawaiian. Served either on ice or blended to perfection, the Blue Hawaiian gets its oceanic color from blue Curacao and its tropical flavors from pineapple juice and cream of coconut.

Although it was concocted in Puerto Rico, an island on the opposite side of the U.S. from Hawaii, it’s not uncommon to see the pina colada on the drink menu at Hawaiian luaus.

Once the guests have enjoyed kalua pig and poi, Polynesian musicians, luau dancers, and other performers take the stage. Sit back and sip another tropical fruit-infused cocktail while enjoying ukulele music, fire knife dancing, and hula. Many Hawaiian luaus encourage audience participation, and some will invite guests onto the stage for hula lessons.

In addition to luau performers, some Hawaiian luaus include additional interactive experiences like ukulele lessons, coconut leaf headband weaving, and lei making.

How Long Does A Luau Last?

Luaus are traditionally scheduled to include the magnificent Hawaiian sunset and typically last about 2 to 3 hours. While you’ll want to confirm the time of your specific luau experience, most luaus begin around 5 or 6 p.m. and end around 8 or 9 p.m.

How Much Does A Luau Cost?
Located 2,500 miles off the coast of California in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is not known as a budget destination. And just as you may be surprised by the price of a fresh pineapple or a gallon of gasoline in Hawaii, you will find that Hawaiian luaus can be a bit pricey. Expect to pay around $100 per person as a starting point, with upgraded experiences — like reserved seating, additional drink tickets, and souvenir photo opportunities — increasing the package price. That said, a trip to Hawaii is often a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, and a Hawaiian luau is an important part of that experience.

If you don’t upgrade your Hawaiian luau package to include reserved seating, be sure to arrive early to score a good spot. Arriving early will also ensure you’re sipping your first mai tai in record time and engaging in the other activities before the lines get long.

Pro Tip: From the servers to the entertainers, the folks helping to ensure you have a memorable luau experience always appreciate a cash tip.

The Best Luaus In Hawaii
Hawaiian luaus vary by island. Most large resorts offer evening luaus, and your hotel concierge is likely to recommend the in-house option if one is available. If you are enjoying an accommodation without an on-site luau, ask your concierge, host, or another local for a recommendation.

On the island of Oahu, about an hour north of Honolulu, the Polynesian Cultural Center’s luau is considered to be one of the most authentic. Transportation from Waikiki is available for an additional charge, and upgraded packages include lei greetings, canoe rides, and backstage tours.

Provided you’re not battling jet lag, try to attend your first Hawaiian luau as soon as you can after arriving in Hawaii. From the food to the entertainment, a luau is a fantastic way to learn about and embrace the local dishes, history, and culture.

Puakea Ranch expansion approved

West Hawaii Today
By Nancy Cook Lauer

A special permit to expand the uses of a historical ranch near Hawi was approved Thursday on a 6-0 vote by the Leeward Planning Commission.

The commission approved the special permit for Lot #1 at Puakea Ranch after hearing from a couple dozen testifiers about evenly split between neighbors concerned about light and noise pollution, traffic and water allocations; and local businesses, ranch employees, and others who see the project as an economic boon to a hard-hit area and a way to pay for the preservation of a cherished historical site.

The commission adopted the Planning Department’s recommendation to approve the project, but added a requirement that before new construction commences, the applicant must give both the State Historic Preservation Division and the county Cultural Resources Commission an opportunity to comment on an architectural inventory survey provided by the applicant.

The Planning Department recommendation includes 20 conditions that must be followed and retained the right to revoke the special permit if they’re not.

Applicant Christine Cash, who purchased the 32-acre parcel in the state agriculture district in 2006, plans to expand the property beyond the four plantation-era buildings she previously used as vacation rentals to include seven guest ranch guesthouses housing 38 overnight guests. In addition, she plans to construct a new pavilion and parking lot and cater to events of up to 100 people, with two community events annually of up to 350 people as well as growing crops, horseback riding, equine therapy, cooking, art and yoga classes.

Planning Director Michael Yee, answering testifiers’ concerns and questions from commissioners, said action by the commission should go forward even though the county is currently in litigation with applicant on the project. He said a judge put a stay on the litigation until the planning commission acts.

The county filed suit in 3rd Circuit Court in late 2018, seeking more than $197,500 in back fines, attorneys’ fees and costs, an injunction to prohibit unauthorized activities and the demolition of an open recreational pavilion that was apparently built without a county permit.

Yee said Cash is working to get the property into compliance.

“Throwing the hammer of fines and fees is not always the most successful approach,” Yee said. “If we find a resolution, we will settle that violation in some form or fashion.”

Cash said creating a tourist destination is the highest and best use of the land. She’s put a lot of money and effort into getting the property listed on the historic register and she wants to share the history with visitors and the community.

“Who am I preserving it for, if not the community?” Cash said. “Unfortunately, small farms don’t make it in Hawaii without this added tourism mechanism.”

Puakea Ranch neighbors in the nine-lot subdivision testifying Thursday said Cash has been using much more than her property’s allotted share of the 5,550 gallons per day of water coming through the master meter that all properties share. Expansion will only put more stain on the water supply, they said.

Neighbors also said late-night parties with loud music and lights disturb their peace and tranquility and interfere with stargazing.

“The applicant is blatantly operating an illegal hotel. … This is an agriculture, residential area, not a party zone,” said neighbor Sandra Huntley. “This was our retirement dream and the applicant has spent the last decade ruining it.”

Others said Cash received her first notice of violation on the permitting issues in 2008, and she still hasn’t addressed them.

“This applicant clearly violates these procedures,” said neighbor Robert Morrison. “Anything but denial sets a very dangerous precedent for the island of Hawaii.”

Honolulu attorney Doug Chin, representing Cash, said he didn’t understand neighbors’ issues with his client, who he said has been working to restore the ranch, “long before any of the McMansions that have been built in that community.”

“Sure seems like there is a very profound disconnect between what people think is happening and what is going on … drunken hot tub brawls, rock music past 1 a.m.,” Chin said. “(This) pilikia is so hard to listen to. “

Hawaiian Airlines: Relief May Finally Be on the Way

NASDAQ
Adam Levine-Weinberg The Motley Fool

While 2020 has been an awful year for every major airline, it has been especially bad for Hawaiian Holdings (NASDAQ: HA). In late March, the Hawaii state government countered the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic by imposing a 14-day mandatory quarantine on everyone arriving in the state. Naturally, this obliterated tourist demand: Hawaiian Airlines’ main source of traffic.

Hawaii now plans to relax the quarantine in mid-October for travelers who test negative for COVID-19 shortly before arriving in the state. This could finally enable demand to return to a meaningful level in the months ahead.

The pre-travel testing plan gets delayed

Three months ago, the state of Hawaii announced that it would start allowing travelers to skip the 14-day quarantine if they got tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure and received a negative result from a certified lab. Hawaiian Airlines quickly made plans to resume service on most of its North America routes in August to capitalize on leisure travel demand in the last month of the summer travel season.

The pre-travel testing program wasn’t expected to be a perfect solution. COVID-19 tests aren’t 100% accurate, and someone could always get sick in the period between getting tested and boarding a plane for Hawaii. However, given that the pandemic seemed to be getting under control in the U.S. in June, the risk seemed manageable — and worth accepting, given how much Hawaii’s economy depends on tourism.

Unfortunately, almost as soon as Hawaii revealed its plan, COVID-19 case numbers skyrocketed in much of the U.S. — including California, the biggest source of tourist travel to Hawaii. The resulting jump in testing demand and lab bottlenecks made it impossible for most people to get tested and receive results within 72 hours. And Hawaii itself experienced a surge of COVID-19 cases beginning in late July and peaking near the end of August.

As a result, Hawaii delayed the start of its pre-travel testing program again and again, forcing Hawaiian Airlines to similarly postpone its plans to restore capacity to its system. That has made it hard for the leisure airline to generate revenue and keep its employees busy. Earlier this month, Hawaiian estimated that its capacity would decline 87% year over year in the third quarter.

Let’s try that again

With testing wait times improving and the pandemic easing in Hawaii and many other states, Hawaii Governor David Ige announced last week that the pre-travel testing program will launch on Oct. 15.

The general outline of the program is similar, although some of the details have changed over the past few months. Travelers who want to skip the 14-day quarantine period must get a nasal swab test no more than 72 hours before they arrive in Hawaii and present evidence of a negative test result. CVS and Kaiser Permanente will serve as initial “trusted testing partners” for the program, and the state plans to add more testing options over time.

Once again, Hawaiian Airlines is planning a significant expansion of its long-haul services that lines up with the loosening of the quarantine restrictions. However, management is understandably taking a cautious approach. The start of the pre-travel testing program has been delayed before, and it could be postponed again.

A crucial milestone

If the new Oct. 15 date sticks, it could unlock a meaningful amount of pent-up demand for travel to Hawaii, particularly during the major holiday periods later this year. Hawaiian Airlines may benefit from a big uptick in ticket sales over the next couple of months, just as ticket sales jumped in June for its mainland competitors as they sold tickets for summer travel.

Such an influx of cash wouldn’t come a moment too soon. Hawaiian Airlines has been burning about $3 million a day recently, a substantial sum for a smallish airline. It needs to reduce that level of cash burn pronto in order to avoid emerging from the pandemic overwhelmed by debt.

Hawaiian Airlines has already begun implementing staff cuts that will temporarily reduce its workforce by 2,501 positions (34%). Management warned in early September that without a resumption of tourism — which clearly depends on the pre-travel testing program — even more job cuts may be necessary.

Clearly, Hawaiian Airlines and its employees have a lot riding on the return of Hawaii tourist demand. If everything goes smoothly, Hawaiian Airlines’ cash burn will slow significantly next quarter, and cash flow could turn positive again in 2021. However, the airline sits in a tenuous position. If additional waves of the pandemic force Hawaii to clamp down on travel again, Hawaiian Airlines could find itself back at square one at any moment.

Planning Department opposes wedding business in Holualoa’s coffee farming region

West Hawaii Today
By Nancy Cook Lauer

The county Planning Department is recommending the Leeward Planning Commission deny an after-the-fact permit for a wedding venue in the coffee-growing region of Holualoa.

Douglas and Kathryn Hickey have grown coffee at Sunshower Farm for the past seven years, and for the past three, were supplementing their agricultural income by offering the farm for weddings.

The combination of businesses allowed the couple to boost the agricultural value of their farm product in addition to making enough extra money to keep the farm solvent, said planning consultant Zendo Kern, who represents the couple.

The property, in the state agricultural district, is located at 76-1297 Waiono Ranch Road, about 1. 5 miles east and mauka of the Mamalahoa Highway-Waiono Ranch Road intersection. The 2.25-acre lot is part of a 20-acre condominium property regime unit which is part of Waiono Meadows subdivision, an 11-lot subdivision created in 1987 with lot sizes ranging from 38 to 1,068 acres.

In a 14-page proposed “Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law,” the Planning Department said the wedding business is contrary to the objectives laid out in state land use law. The department also raised concerns about traffic on the one-lane Waiono Ranch Road, flooding, liability and neighbors’ concerns about noise and lights.

“It is highly likely the income from the proposed use will exceed income generated by the existing coffee farming activities on the remainder of the property,” the Planning Department report stated. “Having the event venue be the primary income-generating use of the CPR Unit is not consistent with the intent of the State land use laws or the County Zoning Code for lands in the Agricultural District and County agricultural zoning district.”

The commission is scheduled to meet virtually at 9:30 a.m. today.

The meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAFoRMb3rfWLQMPd6TAkEGA.

Kern said the couple learned they needed a special permit to conduct weddings on the property when they started the process of building an extra structure so they could move the wedding business out of their home. The new venue structure would be, to be located south of the existing farm dwelling, would be 3,500 square feet and include a large covered deck, a large foyer, kitchen, two rooms for wedding preparation, a storage room and restrooms.

The farm doesn’t host overnight guests.

“They’re legitimate farmers doing legitimate farming and have been doing weddings with no complaints,” Kern said. “They just want to be able to do weddings on their farm.”

The 50 Best Pumpkin Patches in the Country, According to Yelp

Face masks and social distancing procedures still apply.
BY AMY SCHULMAN
Chowhound

Best Pumpkin Patch in Every State, According to Yelp

Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak, Butte, Alaska
Griffin Farms, West Blocton, Alabama
Farmland Adventures, Springdale, Arkansas
Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival, Marana, Arizona
Venegas Family Farms, Ontario, California
Rock Creek Farm, Broomfield, Colorado
Plasko’s Farm, Trumbull, Connecticut
Parsons Farm Produce, Dagsboro, Delaware
The Little Farm, Miami, Florida
Randy’s Pumpkin Patch, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Waimanalo Country Farms, Waimanalo, Hawaii
Geisler Farms, Bondurant, Iowa
Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Lot, Meridian, Idaho
Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm, Waukegan, Illinois
Tuttle Orchards, Greenfield, Indiana
Powell Pumpkin Patch, Louisburg, Kansas
Mulberry Orchard, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Patch, Albany, Louisiana
Berlin Orchards, Berlin, Massachusetts
Summers Farm, Frederick, Maryland
Wallingford’s Fruit House, Auburn, Maine
Three Cedars Farm, Northville, Michigan
Waldoch Farm & Garden Center, Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Weston Red Barn Farm, Weston, Missouri
Lazy Acres, Chunky, Mississippi
Sweet Pickins Pumpkin Patch, Kalispell, Montana
Spring Haven Farm, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, Bismarck, North Dakota
Wenninghoff’s, Omaha, Nebraska
Coppal House Farm, Lee, New Hampshire
Battleview Orchards, New Jersey, Freehold
Galloping Grace Youth Ranch Pumpkin Patch, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Andelin Family Farm, Sparks, Nevada
Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm, Riverhead, New York
Berry’s Blooms, Medina, Ohio
Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch, Arcadia, Oklahoma
Growers Outlet, Portland, Oregon
Milky Way Farm, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
Barden Orchards, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Lever Farms, Pomaria, South Carolina
Flying Ghost Pumpkin Patch, Nashville, Tennessee
Anderson Mill Pumpkin Patch at Anderson Terrace, Austin, Texas
Garden Stop, Taylorsville, Utah
The Corn Maze in the Plains, The Plains, Virginia
Douglas Orchard & Cider Mill, Shoreham, Vermont
Carpinito Brothers Pumpkin Patch, Kent, Washington
Pearce’s Farm Stand, Walworth, Wisconsin
Orrs Farm Market, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Green Acres Corn Maze, Casper, Wyoming

4 Can’t-Miss Pumpkin Patches in Hawaii You’ll Fall For

HAWAI’I MAGAZINE


These events—three on Oahu, one on Maui—feature food, hayrides, pumpkins and tons of photo ops for your Instagram feed.

BY CATHERINE TOTH FOX OCT 17, 2019

The one thing I miss about living on the Mainland is the fall season: the leaves turning shades of red and gold, the crisp air, the reasons to wear cozy sweaters and head outdoors.

The closest thing to that fall feeling in the Islands is a pumpkin patches complete with hayrides, sunflower fields and rows of the iconic seasonal squash still on vines that you can harvest yourself. Here are four to check out this month:

19th annual Pumpkin Festival, Aloun Farms, Oahu


Aloun Farms in Central Oahu hosts the biggest pumpkin festival on the island. The 3,000-acre farm produces up to 36,000 pumpkins a year—that’s 90 percent of the state’s pumpkins! You can jump on a tractor-pulled hayride, pick pumpkins and sweet corn, recharge at food and drink stations, enjoy keiki rides, and take photos in front of any number of Instagram-worthy backdrops.

TIPS:

  • Hayrides to the pumpkin and corn fields are free, but taking home produce will cost you. Pumpkins are priced according to size. A bucket for the corn you pick is $20, $8 for string beans.
  • Bring cash. Credit cards and checks are not accepted. There’s an ATM on site.
  • There’s a nice restroom—not single-stall porta-a-potties.
  • It gets hot here. Bring sun protection and lots of water.
  • Bring a wagon if you plan on taking home a lot of pumpkins—or even just one really big one. It’s a bit of a walk from the fields to the parking lot.

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 12 through Oct. 27. General admission $4, kids 2 years and younger are free. 91-1440 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, Oahu, (808) 677-9516, alounfarms.com.

Fall Harvest Festival, Waimanalo Country Farms, Oahu


Pick pumpkins, pet a baby goat, take a selfie in the sunflower field or sip on fresh lemonade at this annual festival on this picturesque Waimanalo farm. We highly recommend a visit to the farm’s lemonade stand, which offers freshly squeezed lemonade in different flavors—mango, pineapple, li hing mui—and freshly brewed sweet tea.

TIPS:

  • Admission is free, but attractions are not. Hayrides are $3, visiting the sunflowers are $3, and shooting a pumpkin out of a cannon—yes, it’s true!—is $3. For $15, you can get a wristband for unlimited activities.
  • Pumpkins will range in price from $5 to $25, depending on the size.
  • Fields can get muddy, so dress accordingly and bring towels and wipes to clean up with later.
  • The farm takes credit cards and cash—yay!—but not checks.
  • Come back for the farm’s Rustic Fall Nights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Saturday (weather permitting) through Nov. 2 with photo stations and special snacks.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 5 through Oct. 27. Free admission and parking. 41-225 Lupe St., Waimanalo, Oahu, (808) 306-4381, waimanalocountryfarms.com.

The 7th annual Great Pumpkin Festival, Holy Nativity School, Oahu


This beloved community event in East Honolulu offers fun for the entire family. It’s the largest pumpkin patch in Honolulu with more than 2,500 locally grown pumpkins and lots of interactive activities—including arts and crafts—for keiki. There will be fair rides, a petting zoo and a country market.

TIPS:

  • There’s limited parking at the school, but you can park for free at nearby Aina Haina Elementary School and either walk or catch a shuttle to the site.
  • Bring cash.
  • While there will be food trucks at this festival, the school is also located near the Aina Haina Shopping Center, which has other food options—and a Starbucks.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19. Free admission. 5286 Kalanianaole Highway, (808) 373-3232, holynativityschool.org.

Pumpkin Patch, Kula Country Farms, Maui


This charming Upcountry farm celebrates autumn each with with a patch of pumpkins with a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The farm also grows Indian corn, sunflowers and squashes that you can purchase. On the weekends, food vendors will serve barbecue plate lunches, hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob and shave ice. We recommend trying the farm’s popular strawberry lemonade.

TIPS:

  • Wear closed-toed shoes—and ones you don’t mind getting dirty—as this is a working farm.
  • Wagons are available to use on a first-come basis. They have to be returned to the farm, and children aren’t allowed to sit in them.
  • The farm accepts cash and credit cards—but not checks.
  • There are portable restrooms and hand-washing stations at the farm.
  • There are a few picnic tables and tent areas where you can sit and eat. You can also bring your own picnic blaket and umbrella for the lawn. Alcohol is not allowed.
  • The farm’s stand will be open as usual and there’s no admission fee. Here, you can buy fresh produce, plants and gifts.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through October. General admission $3, kids 2 years and younger are free. 6240 Kula Highway, Kula, Maui, (808) 878-8381, kulacountryfarmsmaui.com.

Hilo Muni Improvements Topic of Meeting

bin

Renovations to the Hilo Municipal Golf Course will be the subject of a public meeting later this month.

The county Department of Parks and Recreation said the meeting is being held to explain the project’s scope and gather public input.

It is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at the Hawaii County Council chambers on Aupuni Street.

Aging buildings at the Hilo Muni suffer from termite damage and other problems. The back side of the restaurant is shown.

The proposed project includes replacement of the pro shop, restaurant and two on-course bathrooms, and reconstruction of four greens. It will also involve various maintenance and repair work, including replacement of water lines.

Jason Armstrong, spokesman for the Department of Parks and Recreation, said the work will also bring the golf course and adjacent driving range into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

He said work on the design phase, which is expected to cost $1.5 million, has already begun.

This Thursday-Sunday, July 3-6: Makawo Rodeo & Paniolo Parade

mauivents

Saddle up for the 59th Annual Makawao Rodeo (July 3-6) and the 49th Annual Makawao Paniolo Parade (July 5). The Rodeo never ceases to entertain with four full days of qualifying rounds, bull-riding, team-roping, mugging, barrel racing and more. Friday’s Bull Bash will amp the crowd for Saturday’s Colorful Hawaiian Style Parade (9am-11pm), complete with rodeo royalty, pa’u riders, classic cars, cowboys, cowgirls and local celebrities. Park at the Oskie Rice Arena Rodeo Grounds and take the free shuttle to the parade (7-9am) and then back to the rodeo grounds(11:30am). Rodeo: $15 Adults, $10 Seniors, Students, $5 Kids. Oskie Rice Arena (Olinda Rd., Makawao), mauimapp.com/rodeo.htm

This Thursday-Sunday, July 3-6: Makawo Rodeo & Paniolo Parade | mauivents.com