09-30-2025
Oahu Events in October
Events & Festivals on the Island of Oahu
President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
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On Oʻahu, October signals a shift toward the “shoulder season,” with fewer crowds than in summer, but still lively, warm, and rich in culture, music, food, and aloha energy. Honolulu, Waikīkī, and the windward/coastline areas host festivals, street fairs, film events, and seasonal happenings that let you experience both the modern pulse and the Hawaiian heart. Whether you base yourself in the city or venture out, there are plenty of things to put on your radar.
2025 Events and Festivities
Hawaii Food & Wine Festivals
What to Expect: A multi-day culinary celebration featuring top chefs, wine & spirit pairings, beachside tastings, special dinners, educational events, and food/ beverage showcases.
Why Go: If you love food, wine, local ingredients, and getting into the gourmet side of Hawaiʻi, this is a marquee event for the islands.
When: October 30th-November 2nd
Where: Various venues around Oahu
More Info: Hawaii Food & Wine
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Ghost Tours
What to Expect: Haunted walking tours, ghost stories, themed film nights, pumpkin patches, trick-or-treat events, plus art fairs, markets, and craft shows with a spooky twist.
When: Throughout October
Where: Honolulu
More Info: Ghost Tours
Hawaii International Film Festival
What to Expect: Film screenings (local, regional, international), filmmaker panels, special previews, and red-carpet events.
Why Go: It’s a great way to sample contemporary Hawaiʻi and Pacific cinema, see new voices, and soak in cultural stories through film.
When: October 16th - 26th
Where: Venues in Honolulu, Oahu
More Info: Hawaii International Film Festival
Waimanalo Country Farms: Fall Harvest Festival
What to Expect: Pumpkin picking, farm tours, children’s activities, seasonal food, and a charming country-farm fall ambiance.
Why Go: For a more relaxed, family-friendly, seasonal day trip away from the bustle of Honolulu.
When: September 27th-November 9th
Where: Waimanalo, Oahu
More Info: Fall Harvest Festival
Molokai Hoe Race
What to Expect: A canoe race across the Kaiwi Channel from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu—a challenging and storied traditional paddling event.
Why Go: To see a powerful ocean sport, cheer paddlers, and enjoy ocean-side viewing in Waikīkī.
When: October 12th
Where: You can view it from Waikiki
More Info: Molokai Hoe
October on Oʻahu offers a balanced mix: culinary extravagance with the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, cinematic exploration via HIFF, seasonal farm vibes in Waimanalo, plus haunted tours and community markets that fill the evenings.
If you stay in Honolulu or Waikīkī, you can easily hop between art/film events, food tastings, and nighttime cultural performances. For something more local or off the beaten path, a day trip to Waimanalo or catching the Molokaʻi Hoe race would be memorable.
Pro tip: Some events (like the Food & Wine Festival) have premium tickets or dinners—book early. For film events, films may only be shown for a few nights. And for walking or ghost tours, dress for evening breezes.
Published by: Tori C. Derrick
President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
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