ʻImiloa Astronomy Center explores ‘Mysteries of the Deep’ for Halloween

All Hallow’s Eve draws nearer and the holiday happenings keep coming.

Today’s list of frightfully fun festivities adds a night full of activities at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.

The facility is having a pumpkin decorating contest open to all ages, with first- and second-place winners in two categories to be announced on Halloween Day. There’s no cost to participate, so show off your carving or decorating skills and drop off an entry by the 1 p.m. deadline today.

The main event of the evening will take guests on a dive to learn all about the mysteries of the deep and the fascinating world of Hawaiʻi’s sharks and rays, with educational crafts and activities providing plenty of Halloween fun for the entire family.

While you’re there, don’t miss “Expedition Reef,” an exclusive spine-tingling underwater full-dome Halloween adventure in the ʻImiloa planetarium. You’ll take a journey through biodiverse coral ecosystems to learn why they play a vital role in marine life.

That’s just what’s happening at ʻImiloa.

There’s also still The Great Escape with the Hawai‘i Keiki Museum at the Kings’ Shops in Waikōloa, ‘Ohana Pumpkin Patch at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo and a couple of haunted house attractions that are sure to scare up some screams.

Check out the Halloween haunts happening today below.

• The Great Escape with the Hawai‘i Keiki Museum
  Oct. 29-31, Kings’ Shops, Waikōloa
  Challenge your wits with spooky quizzes and puzzles created by the Hawai’i Keiki Museum. Adventurers can sign up at the museum and embark on a quest throughout the shops, competing for prizes and a $150 giveaway. It’s a boo-nanza of brain-teasing fun for all ages.
• Pumpkin Decorating Contest
  Oct. 29-31, Kings’ Shops, Waikōloa
  Enjoy a gourd-geous display of creativity as retailers showcase their decorated pumpkins. Vote for your favorites, and three lucky voters will win $150, $75 and $50 gift cards. Voting ends at 8 p.m. Halloween night. Winners will be announced via Kings’ Shops social media.
• ʻImiloa’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest
  Through 1 p.m. pumpkin drop-off at the front desk and 3 to 8 p.m. voting Oct. 29; ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo
  Bring your creativity to life. Whether you carve or decorate, participants of all ages are invited to join in the fun (sharks and rays theme is encouraged, but not required). Show off your pumpkin artistry and join in the Halloween fun. Categories: 9 years old and younger and 10 year old and older. Winners announced: Halloween Day. Prizes: First and second place in each category. Cost: Free.
• The Haunted Trail: Chapter 24 — Hide N Seek
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29-31, Nani Mau Gardens, Hilo
  Tropical beauty is possessed by the dead on this terrifying trail, where a sinister doll beckons you into a twisted game of hide and seek. Do you dare to play with evil? Venture misty pathways where the restless undead roam. The chilling cries of victims echo as grotesque beasts prepare a ghastly feast. Shadows lurk with evil spirits, eager to claim another soul. Keep moving and avoid getting trapped forever … because the doll is never far behind. Will you survive the night, or become another lost soul on the trail? Daylight hours are less intense so the entire family can enjoy the trail. Nighttime is the full-scare experience and recommended only for those 18 and older, unless accompanied by a parent. There will be bright flashing lights. No running allowed. No guests with known heart conditions. All guests must sign a personal liability waiver. Cost: $5 daytime, only at the gate; $15 in advance, $20 at the gate for nighttime. For more info: www.nanimaugardens.com
• ‘Ohana Pumpkin Patch
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29-31, Nani Mau Gardens, Hilo
  Bring the entire ‘ohana for a magical day of autumn fun and the perfect family friendly Halloween adventure. There’s pumpkins galore, fun Halloween inflatables, free keiki and adults games and plenty of tasty treats and island favorites to enjoy all day long. For more info: www.nanimaugardens.com
• “Sharks and Rays: Mysteries of the Deep”
  3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo
  This special ocean-themed Night at the Museum invites all ages to dive into the fascinating world of Hawaiʻi’s sharks and rays through educational crafts and activities. It promises Halloween fun for the whole family. Cost: $10 members, $16 general public, keiki 4 years old and younger are free. For tickets or more info: imiloahawaii.org/event-calendar
• “Expedition Reef”
  Starting at 5 p.m. Oct. 29, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo
  Don’t miss this exclusive spine-tingling underwater Halloween adventure from the comfort of the ʻImiloa planetarium. Traverse the biodiverse coral ecosystems during this new full-dome experience, learning about the vital role they play in marine life. You’ll also glimpse how scientists and conservationists are working to protect these “galaxies of life” beneath the ocean’s surface through stunning visuals and cutting-edge research. This planetarium show is only available during the “Sharks and Rays” Halloween event. To book tickets: imiloahawaii.org
• Big Island Boys Volleyball Club Haunted House
  7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 28-31, 1750 Auwae Road, Hilo
  Come if you dare. Be prepared for a scare. Cost: $5.
• Candy Crawl
  4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31 (registration now open), Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona
  This family-friendly event features trick-or-treating, live entertainment and free activities including balloon twisting, glitter tattoos and a bounce house. Check in at the courtyard. Each child must be registered to participate. For more info or to register: www.keauhoushoppingcenter.com

Big Island Now news reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.