Inside Look: Holy Nativity School’s Great Pumpkin Festival 2018

Our seven tips for where to go, what to bring and why you shouldn't carry around your pumpkin at this Halloween event in East O‘ahu.

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Once a year a pumpkin patch sprouts up in East O‘ahu. Holy Nativity School has been hosting its The Great Pumpkin Festival since 2013, now more than 3,500 people come to pick their future jack-o’-lanterns, make crafts, play games, shop and eat.

This year's festival is Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We got in touch with the school for its tips for families.

1. Use the pumpkin pick-up. We know you were looking forward to toting those pumpkins around all day–after all, kids always want the biggest one they can find. For the second year, Holy Nativity will have a new pick-up area, meaning you can make your selection from more than 2,500 locally grown pumpkins and leave it behind while you enjoy the rest of the entertainment. Then, just drive through the pumpkin pick-up on the way out.

2. Learn the layout. Activities will be spread out between the schoolʻs campuses on either side of Nenue Place. Click here to see the map. What does your family want to do first? 

  • The Pumpkin Patch is located in the school’s field just past the gym. That’s also where you’ll find the pony and festival rides.
  • Thrill seekers can jump on the bungee trampoline or try their luck on the mechanical bull. There will also be a rock climbing wall.
  • If your little ones are more interested in the petting zoo, head to the playground near the field.
  • Emergency vehicle fans will find a fire truck and police car on the road behind the ‘Aina Haina Shopping Center Starbucks.  They can take a photo then shop for crafts in the Holiday Market. 
  • Games, including the Nerf challenge, will be in the gym. 
  • The Keiki Zone will be in the school courtyard, between Kalaniana‘ole Highway and Nenue Place. This is where you will find the balloon animals and glitter tattoos. It will also have kiddie games including prize fishing, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin putt golf and a trail mix bar. That’s also where you’ll find the bake and plant sales.

3. If you can wait, go late to avoid the crowds. Organizers say they are busiest from the moment the festival begins, at 10 a.m., until about 2 p.m. So, if you don’t mind not getting first pick of the pumpkins, food and more, a late afternoon visit might be easiest.

4. Buy scrip and bring cash. You will need scrip for all rides, games, the bake and plant sale. Scrip is 50 cents each at booths located in the Keiki Fun Zone and near the gym. Games and activities cost between $1 and $5 worth of scrip, you can see the full price list here.  Food and marketplace vendors will take cash. Here is the list of food vendors:

 Food

  • Bamboo Catering
  • Bao Tao’N
  • Doner Shack
  • Island’s Finest Shave Ice
  • Jamba Juice

5. Take the shuttle and don’t be late. Parking will be open at ‘Aina Haina Elementary School. A shuttle will run between the school and Holy Nativity’s parking lot near the gym. The last one will leave when the festival closes at 4 p.m. 

6. Dress up and get ready to eat. Three contests offer prizes. The corn-husking competition is at 11:30 a.m., followed by the costume contest at 12:30 p.m. and watermelon-eating at 2 p.m. Sign up Saturday at the stage next to the pumpkin patch.

7. Find the bathrooms. There are two places to go when the kids need to go. Bathrooms are near the gym on the mauka side of Nenue Place and in the courtyard on the makai side of the street. 

6th Annual Great Pumpkin Festival, Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Holy Nativity School, 5286 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, (808) 373-3232, holynativityschool.org