So Many Options, One Halloween

Vanessa Wolf is a freelance writer who freaking LOVES Halloween…and not just for the multitude of opportunities to wear lingerie in public.

By Vanessa Wolf

If your Halloween costume escapades were trounced by the tsunami that wasn’t…cheer up! It’s not over yet.

This Wednesday is the actual Halloween. Presuming mother nature cooperates, there’s still time to publicly flaunt your lingerie…er…costume and sweep all the prize money at many of the following events.

Little Kids
	The central theme for the 2012 Halloween celebration in Lahaina is “Great Energy.” Festivities kick off at noon in Campbell Park when official 2012 t-shirts go on sale. At 3 p.m., there will be food, face painting and other activities for the children.
	The 2012 Lahaina Halloween celebration gets into full swing with the 34th annual Keiki Halloween Costume parade. Children should meet at 4:15 p.m. near the Papalaua Street intersection to line up for the parade. The parade itself begins at 4:30 p.m., proceeding along Front Street, past the Wharf Cinema Center and ending at the Banyan Tree Park. A stage will be set up where children can show off their costumes, receive a ribbon for participating and a free bag of goodies to start off their night of trick-or-treating.
	Not willing to battle the West Side traffic? Take your keiki to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center in Kahului for trick-or-treating (at participating vendors) between 5-7 p.m. Parents can pick up Halloween bags and the list of participating stores from Customer Service. Nobody likes to see a toddler behind bars, so don’t forget that masks are not allowed on mall property.
	Ever wonder what sharks think of pumpkin carving? Here’s your chance to find out! At 11:30 a.m. in the Black Tip Exhibit, watch scuba divers carve pumpkins underwater among the sharks, rays and fish! A repeat performance will take place in the Open Ocean Exhibit at 1pm. Kids 3-12 can trick or treat in the Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop. Participating keiki will receive for goodie bags filled with Halloween candy and trinkets from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Check-in at the Front Gate for gift shop-only entrance.
Big Kids
	Get ready for some mayhem. Lahaina Halloween turns decidedly grown up as the sun sets. Front Street from Baker to Prison Streets will be closed to accommodate the frivolity. Unveil the work of art that would have won the big bucks on Saturday night if only that tsunami business hadn’t rained on your parade. DJ Ron will be spinning from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Banyan Tree Park. Costumed adults can register for the contest at the Pioneer Inn Retail Store between 6 p.m.-8:45 p.m.Then meet under the Banyan Tree from 7-9 p.m. and the $1000 grand prize winner will be announced at 9:30 p.m.Have issues with masks? The Whisky Pimps will be playing in Campbell Park from 6-8 p.m.
	Want to go to Lahaina, but don’t have your own helicopter? Do the words “bus” or “shuttle” give you hives? Pacific Whale Foundation offers the Halloween Express cruise. Guests can depart from Ma’alaea at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. and return from Lahaina at either 9:30 p.m. or 11 p.m. The ticket price for each one way trip is $34.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 12 and under. Kama’aina with a valid Hawaii ID will save 20% on phone reservations only. Soft drinks and snacks will be available for sale on the boat for $1-$2.
	Hoping to experience the Lahaina party in style…and only briefly? Pacific Whale Foundation’s Halloween Cocktail Cruise is a round-trip sunset/starlit voyage between Ma’alaea and Lahaina. In addition to cocktails and appetizers, there’s a two-hour stopover in Lahaina.The food offerings include BBQ Pork Sliders, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Macaroni Salad and Roasted Green Beans with Maui Onions, as well as three alcoholic drinks, including Maui Brewing Company beer, wine, Mai Tais and tropical mixed drinks. On the way back, you will be served fresh-baked dessert treats (coconut Brownies and Caramel Apple Bread) and – in an effort to sober you up – hot locally grown coffee. The price is $79.95 for adults and $59.95 for children ages 12 and under.
	On the west side, but looking for something a little more civilized? The Pineapple Grill in Kapalua is holding its fifth annual Monster Bash. Kicking off at 5:30 p.m., enjoy half off selected bar menu items, drink specials, and half off full bottles from their wine selection. Live music starts at 6 p.m. and Halloween Costume Contest begins at 8 p.m. 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, 3rd place $50.
	Not feeling the west side? Check out Ambrosia’s Halloween Bash “The Haunting.” Festivities begin at 10 p.m. and run until 2 a.m. Guests can expect costume prizes every hour. Spooky drink specials include $2 off all absinthe drinks, $4 brain hemorrhage shots, and $4 ghost shots. There will be raffle drawings every 30 minutes for everyone in costume.The Haunting also features music and dancing with DJ CIA all night long.
	Ladies night at Casanovas in Makawao is kicked up a notch for Halloween. Casanova’s Famous Ladies Night with DJ KURT and DJ TRVR. The evening that earned Casanova the Awards “Best Late Night In Maui” & “Best Singles Scene In Maui” also offers Halloween Shot Specials and Sexiest Costume Contest. Sure it sounds bawdy, but maybe your future spouse will be there? Music Starts At 10 p.m. Ladies are free, but dudes will have to pay $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 afterwards.
	Besides the dancing, it’s hard to say what you might encounter at Charley’s in Paia as they present “a night of funkified voodoo, trickeration and dance!” AGWE Maui performs at 9:30 p.m.The all-star performers include Reggie McBride on bass, Steve Ferrone on drums, Eric Gilliom on guitar and vocals, Mark Johnstone on Piano, guitars, and vocals,, and Gretchen Rhodes on vocals. Tickets are $20 at the door.