By Barbara Campbell

Employees, retailers, and restaurants at Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, and Waikiki Beach Walk® really got into the Halloween spirit this year with creative pumpkin contests and lots of “spook-tacular” activities over the Halloween weekend.

Pumpkins were provided to those departments, retailers, and restaurants that opted to participate in the carving and decorating contest, and a secret panel of judges cast their votes on Friday in the categories of both “Carved” and “Decorated.” Guests and customers enjoyed the displays of carved and decorated pumpkins, along with a variety of activities, including “Spooky Tales” story telling with Lopaka Kapanui at the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki.

Saturday’s Halloween celebration kicked-off with two performances sponsored by Kuloko Arts and the Outrigger Reef, featuring New Zealand’s #1 Elvis Impersonator, Andy Stankovich.  Elvis fans from around the world flocked to the Outrigger Reef to see “Elvis,” who performed early in the evening at Kani Ka Pila Grille, then later that night at Shore Bird Restaurant.

Setting the tone for the evening at Waikiki Beach Walk® was an electrifying graveyard scene, a nine-foot giant spider and lots of ambushing arachnids dangling from the lanais. Topping off the evening was the “Thriller” dance on the lawn at Waikiki Beach Walk and then at the Outrigger Reef. Five local women, who often appear on-stage at various community theatres, joined together and gave a stunning performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance.

The streets of Waikiki were jammed with goblins, gremlins, and masqueraders all looking to be part of the action.

Mahalo to Ethan Chang, Luana Maitland, Conchita Malaqui, Sheryl Yee, and Kathleen King of Kuloko Arts for making this Halloween “spooktacular” a great event.