LIHUE — Shoppers wanting a free pumpkin had to be on time at the Pau Hana Market on Monday at the Kukui Grove Center.
About 100 pumpkins, specially packaged as protection for the large orb, were distributed to the first people waiting in line at the rate of one pumpkin per family when the cowbell sounded. The pumpkin giveaway was made possible through the efforts of the Harvest Festival and their ohana of community sponsors.
“On behalf of the Kauai County Farm Bureau and the Monday Pau Hana Market, mahalo nui loa to the Harvest Festival and their amazing sponsors for the generous donation of pumpkins today,” said Laurie Ho, president of the Kauai County Farm Bureau that collaborates with Kukui Grove for the weekly Pau Hana Market. “For those who missed today’s free pumpkin giveaway, don’t worry. There are two more opportunities for free pumpkins before Halloween.”
On Wednesday, during the Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula in Poipu, free pumpkins will be given away starting at 4 p.m. in the Palm Court area, where the hale has taken on a Fall appearance.
The final free pumpkin giveaway will take place on Saturday at The Grove Farm Market in Puhi with the help of the Pop Warner Wescon Region volunteers. This giveaway, while supplies last, starts at 9:30 a.m.
Melissa McFerrin Warrack, the Special Events coordinator for Kukui Grove, said registration for the Saturday Halloween Festival is currently open at the Kukui Grove website at www.kukuigrovecenter.com.
Online registration is also open for the 2025 Trunk-Or-Treat event, which will take place at Kukui Grove on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. This event, suitable for all ages, can be registered for at https://bit.ly/4ozJzJr.
The annual Halloween Festival tradition, featuring a keiki costume contest by age group and center-wide trick or treating, takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Halloween is not limited to the free pumpkin giveaway and the Halloween Festival, as the Halloween Exhibit: Exploring Fear and Phobias, presented by the Kauai Community College Cognition Learning Center with help from numerous community volunteers and sponsors, will be available for viewing on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, adjacent to Deja Vu Surf Hawaii.
The Halloween Exhibit enhances the Halloween experience at the shopping center, where the Jukebox Heroes will have a special Halloween Dance Party on Friday night, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Source: The Garden Island