Scenic Sunday: Full Moon Over Waikiki

Scenic Sunday...because I never get over the beauty of these islands.

I took this photo without a tripod and it will never win any photography contests, but I like it anyway.  

This is Waikiki as seen from Magic Island on a full moon evening.

Pumpkin Patch at Waimanalo Country Farms

This is the last weekend the pumpkin patches are open, so just in case anyone still wants to go and is trying to decide which one to go to, I thought I'd post about the pumpkin patch at Waimanalo Country Farms where my son's class went for a field trip.

Waimanalo Country Farms has a beautiful location up against the Ko'olau Mountains with a view of the ocean.  Going on the hay ride there lets you enjoy this view even more than just hanging out by the pumpkin patch.

That's what we started with, the hay ride.  It was narrated by the driver who told about the history of this family owned farm and talked about their mission there.  He also played a couple songs he'd written and recorded.

They have some animals on the farm and we looked at the goats and donkeys and a scary looking goose.  I think on the weekend you can feed the animals, but we just looked at them and petted a couple that were next to the fence.  Then we took a walk through the corn maze.

Last but not least we headed to the pumpkin patch to choose our pumpkins.  Nearby there was a giant Matson container where they were unloading crates of pumpkins from California.  The bare ground and the Matson container made the pumpkin patch feel artificial to me but the kids didn't seem to mind.

In comparing experiences and stories with others, it sounds like the pumpkin patch field trip experience is different from the family day experience at both Aloun Farms and Waimanalo Country Farms.  At Waimanalo Country Farms I hear they also have face painting, various pumpkin games and activities as well as food and shave ice for sale on the weekends.

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  41-225 Lupe Street, Waimanalo (Across from Waimanalo Beach Park)

Hours: 2011 hours are 9am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays in October

Parking:  Parking in one of their fields.

Facilities:  Porta-potties available

More info:  Waimanalo Country Farms or call 808-306-4381

Halloween Trick-or-Treating & Other Events

In case anyone missed it, just wanted to mention that I included Monday, October 31 on this week's Weekend Events Page.  I've listed family friendly Halloween events and trick-or-treating hours at the various malls and a few other locations on island.  I have to admit that, especially with young kids in the family, I'm really not into all the haunted attractions and I did not research those, but if you're looking for more low-key and kid-friendly Halloween events then check out the Weekend Events Page.

October 29, 30 & 31, 2011: Weekend Events

There is a lot going on this weekend!  It's the last weekend to visit a pumpkin patch and there are lots of opportunities for Halloween themed events at the malls and other venues on island.  This weekend also includes the book release for Matson the Mouse, the Chinese Cultural Festival called Splendor of China, and the Taste of Waipahu.  Check out the Weekend Events Page for all the details on these events.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!