The keiki of kula haʻahaʻa came to school in their best costumes and gathered for a spooky Friday night filled with games and candy during the Trunk or Treat event at the upper elementary parking lot.

Trunk of Treat this year was hosted by the school’s Makerspace and Paiʻea Learning Center and was meant to promote literacy within the elementary campus by including a book drive for the haumāna.

“We wanted the kids to get excited about reading, and the costumes are all book-inspired. Also, we wanted to encourage innovation and creativity,” coordinator Ms. Jill Lucas said. “I had a lot of support from PTSO, from teachers, from other kumu, and the students were just so excited.”

The night started off with a parade in which the children got to show off their costumes. After the parade, they headed to parked, decorated cars to collect candy and play games that were inspired by each car’s theme. Each car was decorated to match the theme of a children’s book.

Some of the cars were run by kula kiʻekiʻe club volunteers, including Ola Nā Iwi, Peer Mediation, and the Letterman’s Club.

“My favorite part of the Trunk or Treat had to be the hype the kids would receive when we would let them play our games we created for them,”said Saje-Marie Pedroza-Kanemitsu, senior Peer Mediation director and Letterman’s Club officer. “They would be so competitive and would come back to play our games. This was my first year, and I wish I could do this again.”

The event went from a barren parking lot to a lively event instantly when the students came out of the preliminary activities in Nāmāhana. In the end, it was a fun night filled with laughter, candy, and creativity.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Photo by Riann Fujihara

Poʻo Kumu o kula haʻahaʻa Kaleo Pahukula speaks to the students before the parade.