Get spooked with Honolulu Horror Nights

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A unique event has emerged in Honolulu that blends horror, Halloween and queer pride into an unforgettable experience.

This event, known as Honolulu Horror Nights (HHN), was founded by Steven Hobaica, who has turned his passion for horror films and his commitment to the 2SLGBTQ+ community into something truly special.

The event has grown rapidly and has begun captivating audiences with its blend of spooky thrills and community spirit.

From concept to reality

Hobaica shared how his journey with KHON2.com.

“We’ve actually been running film screenings of independent and international horror films for the community for the last year in a couple different spaces on the island,” he said.

What started as a small, grassroots event has now evolved into something much bigger, attracting larger crowds and garnering the attention of local organizations.

Hobaica’s goal was simple yet profound: to create a safe space where the queer community and horror enthusiasts could come together and enjoy films that might not typically be shown on the big screen.

“As a queer person and a horror lover, I wanted to create a space for queer people and horror lovers on the island to be able to appreciate the genre in a safe space and also be able to build community,” Hobaica explained.

His vision resonated with many, leading to packed screenings and a growing fanbase.

The intersection of horror, Halloween, and queerness

Hobaica’s vision for Honolulu Horror Nights goes beyond just showing films. He is passionate about the deep connections between the horror genre, Halloween and the queer community.

“There’s this long history in horror that is tied to queerness and femininity,” Hobaica explained.

Horror has often been a genre that pushes boundaries, making people uncomfortable in ways that challenge societal norms. Similarly, the queer community has had to navigate a world where they often exist on the margins, pushing against the constraints imposed by society.

Halloween, too, has historical significance for the queer community. Hobaica shared that

“Halloween was a holiday that queer people were able to dress however they’d like and not face repercussions for it,” Hobaica added.

In times when cross-dressing and other forms of gender expression were illegal, Halloween provided a rare opportunity for people to express themselves freely.

Some of the first pride parades were actually Halloween parades, further cementing the connection between the holiday and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Collaborations and growth

As Honolulu Horror Nights grew, so did the opportunities for collaboration. “We collaborate with Māhū Mix for an upcoming Honolulu Pride Halloween event,” Hobaica said.

Māhū Mix, a queer organization on the island, is known for hosting vibrant dance parties, making them a perfect partner for a Halloween pride event. This collaboration aims to create a safe, inclusive space for queer people to celebrate both Halloween and horror.

The event’s popularity has also led to partnerships with venues like Hawaiian Brian’s, where most of the screenings now take place.

Hawaiian Brian’s has been incredibly supportive, offering their Crossroads space, which boasts a large screen and state-of-the-art sound system, making it an ideal location for the events.

Hobaica is also collaborating with Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) and Hawaiʻi Filmmakers Collective (HFC). According to Hobaica, HIFF reached out to him after they had found out about the movie events.

“They liked what we were doing since we were spotlighting like independent films that people don’t get to watch on the big screen typically and showing it on a big screen,” explained Hobaica. “HIFF sked if we wanted to collaborate because they do a major film festival on island.”

And more recently, he’s collaborating with HFC to fund an upcoming film project; and you can help them raise the money to create a new film produced here in Hawaiʻi.

“We’re going to be showing a queer vampire film, and all of the proceeds are going to go to making a film about a queer Hawaiian love story short film,” explained Hobaica. “So, all the proceeds from that event are going to go directly to the creation of that short film.”

A growing community

Honolulu Horror Nights has become more than just a series of film screenings; it’s a community. Attendees can expect more than just movies—they can connect with local artists, participate in trivia, and enjoy performances by local Pacifica queer artists.

“We’ve had comic book artists, local horror podcasters, graphic designers, and local filmmakers,” Hobaica said, highlighting the diverse range of talent involved in the events.

For those interested in attending or getting involved, there are plenty of opportunities. Hobaica encourages local artists to reach out if they want to feature their work.

“They can message me on Instagram @honoluluhorrornights or email me at honoluluhorrornights@gmail.com,” he said.

The event is always looking for more collaborators and volunteers, as it continues to grow and evolve.

How to participate

For those looking to experience the spooky fun, tickets can be purchased through the Honolulu Horror Nights website.

Hobaica has ensured that the ticketing process aligns with the event’s values by partnering with Humanitix, a nonprofit ticketing company.

This partnership ensures that the profits from ticket sales go towards supporting communities and social issues globally.

Hobaica also welcomes volunteers, noting that the event relies on the generosity of the community.

“I’m always looking for volunteers. Volunteers really help me keep this going,” he said.

While the event is a nonprofit venture, the rewards come in the form of community building and creating a space where people can come together to celebrate their shared love of horror and Halloween.

An unmissable event

Honolulu Horror Nights has become a cornerstone of the local 2SLGBTQ+ and horror communities, offering a space where people can be themselves, enjoy great films, and connect with others who share their passions.

Hobaica’s dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment is evident in every aspect of the event, from the carefully selected films to the collaborations with local artists and organizations.

For anyone who loves horror, Halloween, or simply wants to be part of a vibrant, inclusive community, Honolulu Horror Nights is an event not to be missed.

As Hobaica put it, “It’s spooky season year-round,” and there’s no better way to celebrate than by joining in on the fun at Honolulu Horror Nights.

For more information on Honolulu Horror Nights, click here. To see their Instagram page, click here. To get tickets to the next screening, click here. You can watch Hobaica’s full interview in the video above.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just curious to see what it’s all about, you’re sure to find something to love at this unique event.