Seniors taking delight in fright with Regency at Hualalai event

On winding Hualalai Road lies the Regency at Hualalai, a retirement and assisted living community. But trick-or-treaters beware: this cheery building in Kailua-Kona is home to more than senior citizens.

Ghoulish guests and creepy caretakers await, all eager to lead the brave on a bone-chilling tour of the Regency at Hualalai’s two frightening floors. From 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31, the public is invited to wander down a dark, eerie hallway to a haunted parlor, torture chamber and devilish dining hall, each designed to amuse or terrify. And while you won’t have to spend an arm or leg to attend this free event, you might see some — severed that is.

The Regency at Hualalai is hosting its first-ever Halloween event. Besides a haunted floors attraction, there will also be family-friendly activities for those not wanting to be scared senseless, including a photo booth, games and a magic show. Snacks and candy will also be offered.

The event is part of an effort to connect the old with the young. The goal is to help the two age groups relate better, and in doing so, improve the energy and psychological outlook of seniors while increasing youths’ social skills and appreciation for elders, said Alena Gamiao, Regency at Hualalai activities director.

“Growing up, I was always taught that being called kupuna was a sign of stature,” she said. “We need to hold onto that cultural ideal. These folks are important. They’re a never-ending well of knowledge and should not be forgotten.”

Gamiao is the mastermind behind the event, but everyone at the Regency at Hualalai is contributing. Gamiao said she got the idea after seeing the public’s response to the Regency at Hualalai’s participation in the annual Fourth of July parade in Kailua-Kona. As the bus filled with seniors passed by spectators scattered along the parade route, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. This caused a chain reaction in the seniors who were pumped with even more energy, happiness, confidence and pride. “They felt like they were part of something,” Gamiao said. “It was beautiful to see.”

This Halloween event is “one way to bridge the generational gap” while also giving Regency at Hualalai residents an opportunity to give back to the community in a fun way, she added.

Over the past several days, more than a dozen seniors have been creating decorations and submitting spooktacular snack recipes to the kitchen staff. Some are planning to dress up and act alongside the assorted menacing monsters found on the haunted floors.

For 92-year-old Faye Hill, her participation in this event already has brought back a lot of childhood memories and delight for Halloween. The crafty preparations have been fun, “but at our age, anything is fun,” she joked.

A combination of surprise, fear and joy is the benchmark of a good Halloween-style event, and that’s exactly what Hill wants to achieve Oct. 31.

Besides the event being entertaining, 82-year-old Mary Norris hopes the attendees see that everyone has talent and can learn something new at any age. She also thinks the event will garner more appreciation for and interactions with seniors. “Some people are under the impression that we don’t do anything, which ain’t true,” she said.

Donations are being accepted for this event. To be an actor on the haunted floor, help with decorations, or contribute to the snacks or game prizes, or for more information, call Gamiao at 329-7878 or email activities@retirementhawaii.com.

Email Carolyn Lucas-Zenk at clucas-zenk@westhawaiitoday.com.