Where to find the paranormal in Hawaiʻi

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi is known for our stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. But did you know about our many paranormal locales and legends?

Each island has its own unique and eerie tales. So, KHON2.com decided to celebrate National Paranormal Day with some fun facts about the paranormal on our islands.

Here are 19 of the most haunted places in Hawaiʻi, complete with fun and interesting descriptions.

ʻIolani Palace located in Honolulu on Oʻahu

As the only royal palace in the United States, ʻIolani Palace is reputedly haunted by the spirits of Queen Liliʻuokalani and other Native Hawaiian royalty. Staff and visitors often report hearing ghostly piano music echoing through the halls, seeing lights flicker and glimpsing apparitions dressed in royal regalia. All of this lends to a chilling aura for this historic site.

Waialae Drive-In Theater located in Honolulu on Oʻahu

Though now closed, this former drive-in theater was built on the grounds of an old cemetery. This has led to numerous ghostly sightings. Both patrons and employees frequently reported eerie occurrences such as seeing a lady in white and faceless phantoms, and these were often accompanied by unexplained cold spots and unsettling whispers.

The Phantom of ʻĪao Valley located on Maui

Īao Valley is known for its natural beauty, historical significance and haunted lands. According to local lore, the night marchers, or spectral warriors, roam the valley. These ghosts of ancient kānaka maoli warriors are said to march to the beat of primitive drums and appear during certain nights to retrace their steps. Witnesses claim to hear drumming and chanting, with some even seeing ghostly apparitions marching in formation and carrying torches and weapons. It’s believed that looking directly at them or crossing their path can bring misfortune or death.

Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village located in Waipahu on Oʻahu

This outdoor museum features restored buildings from the plantation era. It is known as a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors often report seeing apparitions of former plantation workers, hearing ghostly children laughing and feeling sudden and unexplained drops in temperature. This is especially true during the evening hours.

Morgan’s Corner located in Nuʻuanu on Oʻahu

This seemingly tranquil area is marked by a dark history of a gruesome murder in the 1940s, which over the years has led to frequent paranormal sightings. Travelers and locals alike tell tales of unsettling experiences, such as eerie whispers and the horrifying sight of spirits hanging from the trees.

The haunting of the Coco Palms Resort located on Kauaʻi

Once a luxurious resort, the Coco Palms has been abandoned since Hurricane Iniki struck in 1992. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Polynesian woman named Helen who died there in the 1950s. Guests and staff used to report sightings of her apparition wandering the grounds, often seen near the lagoon. The sounds of chanting and ghostly drums are also reported frequently. The Coco Palms has a deep cultural significance since it is believed to have been the residence of Kauai’s last reigning queen. And this legend only adds to the eerie tales surrounding the abandoned property.

The Queen Emma Summer Palace located in Honolulu on Oʻahu

This former royal retreat is said to be haunted by Queen Emma herself. Her spirit is often seen wandering the gardens or inside the palace, particularly near the piano, which plays by itself. Visitors report a palpable sense of her presence throughout the estate.

Kaimuki House located in Honolulu on Oʻahu

Known as one of the most haunted residences in Hawaiʻi, this home has been the site of intense and often malevolent paranormal activity. Many tenants have left abruptly after experiencing disturbing phenomena. These encounters have included physical attacks by unseen forces and ghostly apparitions that induce overwhelming feelings of dread.

Volcano House Hotel located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island

Located on the edge of a volcano, this hotel has been a witness to numerous sightings of ghostly figures. Some of these sightings including ancient Hawaiian warriors and a lady in a Victorian gown. These apparitions typically appear in the dead of night and are sometimes accompanied by the smells of sulfur and flowers.

The Pali Highway on Oʻahu

Known for its beautiful views and tragic past, this highway is reportedly haunted by night marchers—spiritual manifestations of ancient warriors. Motorists and hikers often encounter these spirits, especially on nights of the new moon, reporting the sounds of drums and chanting.

The mysterious lights of Lahaina located on Maui

In the old whaling town of Lahaina, there have been numerous reports of mysterious, unexplained lights floating around the banyan tree in Courthouse Square. These orbs are typically seen at night and are described as glowing with different colors. Some locals attribute these lights to the spirits of ancient Native Hawaiians and have possibly been linked to the town’s past as a royal capital and its later turbulent history with the whaling industry. These lights have sparked curiosity and fear, with no conclusive explanation for their appearance.

Huliheʻe Palace located in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island

This former vacation home for Native Hawaiian royalty is said to be frequented by the ghost of Princess Kaʻiulani. Visitors report seeing her delicate figure in the corridors and hearing her soft footsteps, along with mysterious floral scents that fill the air unexpectedly.

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor on Oʻahu

This poignant World War II memorial is a site of deep historical and emotional significance. It is often reported to be haunted by the soldiers who perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Visitors frequently speak of encountering ghostly figures and hearing anguished voices near the sunken battleship.

Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site located in Kailua on Oʻahu

This ancient temple site is renowned for its spiritual energy and ghostly sightings. Visitors often feel an eerie presence, see inexplicable lights and hear the sounds of old kānaka maoli chants. These creepy experiences add a haunting atmosphere to this sacred locale.

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach hotel located in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island

This hotel is famously haunted by the spirit of King Kamehameha. Guests have reported seeing his apparition walking through the halls and even floating above their beds. The apparition is often described as a regal presence that watches over the property.

The Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor on Oʻahu

This museum, housed on a former airfield, hosts a number of World War II aircraft and reportedly the spirits of soldiers and airmen. The most active spirit is said to be a mechanic who continues to work on the planes. He is typically heard tinkering late into the night.

Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove on Molokaʻi

This historic grove, once owned by Native Hawaiian royalty, is protected by spiritual guardians, as local legend suggests. Those who take coconuts from the grove report experiencing bad luck and supernatural retribution. These experiences include ghostly apparitions and unexplainable mishaps.

The Old Waialua Sugar Mill located in Waialua on Oʻahu

Now abandoned, this mill is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of workers who died in tragic accidents during its operation. Visitors report hearing the sounds of machinery and seeing ghostly figures that vanish when approached, adding a chilling narrative to its derelict appearance.

The ghosts of Keapana Valley located on Kauaʻi

This valley is known for its deep and lush landscape and is reputed to be haunted by the spirits of ancient kānaka maoli warriors. Locals tell stories of night marchers, similar to those in other parts of Hawaiʻi, who appear at night, especially during the new moon. These spectral figures are said to be the ghosts of warriors who died in battle and that they are reliving their marches to and from battle sites. Sightings often include sounds of drums, conch shells and haunting chants echoing through the valley. People who encounter them must show respect by lying down and avoiding eye contact, as legend says that disrespecting the night marchers can bring dire consequences.

Each of these places carries stories that add a mysterious layer to Hawaiʻi’s rich history. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the tales from these locations are sure to intrigue.