Ghosts in the Prince Waikiki Hotel
Ghosts in the Prince Waikiki Hotel
Before the double towers of the Prince Waikiki Hotel were built, the old Kaiser Hospital stood in its place, and some say the ghosts never left.
Built in 1958, it was the most modern facility of its day. Overlooking the ocean and Waikiki’s famous sunsets, it served the growing community for decades. But as the population of Honolulu grew, so did the demand for quality healthcare. The capacity of Kaiser Hospital could not keep up with the city’s growth, and the care was moved to another site. The Ala Moana location was slated for demolition in 1986.
The Implosion of the Hospital
It was one of the most memorable events in Honolulu, and it was all on film.
The implosion of the nine-story hospital drew crowds from across the island. People gathered along Ala Moana Boulevard, Magic Island, and nearby hotels to watch the structure come down. Even the production crew of Magnum P.I. was present, capturing footage for a future episode.
Just after 10:00 a.m., the countdown began.
Then, with only 30 seconds remaining, everything stopped.
Police halted the demolition after reports of someone seen skateboarding on the seventh floor. A search of the building revealed no one inside. With no explanation, the countdown resumed, and moments later, the hospital collapsed in a thunder of concrete and dust—cheers from the crowd nearly drowning out the sound.
But the brief delay raised a question that lingered: if no one was inside… who had been seen?
From Hospital to Haunted Hotel
In 1990, the site reopened as the Hawaii Prince Hotel, now known as the Prince Waikīkī. A polished, modern space replaced the aging hospital. Yet, as with many haunted places in Honolulu, the past did not seem to fully disappear.
People claim to have seen apparitions of an old man in the basement, where the morgue used to be. Others complain about a moaning sound, as if someone was in extreme pain. One person stated that he called the front desk to voice his concern about the constant crying in the room next to him, only to be told that the room was vacant. Security was called to check, and the room was empty.
The land beneath Waikīkī has seen constant transformation, from fishponds and royal retreats to hospitals and high-rise hotels. But places tied to illness, death, and human suffering often carry something forward.
Ghosts and Spirits in Haunted Honolulu
From Waikīkī’s luxury resorts to its forgotten foundations, the stories of haunted Honolulu are all around you. Learn about the haunted history of the Moana Surfrider, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Hawaii holds countless secrets in its shadows. Experience the thrill of a Hawaii ghost tour and uncover the spirits lingering in haunted places in Hawaii. Our Honolulu ghost tours guide you through the island’s most mysterious sites, revealing supernatural Hawaii in ways you’ll never forget.
