Hawaii’s Most Haunted.
True Ghost Stories, Legends, & History
Welcome to the Mysteries of Hawai‘i blog — your gateway to the most haunted places in Hawai‘i. Here, we share chilling Hawaiian ghost stories, haunted legends, and real paranormal encounters rooted in local history, newspaper accounts, oral traditions, and personal experiences.
From ancient Hawaiian heiau to haunted hotels, sacred battlegrounds to modern-day ghost sightings, these are stories tied to the very soul of our islands — including many locations featured on our award-winning Waikiki and Haunted Honolulu ghost tours.
Some places welcome you. Others don’t. Explore with respect, and remember: should you visit these places on your own, you are your own keeper. To venture out alone in haunted Hawaii is purely at your own risk.
The Eeriest Legends and Most Haunted Places in Hawai‘i.
Click the icons below to uncover ghost stories, eerie legends, and supernatural sites across O‘ahu and beyond. New entries are added often — check back regularly!
The Kalaupapa Ghost
What secrets linger on the remote peninsula of Kalaupapa? Discover the chilling tale of a ghostly figure seen wandering the site of Hawaii’s infamous leprosy settlement — and the sorrow that still haunts its shores.
Ghosts of ‘Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is more than a symbol of Hawaii’s royal past—it’s a place of restless spirits. From phantom intruders vanishing into thin air to the ghostly procession of Kamehameha III and his headless guardian, this historic site holds secrets that defy explanation.
Haunted Honolulu: Downtown Ghosts
Downtown Honolulu may be filled with modern buildings today, but its shadows still whisper stories of the past. On Union Street, the ghost of a long-lost sea captain once roamed the halls of his old home, while just blocks away, the spirit of a loving father returned to comfort his family one final time. These two chilling encounters remind us that even in the heart of the city, the dead may never be far away.
Hawai‘i Kai Ghost
In the quiet suburb of Hawaii Kai, a seemingly ordinary home became the stage for an extraordinary haunting. The ghost, soon dubbed “Bernard,” would reveal himself not once, but regularly. Though never threatening, Bernard’s pale, static-like figure was hard to ignore. The home was brand new… but what sacred grounds did it disturb?
Woman in White at Keaiwa Heiau
In 1934, Kumu Emma De Fries’ grandpa and their yard boy were hiking past Aiea’s Keaiwa Heiau when they encountered a beautiful woman in white. Her long, wet hair and serene presence left them stunned—but their meeting with her would save their lives.
Haunted Kasha House of Kaimuki
It is perhaps one of the most well-known urban legends of hawaii. Its story has spanned decades. Every generation, the hauntings at this place resurface and become an urban legend all over again. A 1942 article, a 1972 editorial, and a 1994 book makes one question whether the Kasha is real. Let’s check it out…
Haunted Kamamalu Playground
In 1905, a family on Emma Street reported nightly visits from a ghostly woman in white—what happened next turned their home into a legend of Honolulu hauntings.
Haunted Kiona‘ole Road
Kiona‘ole Road, nestled beneath the Ko‘olau mountains, has a history marred by violence, unsolved murders, and strange occurrences. From the chilling story of Pakuanui's deadly trap to the tragic deaths of Nirmala Weddle and Dawn Bustamante, this road has witnessed countless misfortunes. Despite its dark past, it remains a haunting reminder of Oahu’s tumultuous history, with ghostly tales of Charlie Kaulaloha and his haunting legacy lingering on.
Ghost of Postal Worker Haunts Downtown Post Office
In the heart of downtown Honolulu, a cranky but devoted postal worker once guarded government supplies with an iron will. After a mysterious scandal and tragic end, his spirit is said to linger in the very building he once worked so tirelessly to protect—still keeping an eye on the pencils and paper he held so dear. Postal workers today still say the building is haunted. By the ghost of the old postal worker, Benedict Westkaemper... and so much more...
The Haleko Shops Ghost in Lihue
Tucked away on a short stretch of road in Lihue, the Haleko Shops look like any other quiet corner of town. But when a political campaign moved in, strange footsteps and unsettling encounters forced a hasty retreat. Decades later, the ghostly presence still lingers—quietly disrupting the lives of anyone who dares to stay.
Ghost at the Capitol Modern
Long before it became the Capitol Modern, the original Royal Hawaiian Hotel stood on this site—elegant, historic… and haunted. From wandering spirits to unexplained footsteps, stories of the supernatural have clung to this downtown Honolulu landmark for over a century.
A Ghost at the Menehune Fishpond
Two brothers testing paintball guns near the Menehune Fishpond encounter something far more terrifying than a malfunctioning toy—an apparition that won’t stop until it’s too late.
Ghost of Murderer Haunts Manoa Tennis Courts
In 1911, the tragic murder of a young woman led to the haunting of the Manoa Tennis Courts by the ghost of her murderer, Fukumoto. His presence lingers, chilling all who encounter him.
The Punchbowl Ghost
In 1908, the Pecarick family experienced terrifying paranormal events in their rented house in Punchbowl. The strange occurrences seemed tied to a young servant girl, Esperanza Gonsalves. Was she involved, or was the house itself haunted?
Ghost of Queen Emma Haunts St. Andrew’s Priory
St. Andrew’s Priory, founded by Queen Emma in 1867, is home to a haunting legacy. Boarders have long reported strange occurrences, from creaking steps to flickering lights, and even encounters with the Queen’s ghost. Is she still watching over the halls today?