10 Spooky Haunted Places You Must Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes, but beneath this paradise lies a collection of haunted locations. These sites, marked by ghostly apparitions and unsettling events, promise a unique glimpse into the darker corners of the islands. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie, or simply seeking something out of the ordinary, prepare for a spine-tingling journey through Hawaii’s haunted spots.

10. The Queen Emma Summer Palace

The Queen Emma Summer Palace, also called Hanaiakamalama, stands as a historical gem in Honolulu. However, it’s also known for spectral encounters with Queen Emma, the wife of King Kamehameha IV. Visitors have reported eerie experiences, such as doors moving on their own and the sensation of being touched. Some even claim to have seen the queen’s ghost wandering through the palace.

This adds a layer of intrigue for many visitors. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Queen Emma Summer Palace offers a fascinating peek into Hawaii’s royal past, enhanced by its ghostly reputation.

9. The Moana Surfrider Hotel

The Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki boasts luxury and history, but it also holds a dark secret: the mysterious death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University. In 1905, Stanford died from strychnine poisoning in her hotel room. Her death remains unsolved, becoming one of America’s most intriguing murder mysteries.

It’s rumored that Jane Stanford’s ghost still roams the hotel, searching for her room. Guests and staff have reported seeing her late at night. This blend of luxury and mystery makes the Moana Surfrider an alluring destination for those interested in the paranormal.

8. Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace, located on an ancient burial mound, is filled with tales of gods, urban legends, and supernatural events. Many believe the ghost of the last queen, Liliuokalani, haunts the palace.

Workers, guides, and tourists have reported strange occurrences. The blue room, secured with a bolted-down glass case over a piano, sometimes echoes with the sound of keys being pressed randomly. Doors to the queen’s bedroom, locked nightly, are occasionally found ajar with no one inside. Visitors have also reported the scent of cigars, a favorite of the queen’s, and sightings of a specter in a vintage black dress. This palace blends historical significance with eerie phenomena.

7. The Koloa Tree Tunnel

The Koloa Tunnel on Maluhia Road features ancient eucalyptus trees, with many travelers claiming ghostly apparitions dwell among them. Some believe the trees are cursed, leading to numerous ghostly occurrences.

One story tells of four brothers driving through the tunnel when their car suddenly stopped inexplicably. They saw a light that vanished, and the car started again on its own. Some speculate the light was Pele or the night marchers, adding to the tunnel’s eerie reputation. The Koloa Tunnel is known for its mysterious and unsettling experiences.

6. Menehune Fishpond

Niumalu, Kauai, is home to a mysterious pond said to be haunted by the Menehune, a mythical race known for their engineering skills. Legend says they built the pond by passing rocks hand-over-hand from Wahiawa.

Two brothers had a terrifying experience at a lookout near the pond. As they used their paintball guns, both guns malfunctioned. One brother saw a Hawaiian woman in white approaching them. The woman continued to approach, and the brother began to panic and scream. Many have since reported seeing her, adding to the pond’s haunted lore.

5. Māhā‘ulepū

Māhā‘ulepū is known for its haunted beach, with significant ecological, geographical, and historical importance. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, scientists sought human remains there, looking for evidence to support theories correlating physical characteristics with behavioral attributes.

Valdemar Knudsen attempted to take bones from burial sites at Mānā but was directed to Māhā‘ulepū. The sands at Māhā‘ulepū are scattered with bones, believed to be from warriors, and the beach is said to be haunted by their spirits.

4. Kipu Falls

Kipu Falls is rumored to be haunted by inhuman entities known as Mo’o, shapeshifting deities often depicted as “lizard beings” or “dragons.” They are typically female and can be benevolent if revered, but cause disaster if dishonored.

Mo’o are often linked to bodies of water and can take the form of a beautiful woman. Signs of their presence include greenish-yellow hues in the grass near the shore or a leaf sinking in the water. Many deaths have occurred at the falls, with some claiming they feel a presence pulling them down while swimming.

3. Old Maui High

In Hawaii, spirits are believed to return to familiar places. Locals claim that the students and staff of Old Maui High still linger on the grounds, sometimes interacting with the living.

Stories include tales of ghosts attacking those who enter the property and a crying girl heard in the former school bathroom. Despite its dilapidated state, Old Maui High’s eerie atmosphere makes it a popular spot for ghost stories and Halloween events.

2. Morgan’s Corner

Morgan’s Corner is shrouded in mystery, marked by the brutal murder of Mrs. Therese Wilder in 1948. She was attacked in her home by escaped prisoners, leading to her tragic death due to suffocation.

The men were caught, but the horror lingered, sparking debates about capital punishment in Hawaii. Many believe that Mrs. Wilder’s ghost still haunts the area, a chilling reminder of the tragedy.

1. The USS Arizona

The USS Arizona, stationed at Pearl Harbor, was attacked on December 7, 1941. The ship sank, killing over 1,100 crew members, and remains a memorial to the brave men who lost their lives.

One family captured an image of a face beneath the waters of Pearl Harbor, appearing in the oil above the wreck of the USS Arizona. The figure looked sad and young, adding to the site’s eerie atmosphere. It’s a chilling reminder of the tragic events and the many lives lost.

These haunted locations in Hawaii offer more than just beautiful scenery; they provide a glimpse into the islands’ ghostly tales. From hotels with mysterious pasts to ancient battlegrounds, each spot carries a unique and chilling story.