The Most Haunted Places in Hawaii (And the Stories Behind Them)
Stepping onto the grounds of the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu, just minutes from Waikiki Beach, is like entering a world where history and mystery intertwine. This former royal residence, the only one of its kind on U.S. soil, exudes an eerie presence after dark. Visitors can take guided tours along the grand hallways and private chambers, witnessing the opulence of the Hawaiian monarchy. But many say the spirit of Queen Liliuokalani lingers here, especially in the throne room where she was once confined during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The palace’s blend of Western and Hawaiian architectural styles adds to the haunting atmosphere, and visiting in the late afternoon allows for softer light that casts long shadows, perfect for those intrigued by the palace’s spectral tales.
On the Big Island, about a 40-minute drive north of Kailua-Kona, the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve offers a different kind of haunting—one rooted in ancient Hawaiian culture. This flat lava field contains thousands of petroglyphs etched by native Hawaiians centuries ago. Visitors follow a short, easy loop trail that meanders through the scorching lava and reveals images of canoes, human figures, and spiritual symbols. The petroglyphs are believed to be connected to ancestral spirits, and locals sometimes report a palpable energy here. The contrast of the stark black lava and bright blue ocean nearby makes this preserve unique, especially stunning in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon when shadows deepen the carvings’ mystery.
In the town of Lahaina on Maui, roughly 45 minutes west of Kahului, the Old Lahaina Courthouse holds stories that reach beyond its colonial exterior. Built in the 19th century, this courthouse now serves as a museum chronicling Maui’s history, including its whaling era and the turbulent changes wrought by missionaries and plantation life. Visitors wander its rooms filled with artifacts and vintage photographs, but some claim to hear footsteps or catch glimpses of figures in period dress late in the day. The courthouse’s wooden floors and creaky staircases amplify the ghost stories, and a visit timed near sunset enhances the building’s nostalgic, slightly eerie charm amid Lahaina’s bustling Front Street district.
On Oahu’s windward side, about 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu, the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park offers a serene setting where spiritual encounters are rumored. This Buddhist temple, a smaller-scale replica of a 900-year-old temple in Japan, rests amid lush gardens and a peaceful koi pond. Visitors admire the ornate architecture, massive Buddha statue, and tranquil surroundings. While the temple is primarily a place for reflection and prayer, some visitors have reported sensing a calming presence or hearing the faint ringing of temple bells with no apparent source. Mornings, when the temple is less crowded and the light filters softly through the mist, are especially magical for those seeking a quiet moment infused with subtle mysteries.
Traveling to the island of Kauai, about 15 minutes from Lihue, the Coco Palms Resort site at Wailua was once a glamorous getaway but now sits largely abandoned, its ruins whispering of the past. Once famous for hosting Hollywood stars and serving as a filming location for movies like “Blue Hawaii,” the resort’s grounds have a reputation for being haunted by former guests and workers. Visitors exploring the nearby Wailua River State Park might take a boat tour or hike the Sleeping Giant Trail, but those who venture closer to the collapsed structures feel an uncanny stillness. The juxtaposition of tropical beauty with the decay of the resort creates a haunting atmosphere, especially on misty or overcast days when the ruins seem frozen in time.
In Hilo, on the Big Island’s east coast, the Pacific Tsunami Museum sits near the bay, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. While the museum primarily educates about the devastating tsunamis that have shaped the island’s history, it also explores the stories of loss and survival that linger in the community’s collective memory. Exhibits feature artifacts and survivor testimonies that evoke the powerful emotions tied to these natural disasters. Visitors walking the nearby Hilo Bayfront Park at dusk sometimes report an eerie quiet or the feeling of unseen presences, as if the ocean itself holds memories beyond the visible. The museum’s location, vulnerable to the very forces it documents, adds a poignant layer to the haunting stories connected to Hawaii’s volatile landscape.
On the island of Molokai, about 20 minutes by car from Kaunakakai town, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park preserves the site of the former leper colony. Accessible primarily by mule ride or a steep hike, the isolated peninsula was home to thousands of patients exiled for Hansen’s disease. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the resilience of those who lived there and see restored homes, a church, and a cemetery overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park’s haunting power comes from this deep human history of suffering and compassion, and the stunning cliffs and ocean views contrast with the somber stories. Visiting in the early morning when the air is crisp and the light soft offers a contemplative experience, connecting visitors to a past that still reverberates through the land.
Each of these places in Hawaii presents a unique slice of the islands’ layered past, where natural beauty meets the profound echoes of human experience. Whether wandering ancient petroglyphs, exploring royal palaces, or standing quietly in remote parks, visitors can feel the island spirits whispering their stories amid the lush landscapes and historic sites. The blend of myth, tragedy, and resilience gives these destinations an aura that captivates not only those fascinated by the supernatural but anyone drawn to the deeper mysteries of Hawaii’s rich cultural tapestry.