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The Haunting Mystery of Ka’ena Point State Park: A Portal to the Afterlife

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At first sight the end of the Ka’ena Point State Park seems like just as any tropical paradise in Hawaii. But behind the beauty are the legends, and this end of the trail is believed to be the portal to the afterlife and where wandering spirits not accepted are left to roam. 

At the westernmost tip of Oahu, Ka’ena Point State Park is a windswept and rugged coastline that offers visitors a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Hawaii. Known for its stunning vistas, wildlife, and serene beaches, this remote destination is also shrouded in mystery and folklore, not too far from the bustling big city life of Honolulu. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

According to Hawaiian legend, Ka’ena Point at the westernmost tip of the island is more than just a beautiful landscape—it’s a sacred place where souls depart from the earth, known as a “leina a ka uhane,” or a portal to the afterlife.

Steven Pavlov/Wikimedia

A Place of Beauty and Adventure

Ka’ena Point State Park, accessible from both the Waianae Coast to the south and Mokuleia on the north shore, offers a scenic escape from the more crowded parts of Oahu. The area is best known for its rugged hiking trails that meander along dramatic sea cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean after trekking the last bit by foot. Hikers often come across native Hawaiian plants and seabirds, such as the Laysan albatross and wedge-tailed shearwaters, which nest along the shore.

Read Also: The Haunted Banyan Trees on Manoa Falls Trail

While visiting Ka’ena Point, you can explore its stunning landscapes, enjoy birdwatching, fish off the shore, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the waves crashing against the rocks. A popular activity is hiking the Ka’ena Point Trail, which is relatively flat and easy to navigate, leading you to the tip of the island where the terrain becomes more rugged and mysterious. But for those who are aware of the ancient legends, this seemingly serene landscape holds much deeper, spiritual significance.

Steven Pavlov/Wikimedia

The Legends of Ka’ena Point

The place is considered the most holy place perhaps on the island and has been used for thousands of years, both as a fishing place as well as a place for ceremonial things.

Once upon a time, the goddess who created the Hawaiian Islands had a male relative, perhaps a brother or a cousin. He traveled to this point and stayed, naming it ka’ena after himself, which means red hot in Hawaiian. 

In Hawaiian folklore, Ka’ena Point is considered one of the most sacred places on the island, believed to be a “leina a ka uhane”—a jumping-off place for souls leaving this world. According to legend, when a person dies, their spirit wanders the earth, searching for a “leina a ka uhane” to make the final leap into the afterlife. Ka’ena Point, with its remote and otherworldly atmosphere, is said to be one such place.

Leina Kauhane: (meaning “leaping place of ghosts”) is white rock located approximately 0.4 mi (0.64 km) offshore on the northwest area of the Hawaiian island Oahu. It is noted in Hawaiian folklore as the point where souls of the dead journey into the afterlife (Lua-o-Milu) and overlook the ocean. // Wikimedia

It is said that first the wandering spirit who has left its body reaches a fishing shrine called hauone. If everything the spirit has done during its time on earth checks out, its purpose is fulfilled and allowed to cross over. 

The specific location for the leap is marked by a formation known as “Ka leina a ka uhane,” or “the leap of the soul.” This area, also referred to as White Rock due to a large limestone formation on the northern side of the point, is believed to be where souls gather before taking their final journey into the unknown. 

When reaching this point, the spirit is met with two gods who throw them into Lua a Kehana, a gigantic pit where death is finalized and the spirit must wander to Na ulu o lei walu for its final judgment. The good go right, the bad go left. 

Departing souls either passed into one of several spirit realms or were returned to the body to continue life. The fate of these souls often depended on the help or absence of friendly ‘aumakua (ancestral family or personal god) that would guide a soul to the appropriate realm: ao kuewa, a place of wandering souls, ao ‘aumakua, where the soul could be reunited with the souls of ancestors, or au milo or pō pau ‘ole, a place of eternal night.

Locals and visitors alike have reported feeling a profound sense of spiritual energy in this place, as if the souls of the departed are still lingering, waiting to take their final leap into eternity.

A Portal to the Afterlife

There is also a warning associated with Ka’ena Point: visitors are advised not to take anything from the area, especially stones or shells. The belief is that taking anything from a sacred place could result in bringing a spirit back with you, a wandering soul that is desperately seeking its way home. The energy of Ka’ena Point is said to cling to objects, making them a conduit for restless spirits.

Source: Wikimedia

So, if you find yourself at the edge of the island, looking out over the endless expanse of ocean, remember the legends of Ka’ena Point. Feel the wind on your face, listen to the waves crashing against the rocks, and know that you are standing at a place where the veil between this world and the next is thin—a place where the souls of the departed gather, waiting for their leap into the afterlife.

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References:

Kaena Point: Hawaii’s Leaping Point to the Spirit World

he moʻolelo ʻāina no kaʻena, waialua, oʻahu “a land story for kaʻena

Ka’ena Point State Park, Oahu

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Shadows in the Sand: The Restless Spirits of Playa Grande Beach, Costa Rica

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Was the popular surfing spot at Playa Grande Beach in Costa Rica an ancient burial place? Do the spirits of those buried here come back the same way the turtles return to this beach to lay eggs?

On the sun-kissed Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Grande Beach near Montezuma, Costa Rica, is famed for its powdery sands, rolling surf, vibrant sunsets and laid back vibes. But beneath its natural beauty lurks something far older — and far darker. Whispers among locals and travelers alike tell of spirits that rise with the evening tide, remnants of an ancient people unwilling to let the living forget.

For centuries, this tranquil stretch of coastline, also known as Salinas, has been believed to rest upon an indigenous burial ground, where the remains of Costa Rica’s earliest peoples were laid to rest long before the arrival of European settlers. And though time has weathered away many of their markers, the spirits endure.

Playa Grande: Sunset over Playa Grande Beach, a serene spot in Costa Rica steeped in indigenous history and local myths. Source: Federico Mata/wiki

No One Stays After Dark

Playa Grande may welcome visitors by day and the nearby city of Montezuma is nicknamed Montefuma because of the big party scene there. Playa Grande ends in a wooded headland and the point is filled with caves, and small coves where pirates and Nazis hid. This is the western-most point in Costa Rica – a landmark included on every map of the region. Some call it Cerro Morro, some call it El Encanto where the turtles return to lay eggs.

But by custom and quiet warning, no one is permitted to remain overnight. Local lore holds that those who linger after sunset risk disturbing the slumber of the dead — and inciting their wrath.

Beachgoers have long reported spectral shapes moving through the palm trees, strange whispers in forgotten tongues, and cold pockets of air in the warm, tropical night. Many claim to have seen shadowy figures along the shoreline, watching, waiting. Some visitors have fled after hearing disembodied voices urging them to leave… or else.

A recurring tale tells of a pair of travelers who defied the warnings, camping near the dunes. In the dead of night, their tent was surrounded by a circle of unseen figures, chanting in a language neither recognized. By morning, they left the beach pale and trembling, their belongings inexplicably soaked with saltwater, though the tide had not risen near their camp.

The Ancient Burial Place

But what is it about the tranquil beach that makes people flee at night? Some people claim that it used to be some kind of ancient burial ground, and that those buried there, are lingering on the beach. 

To have a look at why this rumor has spread and might ring true, we have to look at CAbuya Island close by that truly does have an ancient burial ground, still in use as intended. 

The Silent Dead of Cabuya Island

Just off the coast lies Cabuya Island, a small, eerie landmass only accessible at low tide. It remains home to one of Costa Rica’s oldest cemeteries,  a somber place where whitewashed tombs and weather-beaten crosses are battered by ocean winds. Several trees have a bleached, hollow appearance. It has been in use since the 1700s, and funerals still happen several times a year. These ceremonies sometimes take place in the black of night as mourners transport the body from the town of Cabuya.

“They put lights on the entire path, like candles,” César Benavides, a tour guide for Proyecto Montezuma says.. “When the moon is full and the tide is low, they bury the person under the full moon.

“It is very beautiful.”

However, long before it was used by the colonizers, it was used by the indigenous tribes, even before the Pacific Ocean divided the landmass from the rest of Costa Rica. Can this be the same thing that seems to be haunting the Playa Grande Beach?

Taradsf/Wiki

At night, locals say, the island takes on a life of its own. Fisherman Wilber Mendez, whose family has worked these waters for generations, recalls unsettling nights at sea:

“In the night, there are times when I hear voices coming from there… The sounds are not birds; they are something else.”

Others claim to see glowing orbs hovering above the graves, or hear mournful wails carried across the water. The most chilling reports describe figures — thin, pale, and cloaked in mist — wandering the shore of Cabuya, vanishing before dawn.

The Old Ones Remember

Folklorists say the hauntings of Playa Grande and Cabuya Island are deeply connected to the region’s indigenous history. Before the conquest, these lands were sacred, their dead carefully interred with rituals meant to protect both the living and the departed. The violent disruptions of colonization, followed by centuries of neglect, are believed to have left these spirits unquiet, forever yearning for recognition.

Visitors to Playa Grande today are subtly cautioned: respect the land, move with care, and when night falls — leave.

For in this beautiful, haunted stretch of Costa Rica, the dead still keep watch.

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Low Tide Opens Way to Cabuya Island Cemetery :

Paranormal Costa Rica: Haunting or Hoax? 

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The Haunted Secrets of Makapuʻu Lookout: Ghosts Searching for Cheating Men

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In a popular lookout place it is said the ghost of a woman is haunting down cheating men. Who is haunting the Makapuʻu Lookout and the nearby lighthouse? 

On the eastern coast of Oʻahu, Makapuʻu Lookout offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the rugged cliffs, and the serene Makapuʻu Lighthouse below. For many, this spot is a picturesque destination, perfect for sightseeing, whale watching, and soaking in the natural beauty of the island. It is also said that this was the last place Madame Pele stayed before moving on to the Big Island. 

Read More: The Mythology of Madame Pele Haunting Hawai’i 

Yet, beneath the breathtaking scenery, there are whispers of something far darker. Makapuʻu Lookout is not just known for its stunning vistas; it is also notoriously haunted by a vengeful spirit who targets men with secrets—secrets that could destroy their lives.

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Stories about white flaming orbs in the air and seeing an old lady in white hitchhiking on the road thinking it must be the spirit of Madame Pele are plenty. The flying orbs are thought to be the Akua’lele, powerful spells conjured by those practicing ancient Hawaiian sorcery. 

Haunted View: Stunning panoramic view from Makapuʻu Lookout, showcasing the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters of Oʻahu’s eastern coast. Is the lookout point to the water really haunted?

The Tragic History Behind the Haunting

The haunting at Makapuʻu Lookout is believed to date back to the early 1900s when the Makapuʻu Lighthouse was under construction. The lighthouse was built in 1909.

During this time, a woman reportedly became involved in a passionate, illicit affair with one of the workers. When her lover spurned her, ending their relationship without warning, she was devastated. Consumed by grief and anger, she is said to have climbed to the edge of the cliffs near the lookout, her heart shattered. With no hope left, she threw herself into the abyss, her final words echoing against the cliffs and into the winds. Some say those words were a curse—a vow of vengeance against men who betray the women they love.

Since then, the tragic story of the scorned woman has become the foundation of the ghostly legend that surrounds Makapuʻu Lookout. Over the years, several other women have also chosen this location to end their lives, jumping from the cliffs to their deaths, each with their own stories of heartbreak and despair. As a result, the site has become a place where the veil between the living and the dead seems especially thin—a crossroads where sorrow lingers, and the past refuses to let go.

The Ghost Who Seeks Out Adulterers

The legend of Makapuʻu Lookout centers around a ghostly woman who appears to men—specifically men who are cheating on their spouses. Witnesses claim she appears out of nowhere, often on nights when the moon is full and the wind is high. 

Those who have encountered her say that she utters a chilling phrase: “Tell Tom I’m coming for him.” This cryptic message has become a terrifying omen for men who have something to hide. 

Makapuʻu Lookout: Where Tragedy Haunts

Makapuʻu Lookout’s reputation as a haunted site is not just based on one tragic story; over the years, it has become a magnet for sorrow and despair. The stories of suicides from the cliffs have accumulated, adding layers to the haunted legends. Some visitors report feeling an inexplicable sadness or anxiety as they approach the lookout, while others claim to hear faint whispers carried on the wind—voices that seem to come from nowhere, yet speak directly to their hearts.

Many believe that the spirit of the vengeful woman is not alone. She is thought to be accompanied by the restless souls of other women who chose to end their lives at this spot. 

The Haunted Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse

In addition to the spurned lover ghost, it is said that the lighthouse on the easternmost point of the island is haunted as well. 

The lighthouse has not been active since 1974, but there are still tales about a ghost haunting it. A former lighthouse keeper is said to haunt the place, long after his death and duty is over. 

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According to the legend, John Peterson worked at the lighthouse in the early 1900s. He was a strict man that did his job well. But tragedy hit one day when he fell to his death. Was it simply an accident, or did he actually take his life as the story goes he had a rather unhappy personal life.

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse: standing majestically on the cliffs, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse itself is also off limits to the public and is protected by three locked gates.

After his death, people claim to have seen his ghost wandering the grounds and those visiting sometimes claim to have heard footsteps and doors creaking when opening or closing. Some even claim to have seen a ghostly figure in the abandoned lighthouse staring out at the sea through the windows. 

A Warning to Those with Secrets

For the many tourists and locals who come to Makapuʻu Lookout for its breathtaking views, the experience is one of awe and wonder. But for those who come with a guilty conscience, the trip may be far less pleasant. As the legend goes, the vengeful spirit of Makapuʻu Lookout is always watching, always waiting, and she may just appear when you least expect it—utter a name, deliver a warning, and disappear back into the mists of time.

So, the next time you find yourself on the east side of Oʻahu, staring out at the vast expanse of ocean from Makapuʻu Lookout, take a moment to listen closely. You might hear the rustling of leaves, the whisper of the wind…or perhaps a voice, faint but unmistakable, telling you that she is coming. 

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The Haunted Lighthouse: The Ghost of Makapu’u Point, Hawaii | American Ghost Stories 

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Ghostly Sailors of Sandwood Bay: Scotland’s Haunted Shoreline

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Coming from the dark waters in what has been called the shipwreck grave of Scotland, ghosts are said to linger on the beach of Sandwood Bay, far away from any civilization. 

Tucked away along the rugged, windswept northwest coast of Scotland, far from the reach of city lights and modern noise, lies Sandwood Bay in Sutherland, a stretch of sand and sea so hauntingly beautiful it feels untouched by time. The beach is considered to be one of the cleanest and most unspoilt beaches in the whole of mainland Britain.

Isolated by towering cliffs and miles of moorland far away from any roads, this remote paradise in Sutherland has long lured travelers, artists, and adventurers with its lonely splendor. But those who linger past sundown whisper of more than waves and starlight — for at Sandwood Bay, the spirits of the drowned are said to walk.

Sandwood Bay: On the rocky beach in Scotland it is said ghosts from the wrecked ships over the years are haunting the shore. // source: Peter Bond / Beach at Sandwood Bay / CC BY-SA 2.0

A Shoreline Stained with Shipwrecks

For centuries, the treacherous waters off Sandwood Bay claimed the lives of countless sailors around the dangerous Cape Wrath. The name likely derived from the norse Sandvatn, meaning sand water. Legends speak of galleons lost to storms, fishing boats swallowed by hungry waves, Viking boats wrecked, and merchant vessels dashed against hidden rocks before the lighthouse was built in 1828.

The most enduring tale involves a Spanish galleon from the Armada, said to have been wrecked along the bay’s sandy embrace in the shadowy days of empire. Local folklore claims its cursed treasure still lies beneath the silt and surf, forever guarded by the spirits of those who perished alongside it.

Ghostly Fishermen and Wandering Sailors

The earliest documented ghost sightings at Sandwood Bay date back to the 1940s, when solitary visitors and locals reported seeing two fishermen collecting driftwood along the shore. These figures, pale and weathered, would cry out to any who approached:

“All on this beach is mine — begone!”

Eyewitnesses said the men vanished if challenged, dissolving into the mist as though they’d never been there. Some insist they are the remnants of wrecked sailors still staking claim to the land their bodies washed upon, calling out if you try to take the driftwood or other things from the beach. There have also been reports about a group of people, crying into their hands as they wander the beach, but vanishing if spoken to. 

Water Horses Haunting the Beach: Another story told about the beach is the sounds of hooves running over the beach when no one is there. Could it be something from more ancient times? Water horse is a mythical creature, such as the Ceffyl Dŵr, Capaill Uisce, and kelpie? The water horse has often become a basic description of other lake monsters such as the Nessie. Loch Morar is reputedly home to “Morag”, a lake monster that has been portrayed as a water horse. Or perhaps it is an each-uisge, a supernatural water horse found in the Scottish Highlands, has been described as “perhaps the fiercest and most dangerous of all the water-horses”.

The Knock at Sandwood Bay Cottage

A short distance from the sands, nestled amid rolling dunes, stands Sandwood Bay Cottage, an old crofter’s home steeped in ghost stories of its own close to Loch Sandwood. Today it’s abandoned and roofless. On stormy nights, when the wind howls like a chorus of lost voices, it’s said a phantom sailor knocks at the door. Legend suggests this may be a lone survivor of the fabled Spanish galleon, cursed to wander the earth in search of shelter and the treasure he swore to guard.

Residents and travelers who’ve stayed at the cottage have reported strange rapping at windows, wet footprints appearing on dry floors, and the unmistakable scent of saltwater and seaweed drifting through tightly shuttered rooms. 

Sandwood Bay Cottage: The abandoned Sandwood Bay Cottage, a remnant of the region’s ghostly tales and maritime history. // Source

Some accounts even claim to have glimpsed a sodden figure standing at the edge of the bay, watching the cottage with hollow, mournful eyes. Perhaps the worst are the stories about the crouching sound of heavy boots outside before the bearded face of a sailor is looking at you through the window. 

Was it a ghost, or was it simply the local hermit James MacRory-Smith who lived close to the beach for 32 years until he died in 1999? He retreated to the bay after his wife died in a horrible car accident.

Mermaids and Myths of the Deep

Sandwood Bay’s eerie reputation isn’t reserved for restless sailors. The waters here also hum with older legends of selkies and mermaids — sea creatures said to lure men to their deaths with song and beauty. Fishermen have long spoken of beautiful, unearthly women seen sunning themselves on the rocks before vanishing into the surf. Could these beings have played a hand in the bay’s tragic maritime history, claiming sailors for their own beneath the waves?

Kelpie: Kelpies have the ability to transform themselves into non-equine forms, and can take on the outward appearance of human figures, in which guise they may betray themselves by the presence of water weeds in their hair.

A story from a local called Alexander (Sandy) Gunn told that he went on a walk around Sandwood Bay in January 1900 with his dog when he saw one. Apparently, the creature had long golden hair and piercing blue/green eyes. 

He was ridiculed by the others, but never changed a word about his story of the 7 feet long creature he had seen on the beach until he died in 1944. And more stories about these sea creatures kept popping up, both after and long before in old history.

A Place Where the Dead Walk

Today, Sandwood Bay remains one of Britain’s most remote and untamed beaches, accessible only by foot over miles of heather-clad moorland. Hikers and campers who brave the long journey often report an unnerving sense of being watched, especially as dusk settles over the beach. Cold spots, distant voices, and ghostly apparitions are said to linger, particularly around the old shipwreck sites still half-buried in the sand.

Magical Stones: Ancient stone circles scattered across the lush green landscape near Sandwood Bay, hinting at centuries of history and folklore. // Source: Brian MacLennan / Ancient Ruin above Sandwood Bay / CC BY-SA 2.0

Whether you believe in the vengeful spirits of drowned sailors or see these tales as a product of isolation and wind-whipped imagination, one thing is certain: Sandwood Bay’s haunted past lives on in every crashing wave and shifting shadow.

So, if you should ever find yourself on that lonely Scottish shore as darkness falls, listen closely to the wind. You might just hear the long-lost cries of shipwrecked souls — still laying claim to Sandwood Bay.

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The Haunting of Ulupō Heiau: Spirits of the Ancient Temple and the Human Sacrifices

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What really happened in the ancient temple in Oahu in Hawaii known as Ulupō Heiau. According to stories, this might have been a place of human sacrifices and it is said that spirits of the many who died in rituals are now roaming the place for eternity. 

On the lush slopes overlooking the Kawainui Marsh in Kailua, Oʻahu, the Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site is one of Hawaii’s oldest and most sacred sites. Dating back to the 16th century, this massive stone platform, with its carefully stacked rock walls, was once a significant temple—an altar where offerings were made to the gods, where chiefs sought guidance, and where warriors prepared for battle. 

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The big pile of rocks has signs telling visitors: “Sacred grounds, please do not remove stones”. Yet, for all its cultural and historical significance, the heiau is also known for something far more unsettling: its haunted reputation.

Ulupō Heiau State Historical Site: Kailua, Hawaii, on State and National Register of Historic Places.

Ulupō Heiau and its Sacred History

Ulupō Heiau, which means “night inspiration,” was believed to have been constructed by the menehune, Hawaii’s mythical race of small, industrious people who built many of the islands’ ancient structures. It is by all accounts very old, perhaps even more than a thousand years old. However, the heiau’s true purpose and use evolved over time. 

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Originally a marpele heiau ho‘oūlu ‘ai, a farming temple to ʻāina, where rituals were conducted to ensure bountiful crops, Ulupō eventually became a heiau pōhaku, a stone-walled heiau dedicated to Kāne, the Hawaiian god of creation, sunlight, and freshwater. Or perhaps even a Heiau Luakini dedicated to success in war and was perhaps even the sight for human sacrifice. The site, with its imposing rock walls—some over 30 feet high—became a focal point for the aliʻi (chiefs) of Oʻahu and an important center for spiritual and political life.

Garden view of ceremonial platform, Ulupō Heiau, Kailua, Hawaii, on National Register of Historic Places

As time passed and Hawaii underwent sweeping changes, including the introduction of Christianity and Western influence, Ulupō Heiau fell into disuse. 

Human Sacrifices

As mentioned the stones are said to have been used for human sacrifices as well and has become a part of its haunted legend. According to some it was during war times when King Kamehameha came to this place with his warriors and priest to give thanks to his new god, the war god. It was said he needed more blood and Kamehameha said he needed five people every day as a sacrifice from the islands. But the village chief was an overachiever and killed five people every day just in this one place, just to be sure of the rituals success. 

A stone marker at Ulupō Heiau, adorned with offerings, highlights the sacred history of this ancient Hawaiian temple.

How many of these sacrifices happened, if there were any at all? None? perhaps as much as 80 000 people as some ghost tours proclaim? It’s definetly not certain at all, but ghost stories and creepy legends have been created because of the stories.

The stone platform of Ulupō Heiau, a historic and sacred site in Oʻahu, Hawaii, once used for rituals and offerings to ancient gods.

Ghostly Legends and Hauntings

According to some stories there are tens of thousands of bones buried within the walls of this particular Heiau, and some believe that the spirits of those lingers. The air around Ulupō Heiau seems thick with unseen energy, and those who come here often report a strong feeling of unease, as if they are being watched by unseen eyes.

Locals and visitors alike have spoken of ghostly apparitions roaming the grounds, particularly around dusk or just before dawn. Figures dressed in ancient Hawaiian garb have been seen moving silently through the shadows. Some witnesses describe seeing inexplicable lights—glowing orbs or flickering lantern-like flames that dance among the stones and trees. These lights, which appear and disappear without warning, are often attributed to the wandering spirits of ancient kānaka maoli (native Hawaiians).

Many have also reported hearing the faint sounds of chanting—deep, resonant voices carrying on the wind, speaking in the old Hawaiian language. These chants, believed to be ancient prayers or battle cries, add to the eerie atmosphere of the heiau, as if the spirits of those who once gathered here are still engaged in their sacred rituals.

The Presence of the Night Marchers

One of the most chilling legends associated with Ulupō Heiau involves the night marchers, or huaka‘i pō—ghostly processions of ancient Hawaiian warriors who are said to traverse sacred sites on specific nights, often under the cover of darkness. According to Hawaiian lore, the night marchers are the spirits of fallen warriors or chiefs who roam the islands, retracing the paths they walked in life. They are known to march in formation, accompanied by the sound of pahu drums and the blowing of conch shells.

Read More: Check out more about the Hawaiian Night Marchers

At Ulupō Heiau, it is said that the night marchers pass through on moonless nights. Those who have encountered them describe feeling an overwhelming sense of dread and are compelled to drop to the ground and avert their eyes to avoid drawing the spirits’ wrath. Those who fail to show proper respect are said to be struck down by an invisible force or become possessed by a spirit, leaving them lost or disoriented for days.

An Unsettling Presence

Visitors to Ulupō Heiau often speak of an “unseen presence” that follows them as they walk through the area. Some claim to feel a sudden chill or hear footsteps behind them, only to turn around and find no one there. Others feel an inexplicable pressure or heaviness, as if something unseen is pressing down on them. These experiences, coupled with the whispered chants and ghostly apparitions, make Ulupō Heiau a place that can feel profoundly unsettling, even to the bravest souls.

A panoramic view of the sacred Ulupō Heiau in Oahu, showcasing its ancient stone structures and lush surroundings.

For those who venture to Ulupō Heiau, it is a place where history is still alive—a place where the spirits of ancient Hawaiians continue to guard their sacred ground. Whether you come to pay your respects, seek a glimpse of the supernatural, or simply explore the island’s history, remember that this is a site of profound cultural and spiritual importance. Tread carefully, for the spirits of Ulupō Heiau are said to be ever watchful, ensuring that their sacred temple is never forgotten.

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References:

Division of State Parks | Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site 

Where on Oahu do you guys associate with ghosts and urban legends? : r/Hawaii

At Ulupō Nui – HIKA‘ALANI

The 50+ Most Haunted Places in Oahu – 52 Perfect Days

Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site – Wikipedia

https://uhs63.weebly.com/reunion-ghost-tour.html

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The Haunted Road: Kapaa Quarry Road in Kailua

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According to legend, there are plenty of shadows waiting along the Kapaa Quarry Road after dark. From the vanishing hitchhikers to the strange Menehune people from Hawaiian folklore, do not stop for anything when driving through.

Hidden away from the bustling streets and sun-soaked beaches of Kailua, Oahu, lies a stretch of road that many locals dread to travel after dark: Kapaa Quarry Road. This dimly lit, narrow utility road snakes through thick patches of forest, veiled in shadows and flanked by eerie stillness. But it’s not just the darkness or the treacherous turns that make Kapaa Quarry Road a place of fear—it’s the haunted history that whispers through the leaves and rustles in the undergrowth.

Kapaa Quarry Road: A seemingly normal road during the day. After dark, all sorts of spirits and creatures are said to roam the road.

A Road With a Dark Reputation

Kapaa Quarry Road is notorious for its sharp turn at the end, a twist that has claimed the lives of eight unfortunate motorists over the years. The road’s dangers are not merely physical, however. Drivers who have taken this path speak of an unsettling feeling, a heaviness that seems to settle over the vehicle, as if the road itself is watching, waiting.

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Rumor has it that numerous ancient altars line the road, remnants of a time long past when Hawaiian kahuna, or priests, conducted rituals on this sacred land. Some say these altars were used for ceremonies that called upon spirits—both benevolent and malevolent. Today, many believe that these spirits still linger by the roadside, unseen but always present, drawn to the energy of the place or perhaps still bound to it.

Ghostly Hitchhikers and Vanishing Passengers

One of the most chilling legends of Kapaa Quarry Road involves phantom hitchhikers. Travelers have reported picking up strangers on the road late at night, only to find that their mysterious passengers vanish without a trace before reaching their destination. Often, these apparitions appear wet, shivering, and cold, as if they have just emerged from the nearby quarry or swamps. Others describe seeing figures dressed in old-fashioned clothing, who ask for a ride in soft, pleading voices. Moments later, these passengers simply disappear from the back seat, leaving drivers terrified and confused.

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Those who have witnessed these events swear by them, and their stories have been passed down like warnings—cautionary tales of spectral hitchhikers who never seem to find their way home.

The Menehune: Mischief in the Moonlight

But Kapaa Quarry Road is not haunted by human spirits alone. Locals claim to have seen the Menehune, the fabled dwarf-like people of Hawaiian folklore, along the road, particularly near the deep forests and hidden valleys. These small, elusive beings are said to be skilled builders and craftsmen who come out only under the cover of darkness. The Menehune are known to be mischievous, playing tricks on those who stray too close to their hidden domains. Drivers and pedestrians report strange occurrences on the road—rocks thrown from unseen hands, whispered laughter in the night, and the inexplicable feeling of being watched by unseen eyes.

Menehune: mythological race of dwarf people in Hawaiian tradition who are said to live in the deep forests and hidden valleys of the Hawaiian Islands, hidden and far away from human settlements. The Menehune are described as superb craftspeople. They built temples (heiau), fishponds, roads, canoes, and houses. Some of these structures that Hawaiian folklore attributed to the Menehune still exist.

Many believe that the Menehune use their powers to confuse travelers, leading them astray or making them believe the road is longer or shorter than it actually is. While some see the Menehune as harmless tricksters, others think they have a darker intent, especially for those who do not respect the sacred land they inhabit.

Spirits in Search of Home

The haunting of Kapaa Quarry Road is not limited to spirits seeking a ride. Many believe that the souls of those who died in the numerous accidents on the road are still searching for their way home. Drivers have reported seeing shadowy figures darting across the road or lingering near the turn where so many lost their lives. Sometimes, these apparitions appear suddenly in front of oncoming cars, causing the driver to swerve, only to find that there was nothing there.

These encounters often leave a chilling feeling, a sense that something, or someone, is reaching out from the other side, trapped between worlds, unable to find peace. Some say the spirits are drawn to the living in hopes of finding a way out, a path that will finally lead them home.

For those brave enough to travel Kapaa Quarry Road after dark, a word of caution: stay alert, keep your eyes on the road, and if you happen to see a hitchhiker standing in the shadows, think twice before you stop to offer them a ride. You might find yourself with a passenger who never leaves, or worse, vanishes before your very eyes, leaving you with nothing but questions and a chill that runs deep into the night.

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https://www.riseupparanormal.com/hawaii.htm

Mysterious Places on Oahu – Chaminade Silversword 

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The Lady in Blue of Moss Beach Distillery from the Speakeasy era in California

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During prohibition times in America, illegal speakeasies popped up along the shores, perfect for smuggling alcohol into the country. One of them was the Moss Beach Distillery in California, and the restaurant as well as the beach is said to be haunted by The Lady in Blue. 

Perched high on a wind-battered cliff along California’s rugged San Mateo Coast, overlooking the restless Pacific, the Moss Beach Distillery by a secluded beach stands as one of the West Coast’s most charming — and most haunted — landmarks. 

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Since its inception in 1927, during the heady, illicit days of Prohibition, the Distillery has weathered decades of history, scandal, and ghost stories 20 miles south of San Francisco. But none are as enduring, or as chilling, as the legend of The Lady in Blue.

A Speakeasy by the Sea

The Moss Beach Distillery in San Mateo County was born as Frank’s Place by Frank Torres, an exclusive speakeasy frequented by silent film stars, bootleggers, and thrill-seekers eager to escape the suffocating moral codes of the day and it was never raided. Mystery writer Dashiell Hammett frequented the place and used it as a setting for one of his detective stories. 

Its hidden passageways, secret compartments for smuggled Canadian whiskey, and cliffside location made it the perfect den for mischief, music — and, if whispers are true, murder.

Among the regular guests was a striking young woman known only as Mary Anne or Morley, sometimes known as Cateye by different psychics.Mostly she is just referred to as The Lady in Blue as she was known to always wear a blue dress. Mary was a married woman who, despite the risk, became entangled in a passionate and ultimately tragic affair with John Contina, the establishment’s charismatic piano player, according to some.

A Love Story Drenched in Blood

The lovers’ meetings were clandestine, their affections fueled by the risk and thrill of forbidden romance. But fate — or perhaps jealousy — intervened one fog-laden night. According to the most persistent version of the tale, as Mary and John strolled hand in hand along the desolate beach, they were ambushed by a shadowy figure. Mary was brutally attacked and killed. Though John initially survived, his battered body was later found washed ashore, lifeless and broken.

Other versions suggest different outcomes — a car crash, a lover’s quarrel, or the tragic suicide of another scorned mistress, Anna Philbrick, who allegedly hurled herself from the cliffs upon learning of John’s betrayal. In still other versions, she is a lovesick woman who throws herself into the sea.

Yet no matter which telling you choose, one element remains constant: Mary’s spirit never left Moss Beach.

The Lady in Blue’s Restless Haunting

For nearly a century, patrons and employees alike have claimed unsettling encounters with a female apparition clad in flowing blue. She appears on foggy nights, drifting through the restaurant, brushing cold fingers against the living, or vanishing into thin air before startled eyes.

Visitors have reported whispers with no source, objects moving on their own, and inexplicable technical disturbances like the phone calling from no one. Perhaps the most infamous incident occurred when, without warning, the restaurant’s computer system inexplicably reset — changing every date in the system to 1927, the year the Distillery first opened its doors. Technicians could find no reason for the glitch, and the anomaly has since become a part of The Lady in Blue’s eerie legacy.

Staff members working late have heard the piano play itself, and some refuse to close alone. One employee swears she saw a woman in blue watching from a corner of the empty dining room, only to vanish when approached. Apparently in the 70s, a worker remodeling the restaurant saw her and went back to southern California, too scared to go back and finish the job. Guests have even claimed to see a blue-clad figure staring longingly out toward the cliffs, as though waiting for a lover who never returned.

Also by the water there has been reported about spirit activity. Kids playing on the sandy beach have claimed that some woman in a blue dress came warning them about playing so close to the waters right before a sudden high tide rushed into the shore.

Fact, Folklore, and Foggy Nights

Though no official records confirm the names of Mary, John Contina, or Anna Philbrick, the persistent nature of The Lady in Blue legend suggests a powerful cultural memory — one perhaps born from Moss Beach’s turbulent Prohibition past and its reputation for danger and romance on the edge of the world.

Although today there is a strong figure in the area, there is little evidence of the story before the 1980s. This is when Mike and Shirley Sarno took over the restaurant and gave an interview about the legend of The Lady in Blue in the San Francisco Examiner. 

Their names, Mary or Mary Morley, come from a series of scenes done by Sylvia Browne in April 1992. According to this seance, a fire broke out just a few days after her ghost had warned the staff.  

Whether Mary was a wronged wife, a doomed lover, or simply a figment of California’s colorful lore, her ghost seems determined to linger, forever entwined with the crashing surf and shifting sands of Moss Beach.

If you dare to visit, sip a drink, listen for the whispers, and cast your gaze toward the cliffs at twilight. You might just catch a glimpse of The Lady in Blue, forever walking the shore between the worlds of the living and the dead.

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References:

History + Ghost – Moss Beach Distillery 

She’s the Bay Area’s most famous ghost. But her origin story is suspect. 

The Lady in Blue: Ghost on the Coast

Moss Beach Distillery – Wikipedia 

Moss Beach Distillery Is a California Bar with a Killer View—and Clientele

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The Haunted Depths of MacKenzie State Park in Hawaii

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Built upon the backs of prisoners, the lush MacKenzie State Park on the Big Island is haunted by the souls that have perished there. Faint campfires in the distant and horrid screams in the night have made more than one camper stay away from the park after night. 

Found in Opihikao on Hawaii’s Big Island, MacKenzie State Park is a place where the line between the living and the dead seems impossibly thin. The trail follows the scenic Red Road along the Puna Coastline. Though the park is small, open only during daylight hours, it has a sinister reputation that far outweighs its modest size. 

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The park offers picnic facilities, restrooms, and a tranquil grove of ironwood trees planted in the 1930s by a young park ranger, Albert J. MacKenzie, who died at 21 and who the park is named after. Yet beneath its seemingly peaceful facade, MacKenzie State Park hides a chilling history that has made it one of the most haunted spots in Hawaii.

Opihikao Coast, Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii, United States

A Park Built on Dark History

The park sits along an ancient Hawaiian coastal path known as the “King’s Highway,” a trail that winds past the mouths of yawning lava tubes and follows a shoreline marked by treacherous cliffs and strong currents. In the 1850s, long before it was designated as a park, the area served a far more sinister purpose. Convicts from Honolulu were shipped to the Big Island, forced to toil under harsh conditions, clearing land for sugar plantations and maintaining the King’s Highway. These prisoners, many of whom died from disease, exhaustion, or mistreatment, were buried in unmarked graves scattered throughout the area.

Sunrise in Puna. // Source:Thomas Tunsch/Wikimedia

Locals already believed this land to be haunted by the restless spirits called the ‘Uhane—ghostly figures who wander the earth, unable to find peace. Legends also spoke of the Night Marchers, the ghostly apparitions of ancient Hawaiian warriors doomed to march eternally along sacred pathways. As the convicts’ bodies were buried, the park became a site of overlapping spiritual unrest—a confluence of the old spirits of the ‘Uhane and the new souls of the prisoners, trapped in an unending search for release.

Eerie Phenomena: The Ghostly Presence

Hikers who brave the old coastal trail often recount eerie, inexplicable experiences and think that it must be the ghosts of the prison laborers haunting the park. Footsteps echo behind them when no one is there, and shadowy figures appear to watch from the dense grove of ironwood trees. According to some visitors they have even seen unshaven men carrying pick axes and other tools around sunset. 

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Campers have more terrifying tales to tell. Those who dared to camp overnight speak of hearing footsteps circling their tents, accompanied by low murmurs and whispers or even anguished screams. People have also reported of something disturbing their tents in the night and unseen forces unzipping their sleeping bags. When they summon the courage to look outside, there is nothing there. Some even claim to have seen the flickering lights of ghostly campfires off in the distance, complete with figures moving around the flames. But when they approach, the campfires vanish as if they were never there.

The Spirits in the Night in MacKenzie State Park

But not all spirits in MacKenzie State Park are content to remain hidden. Many have reported hearing screams and groans emerging from the darkness, chilling the blood of even the most seasoned campers. Tents are sometimes violently shaken in the dead of night, and those inside can feel the presence of something—or someone—outside, watching, waiting. Some claim the spirits are not content to remain outside; they will invade the tents, pressing cold hands against the living or even attempting to choke them. And just as suddenly as they arrive, these spirits vanish, leaving their victims in a cold sweat and desperate to escape the haunted park.

Murders in the Park

In 1980, two young campers were dragged from their tent and severely beaten, leaving one camper dead and the other disabled. This crime remains unsolved. In 1993, three men kidnapped, raped, and murdered a sixteen year old girl. These men were prosecuted for this crime, and confessed that they threw her over the cliffs into the ocean while she was still alive. 

More recently in 2008, film crews shooting a Helen Mirren film called “The Tempest” discovered the bullet-riddled body of a local surfer. The killer was his own father.

The notoriously unsafe sea cliffs have killed several fishermen and ‘opihi pickers whose bodies are usually never found in the harsh Puna surf. All of these violent deaths have attributed to the parks haunted reputation.

The Rough Sea: The Waves crashing into the shore can be huge and many lives have been lost like this. Opihikao Coast, Pahoa, Big Island. // Source: Robert Linsdell/Wiki

The Unseen Campfires

Locals will tell you that MacKenzie State Park is not just haunted, but alive with spirit activity. Some say that the ghosts make their own encampments, complete with campfires and tents that appear out of nowhere. As hikers draw near, the campfires flicker out, and the tents vanish, leaving behind only the sound of the wind rustling through the ironwood trees. It’s said that these spirits are recreating scenes from their past lives, reliving moments they cannot leave behind.

For those who dare to visit, a warning: do not stray from the path, do not camp overnight, and always keep an eye on the shadows. The ghosts of MacKenzie State Park may be watching, waiting, and they are not always content to remain unseen.

So, if you ever find yourself at MacKenzie State Park, remember that you are not alone. The past lingers here, in the groves, in the lava tubes, and in the night. And sometimes, just sometimes, the spirits reach out, reminding us of their presence, their stories, and their restless search for peace in a land where life and death intertwine.

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MacKenzie State Park in Hawaii: Murder Stories and Haunted Legends – WanderWisdom 

https://www.riseupparanormal.com/hawaii.htm

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The Pirate King Blackbeard Haunting the Beaches of Ocracoke Island

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After losing his head to the sea, the infamous pirate, Blackbeard is thought to be haunting the Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks. His body is seen wandering on the beaches, calling out for anyone to help him find his head. 

Tucked into the misty crook of North Carolina’s Outer Banks lies Ocracoke Island, a lonely, wind-swept strip of land long known for shipwrecks, pirates, and spectral legends. The history of piracy in the Outer Banks dates back to the time of the first colony in Roanoke. As early as 1585, men were sent here by the British crown to rob the ships of the Spanish Armada. Here, the past clings like a damp fog to the shoreline, and no figure casts a longer, more fearsome shadow over these haunted sands than Edward Teach — the pirate world remembers him as Blackbeard.

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More than 300 years have passed since the infamous buccaneer’s brutal demise, yet the restless spirit of Blackbeard is said to still roam the beaches and waters of Ocracoke, eternally seeking something he lost to the bloody surf: his head.

Edward Teach: Better known as Blackbeard, was one of the most notorious pirates of the early 18th century, infamous for his fearsome appearance and ruthless tactics. Born in Bristol, England, around 1680, he operated around the West Indies and along the American colonies, commanding a ship named the Queen Anne’s Revenge. With his long, thick black beard and a penchant for intimidation, often lighting slow-burning fuses in his beard during battles, Blackbeard became a symbol of piracy itself.

The Bloody End of a Pirate King

In November of 1718, the pirate scourge of the Atlantic met his end at Teach’s Hole, his favorite anchorage near Ocracoke’s sheltered coves. Back then it was called “The Point”.

Capture of the Pirate: Blackbeard, 1718 depicting the battle between Blackbeard the Pirate and Lieutenant Maynard in Ocracoke Bay

He had actually given up his days as a pirate at this point and swore allegiance to the British Crown. However, the Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood wanted him gone.  In a violent clash against British naval forces led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard, Blackbeard fought with the ferocity of a man possessed, sustaining over twenty sword wounds and five gunshots before finally falling.

His lifeless body was unceremoniously tossed into the water while his severed head was lashed to the bowsprit of Maynard’s sloop as a grim trophy. His shackled pirate crew were forced to watch as the headless body swam three times around the ship before sinking, according to legend. 

His head sailed to various ports in eastern North Carolina until it was impaled on a stake at the entrance to the harbor in Hampton, Virginia as a warning to other “Brethren of the Coast.” 

The waters, locals whisper, turned dark as pitch that day — and the legends say they’ve never quite settled since.

The Phantom of Teach’s Hole

It’s along this stretch of water, now ominously known as Teach’s Hole at Springer’s Point covered with ancient live oaks and cedars, that eerie sightings persist. Strange lights bubble up from beneath the waves, swirling like will-o’-the-wisps before vanishing into the depths. On storm-thrashed nights, when the wind howls through the twisted live oaks and rain lashes the old gravestones, some say you can hear a guttural, ghostly cry echoing across the surf:

“Where’s my head?”

Fishermen, kayakers, and intrepid ghost hunters have all reported the chilling phenomenon — a voice born of salt and fury, forever cursing the fate that separated a pirate from his crown.

The Bearded Ghost of Springer’s Point

Ocracoke’s spectral lore doesn’t stop at the shoreline. At Springer’s Point, a dense maritime forest overlooking the inlet where Blackbeard made his final stand, tales abound of a large, bearded figure in tattered seafarer’s garb, appearing and vanishing like smoke in the early morning mist.

One particularly unsettling account comes from Roy Parsons, a former resident and musician of the island, who claimed that as a boy he was chased along the Point by a towering man whose boots left no mark in the sand and whose form dissolved into nothingness before his terrified eyes.

Springers Point: Wikimedia

Springer’s Point, long considered cursed ground by Ocracoke’s older residents, was one of the pirate’s favorite haunts. The centuries-old live oaks still loom like sentinels over the site of his last debauched gathering, and visitors to this day report a suffocating, otherworldly heaviness that descends upon the path at dusk.

A Pirate’s Curse on the Graveyard of the Atlantic

Ocracoke is no stranger to death and the uncanny. Known as part of the Graveyard of the Atlantic, these treacherous waters have claimed over 5,000 ships since Europeans first braved its shifting sands and shoals. The locals, fiercely proud and intimately acquainted with tragedy, take their ghost stories seriously.

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Today, Teach’s Hole and Springer’s Point remain must-visit spots for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Today Teach’s Hole is a shop where you can buy all things Pirate. The latter, a secluded nature preserve accessible only by foot, offers eerie solitude, where the veil between past and present seems paper-thin.

Whether you’re drawn by the legends, the restless spirits, or the whisper of pirate gold still hidden beneath the sands, one thing’s certain — on Ocracoke Island, the dead never truly sleep.

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The Ghostly Tales of Kona Sheraton: Hauntings on the Big Island on Hawaii

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Thought to be struck by an ancient curse because they didn’t respect the holy locations around the hotel when building, the Kona Sheraton Resort was believed to be haunted from the start. Strange occurrences and unexplained accidents and injuries plagued the Big Island hotel for years. After making amends, can they now invite guest back?

On the coastline of the Big Island in Hawaii, Keauhou Bay sits glittering. It is here we find the Kona Sheraton, a luxurious resort that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a relaxing tropical escape. However, behind its serene facade, the Kona Sheraton hides a darker, more mysterious side. 

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For years, guests and staff alike have shared eerie stories of paranormal encounters, making this hotel one of the most haunted locations on the Big Island. Some even go as far to say that the hotel holds a curse from more ancient times.

Kailua Kona

A Haunted History for the Kona Sheraton

The Kona Sheraton or the Kona Surf hotel, as it was once known as, has undergone multiple transformations and renovations throughout its history. It opened in 1974 and has ever since been deemed haunted.

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Despite its changing exterior and updated amenities, one thing has remained constant—the ghostly tales that have haunted the hotel for decades. The resort stands on an ancient Hawaiian battleground, a site where many warriors are said to have lost their lives in brutal conflicts and that the very land is cursed because of it. 

The Keawehala Pond

When constructing the hotel, the developers destroyed the Keawehala Pond where people believed two twin sisters with powers lived close to the Mākole‘ā Heiau. This was a women’s heiau named after ali‘i wahine Mākole‘ā at Keauhou.

According to the lore, the twins protected the pond and kept the water clear and fresh. They were also said to be able to change into 30-foot lizards people called mo’o wahine or “beings from deified fetuses”. 

The Mo’o: Mele Murals in Waimea depicting the moʻowahine of Kohākohau stream. //Source

Most of the Mo’o were female and amphibious creatures living in ponds around the Hawaiian islands and were often said to have power of water as well as weather. It was said that when a mo’o died, the body of the lizard, gecko or even human shaped creatures became petrified and one with the landscape.

According to lore, the Mo’o Twins were also said to reside in the nearby Punawai Spring.

The Haunted Remains of the Heiaus

As well as destroying the pond, the nearby heiaus temples were filled with concrete, glass and disturbed by the construction, thought to anger the spirits. For a long time, it looked like a pile of rocks without meaning, but this has luckily changed as there have been restoration done to the holy site in the last decades. 

At the site there is a temple known as luakini, a place for human sacrifices according to the stories. The structure was built of volcanic rocks and stood 7-feet high. The luakini was called Ke’eku Heiau and is thought to date back to the early 1400s after carbon dating it.

Ke’eku Heiau

This was where the Maui chief, Kamalalawalu was sacrificed to the war God Ku around the 16th century after he invaded the place and lost. He was the first-born son of Kiha-a-Pi‘ilani, Kamalalawalu succeeded his father as mo‘i (king) of Maui. Some say that he was impaled on the heiau and eleven days went by before he died, and then taken to a nearby flat rock and butchered. Some say that the body was then towed to sea behind a canoe as shark food. It is said that his spirit as well as many others are still lingering in the place. 

As well as the king himself, it is said that his two big dogs died and were buried under the heiau luakini platform as well, howling and roaming around, searching for the underworld as well as their master. 

This blood-soaked history may explain the strange, supernatural occurrences reported by those who stay and work at the hotel.

Paranormal Activity Rooted in History

Given the hotel’s location on an ancient battleground, it is not surprising that the Kona Sheraton is a hotspot for paranormal activity. The restless spirits of warriors who perished in fierce battles, their souls still wandering in search of peace, are said to roam the grounds. 

The tragic history of the land seems to seep into every corner of the resort, with visitors and staff experiencing unexplained phenomena, from flickering lights to sudden drops in temperature and even a sense of being watched.

Ghostly Children in the Hallways

One of the most common complaints from guests involves the sound of little girls playing noisily in the hallways late at night. Frustrated by the sounds of laughter, giggles, and tiny footsteps echoing through the halls, guests frequently call down to security, demanding that the children be quieted. However, the hotel guards can only offer an apology and an explanation that chills guests to the bone—the children are ghosts.

These spectral children are said to be seen fleetingly, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, their faces partially obscured by the dim lighting of the hallway. They vanish around corners and dissolve into thin air when approached. Despite numerous sightings, their origins remain a mystery, but many believe they could be spirits of children from a bygone era who met a tragic fate on the grounds long before the hotel was built.

The Cliffside Specter

Another ghostly presence frequently spotted at the Kona Sheraton is the apparition of a figure standing at the edge of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Staff members report seeing a shadowy silhouette lingering near the edge, as if contemplating the deep blue waters below. The figure disappears the moment one looks away or tries to approach, leaving no trace behind. Some believe this could be the spirit of a warrior or a former guest, eternally bound to the cliffs where they may have met their end.

Lava Rocks in Kailua Kona

The cliffs themselves, with their dramatic drop-offs and sweeping views, hold a deep spiritual significance in Hawaiian culture. Some speculate that the spirit could be one of the many who lost their lives on these cliffs in ancient times or perhaps a ghost still drawn to the natural beauty and solemnity of the place.

The Accidents at the Kona Sheraton

Throughout its time as a hotel, the spirits are said to have been behind more than one accident. Construction workers experienced strange things and accidents that gave them concussions, fractured bones and hurt them. People started to blame spirits. 

The hotel staff were attacked by trays and dishes shattering towards them by an unseen force and the doors kept slamming behind them, almost like a warning. According to former employees, most of them left because of the hauntings. 

The worst thing that happened was when an 8-foot wooden ki’i fell over and killed a 4 year old child in August 1986 according to the ghost tours that had this as one of their stops. 

All of this contributed to the hotel’s reputation and the hotel closed in 1988. But even though the hotel closed down and was abandoned, there were still things happening according to the security staff. 

The Following Haunting

For years it was abandoned and boarded up, the former resort now covered in graffiti. In 2002 when people started to think the only way to deal with it was to demolish it.

Security guards hired to watch the property when the 462-room hotel closed in 1988 were frightened at night, said Joe Castelli, who lives at the neighboring Keauhou Kona Tennis and Racquet Club.

“They told me that they would see lights up there and hear Hawaiians singing and talking,” Castelli said. “…But when they got there, they didn’t find anything. So they said they just didn’t go anymore.”
Source

In addition, the haunting seemed to move as well to the Keauhou Beach Hotel next door. The former hotels are both demolished now, first the Kona Lagoon Hotel in 2004, then the Keauhou Beach Hotel in 2019. But what happened to the haunting then?

Today the area has been reclaimed and the site is now called Kahalu’u Ma Kai. Kahuna priests have blessed the land and the heiaus have been restored and recreated back in 2007. Only teachers and students can see the place today, and if these measures have had any effect is still to be seen.  

A Chilling Invitation

The Kona Sheraton on the Big Island may have offered luxury and relaxation, and perhaps it will do so again. After it reopened as OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, it remains to see if the land is now content after the blessings or if the haunting will continue as a new business takes over the land yet again. 

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References:

The Most Haunted Hotels in Hawaii | Haunted Rooms America

The Cursed Kona Lagoon Hotel 

Kona Lagoon Hotel may be torn down | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii’s Newspaper

Haunted Hawaii-Ghosts, Spirits, Night Marchers and more – 365 Kona 

Moʻo – Wikipedia

Ka Po‘e Mo‘o Akua: Hawaiian Reptilian Water Deities 9780824891091 – DOKUMEN.PUB

Hapaiali’i and Ke’eku Heiau, Big Island

King Kamalalawalu | Lovingthebigisland’s Weblog