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The Monte Cristo Homestead: Australia’s Most Haunted House

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What really happened within the walls at the Crawley family and their grand Monte Cristo Homestead in New South Wales? How come there were so many violent deaths, and is it true they are all haunting the house to this day?

There are many places that warrant being haunted in Australia. In the wilderness of the outback to the mysterious legends from the Aboriginals and the first Europeans sent to the country when it was a prisoner camp. However, few places are as notorious as The Monte Cristo Homestead in New South Wales, Australia is known as one of the most haunted places in the country. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Australia

Visitors have reported eerie experiences, including sightings of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises. Learn more about the history of this haunted location and the spine-tingling encounters of those who have dared to visit the manor overlooking the town.

The Monte Cristo Homestead: Australia’s most haunted house, steeped in history and ghostly tales.

The History of The Monte Cristo Homestead

The Monte Cristo Homestead was built in 1885 by Christopher William Crawley, a wealthy pioneer. Originally a farmer, he and his Wiradjuri wife, Elizabeth settled close to the Railway line that opened in 1878. They opened a hotel and it was big business. They went from barely getting by to be the top of the social class in town and the wealthiest in the region. 

The Crawleys: The ghosts of Christopher and Elizabeth Crawley are believed to haunt Monte Christo Homestead.

The Victorian homestead remained in the Crawley family for over 90 years until it was purchased by Reg and Olive Ryan in 1963 for 1000£. Between the Ryan’s it was left empty for a decade with several caretakers coming and going. Although they tried to watch out for the place, the house was vandalized, the furniture stolen, and it looked like it would decay to ruins. Even the Catholic church refused it as a gift because of how ruined it was. 

Instead, the Ryans restored the homestead and opened it to the public for tours as a museum, souvenir shop and antique showcase. When they first moved into the bat-infested house, they had a couple of chairs and air mattresses, but little by little, it was restored to its former glory as the finest house in town. 

The House is a Haunted One

However, it wasn’t long before visitors began reporting strange occurrences to the Ryans and their five children, leading to the homestead’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in Australia as they advertised themselves as.

The first sign for the Ryan’s that their new forever home was haunted was one foggy evening when they came from town with supplies. Back then, the house didn’t have any electricity. When they saw light coming out from every door and window in the house they had to stop the car, thinking it was squatters that had moved in. When they got closer, the lights turned off, and when they checked the house, there was no one there.

denisbin/Flickr

They tried to explain it away, but over the years, the family noticed a lot of weird things happening they felt had to be a part of the house’s haunted history. When bringing pets, they refused to enter the property and didn’t want to stay in the house. In one of the more extreme cases, they once came home to find all of their chickens and pet parrot strangled to death as well as a litter of kittens who had been murdered. 

The Ghosts of The Monte Cristo Homestead

The Monte Cristo Homestead is said to be home to at least ten ghostly inhabitants, including the ghost of a maid who fell to her death from the balcony, a stable boy who was burned alive, and a former caretaker who is said to still roam the halls. 

denisbin/Flickr

Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, seeing apparitions, and feeling cold spots throughout the homestead. Some have even claimed to have been touched or pushed by unseen forces. Despite its spooky reputation, the Monte Cristo Homestead continues to attract visitors from all over the world since the Ryans opened the house for visitors in the 90s, who are eager to experience its ghostly inhabitants for themselves.

The Ghost of Christopher Crawley

The Monte Cristo Homestead is known for its many ghostly inhabitants, but there are a few rooms that are said to be particularly haunted. The Blue Room, where the former owner of the homestead died, is said to be the most haunted room in the house. 

According to rumours, he died from a sudden blood poisoning because his starched collar infected a boil on his neck in 1910. They seemingly looked like any other hardworking victorian couples, but rumors about mistreatment and them being cruel to their servants started spreading. 

Over the years, the children of the Ryans have always had a feeling of being watched by an elderly man.

A Night at the haunted house: For years, you could stay at Monte Cristo Homestead to have a look for yourself if there is any truth to the haunted rumors.

The Ghost of Elizabeth Crawley

Also his wife, Elizabeth is said to haunt the manor. She became a recluse after the death of her husband. During the 23 years she lived on after her husband, it was said she only showed herself twice and spent most of her time in the chapel attic. She died when she was 92 of a ruptured appendix.

She is often dubbed the Grey Lady, wearing her black lace dress, lace cap and with a stand up beaded collar and walks through the halls, still treating the house as her own, ruling it with the same strict manner as when she was alive. It is said that she doesn’t particularly like having guests.

It is said she is dressed in all black, carrying a silver cross as she comes out from the little room she converted into a chapel. 

The Children Playing

The Nursery is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a child who died. The Crawley had a 10 month old baby named Magdalena or Ethel who died when the nanny dropped her by accident down the stairs in 1917. Or was it actually on purpose as some have speculated? Visitors have reported hearing the sound of a child crying and feeling a cold presence in the room. 

There was also another young boy who fell to his death when he fell down the stairs, but not much is known. Was she even real, the little girl? The location of the children’s graves are known, and the only Ethel, a 10 month old baby in Junee, is listed with other parents. She was in fact their grand child. 

The sound of children playing in the mansion’s halls have also been reported together with the flickering lights and sudden drops in temperature. 

The Ghost of the Maid

Finally, the Servant’s Quarters are said to be haunted by the ghost of a maid who fell to her death from the balcony on the second floor. It is said that you can still see the bleach stain from when they tried to remove all of the blood. Some say that she was pregnant with Crowleys, and her death was actually a murder to cover it up. Was it actually Elizabeth who pushed her?

Visitors have reported hearing footsteps of a busy maid in the dead of night and some people claim to have seen the ghostly figure of a woman on the balcony.

The Stable Boy

Another servant thought to be haunting the estate was the stable boy named Morris. He slept on a straw mattress that was set on fire after he called in sick for work and he died from the burns. Was it Crawley who wanted to teach him a lesson, or just a spark from  a fire nearby?

To this day, it is said you can hear the dying screams from the young stable boy Morris coming from the old Carriage house. 

island home/Flickr

Howling Harold

One day, a maid died after giving birth. Harold Steel, who was the son, grew up on the estate. Why was he the illegitimate child of Crawley perhaps? The rumor is speculating about this. Some also say that the maid died much later, and kept her son hidden in the servant cottages.

The Servant Cottages: The original homestead was used as the servant quarters. //island home/Flickr

He got into a carriage accident in Junee and developed a mental illness. This caused him to become aggressive, and they had to chain him in the back of the cottage for more than thirty years. His hair became dreaded and he howled in the night, making the locals believe that it was a creature chained in the house until they put him in an asylum when the authorities discovered him.

Still to this day, some claim they can hear the howling and hissing that Harold used to make coming from the cottages in the night. 

The Caretaker

In 1961, Jack Simpson, a caretaker, was shot dead by a boy who was inspired by the movie, Psycho and had seen the movie three times before the murder. The words “Die Jack, ha ha” were carved into the shed door, where they can still be seen today. “

It is said that the caretaker has joined the rank of the ghosts, although not much is found about the murder or if it ever happened at all. 

The Enduring Haunting of The Monte Cristo Homestead

Visitors to the Monte Cristo Homestead have reported a range of spine-tingling experiences. Some have reported feeling a heavy presence in certain rooms, while others have heard unexplained noises or seen ghostly figures. Many visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease or fear while exploring the homestead. 

What happens not to the Monte Cristo Homestead though? In January 2025, the family closed down the house for visitors because of the passing of Olive Ryan. They said that the Monte Cristo Homestead would never open again on their official Facebook page. Although the the house is now moving into a new phase, many ghost tours and guides want to keep the legacy and the houses history alive together with the ghosts. 

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References:

Monte Cristo Homestead – Wikipedia

Riverina Rewind: Remembering Junee’s Olive Ryan and life in Australia’s ‘most haunted house’

Hop Into The Easter Holidays With 16% Off Family Bundles At OTHERWORLD Byron Bay

Ghost tour operator vows to continue legacy after famous Junee ‘haunted house’ closes to public | Region Riverina

Monte Cristo Homestead Closed Down For Now – Junee Independent

Australia’s most haunted house – Monte Cristo Homestead | Traces Magazine

Strange but true: the mystery of the Monte Cristo Homestead and the supernatural science that explains it

“People don’t make it through the night”: Inside NSW’s haunted Monte Cristo Homestead.

Haunted Monte Cristo Homestead – Believing the Bizarre 

Meet the residents of Australia’s most haunted house in Junee | Region Canberra

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The Lady in Red Haunting of Hilton Hawaiian Village

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For a long time now, the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel has been said to be haunted by a lady in red. Some think that she might have been a guest staying at the resort, but many also claim that the spirit must be Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.

Looking for a nice getaway where you can enjoy sun, sand, poolside service, and perhaps an encounter with a volcano goddess? That’s just what you might get when you visit the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki in Honolulu, the 17th largest hotel in the world. 

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Not only does the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu, Hawaii boast a restaurant for each of its 22 acres and Waikiki’s largest pool, a botanical garden and view of the beach, but it also offers an unexpected attraction for the brave: ghost hunting.

Hilton Hawaiian Village: Dukes Lagoon on Waikiki Beach facing North. // Source: Wiki

The Woman in Red Haunting the Hilton

But who is haunting this luxury place at night? According to guests that have stayed at the hotel as well as staff working there, the rumor is that a woman in red is wandering the halls. The ghost of this lady in red is often said to be beautiful with a flowing red dress. 

The ghost of the Hilton Hawaiian Village is often spotted in the hallways inside of the resort. Some have also claimed to have seen her on the beach by the hotel. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from haunted hotels

The ghost has appeared many times at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, perhaps most well known sightseeing was in 1959 when a staff member of the hotel claimed to have seen her disappear right before his eyes. This led him to quit his job the next day and opened a poi factory, although neither of those statements have been confirmed. 

Hilton Hawaiian Village: View from the Tapa Tower. // Source: Joel Solomon/Wikimedia

The Ghost of Hilton Hawaiian Village

But who could this alleged ghost be? And why is she lingering at the resort? Many believe that the ghost haunting the halls and beach of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel is none other than Pele, the revered “Volcano Goddess.” 

Pele the Goddess of Volcanoes

According to legend, Pele was the daughter of Kane Milohai and Haumea, creators of the sky, earth, and upper heavens. Born in Tahiti, Pele was exiled to Hawaii due to her fiery temper. Her older sister Namakaokahai, upon discovering Pele’s location, journeyed to Hawaii to confront her. The battle ended disastrously for Pele, who was torn apart by her sister, with her remains scattered on a hill in Maui called Ka-iwi-o-Pele—a grim testament to sibling rivalry.

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

Despite her violent end, Pele’s spirit is said to linger in Hawaii, making her presence known to locals and visitors alike on several places. She reportedly appears in various forms: a hitchhiker, an elderly woman, or a mysterious stranger knocking on doors. However, most sightings describe her as a young woman in a striking red dress, wandering the halls or strolling along the beach.

While the legend of Pele is the most famous, some speculate that the ghost haunting the Hilton Hawaiian Village might be another tragic figure—a woman who was murdered years ago in the tower room. 

The Man in White at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

But according to some, this is not the only ghost said to haunt the Hilton Hawaiian Village. According to stories, there was once a housekeeper cleaning a suit on the 14th floor when she saw someone on the balcony. It was a man, something she thought odd, as the last who had stayed at the room was a mother and her daughter. 

Hilton Hawaiian Village: Source:  “Hilton Hawaiian Village Panorama Oahu Hawaii Photo D Ramey Logan.JPG from Wikimedia Commons by Don Ramey Logan, CC-BY-SA 3.0

In addition to this, there have been several of sightseeing of this ghost on the 14th floor, said to roam the hallways wearing white. Whether you believe in the legend of Pele or the ghost of a tragic victim, one thing is certain: the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers more than just a tropical paradise. 

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References:

https://www.hilton.com/en/travel/articles/spooktacular-stays-to-celebrate-halloween

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The Ghost Baby’s Cries on the North Shore of Oahu

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Oahu’s North Shore offers more than just stunning landscapes and thrilling waves; it conceals chilling tales that whisper through its lush valleys. Here, ancient spirits and dark legends intertwine, revealing a haunting reality beneath the island’s picturesque facade.

Oahu’s North Shore is famous for sun-drenched beaches, rolling surf, and the kind of scenery that makes you consider ditching your mainland life to become a beach bum. But behind the postcard-perfect views lies something far darker—something the travel brochures definitely don’t mention.

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In the lush, mist-veiled heart of Waimea Valley, where Waimea Falls cascades into a pool that once echoed with the cheers of cliff-diving spectators, there lingers a quiet dread. A centuries-old fear. This slice of paradise is more than just a picturesque backdrop—it’s one of the most haunted stretches of land in Hawaii.

The Dark Heart of Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley, also known as The Valley of the Priests, is a sacred site with deep spiritual and cultural importance in Hawaii. Once the home of Hawaiian high priests and royalty, it was—and still is—believed to be a place where the veil between worlds is dangerously thin. The entire valley is filled with heiau (temples), ancient burial sites, and archaeological remnants from centuries past.

The place is a unique Hawaiian botanical garden within a significant cultural and archaeological site. The area used to be an adventure park where you could see cliff-diving shows, ride ATVs and trams and go kayaking. It was shut down and turned over to the Audubon Society in 2003, and turned it into a botanical garden.

The Crying Child of the North Shore

On the far end of the North Shore on Oahu, it was said that a haunted house stands or at least used to. According to local lore and sources like RealHaunts.com, a woman once lived here with her infant son, and ended up haunting the shore.

Isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed, the mother eventually snapped—killing the baby during a moment of madness brought on by his incessant crying. She buried him beneath the house and lived with the secret until her death. What happened after the murder with the mother is uncertain and how long before she joined her baby in death is not said. But together, they are said to haunt the north shore of Oahu.

Today, residents and visitors alike report hearing a baby crying in the early hours of the morning. There are no babies living there. No families. Just the relentless wail of a child lost in time.

Some say the spirit of the baby is still looking for its mother. Others whisper that the act awakened something else entirely—something that now haunts the property.

The details of this ghost story is hazy and no one seems to know where the story comes from. What property or what home this is said to have happened in, is uncertain, but even so, people talk about the cries of the mother coming through the waves and breeze. 

A Sacred Place, a Haunted Legacy

The North Shore isn’t just a beach lover’s dream—it’s a spiritual pressure cooker. According to ancient Hawaiian beliefs, certain places are “mana-rich”—full of spiritual energy, both benevolent and dangerous. Waimea Valley, with its deep ties to the past and the supernatural, is one of those places.

It’s why many Hawaiians still observe kapu (taboos) when entering these areas. It’s why you won’t catch Auntie walking through the valley after dark. And it’s why, if you hear a baby cry on the wind or see a shadow leap from a cliff when no one’s there, you don’t question it.

You just walk away—and maybe leave an offering or two. Just in case.

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References:

http://www.kauaianthro.org/GhostStories_files/Ghost_sightings.html 

The Kaimuki House Is Easily Hawaii’s Most Haunted House The Most Haunted Places on Oahu, HI | Haunted Rooms America

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The Eerie Mystique of Koloa Tree Tunnel in Hawaii

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Casting long shadows of the road, the Koloa Tree Tunnel on Kauai is said to have some haunted legends surrounding it. From car malfunctions to strange hitchhikers in the night, what really goes on in this canopy tunnel?

The Koloa Tree Tunnel on Maluhia Road, a seemingly serene and picturesque stretch on Kauai, is more than just a scenic drive. It is not a tunnel in the traditional sense, but around 500 trees on the side of the road covering it under a thick foliage. With its canopy of over century-old eucalyptus trees arching gracefully over the roadway, the tunnel has an undeniable beauty. 

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The Eucalyptus trees are said to be sacred trees as the leaves have a purifying effect and help to make the energy around us a good one. But could this stretch of tree also be haunted? Because beneath this beauty lies a chilling reputation, as the tunnel is said to be haunted by ghostly apparitions and cursed by ancient forces.

A Tunnel with a Dark Secret

But where did the trees come from? There are more than one story. Some think it was a donation from Walter Duncan McBryde imported from Australia. Or was it the Knudsen family to help solidify the boggy roadway who planted them? 

Tree Tunnel: Traveling on Maluhia Road between Po’ipu and Koloa, you will run through this mile-long tunnel of Eucalyptus trees surrounded by open fields. // Scott Schiller/Flickr

Another theory holds that the trees were planted to form a windbreak for nearby sugarcane crops. The Koloa Tree Tunnel, was also said to have been planted in 1911 to mark the entrance to the Koloa Plantation, has become an iconic gateway to the town of Koloa. At one time, the tunnel was said to be three miles in length.

The Ghostly Encounter of Four Brothers

One of the most famous stories associated with the Koloa Tree Tunnel involves four brothers who were driving through the tunnel one night. As they cruised along the shadowy road, their car suddenly sputtered to a halt. Puzzled, as it was a new truck, the brothers attempted to restart the vehicle, but it refused to budge. Just then, they noticed a strange light in the distance, slowly approaching over the incline.

Read More: Check out all haunted roads around the world

The light moved steadily toward them, casting an otherworldly glow on the tunnel’s gnarled branches. Expecting another car, the brothers waited in tense anticipation. But to their shock, the light vanished without a trace, leaving them in pitch darkness. Moments later, their car inexplicably roared back to life. They sped away, hearts pounding, unable to shake the feeling that something— or someone—had been watching them.

Spirits of the Tunnel: Pele or the Night Marchers?

The mysterious light and the sudden failure of the brothers’ car have fueled speculation about what truly haunts the Koloa Tree Tunnel. Some believe the light was Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, known for her unpredictable and fiery temper. She is often believed to wander the roads of Hawai’i as the vanishing hitchhiker, and many stories about cars driving by this stretch of road says they have seen her on the side of the road

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

Others suggest it was the ghostly procession of the Night Marchers—phantom warriors doomed to eternally walk the islands, warning the living to steer clear.

According to legend, encountering the Night Marchers can be a deadly experience, as these spectral beings demand respect and will strike down those who dare to interrupt their sacred march. It’s said that the car stopped to prevent the brothers from crossing paths with the marchers, sparing them from a terrifying fate.

The Haunted Koloa Tree Tunnel of Kauai

Despite its haunted reputation, the Koloa Tree Tunnel remains a popular route for both locals and visitors. So, the next time you find yourself driving through the Koloa Tree Tunnel, keep your eyes peeled and your senses sharp. You might just catch a glimpse of something—or someone—otherworldly watching from the shadows, as the eerie past of this haunted tunnel reaches out to touch the present.

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References:

Weird Hawaii: Pele in the Tunnel of Trees 

Kauai : South Shore : Tree Tunnel History 

Haunted Koloa Tree Tunnel — Mysteries of Hawai’i Honolulu Ghost Tours 

https://listverse.com/2023/05/06/10-haunted-places-to-visit-in-hawaii

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Convent of Jesus & Mary in Shimla and the Headless Horseman

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The prestigious girl school The Convent of Jesus & Mary, known as Chelsea, is also known for their ghost stories from students that died on the premises as well as a headless horseman after them, luring them away with a red rose on their pillows. 

Shimla, with its enchanting landscapes and colonial-era architecture, conceals a series of eerie stories within its picturesque hills. The Convent of Jesus and Mary, also called Chelsea, is a renowned prestigious school for girls in Navbahar where the royal families of Thailand, Nepal and high class families in India used to send their daughters. Although it harbors chilling tales that continue to haunt its premises. 

The CJM schools that Chelsea is a part of is a network of Roman Catholic schools that have spread all over the world, and so have its ghost stories. 

Convent of Jesus & Mary: The school in Shimla used to be a catholic boarding school for girls, and a legend about haunting from a headless horseman made its rounds around the students.//Source

The Convent of Jesus & Mary was founded by a French nun in 1864 called Marie Claudine Thevenet and was run by nuns, originally as an orphanage for the children of the British soldiers. In post colonial India the school of Convent of Jesus & Mary was re-branded as an elite educational institution. It used to be a boarding school as well, but as of 2000 it has just been a day school. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

While some may dismiss these stories as mere rumors, the spectral legends surrounding the Convent of Jesus & Mary have persisted over the years, adding an air of mystique to this educational institution.

The Legend of the Headless Horseman

During the Convent of Jesus & Mary’s time as a boarding school it was an international close knit community with little to no phones or internet with strong and old traditions with a lot of time to kill in the chilly Himalayan range. No wonder that many ghost stories were passed around at the school, although it is unsure exactly when these stories took shape. 

The Headless Horseman: The figure is found in folklore across Europe since the Middle Ages. Typically depicted as a rider on horseback missing his head, variations of the tale exist in different cultures. In Irish folklore, the dullahan is a demonic fairy who carries his head under his arm and causes death when he stops riding. Scottish tales involve headless horsemen haunting areas after being decapitated in battles. In Welsh folklore, headless horsemen are said to haunt locations until their bodies are found and buried. German folklore tells of revenant headless horsemen who wander until they atone for sins.//Image: The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane by John Quidor

One of the most told stories associated with the Convent of Jesus and Mary revolves around an ominous figure: the headless horseman that have traveled the world and times with its striking imagery. Stories about the Headless Horseman have been told since medieval times, and everyone got their own twist.

It is said that the spirit of the Headless Horseman haunting the Convent of Jesus & Mary, started out as a coachman that used to live close to the school. He was said to have been too interested in ladies, but he died in some sort of accident or was decapitated in a brawl. It is said that on fateful Fridays, specifically the 13th of the month, this spectral rider materializes on the school grounds.

Read Also: Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, perhaps the most famous story coming from the folklore of the Headless Horseman.

It is said that when coming to the school, he offers one of the girls a rose. A trope found in many girl boarding school legends, including Convent of Jesus & Mary. In some versions The Headless Horseman gave it directly to her or the rose was left on the girl’s pillow and found when the girls got back from class.

What happens to the girls after being chosen depends solely on their choice. Those girls who accept the rose are led away by the sinister figure, never to be seen again, while those who dare to refuse meet a ghastly fate and are killed. 

The girls attending the school are wearing a red uniform and they are often referred to as Chelseaites and easy to spot. It is said that the fear of the headless horseman got so bad for a while that the girls covered their faces around the time leading up to a Friday the 13th. 

The Dormitory Fire Tragedy

Another haunting tale whispers of a devastating fire that engulfed the Convent of Jesus & Mary’s dormitory during the British colonial rule on April 29 in 1946, taking out a two-thirds of the school building. The present-day play area conceals a grim history, as it is believed to be the final resting place of the 10 year old girl who tragically perished in the flames. 

Ghostly apparitions are said to roam the playground, evoking the spirits of the past. Among these restless souls is a young girl, forever in search of her lost doll. She is not alone, as the spirits of other young women, taken by the headless horseman, are believed to linger in the shadows.

It is also believed to have been a fire that broke out when it was used for orphans, and the current building was built on top of the orphan children buried underneath it, still lingering as ghosts. 

The 2012 Tragedy of Convent of Jesus & Mary

Tragedy struck the Convent of Jesus & Mary in 2012, when two young students, were found lifeless near the school. The grieving families and friends of the victims made a distressing claim: the children had taken their own lives due to mental harassment and torment inflicted by their teachers. 

A pall of sadness and fear descended upon the school community. Some residents and students assert that the souls of these young victims linger within the school’s premises, casting a somber veil over the institution and are haunting the school.

Boarding School Ghost Stories

The Convent of Jesus & Mary in Shimla with its history and culture of young girls with a wide imagination and perhaps a ghost or two following them seems dark. Beyond its academic pursuits, the school has nurtured stories of spectral encounters that are found perhaps at other similar institutions. 

While some may dismiss these tales as mere superstition, the eerie legends continue to linger in the hallways and grounds of the Convent of Jesus & Mary, evoking a sense of both fascination and dread among its students and visitors. Whether real or imagined, these spectral stories add an intriguing layer to the school’s rich history and the enigmatic charm of Shimla’s haunted landscape.

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References:

Convent of Jesus and Mary Chelsea: Giving young women tools to take over the world | Latest News India – Hindustan Times 

Convent of Jesus Mary and Chelsea School- Some Untold Stories 

7 Most Haunted Places In Shimla: Exploring The Eerie Side In 2023! 

Convent of Jesus and Mary, Shimla – Wikipedia

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The Haunting of Coco Palms Resort: Spirits of the Past on Kauaʻi

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Once a grand resort for people visiting Kauai, Hawaii, the Coco Palms Resort now only houses ghosts. Lingering in the shadows there are spirits from ancient times, resort staff and if we are to believe in all the haunted rumors, Elvis himself. 

Along the shores of Kauaʻi, the once-luxurious Coco Palms Resort stands eerily silent, its grandeur now a ghostly shadow of its former self. The resort officially opened in 1953 in Wailuā, Kauaʻi, was noted for its Hollywood connections, Hawaiian-themed weddings, torch lighting ceremonies, and long standing land disputes as the resort includes or is near many places spiritually and culturally important for the Native Hawaiians.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from USA

Originally the place where Coco Palms Resort was built was a coconut plantation with more than 2000 coconuts planted in the area before it turned into a luxury resort. Abandoned since the devastation of Hurricane Iniki in 1992, the most powerful hurricane to strike the islands in recorded history, the resort remains a chilling monument to the island’s past.

Read Also: The Haunted Legends from Wailua in Hawaii

There are many legends about this place, people claim to have experienced time lapses and it is said to be a place where the Hawaiian Night Marchers go through as well as stories about choking ghosts have been told. Even Elvis, who made the movie Blue Hawaii here is said to have been haunting this place.

Coco Palms Resort: Exterior of the backside of the Lagoon Terrace Lounge and Heritage Room buildings at the Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai. The hotel was destroyed by hurricane Iniki in September 1992.// Wiki

The Elvis Connection

In 1961, Elvis Presley arrived at the Coco Palms Resort to play in the movie, Blue Hawaii. The movie itself received mixed reviews, but Elvis was popular and the movie was the 10th highest grossing movie that year. 

Ever since then, it is said that he returned to stay at the Coco Palms Resort several times, as many of the Hollywood famous like Rita Hayworth and Frank Sinatra did at the time. Some even go as far as saying it was his favorite retreat and that he is still checked in.

Blue Hawaii: After filming a movie here and staying at the resort several times, it used to be a local legend that Elvis was haunting the place.

According to the stories, Elvis’s ghost was allegedly seen close to Bungalow 56 not too long after his passing. This particular bungalow was said to have been his, specially adapted to his needs. These stories was told before the resort shut down though, and is more of an anecdote today. 

The Ghost of Helen Haunting Coco Palms Resort

But who else is haunting the abandoned resort? The stories are many and vague, and sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint to a one time tale than a spirit that seems to have been encountered by more than one. 

Among the spirits said to roam the abandoned resort, one name is whispered more than others: Helen. A Polynesian woman who died under mysterious circumstances at Coco Palms in the 1950s, Helen’s ghost is often seen wandering the grounds, her figure appearing and disappearing near the tranquil lagoon where she reportedly loved to sit. Guests and staff who visited before the resort’s closure spoke of a woman in a flowing dress, her long dark hair cascading down her back, moving silently among the swaying palms, and when approached, she vanished like mist in the early morning sun. 

Who was she? A woman working at the resort, a guest there or perhaps a local? This story seems to only be told through one source though, and there has yet been any proof that there ever was a woman named Helen who died close to the resort. 

The Man in the Kitchen

When the Coco Palms Resort was still in business, staff kept reporting about seeing the shadow of a man in the kitchen as well as the break area next door. Also this figure seems to have lost his name and history to time, and after the Coco Palms Resort shut down, perhaps he as well abandoned it.

The abandoned lobby: Wiki

But is the resort truly abandoned? To this day, those who live nearby or pass by the abandoned resort at night feel an unshakeable presence, as if unseen eyes are watching from the darkened windows and overgrown gardens. Some say that even nature itself seems wary—the winds howl with a mournful cry, and the lagoon remains as still as a mirror, reflecting the faces of the past. Perhaps the haunting of this place started long before the Coco Palms Resort opened?

Eerie Sounds of Chanting and Drumming

The ghostly figure of Helen, Elvis and the man in the kitchen is not the only reason that Coco Palms is considered one of the most haunted locations in Hawaii. Even now, long after the resort was abandoned, the sounds of chanting and drumming can be heard drifting through the night air. Many believe these are the voices of ancient Hawaiian spirits or the echoes of the resort’s past. The rhythmic beats of the ghostly drums are said to grow louder near the old chapel and lagoon, where guests once celebrated luaus under the stars.

Read More: The Haunting Legends of Polihale Beach and the Cliffs of Ha‘ele‘ele 

Local residents and trespassers who have dared to step onto the grounds after dark tell of hearing these mysterious sounds emanating from deep within the shadows, only to find no one around. Others have heard footsteps on creaky wooden floors, the clatter of dishes in the empty dining halls, or felt a sudden chill on an otherwise warm evening.

Drumming and Chanting: A postcard of the torch-lighting ceremony at the Coco Palms Resort on Kauai

A Place of Deep Cultural Significance

Adding to the eerie atmosphere is the Coco Palms’ historical and cultural significance. The site is believed to have been the residence of Kauaʻi’s last reigning queen, Queen Deborah Kapule, making it sacred ground. 

The resort was built upon this historic land and her home, and many believe that the spirits of Hawaiian ancestors still protect the area. The legend goes that disturbing these spirits can bring a curse upon those who do not respect the land’s sacred nature.

Beware the Spirits of Coco Palms

The haunting of the Coco Palms Resort is more than just a collection of ghost stories; it is a living legend that captures the very spirit of Kauaʻi’s haunted past. It is a place where the echoes of lost souls and ancient spirits converge, a place where time seems to stand still and the past refuses to fade away. 

The derelict Coco Palms Resort Hotel in Kauai, Hawaii in 2017. // Wiki

For decades it was left abandoned, left in the care of Kauai Bob who also took people on guided tours. In 2016 the standing resort was demolished partially. Still to this day, no one knows the future of the once luxury resort with one foreclosure sale after another. It was bought by developers again in 2024, and is said to reopen as Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort in 2026, but for now, the former rooms and land belong to the ghosts.

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References:

Bearfort Paranormal 2012 Investigation of the Abandoned Coco Palms Resort Kauai, HI -released June 2016 

Infamous Coco Palms Kauai | Why It Just Won’t End – Beat of Hawaii 

Elvis Slept Here: Kauai’s Coco Palms Resort Redevelopment Begins | MeetingsNet

Visit An Abandoned Hawaiin Resort In Kauai

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Asylum Coco Palms Resort – Wikipedia

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The Haunted Legends of the Rose City, Petra in Jordan

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Dubbed the rose city because of the red rocks it is carved out of, the mysterious Petra in Jordan has captivated the local Bedouins as well as the tourists across the world for centuries. But what ghosts and ghouls are haunting the place?

Petra, Jordan, is a city steeped in mystery and intrigue. Known as the Rose City, Petra is home to some of the most impressive ancient architecture in the world. But behind the stunning facade lies a dark and haunted history. From tales of curses and lost treasure to unexplained apparitions and eerie sounds, Petra is a place where the paranormal and the historical collide. 

From the ghostly whispers of ancient spirits to the curses of long-dead pharaohs, there’s no shortage of spine-tingling stories to be found in Petra, often called Rose city because of the reddish sandstone cliffs. 

Haunted Ancient City: The stunning Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, carved into the rose-red cliffs of Petra, Jordan. A lot of strange things and legends about the place have made many think that the city is haunted.

The History of Petra

Petra is an ancient city that was once the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. The city was founded in the 6th century BC and was a major trading hub for spices, incense, and other valuable goods. Petra’s location at the intersection of several important trade routes made it a wealthy and powerful city.

The Nabataeans were skilled architects and engineers who carved their homes and temples out of the sandstone cliffs that surround Petra. The most famous of these structures is the Treasury, a magnificent temple that was carved into the rock face and served as the tomb of a Nabataean king.

There are huge Hellenistic structures carved into solid rock that served as a mausoleum for the wealthy dead. 

Petra’s glory days came to an end in the 2nd century AD when the city was conquered by the Roman Empire. There were also earthquakes that changed the trade route that contributed to the decline of Petra. Permanent residency of Petra essentially ended in the 6th century CE, when water access was diminished for the city’s 20,000 inhabitants and regional competitor Palmyra took the reins of the trade between the Persians and the Romans.

Over time, Petra was abandoned and fell into ruin. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Petra was rediscovered by Western explorers in 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt made the locals bring him there, and it became a popular tourist destination. Despite its ancient origins, Petra’s history is not all sunshine and roses. The city has seen its fair share of tragedy and bloodshed over the centuries, which has given rise to some of the most chilling ghost stories in the world.

The Forgotten Treasury Al-Khazneh

One of the most famous legends associated with Petra is that of the lost treasure of the Nabataeans called Al-Khazneh, or the enchanted Treasury. According to this legend from Bedouin folklore, the Nabataeans were incredibly wealthy from spice and silk trade and amassed a vast fortune over the centuries. When the Romans invaded Petra, the Nabataeans were forced to flee, leaving their treasure behind. It is said that the treasure is still hidden somewhere in Petra, waiting to be discovered by a brave and lucky adventurer.

Al-Khazneh: The stunning Treasury of Petra, a testament to Nabataean architecture carved into the rose-red cliffs. It is thought that Al-Khazneh was built as a mausoleum and crypt at the beginning of the 1st century AD during the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris.

One legend about the treasury is that to protect the treasure, a pharaoh put a curse on the place. According to the story, an Egyptian pharaoh and some in his army escaped when the Red Sea closed when they hunted Moses. They created the treasury with magic as a safe place before they continued to hunt Moses down. And those willing to break the rules and search for the treasure, will feel the wrath of the curse. 

Some think that the treasury was more a place of worship or a burial chamber, more than a place of hiding away treasures. Many of the sculptures are of various creatures from mythology that were associated with the afterlife. 

Petra is also home to several mysterious and unexplained phenomena. Visitors to the city have reported hearing ghostly whispers and moans coming from the ancient ruins. Some have even claimed to have seen apparitions of long-dead Nabataean warriors and priestesses wandering the streets of Petra, still protecting their home.

The Haunted Stories of Petra

Visitors to Petra have reported a wide range of paranormal activities. Some have reported seeing orbs of light floating through the ancient ruins, while others have claimed to have heard disembodied voices and footsteps. Some have even reported feeling a cold breeze or a sudden drop in temperature, even on the hottest days.

The Siq: The narrow sandstone gorge leading into Petra, known as the Siq, offers a glimpse of the stunning red rock formations characteristic of the Rose City. The Siq literally ‘the Shaft’, is the main entrance. Also known as Siqit, it is a dim, narrow gorge (in some points no more than 3 metres (10 ft) wide) and winds its way approximately 1.2 kilometres (3⁄4 mi) and ends at Petra’s most elaborate ruin, Al-Khazneh.

Some say that the ghosts haunting Petra are Nabatean merchants or Roman legionnaires who died in battle. There are also those saying that the place is haunted by a group of school girls. 

In 1963, a sudden flood killed 23 Lebanese schoolgirls. According to some, their spirit is haunting the halls and you can hear their laughter turning into screams after night echoing through the red walls in the mile long gorge or Siq, leading into Petra. 

The Djinn Blocks

When you walk down the Street of Facades you will come across three enormous obelisks called Djinn Blocks. The blocks are probably from the 2nd century B.C and according to bedouin legends, they were the dwellings of the djinns, an Islamic legend about the Djinns, made from smokeless fire. 

Source: Flickr

They appear to visitors as a flash of light or as a blowing whirls of wind. Djinns are said to appear at night and are said to be behind the nightly haunting when they came from the burial chambers and dark corners of Petra.

The Monastery Ad-Deir

Getting to higher ground, you will find the Monastery, or the Ad-Deir. This monumental building was probably carved out from rock in the mid-first century AD. It is perhaps the second most known building in Petra after the Khazneh. 

The Monastery Ad-Deir: a stunning architectural marvel carved into the rock, stands majestically against the backdrop of Petra’s rugged landscape. The building is believed to be haunted by someone guarding this sacred ground.

According to stories, the ghost of a guard is haunting this location. There are also those saying they have seen someone looking like wearing ancient robes like a Nabatean monk, disappearing around behind the walls. 

Like someone is still protecting their sacred ground. 

The Mystery of Petra’s Lost City

Despite its haunted history, Petra remains a popular tourist destination. Visitors flock to the city from all over the world to explore the ancient ruins and experience the rich history and culture of the Nabataean people.

In fact, the surface of Khazneh has receded by 40 mm in less than ten years from people touching, leaning or rubbing against the walls. 

Perhaps the greatest mystery of Petra is the city itself. Despite years of archaeological research, much of Petra remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The city is home to several hidden tombs and underground tunnels, many of which have yet to be fully explored. Some believe that these tunnels lead to secret chambers where the lost treasure of the Nabataeans is hidden.

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References:

The Backstory Behind Petra, Jordan’s Ancient Ghost City

Echoes in the Rose-Red Stone: Petra’s Haunted History as Jordan’s Desert Mirage | Horror 

Block tombs, Bab as-Siq, Petra. Art Destination Jordan

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The Haunted Legacy of Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery: Spirits of the Past

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In one of the oldest churches in Hawai’i, the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery in Honolulu is said to be haunted. People from ancient Hawai’i before the cemetery opened as well as those buried here, seems to linger in the Hawaiian Westminster Abbey of the Pacific.

In downtown Honolulu, Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery stands as a hallowed site rich with both history and haunting tales. Together with the Mission Houses, it makes the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and parts of the service still use the Hawaiian language as the oldest church on O’ahu. The church was once upon the time the national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom, chapel of the royal family and was known as the Hawaiian Westminster Abbey of the Pacific.

Read More: The Haunted Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site 

Known for its serene beauty and historical significance, the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery is a place where the past is palpably present, making it a hotspot for paranormal activity. From ancient high chiefs to royal ghosts, the cemetery is a stage for restless spirits who have left an indelible mark on this sacred ground.

Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery: Source

Historical Significance of the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery

Kawaiʻahao Church, often referred to as the Stone Church, was established near the natural spring of Hao in 1842. For many years, Hawaiians dove into the sea and 20 feet deep down they carved by hand over 14000 slabs of coral reef to build the church. Kawaiʻahao means the water of Ha’o. This spring, crucial to the local community, was a cleansing site for High Chiefess Hao of Kaimuki. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Every year, she would purify herself in the spring’s waters, and her spirit is said to linger near the fountain where the spring once flowed. The church, initially called the King’s Chapel or Native Chapel by missionaries and congregants, was officially named Kawaiʻahao in 1863. It has since become an enduring symbol of Hawaiian heritage and spirituality.

Ghostly Apparitions

Many claim that the church is one of the paths that the Night Marchers walk, dead Hawaiian chiefs. 

There have also been reports about a congregation of ghosts in the church that made the newspaper all the way back in 1871 when a policeman reported seeing the spirits of the Hawaiian royals debating inside. All the way up to modern times, it seems the police have with several instances chased what seemed to be ghosts, and they are also said to have set off the water sprinklers.

The Ghost of High Chiefess Hao

The Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery is not only a resting place for Hawaii’s notable figures but also a theater for eerie manifestations. Among the most notable spirits is that of High Chiefess Hao. Her annual ritual of cleansing in the natural spring has ensured that her spirit remains connected to this sacred site. Visitors and caretakers have reported sightings of her ghost near the fountain, where she is often seen in traditional attire, her presence a solemn reminder of the past.

Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery: Source

The Ghost of King William Charles Lunalilo

Another prominent figure interred at Kawaiʻahao is King William Lunalilo, the sixth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, affectionately known as “The People’s King.” Although a popular person, his reign was cut short only a year in and he died of tuberculosis, only 39 years old.

Lunalilo’s crypt is a focal point for his lingering spirit. Guards and visitors alike have reported eerie occurrences, such as whispers in the night requesting “please bring me my tobacco.” The king, an avid pipe smoker during his lifetime, seems to be searching for his beloved tobacco even in the afterlife. These ghostly requests add a chilling layer to the reverence and respect held for this monarch.

The Hawaiian King: Lunalilo (William Charles Lunalilo; January 31, 1835 – February 3, 1874) was the sixth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from his election on January 8, 1873, until his death a year later. Now, he is believed to be haunting the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery.

The Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery is also home to the spirit of a young boy, who is often seen running around the grounds. His playful apparitions offer a stark contrast to the more solemn figures that haunt the cemetery, yet they contribute to the site’s unsettling atmosphere. Witnesses have described the boy as a fleeting presence—an ethereal figure who darts between graves and vanishes as quickly as he appears. His spirit, like others, seems to be bound to the location, unable to leave the grounds where he once played.

The Skeletons

In the basement of the church there are also 660 skeletons of people from the 19th century, dug up from the land on the side of the church in 2008 when they were making room for a new activity center. The skeletons, or iwi, were wrapped in linen and placed in lauhala baskets and stored in its basement for years. 

This was surprising for the church as they thought they had excavated them all in the 1940s. So who were these people? Do they have some connection to the haunted rumors about what goes on in the cemetery?

After an intense legal battle of what to do with the remains, they decided in 2022 to rebury them on the land they were found in and be restored as it was. Perhaps this will give the cemetery its peace?

Haunting Experiences at Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery

Visitors to Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery have reported various supernatural experiences. The feeling of being watched, unexplained cold spots, and the sensation of someone brushing past you when no one is around are common. The cemetery’s atmosphere is thick with history and mystery, making it a powerful setting for paranormal phenomena.

At night, the cemetery takes on a different character. The moonlight casts long shadows, and the silence is punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Those brave enough to visit after dark have reported eerie sounds—soft whispers and footsteps echoing through the graveyard. These noises often have no identifiable source, adding to the sense of unease.

Security guards patrolling the grounds have shared their own unsettling experiences. The sounds of unexplained movement and the sensation of unseen eyes watching them are frequent occurrences. The request for tobacco from King Lunalilo is a particularly poignant reminder that the spirits here are not entirely at peace.

Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery remains a significant site of historical and spiritual importance. Its peaceful grounds are intertwined with tales of spectral inhabitants who refuse to leave their sacred resting place. The ghosts of High Chiefess Hao, King Lunalilo, and the young boy all contribute to the cemetery’s eerie reputation, ensuring that the past remains a living, breathing part of the present.

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References:

Bones in Purgatory: 660 Skeletal Remains Languish in Church Basement – Honolulu Civil Beat 

Honolulu Haunts 

In historic decision, more than 600 iwi to be reburied at Kawaiahao Church

Haunted Kawaiaha’o Church and Graveyard — Mysteries of Hawai’i Honolulu Ghost Tours 

Kawaiahaʻo Church – Wikipedia

Stories

The Vampire by Jan Neruda

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Translated from the 1871 Czech original Vampyr. The story is set on the Island of Büyükada outside of Istanbul. It is called Prinkipos in the story as it is the Greek name for it. The Narrator tells us about what happened on an excursion to the Island with a few strangers. One of them is a sickly young girl. There is also a strange young man, who appears to be an artist saying he wants to paint everything he sees. It turns out that the locals call him The Vampire because whenever he draws someone he dies shortly after.

The Vampire by Jan Neruda (1871)

This version was translated by Šárka B. Hrbková in 1920

The excursion steamer brought us from Constantinople to the shore of the island of Prinkipo and we disembarked. The number of passengers was not large. There was one Polish family, a father, a mother, a daughter and her bridegroom, and then we two. Oh yes, I must not forget that when we were already on the wooden bridge which crosses the Golden Horn to Constantinople a Greek, a rather youthful man, joined us. He was probably an artist, judging by the portfolio he carried under his arm. Long black locks floated to his shoulders, his face was pale, and his black eyes were deeply set in their sockets. In the first moment he interested me, especially for his obligingness and for his knowledge of local conditions. But he talked too much, and I then turned away from him.

All the more agreeable was the Polish family. The father and mother were good-natured, fine people, the lover a handsome young fellow, of direct and refined manners. They had come to Prinkipo to spend the summer months for the sake of the daughter, who was slightly ailing. The beautiful pale girl was either just recovering from a severe illness or else a serious disease was just fastening its hold upon her. She leaned upon her lover when she walked and very often sat down to rest, while a frequent dry little cough interrupted her whispers. Whenever she coughed, her escort would considerately pause in their walk. He always cast upon her a glance of sympathetic suffering and she would look back at him as if she would say: “It is nothing. I am happy!” They believed in health and happiness.

On the recommendation of the Greek, who departed from us immediately at the pier, the family secured quarters in the hotel on the hill. The hotel-keeper was a Frenchman and his entire building was equipped comfortably and artistically, according to the French style.

We breakfasted together and when the noon heat had abated somewhat we all betook ourselves to the heights, where in the grove of Siberian stone-pines we could refresh ourselves with the view. Hardly had we found a suitable spot and settled ourselves when the Greek appeared again. He greeted us lightly, looked about and seated himself only a few steps from us. He opened his portfolio and began to sketch.

“I think he purposely sits with his back to the rocks so that we can’t look at his sketch,” I said.

“We don’t have to,” said the young Pole. “We have enough before us to look at.” After a while he added, “It seems to me he’s sketching us in as a sort of background. Well let him!”

We truly did have enough to gaze at. There is not a more beautiful or more happy corner in the world than that very Prinkipo! The political martyr, Irene, contemporary of Charles the Great, lived there for a month as an exile. If I could live a month of my life there I would be happy for the memory of it for the rest of my days! I shall never forget even that one day spent at Prinkipo.

The air was as clear as a diamond, so soft, so caressing, that one’s whole soul swung out upon it into the distance. At the right beyond the sea projected the brown Asiatic summits; to the left in the distance purpled the steep coasts of Europe. The neighboring Chalki, one of the nine islands of the “Prince’s Archipelago,” rose with its cypress forests into the peaceful heights like a sorrowful dream, crowned by a great structure—an asylum for those whose minds are sick.

The Sea of Marmora was but slightly ruffled and played in all colors like a sparkling opal. In the distance the sea was as white as milk, then rosy, between the two islands a glowing orange and below us it was beautifully greenish blue, like a transparent sapphire. It was resplendent in its own beauty. Nowhere were there any large ships—only two small craft flying the English flag sped along the shore. One was a steamboat as big as a watchman’s booth, the second had about twelve oarsmen and when their oars rose simultaneously molten silver dripped from them. Trustful dolphins darted in and out among them and dove with long, arching flights above the surface of the water. Through the blue heavens now and then calm eagles winged their way, measuring the space between two continents.

The entire slope below us was covered with blossoming roses whose fragrance filled the air. From the coffee-house near the sea music was carried up to us through the clear air, hushed somewhat by the distance.

The effect was enchanting. We all sat silent and steeped our souls completely in the picture of paradise. The young Polish girl lay on the grass with her head supported on the bosom of her lover. The pale oval of her delicate face was slightly tinged with soft color, and from her blue eyes tears suddenly gushed forth. The lover understood, bent down and kissed tear after tear. Her mother also was moved to tears, and I—even I—felt a strange twinge.

“Here mind and body both must get well,” whispered the girl. “How happy a land this is!”

“God knows I haven’t any enemies, but if I had I would forgive them here!” said the father in a trembling voice.

And again we became silent. We were all in such a wonderful mood—so unspeakably sweet it all was! Each felt for himself a whole world of happiness and each one would have shared his happiness with the whole world. All felt the same—and so no one disturbed another. We had scarcely even noticed that the Greek, after an hour or so, had arisen, folded his portfolio and with a slight nod had taken his departure. We remained.

Finally after several hours, when the distance was becoming overspread with a darker violet, so magically beautiful in the south, the mother reminded us it was time to depart. We arose and walked down towards the hotel with the easy elastic steps that characterize carefree children. We sat down in the hotel under the handsome veranda.

Hardly had we been seated when we heard below the sounds of quarrelling and oaths. Our Greek was wrangling with the hotel-keeper, and for the entertainment of it we listened.

The amusement did not last long. “If I didn’t have other guests,” growled the hotel-keeper, and ascended the steps towards us.

“I beg you to tell me, sir,” asked the young Pole of the approaching hotel-keeper, “who is that gentleman? What is his name?”

“Eh-who knows what the fellow’s name is?” grumbled the hotel-keeper, and he gazed venomously downwards. “We call him the Vampire.”

“An artist?”

“Fine trade! He sketches only corpses. Just as soon as someone in Constantinople or here in the neighborhood dies, that very day he has a picture of the dead one completed. That fellow paints them beforehand—and he never makes a mistake—just like a vulture!”

The old Polish woman shrieked affrightedly. In her arms lay her daughter pale as chalk. She had fainted.

In one bound the lover had leaped down the steps. With one hand he seized the Greek and with the other reached for the portfolio.

We ran down after him. Both men were rolling in the sand. The contents of the portfolio were scattered all about. On one sheet, sketched with a crayon, was the head of the young Polish girl, her eyes closed and a wreath of myrtle on her brow.

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The Haunting Legends of Polihale Beach and the Cliffs of Ha‘ele‘ele

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It’s not only sandy beaches and blue water you can find at Polihale Beach on Kauai. If you go far enough out, legend has it you can also find the cliffs of Ha‘ele‘ele, the gateway to the afterlife. 

Polihale Beach, a stunning and remote stretch of sand on the western edge of Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, is not just a place of breathtaking sunsets and endless waves. It is also a place steeped in ancient Hawaiian legends, where the boundary between the physical world and the spirit realm is said to be thin.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The Polihale Beach is also the longest beach in Hawaii, stretching for 17 miles, and in the dunes remains of bones and ancient temple ruins shows that this was a place of great importance for the Hawaiians throughout history. 

Polihale Beach: Meeting the rocky cliffs of Ha‘ele‘ele, Polihale Beach are said to be haunted by the spirits trying to cross the portal to the afterlife said to be on the cliffs. // Erich Geist/Flickr

The Sacred Cliffs of Ha‘ele‘ele

At the far end of Polihale Beach, the cliffs known as Ha‘ele‘ele rise dramatically from the shoreline. To the ancient Hawaiians, these cliffs were far more than a natural wonder; they were the “jumping off point” for spirits, or ‘uhane, leaving this world. The very word, Polihale means the underworld or sacred ruins. 

According to legend, when a person died, their spirit would journey to these cliffs to leap into the afterlife and join their ancestors. For those fortunate enough to have an ‘aumakua, or family of spirits, waiting for them, the transition was peaceful, a return to the embrace of their forebears.

But not every spirit finds a warm welcome on the other side.

The Wandering Spirits of Polihale Beach

For the unfortunate souls who arrived at Ha‘ele‘ele with no ‘aumakua to guide them, the cliffs of Polihale became a place of restless wandering. These lost spirits, unable to make the final leap, would attach themselves to the rocks, plants, or even travelers who dared to disturb their resting place. It is said that these wayward spirits, frustrated and lost, can cause mischief for the living, bringing bad luck or even sickness to those who unknowingly take them from their place of haunting.

Beware of What You Take

Local lore strongly warns against removing anything—especially stones—from Polihale Beach or the surrounding cliffs. Many believe that by taking a rock or a piece of the landscape, you may inadvertently bring back a spirit longing to return to its sacred home. These spirits, desperate and confused, might follow you, causing eerie disturbances in your home until they are properly returned to where they belong.

Polihale Beach: Pete Harmer/Flickr

Visitors who have ignored these warnings have reported strange occurrences—unexplained noises, sudden illness, or a feeling of being watched. Some have even felt an overwhelming compulsion to return the stones to Polihale, finding peace only when the spirits are back where they belong.

A Place of Beauty and Mystery

Polihale Beach, with its miles of golden sand and majestic cliffs, is undoubtedly one of Kauai’s most beautiful and enigmatic places. But it is also a place where the past lingers, where the spirits of the ancient Hawaiians continue their eternal journey. Those who visit are reminded to tread lightly, respect the land, and above all, leave behind what belongs to the spirits. The cliffs of Ha‘ele‘ele are not just a gateway to the afterlife; they are a reminder that some parts of Hawaii are touched by the supernatural, where the unseen world is always close at hand.

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An online magazine about the paranormal, haunted and macabre. We collect the ghost stories from all around the world as well as review horror and gothic media.

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