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The Haunting of King Intermediate School: Spirits on the Windward Side of O’ahu

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Who is the one haunting the King Intermediate School on Oahu and wandering the halls of the school as a ghost?

On the windward side of Oʻahu, King Intermediate School is more than just a place of education—it’s a notorious hotspot for the supernatural. The S.W. King Intermediate School, named after Samuel Wilder King the 11th governor of the State of Hawaiʻi, is a public intermediate School in Kāneʻohe with around 530 students. From King, the students will continue to Castle High School to complete their education. But according to stories, some never left. 

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Since it opened its doors in 1964, this school has been whispered about in hushed tones among locals, who claim it is one of the most haunted places on the island. With eerie apparitions, invisible assailants, and stories of mysterious forces lurking in the shadows, King Intermediate School has earned its chilling reputation.

Ghostly Encounters and Unseen Forces

The Honolulu Police Department occasionally receives distress calls from the school, especially after hours, reporting the sounds of breaking glass or suspected vandals roaming the grounds. Officers responding to these calls often experience something far more unnerving. As they walk the empty halls and darkened corners, rocks are inexplicably thrown at them, rattling against walls and windows. Despite their thorough searches, they never find anyone responsible. 

A former principal of King Intermediate School shares a particularly disturbing encounter that took place in one of the older classrooms. According to his account, teachers and students alike reported seeing a dark, shadowy figure standing at the back of the room. The figure would appear and disappear without warning, looming ominously in the corner. When it manifested, a low, menacing voice could be heard saying, “Get out” in Hawaiian. Those who have witnessed the figure say it feels like a command, not a suggestion, and leaves an icy chill in its wake.

The Dark Energy Lurking in the Shadows

One of the most chilling stories from King Intermediate involves a substitute teacher who was on duty for what seemed like an ordinary school day. As she was preparing a lesson, an unseen force violently shoved her from behind, pushing her into a storage closet. The door slammed shut behind her, locking her in the dark. The students, who witnessed the entire event, were paralyzed with fear, screaming and scrambling out of their seats. 

Students and faculty at King Intermediate School have grown accustomed to the strange happenings on campus, but that doesn’t mean they’ve come to accept them. Many stories have been passed around the school as well, and one of them is about a student who supposedly attended the school. According to the story, he hanged himself from a Banyan tree in front of the school’s library. If you flashed light at the tree in the night it was said that you could see his ghost hanging from the tree. 

A Place of Unrest at King Intermediate School

While many schools have their fair share of ghost stories and strange occurrences, the tales from King Intermediate School are too numerous and too eerie to ignore. The accounts of rocks being thrown, shadowy figures issuing chilling commands, and unseen forces attacking staff make it a place where the past and the present seem to collide in unsettling ways.

For now, the school continues to operate, with its students and staff going about their daily routines, all while knowing they may be sharing the space with entities from another realm and that the students running around the building might as well be ghosts of former students.

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References:

Shadowlands Haunted Places Index – Hawaii 

S.W. King Intermediate – About Us 

The Eerie Eight: Lopaka Kapanui’s Top Oʻahu Hauntings — Abstract

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

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The Ghostly Guest of Moana Surfrider: Haunting of a Hawaiian Icon

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After the mysterious death of a wealthy guest, it is believed that the old Moana Surfrider is haunted by her ghost. What happened to Jane Stanford? Was she really killed or was it something else? And is she still haunting the hotel she died in, forever searching for her room?

The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, is one of Waikiki’s most luxurious and historic hotels. The Italian Renaissance style hotel was built in 1901, the grand Victorian-style hotel has stood the test of time, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and an ambiance steeped in elegance. It was the first luxury property along Waikiki Beach, now filled to the brim with big hotels and often called The First Lady of Waikiki. 

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However, behind the hotel’s pristine facade and charming atmosphere on the sunny beach, lies a chilling secret: the ghost of a famous guest who never truly checked out and is said to be haunting the hotel.

Haunted Hotel: The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach is believed to be haunted by more than one ghost. // Source: Wiki

The Mysterious Death of Jane Stanford

On February 28, 1905, Jane Stanford, the co-founder of Stanford University, met a tragic end at the Moana Surfrider, back then called Moana Hotel. Stanford was staying at the hotel to recover from a murder attempt on her life—a strychnine poisoning back in California. She hoped the Hawaiian air would be a healing escape from her troubles and her apparent enemies wanting her dead. However, fate had other plans.

Jane Elizabeth Lathrop Stanford: (1828–1905) was an American philanthropist and co-founder of Stanford University in 1885 with her husband, in memory of their only child who died of typhoid fever. After her husband’s death in 1893, she funded and operated the university almost single-handedly until her unsolved murder by strychnine poisoning in 1905.

That night, Stanford complained of feeling ill and soon succumbed to a mysterious second poisoning of some sort. Her death shocked the nation, and while some ruled it a natural heart attack, others whispered of foul play and lingering intrigue. 

As mentioned, it was not the first time she was poisoned. January the 14th the same year she was poisoned after drinking mineral water when she stayed at her mansion in Nob Hill in San Francisco. She managed to vomit the poison out. Her maid Bertha Berner was a suspect and fired, but never charged as there was seemingly no evidence, motive or leads. She was a trusted person who had served Stanford for twenty years, but she was also the only person present when the poisoning happened.

Sad and tired of it all, Stanford sailed to Hawaii to recuperate in the tropical air, thinking of continuing to Japan, but as circumstances would have it, she never left Hawaii. 

What really happened is still uncertain and the circumstances surrounding her death remain unsolved. Was it someone else that finally succeeded in taking her life, and what motive did they have? Or was she as many claimed, simply weakened from the last poisoning and died of an illness? 

The Lady in Search of Her Room

Many believe that Stanford’s spirit was left restless, forever tied to the place where her life was cut short. Over the years, guests and staff at the Moana Surfrider have reported eerie encounters with a spectral figure believed to be Jane Stanford herself. Dressed in early 20th-century clothing, her apparition is seen gliding through the hotel’s hallways, especially at night, searching as if trying to find her room. Some guests have spotted her walking through the hotel’s grand lobby or standing by the balcony, gazing out to the sea.

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Those who have seen her claim to feel a cold, inexplicable chill as she passes, her presence accompanied by the faint scent of lilies—the flower said to be Jane Stanford’s favorite. Others report hearing the sounds of a woman’s faint sobs or catching glimpses of her reflection in the windows and mirrors, only to turn and find no one there.

Unexplained Phenomena and Encounters

The mysterious sightings are not limited to Jane Stanford’s ghostly wanderings. Several guests have awakened in the middle of the night to find the room’s lights flickering or an odd sensation of someone sitting on the edge of their bed. Some hear light footsteps in the corridors outside their rooms, accompanied by an eerie whispering voice that seems to call out from nowhere.

Hotel staff often find doors that were securely closed left wide open, and objects have been reported to move on their own. One night guard swore he saw a woman matching Jane Stanford’s description walking toward the ocean. When he called out to her, she vanished before his eyes.

Other Ghosts Haunting the Moana Surfrider

But it is not the only ghost said to haunt the hotel. According to staff, there is also the ghost of a young girl, also wearing old fashioned clothes. It is said that the young ghost is often playing close to the staircase or wandering in the hallways at night. 

The Grand Staircase: This staircase at Moana Surfrider hotel is said to have ghosts lingering around it and. // Source: Wiki

A man in military uniform is also said to walk around the hotel. During world war two, the hotel was used as a recuperating place for soldiers coming and going to war. It is believed he was one of them and is often seen around the bar of the hotel or wandering the veranda, disappearing before other guests eyes. 

The Mysterious Banyan Tree

As well as ghosts of former guests, there are also spooky tales about the Banyan tree planted in 1904 at the hotel premises. There are many stories about Banyan trees and it is said to draw supernatural energy and spirits to it. According to some, the banyan tree will make them feel a certain way, perhaps peaceful, perhaps an unexplained sadness. There are also those claiming to have heard voices and something sounding like laughter coming from the tree itself. 

Beach Front Hotel: The Moana Surfrider overlooking Waikiki Beach. // Source: Wiki

The Moana Surfriders haunted history has become part of its allure, attracting paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the infamous ghost of Jane Stanford searching for her room. A thing she never will though as it is no longer there as it was removed to make the lobby bigger.

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References:

The Oldest Hotel In Hawaii Is Also One Of The Most Haunted Places You’ll Ever Sleep 

Haunted Hospitality: 10 Haunted Historic Hotels of America 

Hotel History in Honolulu, Hawaii | Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

The Haunted Moana Surfrider 

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The Haunted Banyan Trees on Manoa Falls Trail

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On the popular hiking place, Manoa Falls Trail, the haunted legends have accumulated over the years. But how much of the ghostly tales of ancient warriors marching and strange haunting surrounding certain trees are actually true?

In the lush, verdant hills of O’ahu, the Manoa Falls Trail is a popular destination for hikers seeking to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii. The 2.6 km long trail takes you into the green lushness of Hawaii with the spectacular view of the 150 foot Manoa Falls at the end of the trail. 

The trail has been used as a filming location in Jurassic Park, Hunger Games and Lost, but it is also known for being haunted by the spirits of the ancient warriors of Hawaii. 

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Beneath the canopy of tropical foliage and the sound of cascading water lies a chilling legend that has sent shivers down the spines of many who dare to tread this path. The trail is said to be haunted by the Hukai’po, or Night Marchers—spectral warriors of ancient Hawaiian lore.

Mānoa Falls Trail: The trail leading up to a 150-foot waterfall along the Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many tourists are attracted to the waterfall and the scenery throughout the trail leading to it. Swimming in the pool below the waterfall is highly discouraged because there is a threat of becoming infected with Leptospirosis.

The Haunted Banyan Tree

A massive banyan tree marks the beginning of the Manoa Falls Trail, said to be the place where the haunting seems to be concentrated. Even before starting the trail a sign says:

“Before entering the forest, we chant a pule pale (prayer of protection) to Laka, asking for her guardianship.”

It is from this Banyan tree, under the sprawling roots and branches, that many have reported encountering the eerie presence of the Night Marchers. The tree itself is a silent sentinel, its gnarled limbs reaching out like the fingers of the past, holding secrets of ancient rites and spectral passages.

Banyan Tree: What is is about Banyan Trees and haunted legends? One popular legend is that you are not supposed to sit under one of these trees at night because ghosts and other supernatural things live there. During the day the tree absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen because of the sun. During night however, it releases the carbon dioxide that lowers the levels of oxygen human needs to breathe. This process can feel suffocating, lead to hallucinations, and in worst case scenarios, even death. Could this be the reason why there are so many stories connected to seeing ghosts, hearing voices and even reaching some sort of enlightenment?

The Legend of the Night Marchers

The Night Marchers, or Hukai’po, are the ghostly processions of ancient Hawaiian warriors. According to legend, these spirits are the guardians of Hawaiian royalty or even gods, and they continue their eternal vigil along sacred paths, including the Manoa Falls Trail. These spectral warriors march in formation, carrying torches, and their presence is heralded by the beating of drums and the blowing of conch shells.

Hikers have shared spine-chilling tales of their encounters with the Night Marchers. It begins with a sense of foreboding, a sudden stillness in the air, and the unmistakable sound of distant drums. The rhythmic beating grows louder, accompanied by the mournful wail of conch shells being blown. As the sounds intensify, an ethereal glow can be seen moving through the dense forest—torches carried by the ghostly procession.

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Those who have had the misfortune of witnessing the Night Marchers describe them as spectral figures with no legs, gliding silently along the trail. Their eyes burn with an otherworldly fire, and their faces remain stern and unforgiving. The most unsettling aspect of these encounters is the sense of imminent danger, as if one wrong move could provoke the wrath of these ancient guardians.

Rules of Survival the Hukai’po

According to Hawaiian lore, commoners were not allowed to look directly at the royalty, and the Night Marchers, as their protectors, would enforce this rule with deadly precision. To see the Night Marchers and to be seen by them is to invite certain doom. Therefore, those who hear the approach of these spectral warriors are advised to take immediate action:

Lay Down: If you hear the drums and conch shells, immediately lay flat on the ground.

Close Your Eyes: Do not look at the Night Marchers as they pass.

Remain Silent: Any noise or movement could draw their attention.

By following these steps, it is believed you can avoid the fatal gaze of the Night Marchers and live to tell the tale.

The Truth About the Night Marchers at Manoa Falls Trail

But how true are the claims of the Night Marchers that are said to travel the trail? According to one of the foremost paranormal storytellers and native, Lopaka Kapanui, there seems to be some doubt that this story comes from old legends but rather newer stories from modern times. 

Read More: Check out Huaka’i Pō – The Night Marchers of Hawaii for the full lore

According to him, the Night Marchers that go through the Banyan Tree are made up by a hiker or blogger, and that they march in group procession, never alone. Although today, the Banyan Tree is a stop on many ghost tours. But if it is not the ancient Night Marchers, then who could be haunting the trail?

The Ghosts of Hikers Haunting the Trail

There are not only holy spirits of the ancestral warriors of Hawaii said to traverse through this path. There are also reports about other hikers who fell from the dangerous cliffs along the trail that are said to haunt the place. 

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Although a short path the track can become slippery as you approach the falls and flash floods are also common in the area. Even swimming in the falls is considered dangerous because of the risk of deadly bacteria in the water. 

Thousands of hikers take the trip each year, and each year there will be some that won’t return. 

A Word of Caution

While the Manoa Falls Trail offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature, it also carries the weight of history and legend. Those who venture into this beautiful yet haunted area are urged to respect the stories and traditions of the land. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the tales of the Night Marchers serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii and the spirits that continue to guard its sacred places.

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So, the next time you find yourself on the Manoa Falls Trail, remember the legend of the Night Marchers. Listen for the drums, heed the warning of the conch shells, and should you encounter the ghostly procession, lay down, close your eyes, and hold your breath until the ancient warriors have passed.

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References:

Haunted Manoa Falls Trail – Honolulu Ghost Tours 

Manoa Falls Trail – Wikipedia 

What you didn’t know about Manoa Falls Trail, one of Hawaii’s most popular hikes 

The 9 Most Haunted Places on O‘ahu

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The Haunting of ʻIolani Palace: Echoes of Royal Spirits

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The last royal palace of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu is believed to be haunted by its former royalty, still dreaming of an independent Hawaii. 

On Oʻahu in Hawaii, ʻIolani Palace stands as the last palace of the Hawaiian kingdom, its rich history and cultural heritage of Hawaii in downtown Honolulu. As the only royal palace in the United States, it is not just a symbol of the Hawaiian monarchy but also a reputedly haunted site, where the spirits of Queen Liliʻuokalani and other Native Hawaiian royalty are said to linger.

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The History of ʻIolani Palace

Built in 1844, ʻIolani Palace or the Hale Aliʻi ʻIolani, was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs, King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani. 

The ʻIolani Palace was originally built for Victoria Kamamalu, a princess. Kamehameha III bought the place and used it as his royal residence after moving to the capital. Much of the palace we see today was built in a European way in order to make them see their Kingdom and their palace as a valid one. 

The palace witnessed both grandeur and tragedy, from lavish royal balls to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy on January 17th in 1893 by the USA, throwing Hawaii into five years of rebellions, guerrilla warfare and assassinations. 

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Queen Liliʻuokalani herself was imprisoned within its walls after the coup for nine months, a period marked by deep sorrow and resilience as the people behind the coup wanted to turn them into their figurehead .

The building was used as a capitol building for the provisional Government after the coup, as well as when it was a territory and state of USA until 1969. After this it was restored and opened as a museum in 1978. 

Burial Site of the Royals

The ʻIolani Palace was built close to an old funeral site known as Pohukaina Tomb said to have a great chief resting in it. This has made the belief of the land being blessed and protected by his spirit, so it was a perfect place to build a royal palace. It is also said to be built on land once a heiau Ka‘ahaimauli, a holy temple.

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Kamehameha II and Queen Kamāmalu were buried here after dying of measles, and ever since it was used as a royal burial ground and for the ruling class known as ali’i. Although, in recent times, 18 coffins were removed and moved to the Royal Mausoleum in Nu’uanu Valley. Still, there are still warning signs on the fenced in area telling people to stay away from the sacred ground. 

The Royal Burial Ground: In 1825, a Royal Mausoleum, Pohukaina Tomb, of white-washed coral block was constructed to house the remains of Kamehameha II and his consort, Queen Kamamalu. Both had died of measles while on a journey to England the year before. For the next forty years, this royal tomb and the land immediately surrounding it became the final resting place for the kings of Hawai‘i, their consorts, and important chiefs of the kingdom. In 1865, eighteen coffins were removed from this site and transferred in a torchlight procession at night to a new Royal Mausoleum in Nu`uanu Valley. // Source: Flickr: Royal Mausoleum/Cliff

Queen Liliʻuokalani Haunting the ʻIolani Palace

One of the most chilling encounters involves the sighting of a regal figure believed to be Queen Liliʻuokalani herself. Every morning at 5:30 she is seen walking over the grounds in her black dress and in the window of her bedroom on the second floor where she was imprisoned. The ghost of Queen Liliʻuokalani is seen most frequently in the palace’s Throne Room and the Queen’s Imprisonment Room, her apparition is described as a solemn presence, her face etched with a mix of sorrow and strength. 

Queen Liliʻuokalani: Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha (1838 – 1917) was the only queen regnant and the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, ruling from January 29, 1891, until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893. The composer of “Aloha ʻOe” and numerous other works, she wrote her autobiography Hawaiʻi’s Story by Hawaiʻi’s Queen (1898) during her imprisonment following the overthrow.

Queen Liliʻuokalani never accepted the demands posed to her and she decided to abdicate instead. The rest of her life she lived as a private citizen and died in 1917 in Honolulu in her home known as Washington Place.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from haunted palaces and castles

Today, visitors and staff of ʻIolani Palace frequently report eerie experiences that suggest the presence of lingering spirits. One of the most common phenomena is the sound of ghostly piano music echoing through the grand halls. When checking the security camera though, there is no one pressing the keys at all.

Haunted Piano: This piano is said to play when no one is there but ghosts. // Source: Flickr

The piano is put in the ʻIolani Palace room known as the Blue Room. The piano is secured by bolted glass and the security guards on duty are said to not have access to the key. Even with all this protection, the guards and curators working there are still said to hear the piano songs.

The Blue Room: Said to be one of the centers of the haunting, the blue room in ‘ʻIolani Palace is said to be haunted by Queen Liliʻuokalani. // Source: Howcheng /Wikimedia

This music, often attributed to Queen Liliʻuokalani, who was an accomplished composer and musician, seems to play without any discernible source, sending chills down the spines of those who hear it as a sense of sadness. 

In her old bedroom an alarm goes off once a month even though no one has been there. In the hallways visitors keep complaining about the smell of cigarettes, when no one smokes, something the Queen loved. 

Ghost of King Kalākaua and his Queen Kapi‘olani

The last royal couple living in the ʻIolani Palace until their reign was over, is also said to haunt it. They were said to love the island’s traditional music, and if we are to believe in the rumors, they still do, even in death. 

King and Queen: Kalākaua (David Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Māhinulani Nālaʻiaʻehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua (1836 – 1891), was the last king and penultimate monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, from February 12, 1874, until his death in 1891. He was married to Kapiʻolani (1834 – 1899) queen and consort of Mōʻī (king) Kalākaua. When he died she became known as the Dowager Queen Kapiʻolani.

Blood relatives of the royal family, even distant ones, are said to hear loud chanting and music coming from their old bedroom upstairs. Although non-locals, strangers and tourists, hear nothing.

Other Ghosts Said to Haunt the ʻIolani Palace

According to the guards, the best time to catch sight of a ghost is around 5:30 am for some reason. Lights in the ʻIolani Palace are also known to flicker mysteriously, despite there being no electrical issues. Lights and torches wandering around appear in the window. This erratic behavior of the lights adds to the unsettling atmosphere, as if the spirits of the past are still making their presence known in the only way they can. 

There is also the issue with the burial places, with the burial site being filled up by the nobles and in the end, both chiefs and servants were buried in unmarked graves around the place, making the location filled with souls.

Haunted Basement: Source: Flickr

The basement of ʻIolani Palace is particularly rife with paranormal activity. Shadows flit about the corridors, and faint whispers can be heard, as if the walls themselves are trying to speak of the injustices and heartache witnessed within. Staff members feel uneasy in the former wine cellar and kitchen. 

The Banyan Trees in the Courtyard

When the palace opened in the 1880s, Queen Kapi‘olani planted two banyan trees on the grounds. They later grew into a whole group of trees, rumored to be haunted, holding spirits of the dead. 

Read also: Cristalina’s Haunted Banyan Tree in Saligao Village. This article goes a little more into depth about why Banyan trees are often considered to be haunted. 

There is not necessarily royalty haunting these trees though, but spirits of those who have no families to care for them and it is advised to not touch the trees.

Haunted Banyan Trees: Some of the Banyan Trees near ʻIolani Palace that are said to have a haunted energy surrounding them. // Loren Javier/Flickr

The Royal Haunting of ʻIolani Palace

As a historic site and a living museum, ʻIolani Palace continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, drawn not only by its architectural splendor and historical significance but also by its haunting reputation. For many, the chance to possibly glimpse the spirits of Hawaii’s past monarchs adds an irresistible allure to their visit, listening to the enchanting notes from the locked up piano, to the traditional Hawaiian music seeping in from the walls.

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References:

The Ghosts of Iolani Palace – Honolulu Ghost Tours

Friday Night Frights: The Ghosts Who Haunt Hawai‘i’s Historic ‘Iolani Palace

 NO.364 ‘Iolani Palace – Ghost Poppy 

https://paranormal-corner.blogspot.com/2011/12/iolani-palace-in-honolulu-hawaii-palace.html

ʻIolani Palace – Wikipedia 

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The Haunted Legacy of Aliʻiōlani Hale: Hawaii’s Supreme Court and Its Restless Spirits

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Is something haunting the supreme court building in Honolulu, Hawaii? There are many legends told about the Aliʻiōlani Hale building, ranging from the spirits of the prisoners prosecuted there, to mysterious legend tied to the Banyan Tree in the courtyard.

Aliʻiōlani Hale, a grand and historic building in downtown Honolulu that houses the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court. While today it serves as a seat of justice, its past holds darker, more mysterious tales—stories of restless spirits, lost souls, and eerie phenomena that have kept it firmly rooted in local legend.

Aliʻiōlani Hale: The building is long believed to be haunted by various ghosts. //Source: ito1117/Wikimedia

The Storied Past of Aliʻiōlani Hale

Aliʻiōlani Hale was constructed in 1874 under the reign of King Kamehameha V. Originally intended to be the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi’s royal palace, it instead became the seat of government for the Hawaiian monarchy, later serving the Republic of Hawaiʻi and eventually the state. 

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As the home of the Supreme Court, it has long been a place where life-altering decisions were made, some of which led to the imprisonment or execution of individuals. These criminals, sentenced in the early 1900s, are said to linger on the grounds, their souls trapped within the halls where their fates were sealed.

Haunted Building: The view from Iolani Palace shows the Kapuaiwa building at left, Aliiolani Hale, in the center, the Opera House at right and Honolulu Harbor in the distance ca in 1888.

The Lost Souls of Sentenced Criminals

Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences inside Aliʻiōlani Hale and the building is now believed to be haunted. Many claim to feel an overwhelming sense of dread, particularly near the old courtrooms. Some believe that the souls of those who were convicted of heinous crimes and later executed in the early 1900s still roam the corridors, unable to find peace. Echoes of footsteps, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures have been spotted, especially at night

The Courtrooms: After King Kalakaua built a new palace, ‘Iolani Palace, this building was redesigned to house the Legislature and the Supreme Court. Today, the State Supreme Court still convenes in these same historic courtrooms and is the oldest government building in Hawaii.Cliff/Wikimedia

The Haunted Banyan Trees

Outside the building, towering over the courtyard, stand several massive banyan trees, their ancient roots creeping deep into the earth. These trees, often referred to as “trees of the dead” in various cultures, are believed to have spiritual connections to the underworld. The banyan trees surrounding Aliʻiōlani Hale are thought to have roots that stretch into subterranean lava tubes—lava tubes that, according to local lore, may be filled with the bones of long-dead Hawaiian royalty, or ali‘i.

The Mysterious Banyan Trees: As many ghost stories in Hawaii, they are often connected to the Banyan Trees growing nearby. View from Aliʻiōlani Hale, Honolulu, HI with statue of Kamehameha I.

One legend told about the banyan trees is hearing what sounds like faint cries coming from the trees, as though children are sobbing just beneath the surface. This unsettling phenomenon is linked to an old rumor that an orphanage once stood on the grounds before Aliʻiōlani Hale was built in the 1800s. 

Some are speculating that some of the children who died were buried in unmarked graves where they later planted the trees. 

Although no solid historical evidence confirms the presence of an orphanage, the legend persists. The cries of unseen children and occasional bursts of eerie laughter beneath the trees have been reported by both visitors and night-time security guards alike. These spectral sounds add to the eerie atmosphere, blending fact and myth into an unforgettable experience.

A Place Where Spirits Linger

Whether it’s the lost souls of criminals sentenced long ago, or the playful yet sorrowful spirits of children who may have once called the land home, Aliʻiōlani Hale is undeniably a place where the past refuses to rest. The imposing banyan trees, with their tangled roots and dark histories, stand as sentinels over the building, connecting the living world to the spiritual one. For those with an eye for the paranormal, the courthouse is more than a hub for legal proceedings—it’s a place where Hawaii’s history, both tragic and haunted, comes to life.

Aliʻiōlani Hale is a testament to the deep and mysterious connections between Hawaii’s past and the present. Its haunted legacy serves as a reminder that, while justice may be blind, the spirits of the past continue to watch, whisper, and linger in the shadows.

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References:

Ali‘iōlani Hale – Historic Hawaii Foundation

Aliʻiōlani Hale – Wikipedia

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Cristalina’s Haunted Banyan Tree in Saligao Village

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In the quaint Saligao Village in Goa, there is a Banyan Tree by the road. According to legend, the tree is haunted by the ghost of Cristalina, waiting for those passing by to possess. 

One Sunday morning in January in 1953, the villagers of Saligao in Goa, India, sat waiting on the priest leading the mass. 

The missionary Padre Inácio Lourenço Pereira had come to this quaint little village from Portugal in 1951 to be the supervisor when the Saligao-Pilerne Seminary went under construction in 1952. The Saligao village is around 15 kilometers outside of Panaji known for its beautiful churches. 

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from India

Pereira was at least said to have gone missing under mysterious circumstances on a Saturday night in January, 1953 when he went for a walk down the Seminary road that took him past the banyan tree at night. 

This particular banyan tree in Saligao Village with its deep roots casting long shadows was known to be haunted though, by a woman named Cristalina, and avoided by the locals. But did Pereira know this as he used to walk past it to get to church?

He didn’t return that night and didn’t show up for mass the next morning. When Pereira was eventually found by some workers the next morning, it was under this banyan tree where he lay unconscious. When his helping hand, Frank and the other workers that looked for him found him, he laid flat on the ground, his face buried in the mud.

Pereira was in a state of shock when he finally woke up, covered in scratches and wounds, unable to recall the full details of his ordeal. 

The locals of Saligao Village took him to a doctor, or at least his house, but he didn’t speak for four days. They even brought a priest to take care of him and Frank and the other workers attached a cross in one of the Banyan Trees branches. 

When he first started to speak, it was said it was in a female voice and in Konkani, one of the Indian languages spoken along the western coast of India. One of the things he repeated over and over again, was the name, Cristalina.

After the whole ordeal he was admitted to a hospital and then sent back to Leiria in Portugal in 1953. He never returned to Saligao Village or Goa, but his legend certainly remained there. 

Cristalina Haunting the Banyan Tree

For over sixty years, her spectral presence has been associated with a particular banyan tree in the Saligao Village. It is said that still to this day, people are avoiding walking past this tree after dark, as it is said that Cristalina can possess you, as she once did.

From testimonies from locals, it looks like the banyan tree was already rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Cristalina before the possession of the priest. But how much of it actually happened, and how much of it was gossip and fear mongering from the locals?

Who actually was Cristalina? One of the most told versions of the Banyan tree is that she hanged herself from it. But no further details about who she might be has been found. 

Further Haunting of Cristalina’s Banyan Tree

It was especially when the horizontal part of the cross went missing from the branches in the tree that the legend resurfaced and breathed new wind into it as something more than a one time haunting. Ever since then it has become a local legend in Saligao Village.

There have also been talks about the tree glowing in the dark, and the tree itself has been the case of scientific studies. What really happened to it? According to the scholars, they claimed the lights were from carts of petromax lights that were parked near the tree. 

Banyan Tree and why they are Haunted

But what about the tree found in Saligao Village? How come so many ghost stories are connected to the majestic looking Banyan Trees as well as Peepal Trees in India?

For one, they have spiritual connection with mythology, both Hindu and Buddhist, and are seen as sort of divine places. There are also many legends attached to the old trees with its twisting branches, often found in secluded areas                 

One popular legend is that you are not supposed to sit under one of these trees at night because ghosts and other supernatural things live there. 

Read Also: Check out Ghostly Shadows by Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station and the Haunted Peepal Tree for more haunted trees. 

It is also worth noting the scientific reason for the spiritual things that are said to happen when staying at one of these trees at night and that it can be explained by simple biology. During the day the tree absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen because of the sun. During night however, it releases the carbon dioxide that lowers the levels of oxygen human needs to breathe.

This process can feel suffocating, lead to hallucinations, and in worst case scenarios, even death. Could this be the reason why there are so many stories connected to seeing ghosts, hearing voices and even reaching some sort of enlightenment? Could this have a connection to what happened to Padre Inácio Lourenço Pereira?

The Haunted Saligao Village

The eerie tales of Saligao Village have made it a point of interest for paranormal enthusiasts and curious tourists. Despite the fearsome stories, the Saligao Village remains a beautiful example of Goan heritage, with its well-preserved churches and traditional houses. 

The Cristalina Banyan Tree: The haunted tree in the Saligao Village is now a very known landmark. // Photo by Frederick Noronha (FN)

Visitors to Saligao often report strange occurrences near the banyan tree. Some have felt an inexplicable chill in the air, while others have heard whispers and seen fleeting shadows. 

The locals practicing both various Hindi and Christian rituals have tried to appease the ghost of Cristalina by having built a small altar where they offer gifts to her. According to the Hindu villagers living close to this haunted tree, they call the spirit, Ximecho Devchar or Boundary Devil. 

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References:

[Goanet] The ‘haunting’ of Padre Lourenço 

https://creepysilencefy.blogspot.com/2017/01/old-saligao-village.html

Konkani language – Wikipedia 

Saligao christalina Tree – Spooky Goa