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The Haunted Lodge at Koele: Spirits in Paradise at the Four Seasons Resort

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The Four Seasons has now taken over what was once the Lodge at Koele. This hotel is believed to be haunted by multiple ghosts. Did something happen at the resort a long time ago, or has it something to do with Lanai Island being the place of nightmare?

In the lush highlands of Lanai Island in Hawaii, the Sensei Lanai A Four Seasons Resort, stands as a beacon of luxury and tranquility, offering visitors a unique retreat far removed from the typical Hawaiian beachfront resorts. Lanai is the 6th biggest island in Hawaii and often known as the Pineapple Island. Surrounded by towering Cook pines and immaculate gardens, this stunning Four Seasons resort is an idyllic escape for those seeking serenity and elegance. 

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The Sensei Lanai: A Four Seasons Resort was formerly called The Lodge at Koele and is still mentioned as such when talking about the legends surrounding the location. Because beneath its peaceful facade, The Lodge at Koele harbors a chilling secret—it is considered one of the most haunted hotels in all of Hawaii.

View from Lanai: Four Seasons Resort Lanai is a Four Seasons resort hotel located in Lanai City on the island of Lānaʻi, the smallest and least inhabited of Hawaii’s six major islands that once was recognized for its pineapple plantation. The island of Lānaʻi hosts two other hotels, Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort (previously known as “The Lodge at Koele”), and Hotel Lanai, a 3-star boutique hotel. // Flickr

The Lodge at Koele and its History Shrouded in Mystery

The Four Season Resort, or The Lodge at Koele, is built in the style of an English manor house and opened its doors to guests seeking refuge in Lanai’s cool uplands. The property was designed to exude charm and sophistication, and its location amidst the island’s rolling hills and verdant landscape only enhances its appeal. However, despite the Lodge’s refined atmosphere, it has become the center of numerous ghostly tales that have unnerved even the most seasoned travelers.

The haunted resort: Main building of the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele on the island of Lanai, Hawaii. // Terence Faircloth/Flickr

The hotel’s history is largely free of tragic events or grisly tales that might typically account for its haunted reputation. Unlike other haunted locations tied to specific incidents or individuals, The Lodge at Koele’s hauntings are steeped in mystery, with no clear explanation as to why so many spirits have chosen to linger in this otherwise peaceful place.

The Ghostly Girl in the Guests’ Rooms

One of the most frequently reported apparitions at The Lodge is that of a little girl, who has been seen by numerous guests over the years. Descriptions of her vary, but most accounts describe her as having long dark hair, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, and appearing suddenly in the middle of the night. Often, she is seen standing silently at the foot of the bed or in a corner of the room, watching the occupants with a solemn expression. She never speaks, and after a few moments, she vanishes as quickly as she appeared.

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Some have even recounted feeling the sensation of small hands gently tugging at their sheets or hearing the faint sound of a child’s laughter echoing through the corridors, only to find no one there.

Spirits with No Known Origin

The Lodge at Koele is said to be home to multiple spirits, though none have been definitively identified. Besides the little girl, guests and staff have reported other inexplicable occurrences—flickering lights, sudden drops in temperature, and the feeling of being watched, particularly in the hotel’s older wings. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures moving through the hallways or glimpsed a spectral presence in the mirrors, only for it to disappear when they turned around.

What makes the hauntings at The Lodge particularly unsettling is the absence of any known backstory to explain them. There are no documented tragedies, no historic battles fought on the land, and no records of individuals who might have left a lingering presence. The spirits seem to have gathered here without reason, making their presence all the more inexplicable and eerie.

It is said that Lanai was shunned by the early Hawaiians thought and believed that the island was so haunted by the god of nightmares, Pahulu. This god was so vicious and powerful that no human could ever live there. 

The thing is that, people have, at least for the past 1000 years. 

A Paranormal Paradox in Paradise

The Lodge at Koele offers guests a paradoxical experience—an escape into the serene beauty of Lanai, juxtaposed with the unsettling presence of the unknown. It is a place where luxury and the supernatural coexist, where the quiet elegance of the resort is occasionally interrupted by the unexplained.

For those who seek a vacation with a touch of the otherworldly, The Lodge at Koele offers a unique opportunity. It is a place where the spirits of the past seem content to stay, adding a layer of intrigue and mystery to an already enchanting destination. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a stay at The Lodge at Koele might just leave you with more questions than answers—and perhaps a story to tell about the little girl who visited you in the night.

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References:

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

In Depth in Lanai

The Haunted Prince Waikiki Hotel and its Blue Lights

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The Prince Waikiki Hotel in Hawaii is believed to be haunted. Not only does the luggage of its guests seem to move, but a strange blue light is wandering the halls accompanied by voices from beyond. 

Located on Waikiki, Oahu in Hawaii, the Prince Waikiki Hotel appears at first glance to be an unassuming, cozy retreat for travelers seeking the sun, surf, and sand of Hawaii. Waikiki is a popular neighborhood by the beach in Honolulu and there are many high rise hotels on the mostly man made beach.

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But beyond its warm and glittering facade, this hotel is said to be the site of numerous eerie happenings that have left guests and staff alike chilled to the bone. Stories of strange occurrences, ghostly apparitions, and otherworldly sounds have earned the Waikiki Prince Hotel a reputation as one of Oahu’s most haunted locales.

Jeff C/Flickr

A Mysterious History of Prince Waikiki Hotel

Built in the mid-20th century when the hotel building in the area took off on Ala Wai harbor, the Prince Waikiki Hotel has stood through decades of change. The hotel is named after Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole who was a prince of the Kingdom of Hawaii who after being dethroned, went to represent Hawaii in Congress. 

What was once a quiet stretch of beach has evolved into a bustling hub of activity in the 1950s, but the hotel’s history is marked by its own share of mystery. Over the years, it has witnessed a series of unexplained events that many believe are connected to its past. 

Some claim that the land the hotel was built on once belonged to ancient Hawaiian tribes, and that the spirits of those who lived and died here still roam the property. It did use to be the first capital of the united Hawaii and was a place for the royalty to retreat. 

Others suggest that tragic incidents within the hotel walls have left behind restless souls who linger, unable or unwilling to move on.

Strange Lights and Whispers

Guests who stay at the Prince Waikiki Hotel often report seeing strange lights moving throughout the hotel, particularly in the hallways and stairwells. These blue orb looking lights are not the flicker of faulty bulbs or the reflection of passing cars but appear to move with an eerie purpose, sometimes trailing along behind guests or darting quickly around corners. Those who have tried to follow these glowing orbs often find themselves led to deserted parts of the hotel, only to have the lights vanish without a trace or disappear through the walls.

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But it’s not just the mysterious lights that make the Prince Waikiki Hotel a hotbed of paranormal activity. Unexplained whispering voices are frequently heard, echoing through empty corridors or seeming to come from right behind guests when no one is there. These whispers are unintelligible, a faint murmur that sends shivers down the spine. Some guests have reported feeling a cold breath on their necks or a light tap on their shoulders, only to turn around and find themselves completely alone.

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

The Case of Moving Luggage

One of the most unsettling phenomena at the Prince Waikiki Hotel involves the inexplicable movement of luggage. Guests have reported leaving their bags neatly packed and positioned in their rooms, only to return and find them shifted across the floor or even rearranged entirely. In some cases, suitcases have been found unzipped with their contents spread across the room, as if a curious invisible hand had rummaged through them.

Some also claim that their luggage has disappeared from the bellhops and rooms and ended up in unexplainable places like in the kitchen or the ballroom. 

The Ghosts of the Prince Waikiki Hotel

But who is it that haunts the hotel today? Could there be some of the guests who passed away? Although, there are not many, if any, noted deaths in the hotel. Even still, people claim to see ghostly tourists of a man in a red and white Hawaiian shirt, hanging by the pool. 

Perhaps it is the prince himself who has returned to the place named after him in his afterlife? Some claim to have seen a stately Hawaiian man with a mustache standing in the lobby, wearing expensive clothes and a hat that looks not of this time. It is also said that guests have encountered a man like this in the elevators, although no one ever saw the man get out of the elevator, even when they have reached the top floor.  

A Haunting Legacy of Prince Waikiki Hotel

Theories abound as to who—or what—haunts the Prince Waikiki Hotel. Some believe that the spirits of former guests, perhaps those who met untimely or tragic ends, remain tethered to the place they last knew. Others think the land itself holds a spiritual energy, disturbed by the construction and modernization of Waikiki. Whatever the cause, the paranormal activity at the hotel shows no sign of slowing.

Those who stay at the Prince Waikiki Hotel are advised to keep an eye on their belongings, to listen carefully to the whispers in the dark, and to be aware of the strange lights that might just be trying to guide them somewhere unknown. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, one thing is certain: a night at this haunted hotel is an experience you won’t soon forget.

So, if you’re feeling brave and looking for a unique thrill, check in to the Prince Waikiki Hotel—just don’t be surprised if you leave with more than just a souvenir or two.

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References:

The Most Haunted Hotels in Hawaii | Haunted Rooms America 

Haunted Waikiki Prince Hotel 

The Haunting of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

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The iconic resort, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Hawaii is named after the one ruler uniting the Hawaiian islands. All these years after, he is believed to haunt the hotel, thought to be built on the ground of where he was buried. 

On the sacred shores of Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Big Island, the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is more than just a place to rest and relax—it’s a site steeped in history and allegedly haunted by the spirit of one of Hawaii’s greatest monarchs. 

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This iconic hotel in downtown Kona, located on the very grounds where King Kamehameha the Great once ruled, is said to be home to more than just its guests. Many believe that the spirit of the king himself lingers within the walls of this grand establishment and that this is where he is buried, watching over the land he once commanded.

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. // Source: W Nowicki/Wikimedia

A Legacy of Royalty Haunting King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

The King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel stands on a site rich in historical significance. This area was once the heart of King Kamehameha’s kingdom, where the great ruler established his royal compound. King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, is revered for uniting the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom in 1810. His leadership, strategic prowess, and sheer force of will forever changed the course of Hawaiian history. The land on which the hotel now stands was part of his legacy, a place where he lived, ruled, and ultimately shaped the future of his people.

King Kamehameha I: His full name was Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea; c. 1736 – c. 1761 to May 8 or 14, 1819). Portrait of Kamehameha I based on the original life depiction by Louis Choris. The painting was done by James Gay Sawkins in 1850 and is apparently the only historical one that depicts the king in the ʻahu ʻula. It hangs in the Grand Hall of Iolani Palace.

In honor of the king’s profound impact on Hawaii, the hotel was named after him, and many elements within the property pay homage to his memory. However, as much as the hotel celebrates King Kamehameha’s legacy, it also seems to be the site where his spirit continues to reside.

Ghostly Encounters with the King

Guests and staff at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel have long reported eerie encounters that suggest the king has never truly left his beloved Kona. The most common sightings are of an apparition of a tall, regal figure, often described as a man dressed in traditional Hawaiian garb, walking solemnly through the hotel’s halls. 

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There are also stories about how the sounds of a distant battle and apparitions of warriors can be heard throughout the hotel hallways. 

The Haunted Portrait in King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

It’s not only the king himself said to be haunting the hotel. Could it also be that a queen is also lingering? On the ground floor of the hotel there is a royal portrait of a woman hanging on the wall. The portrait is of Queen Liliuokalani and the painting is believed to be haunted as strange things keep happening around it. 

According to staff and some of the guests as well, this particular portrait is said to be haunted. If you believe the stories, the portrait is said to glare intently at you as well as inhale and exhale, almost as if a living soul is still residing in it. Could it be that the Queen herself is the one haunting it? Or could it be the spirit of someone else?

Kona Beach

For those who are drawn to the paranormal, a visit to King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel may offer more than just a night’s rest. It could be a chance to walk in the footsteps of a king and, perhaps, feel his presence as he continues to watch over the land he once ruled with such strength and wisdom.

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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. 

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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

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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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. 

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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

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.

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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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References:

The Haunting of Pounder’s Beach: The Lost Spirits of Hauula

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It is said that a mother and her son are haunting Pounder’s Beach and the waters. After the ocean took their lives, you can still hear their cries coming in with the pounding waves.

Pounder’s Beach on the windward side of Oahu, is known for its stunning scenery with the white sand and turquoise water and the powerful, pounding waves that give the beach its name. Locals simply call it Pounders, although it is going to be called by their traditional names, Pahumoa Beach. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Popular among bodyboarders, surfers, and skimboarders, this coastal paradise between the towns of Hauula and Laie offers excitement and beauty. However, beneath its idyllic surface lies a darker, more eerie legend that continues to haunt the area: the tale of a mother and her child, whose spirits are said to linger at the beach.

The Haunted Pounder’s Beach

On the Hauula side of Pounder’s Beach, locals and visitors alike have reported hearing the cries of a child echoing through the night on the empty beach. People have also reported on seeing a woman wandering the waters. These ghostly apparitions are believed to be the spirits of a mother and her son who met a tragic end on a stormy night. 

Pounder’s Beach: Wally Gobetz/Flickr

The shorebreak can be very strong all year round, particular during the winter months. The story goes that the mother watched in horror as her young son was pulled under by the relentless surf. Desperate, she called out to a nearby surfer for help, but her screams were drowned out by the roar of the waves. With no one able to come to her aid, she bravely dove into the turbulent waters in a futile attempt to save her child, only to be claimed by the sea herself.

The Mother and Son Haunting Pahumoa Beach

So is the beach haunted, or is it simply people’s way of warning surfers and people swimming in the ocean to be careful?

Visitors have recounted eerie experiences near the remnants of an old foundation, believed to be the remains of a former house where the family might have lived. Some have heard the faint sound of a child’s cry carried on the wind, while others have felt an unseen presence or witnessed ghostly reflections in the water. The soft sound of footsteps, seemingly without source, can often be heard nearby. Perhaps the most scary part of the legend is how it is said that the mother will take you if you look like her child. 

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References:

Two of Lāʻie’s Beaches Will Be Restored to Original Names | Hawai’i Public Radio 

https://tripcheats.com/25-haunted-places-oahu

Shadowlands Haunted Places Index – Hawaii