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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

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EIGHT08 BLOGS: Haunted Oahu

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Haunted Ford Island: Echoes of Pearl Harbor

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After the attack on Pearl Harbor, it is said that the ghosts of the dead are still haunting Ford Island. Could it be that the ghosts of war is still haunting the deep blue water?

Ford Island, in the heart of Pearl Harbor, holds a significant place in American history. This strategic location was at the center of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, a day that left a lasting impression on the island and its surroundings. Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal activity have surfaced, suggesting that the spirits of those who perished during the attack may still linger, haunting the island with their unresolved energy.

Ford Island: Aerial Shot of Ford Island and Control Tower. Several places on this little islet is said to be haunted.

Ford Island’s History

Ford Island is an islet in the center of Pearl Harbor. Originally known as Moku’ume’ume by native Hawaiians, the island was used for fishing and farming as well as the place for a fertility ritual. The U.S. Navy acquired Ford Island in 1916, transforming it into a central hub for aviation and naval operations. 

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The little islet’s most notable moment came on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, when Ford Island’s airfield and battleship moorings were primary targets. 

Post-war, the island continued to serve as a critical military installation, housing naval personnel and playing a role in various military operations. Today, Ford Island is home to several historic sites and memorials, including the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Missouri. It is here most of the haunting ghost stories come from.

The Tragedy of Pearl Harbor

As the sun rose, the tranquil harbor suddenly erupted into chaos when the Japanese Imperial Navy launched an attack on December 7, 1941. Although the attack is often described as a surprise attack, Japan and the US had been through months of negotiation of the Pacific they both wanted to take. The US was also one of the nations putting an embargo on the nation after they waged war against China. The Japanese needed the oil trade from the US and after the Hull note, telling them to withdraw from China without any conditions, the Japanese task force left for Pearl Harbor. Not only did they attack Pearl Harbor, but the American-held Philippines, Guam, Wake Island as well as the British Empire in Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

The sky darkened with swarms of fighter planes, and explosions echoed across the base, shattering the morning calm. Within hours, over 2,400 American lives were lost as well as 129 Japanese, numerous ships were sunk or severely damaged, and the Pacific Fleet lay in ruins. This assault galvanized the United States, propelling it into World War II the next day.

Ford Island Naval Air Station: Sailors at Ford Island Naval Air Station look on as the USS Shaw explodes in the distance. This view is of the PBY ramp with assorted aircraft scattered among the debris. Barely seen in the background is the beached USS Nevada.Sailors at Ford Island Naval Air Station look on as the USS Shaw explodes in the distance. This view is of the PBY ramp with assorted aircraft scattered among the debris. Barely seen in the background is the beached USS Nevada.

Today, Pearl Harbor stands as a poignant memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The USS Arizona Memorial, perched solemnly above the sunken battleship, draws visitors from around the globe, watching the oil droplets still seeping from the wreckage, known as the “tears of the Arizona,” 

Attack on Pearl Harbor: Photograph taken from a Japanese plane during the torpedo attack on ships moored on both sides of Ford Island shortly after the beginning of the Pearl Harbor attack. View looks about east, with the supply depot, submarine base and fuel tank farm in the right center distance.

The Haunting of Ford Island

Residents and visitors alike have encountered eerie phenomena that have no explanation. Disembodied voices and phantom footsteps echo through empty rooms, leaving an unsettling feeling in their wake. Objects in people’s homes mysteriously move or stack themselves without human intervention, and appliances turn on and off at odd hours of the night, as if manipulated by unseen hands. 

Among the most common spectral sightings are glowing, misty apparitions that float through homes and shadowy figures that appear around trees and buildings. These ghostly forms often resemble people, only to vanish when approached, leaving witnesses in a state of bewilderment and fear. 

There is especially one building on the island where people are reporting strange things that people claim the doors keep getting locked and open on their own, with a draft of cold air coming out of nowhere.

Ford Island Airstrip

The airstrip on Ford Island is another area rife with ghostly encounters. Many report feeling an overwhelming sense of urgency and panic while visiting, accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of men running in boots and distant moaning as if they are in pain. But they never really see any living people actually come running, although it can sometimes sound like there is someone running right past them. 

A strange, glowing mist is often seen drifting across the tarmac, adding to the airstrip’s eerie atmosphere. These hauntings are believed to be connected to the many servicemen who lost their lives during the bombing, their restless spirits forever bound to the site of their demise.

The USS Arizona Memorial

Most reports about supposed paranormal activities and strange things happening are said to be around the USS Arizona Memorial. This was a battleship in Pearl Harbor and the only one of the sunken battleships not raised in the aftermath and is still there underneath the surface.

Both staff and visitors claim to have heard weird sounds, footsteps, hushed voices. Some even claim to have heard the sound of distant explosions. 

One of the ghosts said to haunt the memorial is from a sailor who was shot during the bombing and left to die. At low tide, his spirit is said to haunt the deck of the sunken USS Arizona. 

People visiting it claim to smell something burnt and hear the knocking on metal from the hull, like someone is banging a wrench from the inside. 

The Ghost of Charley

Perhaps the most well-known ghost on Ford Island is Charley, whose presence is so pervasive that it has become a part of local lore. Officers often dismiss strange occurrences with a resigned “That’s just Charley.” 

Faucets turn on by themselves, radios switch stations unbidden, and heavy doors swing back and forth without any apparent cause. Charley’s presence is frequently accompanied by the jangling of keys and the sound of loud footsteps echoing through empty hallways.

The Ghosts of War Still Haunting Pearl Harbor

Is the place really haunted? Sites like this certainly hold an eerie vibe, much like any other battlefields where many lives were lost. While the paranormal activity on Ford Island is compelling, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the sacrifices made during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. 

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References:

The Attack Hasn’t Ended For Some Of These Spirits – Paranormal Housewife 

These Military Ghost Stories Will Have You Hiding Under Your Woobie – Task & Purpose 

The Haunting of Ford Island 

Attack on Pearl Harbor – Wikipedia 

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The Haunted History of the Atlas Insurance Building in Honolulu

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What is haunting this seemingly peaceful office building in Honolulu? There are actually many ghostly legends of it with one of the most telling claiming there is a grieving woman weeping and wandering the halls of the building. 

Walking down in the modern streets of Honolulu, haunted buildings is probably not what first comes to mind. Truth is though, on one of these streets, one of the most haunted buildings supposedly is. Many articles and stories will list the Atlas Building as one of Honolulu’s most haunted places, perhaps even the most haunted places in Hawaii. But which Atlas Building is actually the haunted one? 

The Two Different Atlas Buildings

One of the addresses the Most Haunted lists will give as the haunted Atlas Building is the one on 1150 South King Street. Today it is no longer known as the Atlas Building though, but is a newly renovated place called eleven50 Building, offering medical and professional office spaces with 12 stories. Could the shell of the building itself be the one haunted though? 

Eleven50 Buildin on South King Street

If you head a good mile westward by the Hawaii Pacific University you will reach Merchant Street. People also will list this address as the true haunted Atlas Building on 201 Merchant Street. This is where some of the many Ghost Tours of the city are headed as well.

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Before this tall building was built, it was a two story building with office spaces with a white exterior on 201 Merchant Street were the Atlas insurance company, Hawaiians biggest insurance company had offices. Merchant Street was the biggest commercial center with a lot of old buildings with long stories. Could this be the place the rumors about the haunted Atlas Building come from?

Merchant Street

The Ghosts of The Haunted Atlas Building

Residents who lived on this property before the building’s construction recount stories of a tormented spirit haunting the area—a spirit that seemingly refused to be displaced by the encroachment of urban development. But what exactly is haunting this place?

As mentioned, most legends about the haunted building talk about the ghost of a woman wandering the halls, often said to be weeping as she is grieving about something she has never gotten over.  

The Haunted Karaoke Room 2

One of the most unsettling locations within the building before it was known as the Atlas Building was a room known as Karaoke Room 2, a spot for locals seeking an evening of singing and revelry. When this was unsure, was it when the building was used as a residential building? Or after it was used as an office building as it is today. It is also worth noting we have found proof of an actual Karaoke Bar that has existed on either of the addresses.

With that being said, the room patrons often reported an inexplicable sense of unease, particularly in the women’s restroom were the numerous accounts of a ghostly apparition in the bathroom mirror. Stories of cold drafts, flickering lights, and an oppressive feeling of being watched became common among visitors.

Although Karaoke Room 2 has since moved out of the building, the stories persist, and the legacy of the ghostly sightings continues to haunt those who work and visit 1150 South King Street, or perhaps it is 201 Merchant Street. 

Even now, employees in the building occasionally whisper about unexplained phenomena—doors that open on their own, disembodied voices echoing in the corridors, and shadows flitting at the edge of their vision.

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References:

Honolulu Haunts 

1150 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814 – Eleven50 Building | LoopNet 

Merchant Street Historic District – Wikipedia 

Atlas Insurance Ghost Tour 

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/1150+South+King+Street,+Honolulu,+Hawaii,+USA/201+Merchant+St,+Honolulu,+HI+96813,+USA/@21.3065101,-157.8601074,17.15z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x7c006de89f232417:0xdadf44f5e08e44b2!2m2!1d-157.8447297!2d21.3007797!1m5!1m1!1s0x7c006e0b353fe89f:0x7e3b2ba282c6704!2m2!1d-157.8613099!2d21.3067647!3e2?entry=ttu

The 9 Most Haunted Places on O‘ahu 

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Huaka’i Pō – The Night Marchers of Hawaii

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When the moon peak out after the long and sunny days in Hawaii, there are things to beware in the dark like the Huaka’i Pō. The Hawaiian Night Marchers is legend told for a long time, and will continue to be so.

In sunny Hawaii, the island of Oahu is hot, palms swaying in the wind soaking up the sun during the day. Along the streets, people from all over the streets are walking side by side and no one thinks of these modern marches of the modern people. But there are other types of marches that are still held in high esteem by the locals.

The day time Hawaii is a light place, a sunny place. That is during the day. Then the night comes and darkness prevails. You know, the nights are long, even though they are hot and the ghost walks among us, just as any other place.

A majority of Hawaii residents can tell about a supernatural or at least creepy encounter in their life. But these encounters are not only creepy, they are holy. One of the most popular legend to tell is of the Hawaiian Night Marchers, or the Huaka’i Pō.

Huaka’i Pō The Warriors of the Afterlife

The Hawaiian Night Marchers come in groups as they mark their presence by blowing a conch shell, beating their pahu drums, pounding out a rhythm, keeping everyone in the march in line as they chant an oli, giving everyone around a heads up. Make way, a march is on the way.

Pahu Drum: The Night Marchers comes to the sound of drums.

The locals on the Hawaiian islands claim they are the spirit of warriors coming home from, or more ominous, to a battle. Why are they doing this? What war are they still fighting?

Some claim the Night Marchers are the ancestors reclaiming of lost territory, spirits of warriors from a battle gone wrong or spirits avenging their death. And considering the Hawaiian history, the Hawaiian Night Marchers might consider the battle still ongoing.

The spirits of the Huaka’i Pō are the proud Hawaiian warriors, bound to protect their ali’i in life, and the afterlife. They are also said to be spirits, either going somewhere or welcoming new warriors to their beating band.

More than mere ghosts, the Huaka’i Pō reminds more of the wild hunt from European pagan mythology and folklore.

Marching Through the Night

Although some accounts of the the Hawaiian Night Marchers legend have been reported during the day, most Huaka’i Pō is marching through the night. They are recognized with their torches held high and chanting the same olis over and over again.

Perhaps they at first glance just looks like a group of living human beings are doing a traditional march, but when one looks more closely, one can see their feet are a couple of inches above ground. Local accounts tell that the only remains that the Hawaiian Night Marchers ever marched there, is the mysterious footprints in the soil or sand just after passing.

Pathways for the Huaka’i Pō: Along the highway, deep in the jungle, it doesn’t matter, the the Hawaiian Night Marchers will find their way// Photo by Kehn Hermano on Pexels.com

The Night Marches has been documented by white settlers as far back in 1883 by Captain Cook’s arrival on the islands. Hawaiian language was only a spoken one, so this is one of the first written account. But of course, the marches have been going on, long before any white settler put their foot on the islands. And the stories the locals know about, is the ones that have been passed down for generations.

The reports from Captain Cook though, tells of a mighty phantom army, led by spirit of King Kamehameha, marching angrily over the Big Island of Hawaii. In these account, the night marchers were written down as ‘oi’o.

The Hawaiian Night Marchers to Honor the Ancestors

Over the years the marchers have become somewhat of a boogeyman tale for children. But this is not the origin story of them. The Huaka’i Pō are originally holy processions, a manifestation of Hawaiian gods. The Hawaiian also had a strict caste system were the ali’i (chief) passed, commoners was not to look at them. Consequence of disobeying this rule was death.

Hawaiian storyteller and author that has taken a deep dive into the Hawaiian ghost lore as well as the legends of the Night Marchers, Lopaka Kapanui had this to say to OluKai:

“The night marchers’ job wasn’t to terrorize people. It was simply to protect the most sacred, high-ranking chiefs (depending on kapu status, the Chiefs marched in front or behind the procession). The night marchers showed mercy by traveling at night to spare people from harm.”

Warriors of Hawaii: Night Marchers of Hawaiian legend is not only ghosts and lingering people of people that have died, but have said to also be ancient warriors or manifestations of the Hawaiian gods. /Flickr/Jai Mansson

It is not all cozy history though, as the Hawaiian Night Marchers have been blamed for many accidents of the road. Especially along he Oahu’s Pali Highway after dark, an established pathway for the marches, and there have been reports about car accidents elsewhere as well. Perhaps a note city planners should keep in mind. Listen to the old lores of the land. In any case, just to be safe: Do not travel alone on these paths at night.

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How to Show the Huaka’i Pō Respect

But what to do when you are out and about and suddenly the drums and chanting of the marchers are heard. How to act when you are in presence of warrior souls?

According to the warnings you must never interrupt these marchers, they have been going on long before your time, and will continue to do so, long after you’re gone. This is a custom that have been in place, even when the Hawaiian Night Marchers was done by the ancient living warriors. It was so sacred, their mission that they could not be interrupted. This is also a theory as to why the Huaka’i Pō are known to travel at night as well, because they disturb less people then.

If you can’t get out in the way before the marchers are right by you, there are some things to keep in mind: You can’t meet anyone’s eye or look at them. Unless some of your relatives are one of the spirits and acknowledged you, you are most likely dead. It is considered a bad omen and bad luck for you, your friends or family.

A foul scent of decay comes before anything else, before anything is seen. the Hawaiian Night Marchers blow their conch shells and beat their drum to announce their arrival. So what to do? Especially if there is a marching path, right through your house?

To ward off the Huaka’i Pō, Hawaiian people plants Ti plants around their home, to keep them away. But if you don’t have time to cultivate plants? It is advised that the best thing is to run and get the hell out of there. But if it’s too late it is advised to crouch down and play dead. Remember, don’t look at anyone. The Night Marchers already have their destination, don’t let it be to you.

Protection from the Night Marchers: The Ti plant of Hawaii is said to have protective abilities on the Hawaiian Night Marchers. Among a lot of ethnic groups in Austronesia it is regarded as sacred and they believe they can hold souls and thus are useful in healing “soul loss” illnesses and in exorcising against malevolent spirits, their use in ritual attire and ornamentation, and their use as boundary markers. Red and green cultivars also commonly represented dualistic aspects of culture and religion and are used differently in rituals. Red ti plants commonly symbolize blood, war, and the ties between the living and the dead; while green ti plants commonly symbolize peace and healing. / source

Where the Hawaiian Night Marchers have been Observed

There are stories about the Huaka’i Pō marching on most Hawaiian islands, but reports tell mostly about places on Oahu. These are some specific locations were it is said that the Night Marchers have a pathway:

La Perouse Bay (Maui) – The Hawaiian name for this bay is Keoneʻōʻio. It has a a lava landscape that according to legends are and have been visited by night marchers.

Kamehameha Schools Campus (Oahu) – In Kapalama on Oahu. This school is over a hundred years and is said to have been visited by the Huaka’i Pō many times.

Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)– It is said to be housing the remains of hundreds of Hawaiian chiefs and the night marchers have been spotted here several times. This is also a place that the car accidents happening have been because of the Huaka’i Pō.

La’ie (Oahu) – Historically this was a city of refuge. A place where criminals were held were they didn’t get harmed and could get out free after a certain time of service.

Oahu’s Highway (Oahu)– once there was a site for a famous Kamehameha battle. Now there are many road accidents attributed to the Huaka’i Pō that are marching through this area.

Kaunakakai town (Molokai) – a sacred temple site of the Ili’ili’opae Heiau is nearby on this small and tranquil island.

When to see the marching of Huaka’i Pō

Although there are no specific days set that limits the night marchers, there are some days of the calendar that seems more important than other for the Huaka’i Pō. That includes:

Po Kane – Nights of the Hawaiian God Kane, the first of the Gods that created the universe. This day falls on the 27th day of the moon cycle of Kaulana Mahina or the Hawaiian Moon Calendar. This is the main day were they say the Huaka’i Pō is about.

Po Akua – 14th night of the new moon has also been a date were they say the Huaka’i Pō is especially active. This is a night were the spirits of chiefs, warriors and aumakua (guardian spirits) march between sunset and sunrise.

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Sources

  1. https://www.to-hawaii.com/legends/night-marchers.php
  2. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/27171113/exploring-the-legend-of-the-night-marchers/
  3. https://olukai.com/blogs/news/legends-hawaiis-night-marchers
  4. https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/hawaii/articles/huakai-po-the-legend-of-the-hawaiian-night-marchers/