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

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

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

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

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

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

Ulupō Heiau and its Sacred History

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

Read Also: The Haunted Road: Kapaa Quarry Road in Kailua 

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

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

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

Human Sacrifices

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

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

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

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

Ghostly Legends and Hauntings

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

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

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

The Presence of the Night Marchers

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

Read More: Check out more about the Hawaiian Night Marchers

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

An Unsettling Presence

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

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

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

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References:

Division of State Parks | Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site 

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

At Ulupō Nui – HIKA‘ALANI

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

Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site – Wikipedia

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

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Kipapa Gulch: A Haunted Legacy of Ancient Battles and Paranormal Mysteries

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What haunting ghosts and ghouls are waiting under the bridge stretching over the Kipapa Gulch in Hawaii? From spirits from bloody battles, hitchhiking ghosts and a terrifying ghost calling your name from Hawaiian mythology, there are plenty of things in the dark. 

In the lush landscape of Hawaii, Kipapa Gulch carries a haunting history deeply intertwined with ancient warfare and eerie paranormal phenomena. This gulch found in the middle of the island of O’ahu between Mililani Town and Waipio, steeped in the echoes of the past, was once a battleground where warring chiefs would lay the bodies of their defeated enemies, their spirits forever linked to the land.

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Today there is a bridge stretching across the Kīpapa Gulch, and from this place, a lot of rumours about night marchers, ghosts of the fallen soldiers as well as the story of the vanishing hitchhiker wearing white wanders. The Roosevelt Bridge was built in 1933, but today people mostly know it as the Kipapa Stream Bridge. Both this bridge as well as the rest of the Kam Highway is considered haunted, perhaps even to the point of danger.

The Battle of Kīpapa Gulch

Some say that some of the alleged haunting around the Kīpapa Gulch comes from a bloody battle that took place around the gulch years ago. During the reign of Māʻilikūkahi on O’ahu, possibly in the 15th century, soldiers from Hawaii and Maui invaded O’ahu and a big battle played out in Waipi‘o because of disagreements about who owned the land. 

Some claim that the people of the Island had killed their former chief because of starvation and chose their new one. Māʻilikūkahi is said to have been a peaceful leader, but when invaders disturbed their peace, he fought back. 

From there, the fighting continued to the Kīpapa gulch. According to legends, the area was filled with bodies after the bloody battle. The very name Kipapa, means paved way, and the way was paved with the corpses of their enemies. Two of the leader’s skull were put on poles as a warning and reminder to the others thinking about invading them. 

The Haunted Kīpapa Gulch

The sinister legacy of these ancient conflicts lingers in the gulch, manifesting in numerous unexplained experiences reported by locals and visitors alike. Lights moving down the mountainside into the ravine are seen in the night, and not even in your own car will you escape the spirit said to linger. Can it be the spirits from the bloody battle?

Read Also: The Green Lady of Wahiawa: A Ghostly Guardian of Hawaii’s Rainforest 

Drivers often recount their vehicles inexplicably stalling on the bridge that spans the gulch, leaving them stranded and anxious as they hear disembodied voices and names being called from beneath the bridge when they step out to change their tires. Many car accidents happening on the bridge are also attributed to this place. 

Residents living near Kipapa Gulch frequently report unsettling occurrences that defy rational explanation. Many describe the unnerving sensation of losing track of time or feeling an unseen presence nearby. Some have even witnessed ghostly reflections or inexplicable breath marks on mirrors, suggesting the proximity of spirits from another realm. These experiences contribute to the gulch’s reputation as a place where the past and present seem to blur.

The Legend of the Night Marchers

Adding to the mystique of Kipapa Gulch is the legend of the Night Marchers, spectral apparitions of ancient Hawaiian warriors. According to local lore, these ghostly figures are said to traverse well-worn paths, often where historical battles were fought or near sacred Hawaiian sites. Witnesses have described seeing lines of torches moving through the night, accompanied by the distant sound of chanting and drums. Encountering the Night Marchers is considered both a rare and fearsome event, with traditional beliefs advising people to show respect by averting their gaze and lying face down to avoid drawing their attention.

Read More: Huaka’i Pō – The Night Marchers of Hawaii

The Haunted Abandoned Houses

Not only are the haunted rumors affecting people driving across the bridge, but also the houses built nearby have been affected by it. On the edge of the Gulch, at least 30 houses overlook it, many of them abandoned because of the legends about this place. 

Many of the houses are believed to be haunted and people have left them, as they are afraid that the Night Marchers will hurt them. The houses remain vacant, as they can’t find any buyers that will take the risk of having the Night Marchers coming through their backyard. Giving supposed legends real life consequences. 

The Hitchhiking Woman and Pele the Goddess of Volcanoes

As well as night marchers, ghosts of soldiers from a battle centuries ago, there are also tales about the place being haunted by a woman wearing white. Today, the legend goes that people see her along the rides as she is hitchhiking. When people pick her up, she suddenly vanishes. 

This is without a doubt one of the legends about the vanishing hitchhiker, but in Hawaii, there is another element to these ghost stories. In many of the stories, people believe that it has to be the goddess Pele of Volcanoes and this story is told in many places across the state. 

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

The Terrifying Legend about Kaupe

Many of these ghosts and spirits are seemingly harmless. But there is a spirit perhaps more frightening than the others said to lurk around the bridge and gulch. 

Kaupe is a formidable figure in Hawaiian mythology said to have ruled the Nu’uanu Valley, often depicted as a terrifying, shape-shifting creature with the ability to assume both human and monstrous forms. Originating from the legends of Oahu, Kaupe is said to be a malevolent spirit or demigod who lured unsuspecting travelers into perilous situations, especially during the night. He is known for his haunting, otherworldly howls and his penchant for abducting individuals to devour them or lead them astray. 

Kaupe’s influence extends to specific sacred or feared sites, and his presence is often invoked to explain mysterious disappearances or unexplained phenomena in the wilderness. Despite his fearsome reputation, stories of Kaupe also serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the need to respect the land and its unseen forces.

Although said to be from another island, his spirit is often said to appear under the Kipapa Bridge. Often called a ‘calling ghost’ he is said to lure his victims out by mimicking the sound of wounded or dying people, much like the legends about people claiming to hear strange cries for help when they are crossing the bridge. 

The Haunted Kipapa Gulch

The chilling combination of historical battles, eerie encounters, and the presence of the Night Marchers solidifies Kipapa Gulch’s status as one of Hawaii’s most haunted locales. Whether a skeptic or a believer, one cannot deny the pervasive sense of the supernatural that permeates this historic site. People still clinging on to their homes around the Gulch, keep planting Ti plants to ward of the spirits and to not to have the Night Marchers coming their way.

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References:

Kīpapa Gulch | Images of Old Hawaiʻi 

Maʻilikūkahi – Wikipedia 

Mysteries of Hawaii: Tales of Kipapa Gulch and Waipahu cemetery | KHON2 

http://www.bigdrifter.com/MyDrift/KipapaGulch.pdf 

Kaupe – Wikipedia 

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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. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

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. 

Source

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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Shadows of Kapiolani Park: Ghosts found in the Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park

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It is said that dark shadows are haunting the Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. People think that dramatic events of bloody battles, deadly plagues and possible human sacrifices might be the cause of the haunting.  

Kapiolani Park or the Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park, in Honolulu on the O’ahu island in Hawaii, is a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at the east end of the popular Waikiki. It is also the largest and one of the oldest public parks in Hawaii, although the haunted rumors behind it started long before. 

Established in 1877 by King Kalakaua, it was named after his beloved wife, Queen Kapiolani. The park was first envisioned as a place for horse racing before becoming a park and was also used by the Cricket club for years. 

Read More: check out all ghost stories from the USA

However, beneath its tranquil surface, Kapiolani Park holds a darker, more sinister history that few are willing to acknowledge. The Kapiolani Park is said to be haunted by ghostly shadows, moving in silence after dark. But what event made this place become haunted by an army of shadow-ghosts?

Kapiolani Park: The Kapiolani Park right by the beach are believed to be haunted by strange figures and ghostly shadows. // Source: skyseeker/Flickr

Ghosts from the Battle of Nu’uanu

Some of the legends about the Kapiolani Park is that it was one of the places where the Battle of Nu’uanu played out. 

The Battle of Nuʻuanu, fought in May 1795, was a pivotal conflict in Hawaiian history that marked the culmination of King Kamehameha I’s campaign to unify the Hawaiian Islands. On his way to O’ahu to unify the islands after it was weakened after the civil war after the death of Kahekili II, King Kamehameha set sail and his forces landed on the southeastern part of the island, close to Waiʻalae and Waikiki, and the possible the site of what would become the Kapiolani Park.

The Battle of Nu’uanu: Painting from Herbert K. Kane

This decisive battle took place primarily in the Nuʻuanu Valley around 30 minutes by car further in on the island. Kamehameha, the ruler of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, led his forces against the army of Kalanikūpule, the chief of Oʻahu.

Kamehameha’s forces, equipped with muskets and cannons obtained from Western traders, launched a relentless assault, driving Kalanikūpule’s warriors up the valley to the steep cliffs of the Nuʻuanu Pali. In a dramatic and brutal finale, many of Kalanikūpule’s men were forced over the edge of the cliffs to their deaths. The victory at Nuʻuanu secured Kamehameha’s control over Oʻahu, significantly advancing his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. This battle is remembered not only for its strategic importance but also for its profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of Hawaii.

After this, it is said that the island was littered with the dead bodies of the warriors, decaying into bones, many found decades and even centuries later. 

Kapiolani Park Dark Past of Plague and Human Sacrifices

Not only is the location of Kapiolani Park thought to be an ancient battlefield, but there are also rumors about the Kapiolani Park is that it used to be a place of human sacrifices. An ancient Hawaiian heiau is found here, so it was certainly used as a gathering place. But how true are the rumors about the human sacrifices though, and could it have a connection to the many rumors of the haunting said to go on in the park?

The Sacred Heiau Temples: A heiau is a Hawaiian temple with different architectural styles depending upon their purpose and location, they could be simple earth terraces or elaborately constructed stone platforms. Only the luakini was dedicated to human sacrifice. Here is a drawing of a heiau at Waimea, Kauai, originally made by John Webber, who was with James Cook’s expedition. It shows the appearance of a heiau before the coming of Western influences.

There are also stories that this place is haunted by plague victims. This legend also goes back to Kamehameha again and his quest to unify the Hawaiian Islands. In 1804 right before he was attacking Kaua’i, plague broke out, killing many of his chiefs and warriors. It is said during this time, hundreds of bodies were sent to sea from the beaches of Waikiki close to the park, now believed to haunt the place. 

Hawaiian Night Marchers Haunting the Park

Long before the park’s establishment, the area was a sacred burial ground for ancient Hawaiian warriors. These resting places, known as “pu’uhonua,” were believed to be imbued with the mana (spiritual energy) of the deceased. Disturbing these sites was said to awaken the spirits, unleashing their wrath upon the living. Despite the warnings and the area’s historical significance, the land was cleared to create the park, and the bones of many warriors were unceremoniously displaced.

Read More: Check out more about the Hawaiian Night Marchers

Have a look from the Hawaiian ghost story teller talk about how the park is said to be haunted:

Over the years, there have been countless reports of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions in Kapiolani Park. Visitors often speak of feeling an inexplicable chill in the air, even on the warmest Hawaiian nights. Some claim to have heard the faint sound of ancient battle cries carried on the wind, while others have seen shadowy figures moving silently among the trees.

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References:

ABC Stores – Kapiolani Regional Park The land that… | Facebook