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The Haunting of Fort Street Mall: Ghosts of Pākākā Heiau

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In Honolulu’s bustling downtown district lies Fort Street Mall, a pedestrian walkway lined with shops, eateries, and offices. Today it seems unlikely that this location was used for human sacrifices and that legends claim the victims are still haunting the place. 

During the 1800s and into the 1950s, Fort Street in Honolulu was home to some of the largest department stores in Hawaii. Then Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and the department stores migrated to what was at one time one of the largest outdoor shopping malls in the United States. In 1968, Fort Street was converted into a pedestrian mall.

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To the untrained eye, it’s just another busy thoroughfare in the city. But beneath its modern facade lies a chilling past, one filled with sacrifice, bloodshed, and restless spirits that continue to haunt the area to this day.

Fort Street Mall: Source

A Place Steeped in Blood

Long before it became known as Fort Street Mall, this strip of land bore witness to some of the darkest chapters in Hawaiian history. In the early 19th century, Pākākā Heiau, the largest site for human sacrifices in Honolulu, stood right where the mall is today. Pākākā was no ordinary heiau (temple); it was a place of blood and fear, a sacred ground dedicated to appeasing the gods with the ultimate offering: human life.

Owned by Kīnaʻu, the mother of King Kamehameha V, Pākākā Heiau’s walls were gruesomely decorated with the heads of men offered in sacrifice. The heiau served as a powerful and terrifying reminder of the ancient Hawaiian rituals that once took place in the shadows of what is now the modern city.

Dark Legends and Ghostly Sightings

The violent history of Pākākā Heiau has left a lingering stain on Fort Street Mall, and locals will tell you that this is no ordinary place. According to legend, the spirits of those who were sacrificed here have never truly left. Late at night, when the mall is quiet and the shops are shuttered, headless ghosts are said to wander aimlessly, their disembodied forms searching for the heads that were once displayed on the heiau’s walls.

These spectral figures are often spotted near the intersections and alleyways around the mall, sometimes seen floating just above the ground or gliding silently across the pavement. Witnesses have reported feeling a sudden drop in temperature, hearing faint whispers in Hawaiian, and even catching glimpses of shadowy forms darting between the buildings. Some say they can still hear the eerie sounds of ancient chants and drums, as if the rituals at Pākākā Heiau are being reenacted in the dead of night.

The Cursed Grounds of Fort Street Mall

The tragic history of Fort Street Mall doesn’t end with the heiau. Over the years, this location has seen more than its fair share of disaster and death. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was struck by two great fires, each one more devastating than the last. The bubonic plague also ravaged the neighborhood, leading to quarantines, death, and even the burning of entire blocks to prevent the spread of the disease.

The mall was also once home to the original Queen’s Hospital, where countless patients succumbed to illness and injury. The spirits of those who died in the hospital are believed to linger still, adding to the layers of haunting that permeate the area. Some even claim to have seen apparitions of nurses in old-fashioned uniforms tending to invisible patients or heard the moans of the suffering late at night.

An Uneasy Peace in the Heart of the City

Today, Fort Street Mall is a vibrant part of downtown Honolulu, filled with the chatter of pedestrians, the sounds of street performers, and the clinking of coffee cups at nearby cafes. But beneath the surface, the past is never far away. Many who work or live near the mall have reported unsettling experiences—unexplained cold drafts, objects moving on their own, and strange sounds echoing in the silence after dark.

The headless ghosts of Pākākā Heiau are the most famous of these phenomena, but they are not alone. Some speak of a dark figure seen standing motionless under the old banyan trees that line the walkway, a figure that seems to watch the living with unseen eyes. Others claim to have encountered a shadowy presence that follows them for a few steps before disappearing into thin air.

A Haunted Place of the Past and Present

Whether it’s the spirits of those sacrificed at Pākākā Heiau, the souls of those who perished in the fires and plagues, or the lingering energy of the old Queen’s Hospital, Fort Street Mall remains a place where the past refuses to be forgotten. It stands as a reminder that history is never truly buried, and the ghosts of yesterday can still walk among us, especially in a place as ancient and storied as Honolulu.

So, the next time you find yourself walking down Fort Street Mall, take a moment to listen to the whispers in the wind, the rustling of unseen footsteps, or the faint echo of a chant carried on the breeze. And if you happen to see a headless figure drifting by, remember: you are not alone, for the spirits of Pākākā Heiau are still very much alive in the heart of Honolulu.

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References:

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

5 Haunted Downtown Honolulu Hotspots 

A Glimpse of Hawaii – Jeanne Moore Writes

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The Haunting of Bishop Museum: A Cautionary Tale of Sacred Stones

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Looking at the exhibitions inside of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, some claim that some of the guests are not of the living and that ghosts linger.

The Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a treasure trove of Hawaiian culture and history, showcasing artifacts that tell the story of the islands and their people. Also called the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, it is located in the historic Kalihi district in Honolulu. 

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But among the museum’s many exhibits, there is one that carries a dark and unsettling tale—a tale that serves as a grim reminder of the ancient Hawaiian belief that certain things are best left undisturbed.

History of the Bishop Museum

Before becoming a museum, the Bishop Museum was a boys dorm of the Kamehameha School for native Hawaiian children. After the philanthropist and businessman Charles Reed Bishop’s wife died, he built the museum in her honor on the former school ground. 

Charles Reed Bishop’s wife was actually the Hawaiian Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, born into the royal family and was the last legal heir of the Kamehameha Dynasty who united the Hawaiian Islands and ruled until 1872. Bishop wanted a place to show off his late wife’s family heirloom and culture. 

Today it is the largest museum in the state and showcases the heritage his wife belonged to. It also holds the largest collection of Polynesian artifacts, insects and books in the world. 

A Sacred Mistake of the Exhibit

According to local superstition, a heiau—a sacred place of worship and human sacrifice—must never be desecrated. The land and stones of these sites are considered sacred, and removing anything from them is believed to bring severe misfortune. Unfortunately, someone at the Bishop Museum failed to heed this warning.

Bishop Museum: Inside of the Bishop Museum and the Hawaiian Hall. // Daniel Ramirez/Wikimedia

While designing an exhibit meant to replicate a heiau instead of placing a real one there, a museum staff member took the bold and ill-fated step of removing lava stones from an actual heiau to use in the display. Perhaps he didn’t believe the tales, perhaps he didn’t know. The stones, imbued with the spiritual energy of the ancient site, were placed in the museum exhibit, seemingly without consequence—until the next day.

A Mother’s Warning

That night, the mother of one of the museum’s employees experienced a terrifying nightmare. In her dream, she saw blood everywhere, and with a sense of dread, she warned her son not to go to work the next day. She told him that something terrible would happen if he did. But the young man, needing the paycheck, dismissed his mother’s fears and went to work as usual.

Upon arriving at the museum, he was assigned the task of repairing a problem with the roof or some sort of thing hanging from the ceiling. As he worked above the exhibit housing the stolen lava stones, tragedy struck. He lost his footing, plummeted through the roof, and landed directly on the heiau exhibit. His head struck one of the sacred stones with fatal force, and he died instantly.

The Haunting Legacy Inside of Bishop Museum

The museum staff was shaken by the sudden and tragic death, and whispers of the heiau stones’ curse quickly spread. It wasn’t long before rumors of a haunting began to circulate. It is said that they placed the lava rocks back at the temple, but did the angry spirit go back as well? Some say that there still is a menacing spirit lingering in the museum.

Employees and visitors alike have reported eerie occurrences within the museum’s halls—cold spots, flickering lights, and the feeling of being watched by an unseen presence. 

Some claim to have seen the ghost of the young man wandering near the exhibit where he met his untimely end, his spirit forever tied to the sacred stones that should never have been disturbed.

There is a story about a janitor mopping the floor at night and suddenly heard the sound of heavy breathing. When he looked around, there was no one there, even when the breathing sounded like it was breathing down his neck. The janitor wanted to get out of there, but as he was leaving he saw the shadow of someone standing in the corner of the dark and empty museum. He ran out and quit the next day. 

The Ghost of the Hawaiian Princess

There is not only a vengeful spirit lurking in the museum though if we are to believe the rumors. The ghost of Princess Bernice Bishop has also been seen in the museum. People usually claim to see her standing in the shadowy corners, looking at paintings or some of the rare insect species the museum holds. She is said to be a peaceful ghost, not really making the visitors or the staff afraid with her presence.  

Bernice Pauahi Bishop in San Francisco in 1875.

It is mostly right before opening and closing time she appears and the staff working at the museum recognize her as she is in old fashioned clothing as well as wearing her crown and jewels. 

The Bishop Museum’s tale is a haunting reminder of the respect that must be given to ancient Hawaiian beliefs and practices. It stands as a chilling example of what can happen when the sacred is treated with disregard, and it continues to send shivers down the spines of those who walk through its historic halls.

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References:

About – Bishop Museum 

Haunted Bishop Museum 

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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. 

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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