Plenty of students trying to study in the Hamilton Library at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa claim to have encountered the ghost said to wander down the aisles of the library after dark. Who is the ghost wearing the pink muumuu and what does she seek?
On the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hamilton Library is a haven for students seeking knowledge, solace, and a quiet place to study. However, beneath its scholarly exterior, this library holds more than just books and academic resources. For years, it has been the epicenter of chilling encounters, with custodians, students, and staff alike reporting eerie experiences that suggest the library is haunted by spirits that refuse to leave.
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Tucked away on the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii in the Manoa Valley, Hamilton Library’s reputation as a haunted hotspot is well-known among those who frequent its halls, particularly in the late hours. Many students, burning the midnight oil during exam season, have claimed to hear disembodied whispers and the soft rustling of pages in the empty aisles, as if unseen hands were leafing through the books. Some have even reported feeling a sudden drop in temperature, a cold breath on their necks, or the sensation of being watched, only to find the aisle deserted when they turn around.
Among the most spine-chilling stories to emerge from Hamilton Library is the tale of the young woman in the pink muumuu. This apparition has been seen by several custodians over the years, always in the same location: the mauka wing of the first floor. The woman, dressed in a traditional Hawaiian muumuu, is described as having a serene yet sorrowful expression, as she silently wanders the aisles.
One custodian recounted a particularly eerie encounter with the pink muumuu-clad ghost. While mopping the floors late at night, he glanced up and saw her standing at the end of the aisle, her figure partially obscured by the shadows. Believing her to be a lost student, he approached to offer assistance, but as he neared, she simply vanished into thin air, leaving him alone with the mop bucket and his racing heart. After that night, the custodian refused to work alone in the mauka wing again.
Other Haunted Spots at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Although one of the more well known haunted spots on campus, it’s certainly not the only one. Hale Mokihana Dormitory is known for its eerie ghost stories, particularly concerning its ninth floor, which is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a former student who tragically took his own life in the 1980s or early 90s. Numerous reports describe a ghostly figure resembling a young man, seen wandering the halls and often accompanied by sudden temperature drops and mysterious sounds.
Some students have had unnerving encounters, claiming to see a dark figure at the foot of their bed stating, “This is my room. I died here.” While the university hasn’t officially confirmed the suicide, the legend persists, leading to varying accounts about which specific room or area is most haunted, with room 406 frequently mentioned.
Ghostly Residue in Hamilton Library
What could be the cause of these paranormal phenomena? Some speculate that the library was built on land with a tumultuous past, possibly disturbed burial grounds or sites of ancient Hawaiian rituals. Others believe the spirits are tied to the books themselves—perhaps the remnants of those who devoted their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and now refuse to leave their beloved sanctuary.
Students and staff have come to accept these hauntings as part of Hamilton Library’s unique atmosphere. Some are even comforted by the idea that they share the library with these restless spirits, who seem to be as committed to the pursuit of learning as the living. However, for those who have encountered the ghostly woman in the pink muumuu or heard the eerie footsteps in the dead of night, the library’s haunted reputation is all too real.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
37 floors of ghosts. That is what they say about the Honolulu High Rise building, The Contessa Condominium. Built on top of what some think was a cemetery for the small pox victims, could they be haunting this place?
Across from the Hawaiian Humane Society, The Contessa Condominium in Honolulu is an unsuspecting tower of modern living, but beneath its polished exterior lies a sinister reputation. Some call it the most haunted building in all of Honolulu—a place where restless spirits roam the halls, where shadows lurk in every corner of the 37-story building, and where residents have reported eerie encounters that send shivers down the spine.
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Ghost tours have The Contessa Condominium as a stop and even websites with listings of the apartments for sale or rent mentions the haunting tales around the building and try to divert the attention away from the stories. But many who do are left with tales of unexplained happenings and ghostly apparitions and end up leaving because of it.
But why is The Contessa Condominium haunted? There are many theories floating around, but many claim that the building was built upon an old burial place. It was at least built where the Kamoiliili Church was located with its cemetery until it was demolished in the late 60s.
According to some there were many thousand people, up to perhaps 5000 people who died in the smallpox epidemic back in 1910 buried there. There is also the graveyard right next to it that people claim to see orbs float around. Could this be the reason behind the hauntings?
In fact, according to some, there were 466 bodies they exhumed in September in 1968 and moved to another cemetery. It is said that the bodies were re-buried at the Kawaiahao Church’s cemetery.
This upset many of the body’s relatives who even sued because of it. It was also said that only 206 of the exhumed bodies were even identified. Some say that not all the bones were removed as well and the spirits they belong to are now haunting The Contessa Condominium which was built in 1971.
A few have claimed to see shadowy figures darting in and out of view in their peripheral vision and some people claiming to be very receptive to the supernatural straight up have refused to go inside The Contessa Condominium because of what they see.
Others have heard footsteps trailing them as they walk through the building, only to turn around and find no one there. The elevator reaches the ground floor carrying only ghosts into the lobby. Some even swear they’ve heard disembodied laughter echoing down the stairwells in the dead of night—a chilling sound that starts softly and grows louder before fading away.
Ghostly Residents: The Ghost Dog and the Old Woman
Among the many entities said to haunt The Contessa Condominium, two stand out. First is the Ghost Dog that roams the grounds. Residents and passersby alike have reported seeing a spectral canine darting across the lawn or wandering the perimeter. Often described as a small, dark-colored dog, the apparition seems harmless at first glance—just a stray looking for a home. But those who have seen it up close swear that it is anything but ordinary. The dog appears suddenly and vanishes just as quickly, leaving behind no paw prints or evidence of its presence. Some claim to hear its faint whimpering at night, a mournful sound that echoes through the building’s halls, even when no animals are present.
But the spectral dog is not alone. There is also the ghost of an old woman who lingers at the bus stop in front of the building. She is often seen late at night, sitting quietly as if waiting for a bus that never comes. Witnesses describe her as wearing old-fashioned clothing, with a forlorn look on her face. Some have attempted to speak to her, only for her to vanish into thin air the moment they approach. Bus drivers passing by have reported seeing her too, a solitary figure under the dim glow of the streetlight, only to disappear in a blink. Rumor has it that she is a former resident who died tragically, and now, her spirit waits at the bus stop for eternity.
A History of Tragedy: Suicides
The Contessa Condominium’s dark reputation is further compounded by its history of suicides that are said to have happened more frequent inside of the building than other places.
Over the years it is said that several residents have taken their own lives within the building’s walls, leaving a lingering shadow over the property. Some say the atmosphere in certain units is thick and oppressive, as if the very walls have absorbed the despair of those who came before.
This is for now just an anecdotal rumor that goes along with the rest of the ghost stories, and there really aren’t any true numbers we can have a look at.
Living with the Spirits in The Contessa Condominium
Is The Contessa Condominium truly haunted, or is it simply a place where the tragedies of the past have left a deep, lingering mark? For those brave enough to live at The Contessa, the supernatural presence is just part of life.
Some residents have made peace with the ghosts, acknowledging their existence but choosing not to be afraid. Others, however, find it hard to stay for long, citing the building’s unsettling energy and the ever-present feeling of being watched. A few have even broken their leases, convinced that something malevolent lurks within the building’s walls.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
Who is haunting the ninth floor in one of the dormitories at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa? For years, legend has told that the ghost of a former student is haunting the Hale Mokihana, still claiming the room as his own.
At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, whispers of ghost stories and strange happenings are often shared among the student body, but none are quite as chilling as the haunting of Hale Mokihana Dormitory and the ghosts said to haunt it.
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Tucked away on the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii in the Manoa Valley, this residence hall appears like any other—until you hear the stories about its notorious ninth floor. The Hale Mokihana is part of the Hale Aloha Towers built between 1970-71 and houses around 260 students in each tower.
The Tragic Past of a Former Student at the Ninth Floor
Legend has it that in the early 1990s or perhaps the 80s according to some sources, a freshman student took his own life in one of the rooms. His name has been lost to time, but his story lingers in the memories of those who live and work at Hale Mokihana. Since that tragic event, the dormitory’s ninth floor has been shrouded in an aura of sorrow and mystery.
Students and staff have reported seeing a ghostly figure wandering the halls of the dorm, often late at night. The apparition is usually described as a young man in his early twenties, often seen standing near doorways or walking slowly down the hallway.
Many who have encountered the spirit report an inexplicable drop in temperature as they pass him. Others describe hearing faint whispers, just at the edge of perception, that seem to come from nowhere and everywhere all at once. The faint sound of shuffling footsteps, the creak of a door opening and closing, and the soft, mournful sighs echoing down the corridor are common occurrences, leaving residents unsettled and unable to sleep.
Ghosts Whispering: “This Is My Room”
The most unnerving experiences, however, happen within the confines of the dorm rooms themselves. Some students report waking up in the middle of the night, only to find a dark figure standing at the foot of their bed. At first, they assume it’s a roommate or another student—until they hear the words: “This is my room. I died here.”
As the stunned student blinks and rubs their eyes, the figure slowly fades away, leaving nothing but the lingering chill of his presence. Some have even reported feeling a light touch on their shoulder or hearing a gentle breath against their ear, followed by that chilling declaration.
For those who encounter him, it is an experience they will never forget—an encounter that often drives them to request a room change or even move out of the dorm altogether.
Unsolved Mysteries and Lingering Spirits at Hale Mokihana
What makes the haunting of Hale Mokihana particularly eerie is the lack of concrete details. The university has never confirmed or denied the suicide in the dorm, leaving the legend to grow and evolve with each retelling.
But what room was the most haunted one exactly? According to some it was in a janitor’s closet on the side of the bathrooms with a sink in it he hanged himself. Or was it actually the entire ninth floor as some claim?
According to another source, room 406 has also had strange things happening in the dead of night attributed to the dorm ghost.
The Haunted Frear Hall at The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
It is not only the Hala Mokihana Dorms said to be a haunted location at the University. The Frear Hall close to the Gateway House is said to be haunted by Mary Dillingham Frear. According to the stories, she is wandering around the halls with a keychain she was known for carrying in life. It is also said that she leaves her perfume scent hanging in the air.
According to stories told by students and staff, they can hear her footsteps in the empty halls, even during daylight. It is also said that you can sometimes see flickering lights in the empty dorms as well as getting a feeling of being watched by someone, or something.
The Eternal Resident of Hale Mokihana
It is said that every few years, a new wave of students discovers the truth about Hale Mokihana’s haunted history. Some stay out of curiosity, eager to experience the paranormal; others quickly pack their bags and transfer to another building, unwilling to share their living space with a ghost who claims the room as his own.
So, if you find yourself assigned to Hale Mokihana’s ninth floor, be prepared. You might wake up one night to find a shadowy figure at the end of your bed, reminding you that, for some, this dormitory was—and always will be—their final resting place.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
Is the City Hall in Honolulu, Hawai’i haunted? According to staff working there, the Honolulu Hale has more than one ghost wandering its hall. From ghostly children running in the building, and the ghost of a woman hanging around the bathroom, this place’s activity continues after dark.
Honolulu Hale, the iconic City Hall in the capital of Hawai’i there have long been whispers about it being haunted. The building was built in 1927/28, in a stately Mediterranean-style facade on 530 South King Street.
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The Honolulu Hall is not just a hub of civic activity—it’s also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. While Honolulu Hale is well-known for its political significance, it seems to hold secrets far more mysterious than any municipal affair.
Honolulu Hale: The City Hall of Honolulu, showcases its iconic Mediterranean-style architecture amidst lush surroundings. For a long time, this building had been thought to be haunted, and legend says its not only one ghost.
The Ghostly Employee of the City Hall
There are many stories about who and what is haunting the building although the details of the haunting seems to be lost in time. Still, there are some rumors that seem to echo through the halls and many staff and visitors talk about the sound of children playing in the building. After dark when no one is suppose to be there, the sound of their laughter and playful cries can be heard.
There are also talks about the apparition of a female and there are several theories about who she was. Could it be the spirit of Princess Ka’iulani as some are suggesting? Could it be the ghost of a former employee perhaps?
No matter who it is, it seems that the ghosts haunting the Honolulu Hale disturbs the workers there, even during working hours. Staff members working today have reported hearing the sounds of file cabinets opening and slamming shut in empty rooms. The clicking of typewriter keys—long outdated and obsolete—has been heard echoing through the corridors, despite no visible typist.
The White Woman in the Bathroom
In addition to the ghostly children and the mysterious woman in the offices and hallways, there is said to be the ghost of a woman in white haunting the bathroom on the second floor.
The other story is about two women who are arguing on the third floor. They are never seen, but can be heard by the security staff at night. But of course, when they investigate it, there is no one there. It is said that two female employees heard them when working late, and they swore they would never work after hours again.
Listen to a security guard working in the city hall tell about his experiences:
A Haunting Legacy
Is Honolulu Hale truly haunted by a restless spirit, a former employee who refuses to clock out, or are these experiences simply the result of overactive imaginations? Some say the building’s history has seeped into its very foundations, with its long corridors and shadowed corners holding onto energies of the past.
The Haunted City Hall: The iconic Honolulu Hale, City Hall of Honolulu, renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture and rumored ghostly encounters. Punchbowl Street side of new wing, Honolulu Hale.
Some also said that the basement was used as a morgue to store dead bodies after the tragedy of Pearl Harbor and that the spirits lingering in the city hall comes from this tragedy.
As City Hall continues its daily operations, the ghostly happenings serve as a reminder that not all history stays buried. For those who walk its halls, Honolulu Hale is more than just a place of governance; it is a place where the living and the dead may very well meet, each quietly observing the other, separated only by the thin veil of time.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
One of the most well known haunted house stories in Hawaii is said to be inside of a mysterious house mostly known as the Kaimuki House. Throughout the decades, tenants and owners have gone through terrible ordeals they all claim is from something supernatural, and that the entity of the house wants to hurt them.
In the quiet neighborhood of Kaimuki, Honolulu, stands a house that has long been the source of fear and whispered legends. Known simply as the Kaimuki House, this unassuming residence harbors a dark and terrifying past that continues to send shivers down the spines of those who dare to recount its story.
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The Kaimuki neighborhood is filled with many older homes where sometimes many generations have never sold once. The houses on the rolling hills between Kapahulu to the west and Kahala to the east was mostly first built in the 1940s, some as early as the 1910s. Today though, many of the original houses has been torn down to give way to newer one.
One of the things that made people move here initially was actually the 1900 Chinatown fire in Honolulu. Many of the Chinese and Asian families who were left homeless made a new start her, and when we have a closer look to the haunted rumors, seems to have brought with them some of the Asian ghost stories as well, and in this case, a spirit from Japanese folklore have taken the center stage of the haunting surrounding the house.
Kaimuki House: Exactly what house in Kaimuki is haunted is up for debate. This is the image mostly used when depicting it, although the original house is said to have been demolished and this duplex built on top of it.
The Murders of the Kaimuki House
At the core of the hauntings there are said murders happened that perhaps was the catalyst for the haunting the next residents would experience throughout the decade. There are actually several supposed murders that were said to happen in the Kaimuki House and started the haunting.
One of the murder legends tells about a father who killed his two children as well as his wife in their home in Kaimuki. The son and the wife’s bodies were later buried in the backyard, but the body of the daughter was never found.
There is also a story about a lesbian couple who moved into the house in Honolulu as a fresh start. One of the women ended up having an affair with a man. The boyfriend then killed both her and her lover before killing himself in the house.
In both of these cases there are not many corroborating evidence for the murders, but are often relayed as facts. What is true though is that playwright Hannah Li-Epstein wrote a play based on the lore of the house called The Kasha of Kaimuki, telling the story of the lesbian couple moved into the house and came face to face with the spirit haunting the ghost in that were in theaters in 2021.
The Young Couple Calling the Police
Some of the more famous stories told about the house reached the newspapers, but people are said to have complained about stuff happening in the house for ages before it ever reached headlines. Before the house reached infamously, it is said that a young couple moved into the house. Not long after the neighbors claimed to have heard a lot of loud bangs and crashes from the house. They thought it could be case of domestic violence and called the police. When the police arrived at the scene though, they met the couple who had another story to tell. According to them, they had been attacked by an unseen force.
Then came the summer of 1942, who brought with it a night of sheer horror that would cement the Kaimuki House’s reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Hawaii. On that fateful evening, of August 13th the police were called to the residence by a hysterical mother at 1:25 am, her voice filled with panic and dread. She pleaded for help, claiming that an evil spirit was in her home, threatening the lives of her children.
When police sergeant Moseley K Cummins and patrolman Robert Ansteth arrived at the scene, they were met with a scene so chilling that it defied all logic and reason. The Hawaiian children, a boy of 10 with his two sisters of 18 and 20 were on the sofa, screaming. The mother was at their side, waving ti leaves and threw Hawaiian salt at them to rid them of the ghost she thought was attacking them.
She told the police afterward that her son had noticed the smell of ghosts around 10 p.m. The ghost got angry at him for being found out and attacked the boy, then moved on to strangling or choking his sisters.
The mother said that the one to blame was her husband who had left them.
Over an hour passed and the police and family had to leave the house to kahuna at 3 a.m, leaving the family at the sister of the mother.
The debacle held the neighbors awake and even made the news in Honolulu Star-Bulletin. The story and article grew, and so did the exaggerations of what really happened there that night. In later years the legend of the haunted house often claims that the children were thrown around, levitated and the spirit are even said to have slapped both the children and police officers. Some sources even claim that the children died of their injuries.
The Rented Haunted House
In 1967 there appeared an ad in the Honolulu Advertiser that caught the eyes of many. It was a renting out bedrooms and in Kaimuki there was a 2 bedrooms for 155 dollars a month said to be haunted.
Here, there was not a specific address given either, but now it was truly official. The house in Kaimuki was haunted.
The Next Haunting
Years passed and the neighbors around the house remembered the story vividly and the house was by then considered haunted. Or was it? In neither of the news articles any address was given, but the legends have certainly combined the two.
In 1972, on October the 31st, there was another news article telling about a haunted experience from the house. The editorial was specifically written for Halloween, but was written by Charles Kenn and Rubellite ‘Johnson, two respected Hawaiian historians. So was it really based on facts, or where they just having some Halloween fun?
According to the legend, three girls were sharing the house and yet again the police were called when strange things started happening there.
A patrol car arrived late at night to the house as the girls had heard strange noises inside of the house. It sounded like someone was moving around and talking, one of them had even felt a hand on her arm.
They were so scared and didn’t want to stay in the house a moment longer, making the police follow behind their car to one of the girl’s mothers in Papakolea.
As they were driving down Waialae Avenue, the girls pulled the car into the parking lot of the Oasis Cafe. Today the place is where the public storage on Waialae and Kapahulu is.
According to the police report, the girl sitting in the middle of the front seat was said to be fighting off someone. No one could see what, but whatever it was, it was choking her. The policeman jumped out of the car to help, but there was nothing he could do. He said in his report: “A big, strong calloused hand that could not possibly belong to a teenage girl grabbed my arm and twisted it. I radioed for assistance.”
The officer that came to assist thought there would be a fight meeting him at the parking lot. The girls were hysterical and his colleague simply said: “There is a ghost in the car.”
They managed to get the girl who had been choked into the police car and made the girls car follow them. But when they started the car, the motor died and wouldn’t start again. They put her back in the girls car and it immediately started again.
Back on the road they managed to get about five yards before the door of the car belonging to the girls flew up and the choked girl fighting the ghosts fell out on the road. She was tearing at her throat like she was still being choked and the two policemen were not strong enough to pull her hands away.
The police sergeant, a Hawaiian man, remembered what his grandmother had told him to help chase away ghosts. He ran into the cafe and grabbed a handful of Hawaiian salt and a glass of water. He sprayed it on everyone and it seemed to work and the girl got calmer.
The Obake Files Book
In 1994, the American history professor and writer published a story about the legend and really cemented the story about the Kaimuki House as a Hawaiian legend. Although fictional, the book looked at many of the well known ghosts stories from Hawaii and used them as a backdrop. It certainly gave rise to the old legend again and this is were the kasha ghost from Japan comes in.
The Kasha Spirit: An illustration of a Kasha, a spirit from Japanese folklore associated with the haunting tales of the Kaimuki House. Kasha means ‘burning chariot’ and is a Japanese yōkai that steals the corpses of those who have died as a result of accumulating evil deeds.
The Demolition of the Kaimuki House
Now, the original house built in the earlier part of the 1900s are said to have been demolished in 2016. In its place though another house was built on the property, and even to this day, we have people that have stayed in it, claiming to have experienced some of the haunting.
But exactly were is the Kaimuki House? In neither of the accounts the address is mentioned, but many have pointed to it being on the Harding Avenue, more specifically on 8th and Harding. There once was a true murder that happened in the house, but could it really have been the house people talk about?
When ghost teller took a drive with Glen Grant in 1999, who had looked into the case, he pointed to the second to the last house on the left of 2nd Avenue and Harding. According to him, this was the true Kasha House of Kaimuki and he said there might have been a headstone in the back of the house where the ghost from the Kasha story was buried.
Could it be in the same place, only different buildings as time has passed and houses have been torn down and rebuilt during that time? There also used to be houses condemned to build the highway going through there. Could the house have been one of those condemned buildings, and could the haunting have manifested in the neighboring houses in the later tales?
The Kaimuki House Today
The Kaimuki House remains a place of dark mystery, its walls still echoing with the terror of that long-ago night. Over the years, the house has been the subject of numerous reports of paranormal activity. Residents and visitors alike have claimed to hear disembodied voices, see shadowy figures, and feel an overwhelming sense of dread within its confines.
But what about today? According to one blogger, he claims to have lived in the house for a year. According to the blogger, the original house is gone and a bland two-story duplex built there instead.
The blogger named Keith Mann, together with some friends, moved into the brand new, cheap, clean and big place. Although knowing about the legend of the Kaimuki House, the blogger didn’t fill in the blanks that this was the house until changing the address online.
At least five different people approached the blogger when hanging laundry, scared and in disbelief that anyone would live there. According to people around in Kaimuki, no one stayed for more than 3 months after moving in.
Although initially spooked the family upstairs had lived there for some time already and the blogger didn’t want to move anymore. But still, there were some things happening in the house that seemed haunted.
Every night, the blogger would wake up at 4:33 AM, jolted awake to an ice cold room, and the gut telling that something was very wrong. When this happened, the battery powered smoke alarms would beep in unison. The feeling of being watched didn’t stop, even though no one was home. This exact routing happened three times.
Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain: the Kaimuki House is a place where the boundary between the living and the dead is frighteningly thin. Those who pass by often quicken their steps, unwilling to linger near the site of such inexplicable horror. The house, with its tragic history and ghostly inhabitants, stands as a chilling reminder that some places are best left undisturbed.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
Are there Choking Ghosts haunting the Honolulu Fire Department? For decades there have been tales about firefighters seeing something. Especially around the Old Kakaako Station there are ghostly legends.
Among the fire stations in Oahu, lurks a ghostly presence that even the bravest firefighters find unsettling. Known as “The Choking Ghost,” this mysterious and malevolent entity has made its presence felt at the old Kakaako Station of the Honolulu Fire Department, leaving behind stories of terror that are whispered among the firefighters who have experienced its eerie grip.
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But what is a choking ghost, and why does it seem like they are especially active haunting the islands of Hawaii?
Old Kakaako Fire Station
The Kolohe Spirit Haunting the Fire Station
For years, firefighters stationed at Kakaako have reported chilling encounters with this unseen force. This is said to have happened both at the historic Kakaako Fire Station from 1929 on South Street as well as the newer station on Queen Street from the 1970s.
The experience is always the same: in the dead of night, as the station lies in darkness and the city sleeps, an overwhelming sensation of weight presses down on their chests. What begins as a vague pressure soon becomes a terrifying experience, as the firefighters feel an invisible hand tightening around their throats, choking them. The sensation is suffocating, and though it only lasts a few moments, those who have experienced it describe the terror as lingering long after the encounter ends.
Unlike typical ghostly encounters that involve fleeting glimpses or eerie sounds, the choking ghost is invasive and aggressive, targeting its victims in their most vulnerable state—when they are asleep. Despite the frightening nature of these encounters, the spirit’s attacks have never resulted in serious harm, leading to its classification as a “kolohe spirit”—a mischievous ghost that enjoys playing pranks on the living.
What is a Choking Ghost in Hawai’i?
The origins of the choking ghost are shrouded in mystery. Some speculate that the spirit could be that of a former firefighter who met a tragic end and now haunts his old workplace, seeking attention or revenge. Others believe that the entity might be an ancient Hawaiian spirit, disturbed by the modern structures and activities encroaching on what was once sacred land. The lack of concrete evidence or a clear backstory only adds to the fear and intrigue surrounding this ghostly presence.
What makes the choking ghost particularly unnerving is the uncertainty of its identity and intentions. Is it simply a prankster spirit, toying with the firefighters for its own amusement? Or is there a darker, more malevolent force at play, one that takes pleasure in instilling fear and discomfort? The firefighters who have felt its grip may never know the answer, but the encounters have left a lasting impression.
A Former Firefighter or Smallpox Victims?
But why is the fire station said to be haunted? Some blame it on the smallpox epidemic from the mid 1850s. Right by the old station a graveyard is, where around 1000 bodies of this epidemic were buried. This is something that many believe has caused the haunting the firefighters have said to experience.
But according to some sources, the ghosts haunting the old fire station are not limited to the victims of smallpox, buried close by. There is also said to be an old man with a ghostly dog following him haunting the old station on South Street. Who he was is not certain, but many claim that he must be an old firefighter still lingering in the area.
Fighting Ghosts with Ti Leaves
Measures were needed to be taken to keep the ghosts at bay. In the living quarters of the firefighters Ti leaves and Hawaiian salt were placed in the corners to ward off the evil spirits said to linger there and hopefully purify the area.
Ti Leaves:The Ti plant of Hawaii is said to have protective abilities from spirits. 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
There were also plans to take care of the bodies from the smallpox epidemic who were uncovered while construction keeps happening around the area.
If it has worked remains to be seen. But now you also have the newer firefighters on the new station that claim they have never experienced anything strange while working there. What goes on in the old one, set to become a museum, is more uncertain though.
The Ghostly Attraction of the Honolulu Fire Department
The legend of the choking ghost has spread beyond the fire department, drawing the interest of supernatural enthusiasts and ghost hunters alike. The old Kakaako Station has become a destination for those hoping to capture evidence of the paranormal, with many reporting strange occurrences during their visits. Orbs of light appear in photographs, unexplained cold spots are felt, and the eerie silence of the station is occasionally broken by the faint sound of footsteps where no one is present.
Despite the ghost’s fearsome reputation, the Kakaako Station remains a functional and important part of the Honolulu Fire Department. Firefighters continue to serve their community with courage and dedication, even as they share their space with a spirit that refuses to leave. The choking ghost, with its unnerving pranks and mysterious origins, has become an indelible part of the station’s lore—a reminder that even in a place dedicated to saving lives, there are forces beyond our understanding that we must face.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
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.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
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?
MerchantStreet
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.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
An online magazine about the paranormal, haunted and macabre. We collect the ghost stories from all around the world as well as review horror and gothic media.
Said to appear in the mirror of his favorite place for a pint in Dublin, the ghost of James Joyce is rumored to still linger in Davy Byrne’s Pub.
A maid who once worked at the hotel allegedly took her own life at the old Visnes Hotel, deep in the Norwegian fjords. Now it is said she is lingering in the afterlife in the old rooms she once worked in.
A church with the sinister name The Black Church in Dublin has a legend that claims if you follow the ritual, you will be able to summon the devil.
An ancient ghost coming from the depths of graves across the nordic countries, the Haugbúi Draugr could be both dangerous and even deadly. Not merely a specter, but the rotten flesh of the dead, the ghosts are remembered as The Walking Dead of the North.
In the dark Hendrick Street in Dublin, there once were two houses said to be some of the most haunted ones in town. Occupied by at least six ghosts, some say they still linger in their old street.
In the pre civil war Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, the mausoleum of W.W Pool is said to be the grave of The Richmond Vampire. A more recent urban legend is now also connected with The Church Hill Tunnel collapse.
Said to be haunted by headless prisoners who tried to capture Dublin Castle, this storied building has shadows lingering in the corners.
Old cities carry old ghost stories, and Bern in Switzerland is no exception. From the old buildings filled with history to the depth of the Aare river, here are some of the most haunted places in Bern.
Centuries after the vampire panic starting with the death of Petar Blagojević, another vampire was said to haunt the Serbian village, Kisiljevo. Who was Ruža Vlajna and what happened to her?
Said to be the mass burial place for the dead Irish Independence rebels from 1798, the Croppie’s Acre in Dublin is said to be haunted by their lingering souls.
Once a green paradise, the legend says the fairies protected the people of Val Gerina valley in the Swiss alps. Driven by greed to impress a woman however, the son meant to continue the tradition and friendship with the fairies, brought it all down.
Haunted by its former Fellows, Trinity College in Dublin is said to be filled with eerie spirits where even the bell tolls after dark when the shadows take over campus.
