The old ‘Iao Theatre on Maui, Hawaii is said to be haunted by more than one ghost. Who is the misty face people catch in photos, and who was Emma, said to still be dancing on the stage?
In Wailuku, Maui, the Iao Theatre holds plenty of historic charm and spectral mystery. This Spanish Mission-style theater opened its doors in 1928, has long been a cultural hub, showcasing movies and vaudeville performances.
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However, behind its elegant facade and beneath the bright lights of its stage lies a chilling history of hauntings that continue to intrigue and unsettle visitors to this day. It is believed to be haunted by ghosts that make things fly off shelves and cause chaos in the dressing room, making people not wanting to spend any time alone in certain parts of the building.
The Storied Past of ‘Iao Theatre
The Iao Theatre’s journey began in the late 1920s, quickly becoming a beloved venue for both movies and live performances. The name comes from a small bait fish named the iao. For decades, ‘Iao Theatre thrived as a center of entertainment, during the world the USO put on Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Betty Hutton, but by the 1980s, the theater had fallen into disrepair. ‘Iao Theatre closed the doors in the 70s, and nothing was happening until someone took it upon themselves to restore it to its former glory.
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Despite this decline, the theater’s significance was recognized, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Following this, efforts to restore the theater brought it back to life, but with its revival came the resurgence of ghostly tales that have plagued the theater for years.
The Lady of the ‘Iao Theatre
Among the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a misty, female figure. Described as having a friendly and gentle presence, this ghostly lady is often seen sitting quietly in the theater seats, watching the stage even after the audience has long gone. Some have even spotted her on the stage itself, her form barely visible through the haze, as if she’s still performing for an unseen crowd.
Her exact identity remains a mystery, but her presence is so common that she has become an integral part of the theater’s lore. They now call her Emma, and is believed to be one of the unknown flappers and actresses that took part in the productions in the 1920s and especially during productions like Chicago and Cabaret her ghost would make herself known.
Once she was making production harder for the theater company and they started to call out different names to make her stop. Lights were flickering, the electric equipment would malfunction. It was a sense of paranormal relief when they called out Emma, and it is said that ever since, she has stopped messing with production.
Cold Spots and Eerie Sensations
It is not only the mysterious ghost of Emma on the stage that are said to be haunted. The lower levels of the ‘Iao Theatre are particularly notorious for paranormal activity as well. People have reported unexplained cold spots, even in the heat of summer, and a pervasive sense of being watched. These sensations are often accompanied by the faint sounds of footsteps and whispers, as if the ghosts are trying to communicate with the living.
There are many speculations about where this haunting comes from, some of them dating further back than the theater itself. It is believed that the ghosts lingering are the spirits of Hawaiian soldiers that died during a battle in the Iao Valley many centuries ago.
The Ghostly Mist
In addition to the apparitions and cold spots, a mysterious mist has been reported swirling through the ‘Iao Theatre, particularly around the seats and stage. This mist is often seen late at night, moving in unnatural patterns and disappearing as quickly as it appears. Witnesses describe it as a translucent, almost ethereal fog that seems to have a mind of its own.
One visitor is said to have captured a photo of the mist while attending a performance. When they reviewed the picture, they were shocked to see a face forming within the mist, looking directly at the camera.
Despite its haunted reputation, the Iao Theatre remains a beloved cultural landmark. It continues to host performances, drawing in audiences who come for both the shows and the chance to experience its ghostly residents. The spirits, it seems, are as much a part of the theater’s fabric as the curtains and the stage.
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References:
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