7 Creepiest Urban Legends and Ghost Stories from Hawaii

Hawaii's natural beauty and welcoming spirit are undeniable, but there's a spooky side to the islands that locals know all too well. Ghost stories and urban legends have been passed down for generations, giving the Aloha State a rich folklore of supernatural events. Whether it’s haunted highways or restless spirits, Hawaii has plenty to offer those fascinated by the paranormal.

Quick Facts About Hawaii's Supernatural Side:

• Ancient Hawaiians built special paths called "spirit roads" that were only to be used by spirits and priests
• Hawaii's first documented ghost story dates back to 1825
• The banyan trees in Hawaii are often considered gateways between the spirit world and ours
• Many Hawaiian families still practice the tradition of "blessing" new buildings to ward off negative spirits
• Hawaii's state capitol building was built with large open-air entrances to allow spirits to pass through freely

The Night Marchers are arguably the most famous ghostly tale in Hawaii. According to legend, they are the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors who march at night, particularly during the new moon. Carrying torches and beating drums, they retrace the paths they once traveled in life. Encounters with them are said to be deadly unless you lie face down on the ground as a sign of respect. Witnesses claim to hear their footsteps, smell sulfur in the air, and see flickering lights in remote areas, especially near old battle sites.



Oahu’s Wahiawa Botanical Garden is home to the Green Lady, one of Hawaii's most chilling urban legends. Covered in green moss and seaweed, this ghostly figure is said to be a mother searching for her lost child, whom she reportedly lost in the garden many years ago. Locals claim to have seen her wandering the pathways of the garden or lurking near schools in the area. Children who walk through the garden alone often report feeling watched, as if the Green Lady is silently following them, her presence marked by an eerie silence.



In the heart of Waikīkī, where tourists flock to enjoy the sun and sand, there’s a more unsettling figure who haunts the night. The Faceless Woman is said to appear in mirrors, elevators, and sometimes even on the beach itself. Described as a woman with no facial features, she reportedly materializes out of nowhere, startling those who cross her path. One story tells of a hotel guest who saw the Faceless Woman in her bathroom mirror, only to turn around and find no one there. This eerie urban legend has left its mark on one of the busiest tourist spots in Hawaii.

The legend of Pele’s Curse warns visitors never to take lava rocks, sand, or other natural elements from the Hawaiian Islands. Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, is said to be protective of the land, and taking pieces of it with you invites her wrath. Over the years, countless tourists have mailed back rocks to Hawaii, claiming they were cursed with bad luck after taking them as souvenirs. Everything from failed marriages to accidents and financial ruin has been attributed to this curse, making it one of Hawaii’s most widely known and feared legends.

Morgan’s Corner on Oahu’s Old Pali Road is notorious for being one of the most haunted locations in Hawaii. The area is tied to several grim stories, including a murder and a suicide. Over the years, visitors have reported unsettling experiences like hearing disembodied voices, seeing ghostly figures, and feeling unexplained cold touches while passing through. Drivers in the area claim their cars often malfunction—doors lock and unlock on their own, and engines fail without warning—heightening the eerie atmosphere of this already spooky location.

Pearl Harbor is a site of immense historical importance, and it’s also believed to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished during the attack in 1941. The USS Arizona, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor, is said to be home to many restless souls. Visitors and workers at the memorial have reported seeing ghostly figures standing on the deck of the sunken ship or hearing voices and footsteps, even though the area is empty. Some believe these are the spirits of sailors who never left their posts.

Though not ghosts in the traditional sense, the Menehune are a race of small, mysterious people who are said to live in the forests and mountains of Hawaii. According to legend, they are master builders who work only at night, constructing fishponds, temples, and roads in a single evening. While not necessarily malevolent, it’s said that if you catch a Menehune in the act of building, they will disappear forever. Some people believe that the Menehune are responsible for ancient, unexplained structures found throughout the islands.

If you’re intrigued by Hawaii’s eerie tales, why not explore them firsthand? Take part in a haunted tour in Hawaii with American Ghost Walks to uncover even more of the islands’ haunted history. You’ll get to dive deeper into stories like the Night Marchers and the Green Lady, as well as discover new legends that continue to spook locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just enjoy a good scare, Hawaii's haunted tours offer a unique way to see the islands from a whole new perspective.