★★★★★ 4.6 stars, 12 reviews

Hilo Ghost Walk

$65.25 per person

Walking tour of historic downtown Hilo with plenty of ghost stories and local folklore.

*includes all taxes and fees


Ghost Tour

Duration

2 Hours

Ghost Tour

Meeting Point

near Day-Lum Properties (2 Kamehameha Ave.)

Ghost Tour

Minimum Age

13+

Check-Out Availability

On Christmas Day 1915, a Hilo native named Elena dove into the ocean off of Keaukaha with a friend. They swam about 100 feet to some rocks in Hilo Bay to collect Hawaiian shellfish for dinner. Just a moment later, the friend heard Elena’s panicked cries for help. Suspended in place for unknown reasons, an unseen force held her in its powerful grip underneath the waves and wouldn’t let her go. Elena hoped to see her grandchildren again, but her friend, try as she might, could not free her from the crushing, invisible embrace. Who would save Elena?

This is just one of many gripping, otherworldly tales from Hilo. The New Orleans of the Pacific, Hilo is a colorful, historic, mural-filled town — home to music, ghosts, and magic. The scene of devastating tsunamis and the wandering spirits they leave in their wake, Hilo’s crescent-shaped bay also saw the launch of King Kamehameha’s 800 war canoes in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Expect to learn about Hawaii's haunted heritage and to hear tales of Hilo's unique paranormal activity. Enigmatic local entities include 'uhane, wandering spirits of the dead, 'aumakua, ancestors transformed into family gods, the protective power of Hawaiian deities such as Pele and Mo'oinanea, and akualele, mysterious fireballs associated with curses and the dead.


What To Expect

A building with a sign that says kress on it

Why Choose American Ghost Walks?

The Hilo Ghost Walk tour was created by not only combing through old books, newspaper articles, and stories, but by interviewing the people who live and work in these establishments every day. We worked closely developing the tour stops with a local archaeologist and our guides are Hawaiian locals. We are proud to be part of the tourism community in this vibrant town with a fascinating mix of cultures.

Ghost Tour

Expert Paranormal Guide

Ghost Tour

Select nights at 5pm

Ghost Tour

Easy/Moderate

Ghost Tour

$65.25 Per Person

Important Info


  • Free parking is available in the lot near the historical marker, but there is also ample street parking throughout the area.
  • The duration of our tours is 1.5-2 hours depending on the engagement of each group. Please allow for 2 hours since our guides take pride in what they do and can sometimes provide updates and extra juicy details when guests ask questions.
  • This tour runs rain or shine, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
  • The tour route is wheelchair-accessible, just let us know if you plan on using one, so we can adjust the route appropriately for your comfort.
  • Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. But we will reschedule you if you have an emergency.
  • Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don’t require their assistance.
A neon sign for the palace theater is lit up at night

The haunted Palace Theatre

A wall with graffiti on it that says hilo town

A beautiful mural

A mural on the side of a building shows a crab and a woman

More incredible local artwork

Kamehameha Avenue, where your haunted excursion begins

The haunted Kress Building

The magnificent Mauna Kea

The haunted Palace Theatre

A beautiful mural

Reviews

Itinerary

Meeting Point


The historical marker near Day-Lum Properties (2 Kamehameha Ave.)

Highlights

  • Marvel at Hawaii's unique perspective on the paranormal.
  • Hear Hawaiian and Japanese accounts of local supernatural encounters and strange tales from the annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
  • Learn about the spiritual influence of the sacred mountain named Mauna Kea on legal affairs.
  • Enjoy a haunted stroll through the quaint streets of historic Hilo with its charming pre-World War II persona and historic storefronts.

List of Services

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Hilo Ghost Walk?

    The Hilo Ghost Walk is a guided evening tour through downtown Hilo that explores haunted sites, Hawaiian legends, and supernatural encounters. Guests hear stories of spirits, ancestral guardians, and mysterious fireballs tied to the town’s rich history.

  • How long is the Hilo Ghost Walk?

    The tour usually lasts about two hours. It covers a moderate walking distance through Hilo’s historic district, making it both accessible and immersive for visitors.

  • Are the ghost stories on the Hilo tour real?

    The stories are rooted in Hawaiian folklore, oral traditions, and reported encounters. While some are legendary, they reflect beliefs passed down through generations and remain part of Hilo’s cultural identity.

  • What places are included on the Hilo Ghost Walk?

    The walk often features stops near the Wailuku River, historic buildings downtown, and cultural landmarks known for ghost stories. Guides highlight locations linked to Hawaiian myths and paranormal tales.

  • Do guests really see ghosts on this tour?

    We can never guarantee a supernatural encounter, but we will explain paranormal phenomena such as cold spots and residual hauntings. What we do guarantee: Our local connections and dedication to research means you'll get authentic accounts — in all their shocking detail.

  • Do you go inside any of the haunted buildings?

    The tour is more eerie than frightening. While it shares ghostly legends and supernatural accounts, the focus is on storytelling and cultural history, making it suitable for most audiences.

  • Can I bring my pet?

    Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don’t require their assistance.

  • Can children join the Hilo Ghost Walk?

    Yes, children are welcome. The stories are told in a way that is family-friendly, though some may find the supernatural themes spooky. Parents should consider their child’s comfort level with ghost stories.

  • Do I need to book the Hilo Ghost Walk in advance?

    It’s best to reserve in advance, especially during peak tourist months. Group sizes are often limited, and booking online secures your spot.

  • What should I wear on the Hilo Ghost Walk?

    Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a light jacket or rain gear. Hilo evenings can be humid and sometimes rainy, so being prepared makes the tour more enjoyable.

  • When does the Hilo Ghost Walk run?

    Tours generally operate in the evening, several nights per week. Availability may vary by season and tour company, so it’s best to check the schedule in advance.

  • How much does the Hilo Ghost Walk cost?

    Prices typically start around $55–$60 per person, with some providers offering private or premium options at higher rates.

  • What if I'm late or cannot find my guide?

    We do our best to answer calls and emails as promptly as they are received. Please make sure to leave a voicemail with the city and tour time.  We try to accommodate travel and weather issues, but our public tours cannot wait for more than 10 minutes. Reschedules are available if the date you are interested in is not sold out.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. If we cancel the tour because of weather or another event, we offer a full refund.

    We will do our best to accommodate rescheduling requests, but cannot guarantee changes because other tours and dates might be sold out.

Do you have the courage to join?

Explore haunted locations and hear chilling tales. Face your fears and uncover dark secrets. Join us, if you dare!

BOOK NOW
A large body of water with palm trees in the foreground

Hilo Ghost Walk

Check Out Other Tours on the Big Island

A sunset over the ocean with palm trees in the foreground

Kailua-Kona Ghost Walk

Kailua-Kona on the Big Island is crawling with accounts of Night Marchers, choking ghosts, and ancient deities. From $59 per person. Select nights at 5:30pm.