With a history steeped in religion, culture and even civil war, the Hawaiian Islands are no stranger to crazy urban legends. From legends surrounding the powerful and influential volcano goddess, Pele, to modern myths of wandering spirits, the Aloha State isn’t all sunshine and happiness. However, some legends are a little scarier than others, and there is perhaps no Hawaiian myth more terrifying than that of the Night Marchers. Don’t believe me? Read on to see for yourself just how creepy this legend of the Night Marchers in Hawaii truly is…

Jai Mansson/Flickr The Huaka’ipo, also known as the night marchers, are the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors who have been cursed to march the islands for eternity. Legend has it that they spend their nights roaming the islands visiting old battlefields and religious sites. Others say that these warriors are simply restless souls looking to reclaim rightful territory, replay a battle gone awry, or avenge their own deaths. Some even say that the night marchers are searching methodically for an entrance into the next world.

fat_albert9631/Flickr Whatever their mission, the night marchers are said to march in a single line, often carrying torches and weapons while chanting and playing drums. To protect yourself, you must quickly run indoors or lie on the ground face down in respect if you come in contact with these restless spirits. You must also be perfectly silent and still, for any sudden sound or movement could invite the deadly glance of a night marcher. If you make eye contact with the night marchers, you will die and be forced to march with them for an eternity.

Skot Lindstedt/Flickr The night marchers are set diligently upon their destination, and unless you make eye contact, these spirits are not thought to deviate from their path in an attempt to haunt humans nearby. If one of your ancestors happens to be marching, no one in the procession can harm you.

Beth/Flickr Nowhere is safe. The night marchers have been seen near the Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside, the Manoa Falls Banyan Tree (pictured above), and Laie on Oahu, as well as various sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including the entire town of Kaunakakai on the tiny island of Molokai. Nighttime visitors to any of these locations are urged to be wary.

Cynthia Pyun/Flickr The night marchers are thought to come out during periods of heavy wind, rain, and high surf, and fog or mist often accompanies them on their journey. Legend has it that they are seen marching in alternating rows of males and females, carrying torches, and chanting to the beat of a drum. It is also thought that the night marchers appear on certain nights designated by the moon, including Po Akua, the 14th night of the new moon, and the nights of Kane, Ku, Lono, and Kanaloa.

This is certainly one urban legend that will make you want to stay inside after dark — and maybe consult a lunar calendar. Have you ever encountered the night marchers in Hawaii?

Jai Mansson/Flickr

The Huaka’ipo, also known as the night marchers, are the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors who have been cursed to march the islands for eternity. Legend has it that they spend their nights roaming the islands visiting old battlefields and religious sites. Others say that these warriors are simply restless souls looking to reclaim rightful territory, replay a battle gone awry, or avenge their own deaths. Some even say that the night marchers are searching methodically for an entrance into the next world.

fat_albert9631/Flickr

Whatever their mission, the night marchers are said to march in a single line, often carrying torches and weapons while chanting and playing drums. To protect yourself, you must quickly run indoors or lie on the ground face down in respect if you come in contact with these restless spirits. You must also be perfectly silent and still, for any sudden sound or movement could invite the deadly glance of a night marcher. If you make eye contact with the night marchers, you will die and be forced to march with them for an eternity.

Skot Lindstedt/Flickr

The night marchers are set diligently upon their destination, and unless you make eye contact, these spirits are not thought to deviate from their path in an attempt to haunt humans nearby. If one of your ancestors happens to be marching, no one in the procession can harm you.

Beth/Flickr

Nowhere is safe. The night marchers have been seen near the Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside, the Manoa Falls Banyan Tree (pictured above), and Laie on Oahu, as well as various sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including the entire town of Kaunakakai on the tiny island of Molokai. Nighttime visitors to any of these locations are urged to be wary.

Cynthia Pyun/Flickr

The night marchers are thought to come out during periods of heavy wind, rain, and high surf, and fog or mist often accompanies them on their journey. Legend has it that they are seen marching in alternating rows of males and females, carrying torches, and chanting to the beat of a drum. It is also thought that the night marchers appear on certain nights designated by the moon, including Po Akua, the 14th night of the new moon, and the nights of Kane, Ku, Lono, and Kanaloa.

Can’t get enough of Hawaii’s legends? You might want to read about the Menehune or even this myth that spooks tourists.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

night marchers in Hawaii August 12, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other ghost stories about Hawaii? Ghost stories, lore, and legends abound in the Aloha State, just like any other place. But while the islands are home to countless myths and legends, there is one legend in particular that applies directly to Hawaii’s tourists. In ancient Hawaiian mythology, Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. She is the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, and is often referred to as Madame Pele, or Tutu Pele as a sign of respect. Pele is perhaps the most famous of Hawaii’s gods and goddesses, and can be found in many Hawaiian legends, including the one spooking so many tourists. This common modern legend warns against Pele’s curse, which states that anyone who takes rock or sand away from the Hawaiian islands will suffer bad luck until the items are returned. Whether this myth is the result of a real Hawaiian curse, a disgruntled park worker who was tired of rocks being taken on his watch, or tour guides who didn’t want to deal with rocks and sand left on their busses is unknown; each year, hundreds of visitors send packages full of rocks and sand back to the island to relieve their consciences and reverse their bad luck!  What’s the most haunted place in Hawaii? There are (so-called) haunted and abandoned places all over Hawaii, but in terms of superlatives, Honolulu’s Kaimuki House is considered to be the most haunted house in the entire state. The famous haunted Kaimuki House, located on the corner of 8th and Harding on a foundation of two beds of lava rock, is known to many as one of the most haunted places on the island. The creature said to reside in the house is a Kasha, a man-eating ghost from Japanese folklore, and the stories surrounding its haunting of the Kaimuki house have been extensively documented. Eek! If you’re curious to learn more, we share the full story of this haunted house in Hawaii here…

The OIYS Visitor Center

night marchers in Hawaii

August 12, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some other ghost stories about Hawaii? Ghost stories, lore, and legends abound in the Aloha State, just like any other place. But while the islands are home to countless myths and legends, there is one legend in particular that applies directly to Hawaii’s tourists. In ancient Hawaiian mythology, Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. She is the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, and is often referred to as Madame Pele, or Tutu Pele as a sign of respect. Pele is perhaps the most famous of Hawaii’s gods and goddesses, and can be found in many Hawaiian legends, including the one spooking so many tourists. This common modern legend warns against Pele’s curse, which states that anyone who takes rock or sand away from the Hawaiian islands will suffer bad luck until the items are returned. Whether this myth is the result of a real Hawaiian curse, a disgruntled park worker who was tired of rocks being taken on his watch, or tour guides who didn’t want to deal with rocks and sand left on their busses is unknown; each year, hundreds of visitors send packages full of rocks and sand back to the island to relieve their consciences and reverse their bad luck!  What’s the most haunted place in Hawaii? There are (so-called) haunted and abandoned places all over Hawaii, but in terms of superlatives, Honolulu’s Kaimuki House is considered to be the most haunted house in the entire state. The famous haunted Kaimuki House, located on the corner of 8th and Harding on a foundation of two beds of lava rock, is known to many as one of the most haunted places on the island. The creature said to reside in the house is a Kasha, a man-eating ghost from Japanese folklore, and the stories surrounding its haunting of the Kaimuki house have been extensively documented. Eek! If you’re curious to learn more, we share the full story of this haunted house in Hawaii here…

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Ghost stories, lore, and legends abound in the Aloha State, just like any other place. But while the islands are home to countless myths and legends, there is one legend in particular that applies directly to Hawaii’s tourists. In ancient Hawaiian mythology, Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. She is the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, and is often referred to as Madame Pele, or Tutu Pele as a sign of respect. Pele is perhaps the most famous of Hawaii’s gods and goddesses, and can be found in many Hawaiian legends, including the one spooking so many tourists. This common modern legend warns against Pele’s curse, which states that anyone who takes rock or sand away from the Hawaiian islands will suffer bad luck until the items are returned. Whether this myth is the result of a real Hawaiian curse, a disgruntled park worker who was tired of rocks being taken on his watch, or tour guides who didn’t want to deal with rocks and sand left on their busses is unknown; each year, hundreds of visitors send packages full of rocks and sand back to the island to relieve their consciences and reverse their bad luck! 

What’s the most haunted place in Hawaii?

There are (so-called) haunted and abandoned places all over Hawaii, but in terms of superlatives, Honolulu’s Kaimuki House is considered to be the most haunted house in the entire state. The famous haunted Kaimuki House, located on the corner of 8th and Harding on a foundation of two beds of lava rock, is known to many as one of the most haunted places on the island. The creature said to reside in the house is a Kasha, a man-eating ghost from Japanese folklore, and the stories surrounding its haunting of the Kaimuki house have been extensively documented. Eek! If you’re curious to learn more, we share the full story of this haunted house in Hawaii here…