While the Hawaiian Islands don’t experience fall weather like much of the mainland, we can certainly partake in all things Halloween, from candy corn and pumpkin carving to haunted houses. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good haunted house as much as the next person, but I’m personally partial to real tales of the paranormal, of apparitions and spooky sounds at haunted places. Luckily, Oahu is full of haunted places, and today we’re featuring one of the scariest: Kaneana Cave. This cave has a long history of supernatural tales that are guaranteed to give you the shivers. Make sure you read these tales with your light on!

Located on Oahu’s leeward coast north of Waianae, near where Farrington Highway ends at Kaena Point, is Kaneana Cave, a truly mysterious site. You could call this one of the scary drives in Hawaii, because it brings you right to this haunted cave in Hawaii.
Celina Y./Yelp
The cave sits at the base of a cliff outcropping and is approximately 100 feet tall and 450 feet deep. The cave is thought to be 150,000 years old, and was once underwater, carved out by the crashing waves of the Pacific. The stunning natural aspects to this otherworldly cave are absolutely mind-boggling.
Also known as Makua Cave, there are many legends that feature this cave. One says that it was in this cave that mankind was born from the womb of the earth goddess. That’s actually how this cave got its name: Kaneana translates to Cave of Kane, the god of creation.
Shimown/Flickr
The cave is so physically impressive that it’s not surprising that it received such a name. It’s size is imposing, even without the haunted tales that accompany it.

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A more sinister story features Kamohoali’i, a shapeshifter who could transform himself from a shark into a man. He and his human wife gave birth to a son, Nanaue. When the son discovered his taste for human flesh — like all man-eating sharks — he disguised himself as a human in order to trick his victims. He would drag his victims into the cave and eat them. In ancient times, the Hawaiian people were forbidden from entering the cave, fearful that they would be attacked and eaten by this shark-man. When residents later found out about Nanaue's true identity, that he was a shark man, they captured and killed him.
Celina Y./Yelp
It is also said that kahuna (priests) often performed rituals within the cave’s inner chambers, and it is believed that the souls of deceased chiefs haunt the cave to this day. There are countless accounts of paranormal sightings and unsettling events taking place in this cave, including the alleged disposal of murder victims during the early 1900s. This cave is one of the most haunted places in Hawaii, and this title is well earned.
Today, the souls of those who died here are said to haunt the area, and according to local storytellers, Kaneana Cave is a repository for psychic energy.
George S./Yelp
Did we mention that many consider the back of the cave to be an opening to hell and that there have been sightings of a creepy creature covered in scabs with glowing red eyes emerging from the lava tubes at the back of the cave? Click here for a reported sighting sure to give you chicken skin. There’s no end to the tales you hear about this haunted cave on Oahu. The stories are bound to give you goosebumps.
Danielle Chang/Flickr
The interior of the cave is dark and slippery, so if you plan to check out this mysterious cave, wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. There are various small tunnels that lead from the main cavern have not been explored, mapped, or maintained. For your own safety, please do not enter these

Have you ever visited this frightening haunted cave in Hawaii? What did you think? Did you experience anything out of this world? Let us know in the comments below!

Not sure about your Halloween plans yet? Consider embarking on this haunted road trip across Oahu.

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More to Explore

Haunted Cave In Hawaii

Megan McDonald | September 27, 2021

Are there many haunted places in Hawaii?

Hawaii is a beautiful place that is filled with sacred sites, burials, and spiritual locations. With the expansion of people that have come to live on the island, it’s no surprise that tales of hauntings pop up everywhere, on every island. From the band of ancient warriors, the Night Marchers, to the fire goddess Pele, and the sinking of the U.S.S. Arizona, there are plenty of places all over Oahu, and all of the islands, that could be the site of a haunting or two.

What are the Night Marchers of Hawaii?

The Night Marchers are a legend that tells the tale of the ancient warriors who come out and marching on nights with no moon. You cannot make eye contact with the Night Marchers if they come your way, because it could prove to be deadly. It’s recommended that you lay face down to show your respect as they pass by. 

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