The Story Behind This Haunted Road In Hawaii Is Truly Creepy
As a state full of fascinating history – including wars, royalty, and mythology – there are countless ghosts who have taken up residence among the 1.4 million residents that call the Hawaiian Islands home. These ghosts reside across the eight main islands, though nowhere is there a higher concentration of varied ghost stories than along Oahu’s beautiful – and haunted – Pali Highway. From ancient Hawaiian legends to major battle sites, the highway meanders through the Ko’olau mountains between Honolulu and the Windward coast is one of the most ghastly places in all of Hawaii.
Though there are several legends and tales of paranormal activity near the Pali Highway, there is one story more fascinating than the others; It is said that Pele and the demigod Kamapua’a – a half man, half pig – had a bad breakup and agreed to never see each other again. Legend has it that you cannot take pork over the Pali Highway, because it means that you are symbolically taking Kamapua’a from one side of the island to the other.
If you try to bring pork across, your car will stop at some point along the journey and an old woman with a dog will appear. To continue on your way, you must feed the pork to the dog.
Also haunted is the famous Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside, where magnificent views of windward Oahu and ghost stories are plentiful. The lookout point is the site of a major battle during King Kamehameha’s campaign to unify the Hawaiian Islands. Hundreds of warriors were pushed over the lookout, and fell to their untimely deaths. There have been several reports of their lost souls seen wandering this area after dark.
Just a mile from the breathtaking Pali Lookout is another haunting tale; More commonly known as King Kamehameha III’s summer home, the Kaniakapupu Ruins can be found near Lulumahu Falls.
Dating back to 1847, the structure was only used for a few decades before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. The small single story, three-tiered structure was constructed with western influence and the guidance of Hawaiians - the slightly off-centered windows were built as such in order to ward off the spirits of the Night Marchers, who are commonly thought to roam the area near the Pali Lookout. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to visit the ruins and must simply admire this stunning piece of Hawaiian history in photographs.
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. 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 lie on the ground face down in respect. Otherwise, the Night Marchers will kill you; and nowhere is the legend of the Hawaiian Night Marchers more prevalent than near the Pali Highway.
The tales of paranormal activity on the Pali Highway are numerous and absolutely haunting – though we can understand your disbelief if you’ve never experienced the chill of a ghostly encounter.
Megan is a freelance journalist residing near Honolulu, Hawaii. She is obsessed with hiking, beach trips, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
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