We Dare You To Take This Road Trip To Oahu’s Most Abandoned Places

When people move on and industry crumbles, the remains are often abandoned amid the landscape — and the Hawaiian Islands are no exception. Even on the highly populated island of Oahu, abandoned places are common — if you know where to look, that is. From abandoned highways and royal residences to sugar mills and telegraph stations, there is something strangely beautiful about man-made structures being taken back by the land. That's why we created this Oahu road trip to eight of the most famous abandoned places in Oahu — clocking in at just under three hours and 84 miles from the picturesque north shore to Ewa. Gas up the car and get ready for a spooky adventure!

1. Outdoor Theatre, Waimea Valley

Located somewhere in Waimea Valley is this abandoned outdoor theatre, outfitted with wooden benches that are slowly rotting away, and in a picturesque forest. If only you could still visit this beautiful amphitheater to take in a low-key production in a beautiful setting.

2. Waialee Home For Wayward Boys

Located on Oahu's north shore, just blocks away from some of the island's most famous beaches, the Waialee Home for Wayward Boys was in operation from 1906 to 1947. Its residents were sent there for everything from truancy and disobedience to larceny and assault, and the extensive complex could house more than 100 boys. The building pictured was the boy's dormitory, which was later part of the Crawford Convalescent Home and was partially burned in 2002.

3. Marconi Wireless Center

This abandoned building that sits on Makai Ranch was part of the Marconi Wireless Station in World War I, used for communication with other Hawaiian Islands and the Americas. In World War II, the site was used as an airbase, and now sits abandoned.

4. Kualoa Sugar Mill

During the height of agriculture on the Hawaiian Islands, sugar mills were common, and many have since fallen into disrepair. One such mill is the Kualoa Sugar Mill, which sits 2.5 miles south of Kaawa. This abandoned sugar refinery on Oahu was opened in the mid-1860s and found little success, closing its doors just thirty years later — perhaps in part due to the fact that, shortly after the mill opened, a young boy fell into a vat of boiling sugar and died due to the severe burns a few days later — or at least that's the rumor. Check out drone footage of the mill from Sheldon Comer on YouTube :

5. Old Pali Road

Once a bustling highway on the island of Oahu connecting Honolulu to the island’s windward coast, Pali Road is not only said to be haunted but has since been replaced. Portions of the road still exist and are easily accessible on foot from the Pali Lookout. Though the trail is technically restricted, it has become a popular hiking destination.

6. Kaniakapupu Ruins

More commonly known as King Kamehameha III’s summer home, the Kaniakapupu Ruins date back to 1847 and were only used for a few decades before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. The grass roof is long gone, and all that remains are a few walls, the main entrance, a few windows — and lots of crumbling stone. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to visit the ruins, but the last time I embarked on the Lulumahu Falls trail, I accidentally made my way here with a wrong turn through the forest.

7. Lyon Arboretum Seismograph Station

Found near the Manoa Falls Trailhead is the Lyon Arboretum Trail, which will take you on a journey through native Hawaiian flora to a beautiful waterfall. Before you reach the falls on the main trail, you will come across an old, rundown, concrete building that was once used as a seismograph station, and is rumored to be haunted.

8. Abandoned Train, Hawaiian Railway Society

Found at the Hawaiian Railway Society in Ewa Beach is this seemingly abandoned train car, slowly withering away in the elements. While I can't track down much information about this place, it is fascinating to see how far transportation has come since the railroad was in its heyday.

Have you ever been to any of these abandoned places in Hawaii? What did you think? Were they scary at all? We'd love it if you shared your experiences and opinions with us in the comments below. Then, if you enjoy reading about all things spooky, discover these 13 Horribly Creepy Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Hawaii.

Looking for more great Oahu road trips? Pack up your car and check out this ultimate road trip which many people seem to enjoy, as well as this incredible waterfalls road trip, or this terrifying road trip to the island's most haunted places. Want more? Then how about checking out Keomoku, one of the forgotten ghost towns in Hawaii?

If you've never been to Oahu before (or even if you have), check out this awesome video sharing 21 things to do on this amazing island: