Hawaii is a place of rich culture and history. With this, however, comes myths and legends that oftentimes reveal the supernatural side of the islands. Many reports of these haunted tales come from local residents in the area or are simply passed on through word-of-mouth. Nevertheless, the eeriness and mystery of these legends, urban and traditional alike, color the local culture of Hawaii. Here are a few familiar placess with a haunted past:

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

The Battle of Nuuanu in 1795 took place on this cliff, where the future King Kamehameha of the Big Island defeated Chief of Oahu Kalanikupele. The battle ended with 500 of Kalanikupule’s warriors forced off the edge of the cliff. Their bones are said to still remain at the bottom of the Pali cliff today, according to Robert Sepulveda, a storyteller and guide for Oahu Ghost Tours.

Hawaii State Capitol

Although today, one of Hawaii’s busiest hubs for lawmakers and government officials, the Hawaii State Capitol is also one of the state’s most supernatural places. Hundreds of people who died in an 1822 measles epidemic are buried on these grounds and are said to still roam the property. And although the royal guards’ barracks used to be on the site prior to the construction of the Capitol, some say the guards continue to watch over the area today. More onlookers include the spirits of a security guard and a construction worker, who died on the property years ago. Today, some say that they are still making their rounds in the building and working on construction, respectively.

Dole Cannery Theater

Today, many recognize Dole Cannery Theater as the big, yellow building in the heart of Iwilei. But what many don’t realize is that the popular attraction is also built on the site of an old heiau, or Hawaiian temple. As the story goes, a school bus full of students crashed into the heiau, killing most of the children. Today, if you listen closely, the voices of these children can still be heard in the theater, as well as in the theater bathrooms.  

Old Waialae Drive-In Theater

Not too far from the Sacred Hearts Academy campus is the gated community of Nohona Kahala, across from Kahala Mall. Before its construction, the area used to be home to the old Waialae Drive-In Theater, which closed in the 1980s. As the legend goes, a faceless (some also say footless) woman used to haunt the women’s restroom at the drive-in. She would also appear behind people who were looking in the mirror or pound on the bathroom stall doors, according to Honolulu Magazine.

Hamilton Library at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Doing homework takes a haunted turn at this university library. Reports of this location being haunted have mostly come from the custodians and students who frequent the facility after hours. Many have heard strange noises, as well as seen apparitions in the library aisles and restrooms. A woman dressed in a pink muumuu has also been seen walking around the first floor of the library.