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.

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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?

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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night marchers in Hawaii

Sarah M. | August 12, 2022

What are some other ghost stories about Hawaii?

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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...

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