The Story Behind The Haunted Kaniakapupu Ruins

Visitors to Oahu pass the Pali lookout daily, making their way around the island. They take photos of the view and bask in the scenery, without ever knowing that the haunted Kaniakapupu Ruins are barely a hike away.

A summer escape

There’s something magical in walking through a crowded bamboo forest. The patches of light coming through the forest ceiling and sea of greenery make for a mystical setting. However, entering this particular forest just off the Pali highway has a reputation for giving hikers some additional chills. In a way, it almost acts as a wall – natures’ solution of hiding Kaniakapupu away from curious passersby.

King Kamehameha’s summer home was originally built as a place for the king and his consorts to cool off during the unforgiving summer months. The walls were made of stone. Coral found in the surrounding reefs was melted down to hold the structure together. As western culture made its way into Hawaiian civilization, this also became an important meeting ground for the king to discuss important matters with his advisors, away from the probing eyes and ears of the newcomers.

No surprise there. Just nearby, at the Pali lookout, is where King Kamehameha and his warriors fought their final, bloody battle in an effort to unite the Hawaiian islands. The lingering souls of wounded warriors are said to make their appearances in the area, not limited to the king’s own hideaway.

A plaque detailing King Kamehameha’s summer palace

Huaka’ipo

Whether they are meant to honor King Kamehameha or to appease the Nightmarchers, offerings are still left at the site today as a sign of respect. The thatched roof is gone now, leaving the structure of the old summer home a victim to the elements.

One window remains, holding in it a mystery. It was built off-center, as the Hawaiians believed that if they did this, they could avoid being in the eye line of Nightmarchers. See, the minute one of these unrequited spirits is able to glance at you, your fate is sealed. They are said to walk in single file, carrying torches, and chase away anyone who dares to set foot in the area.

Curious hikers still make the trip to try and find this site as the path to it is unmarked, save for a bit of a stone path. It’s the center of intense debate whether they should, though. The site is considered kapu, and some locals will argue that foreigners should be barred access. “Enter at your own risk” is pretty much the situation at Kaniakapupu. If you do, you better hope nothing follows you home.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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