Dizarranged is back with day 10 of 31, exploring haunted places across the globe you can travel to. In case you missed one, check out the full section here.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Place: Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace History
The Iolani Palace is famous for Hawaiian history and its identity, representing a time of royalty and revolution. Built in 1882 by the last king in Hawaii, King Kalākaua. The Palace felt more like a declaration of sovereignty with a unique architectural design, now known as American Florentine. Below the staircase made of koa wood is the grand hall decked out in glowing chandeliers, where Hawaii’s last monarchs once danced, debated, and dreamed of independence. These royal celebrations would later meet with tragedy. In 1893, Queen Liliʻuokalani was overthrown, and two years later, imprisoned within her own Palace. Today, ʻIolani Palace has been restored to its former glory as a National Historic Landmark since 1962 and serves as a living museum in the heart of Honolulu. The location is the only official royal residence in the United States.
Reported Activity
You earthlings want weird, spooky, packed with royal figures. Honolulu’s royal Palace is your chance to see it all.
The Vanishing Trio
In 1893, a palace guard stationed near the old bungalow, now the site of the Hale Koa Barracks, reported seeing three strange men silently moving at night. When he called for them to halt and they ignored him, the guard decided to fire at them. Moments later, another guard near the Kina’u Gate on Richards Street spotted only two men and opened fire as well. When the smoke cleared, the third man was gone, along with the unknown bundle he carried with him.
This story was so bizarre that Mysteries of Hawaii reported it landed in the newspaper. Remember when news reports weren’t afraid to publish about UFOs and strange encounters before big, “alleged” coverups were made? Some believed the guards caught thieves, not ghosts. Others are convinced they were spirits part of the Palace. The missing third man remains a mystery to this day.
The Ghost of Queen Liliʻuokalani
The last reigning monarch of Hawaii is said to have never left the Palace. Imprisoned for eight months in her own bedroom following the overthrow of 1893, legend says, Queen Liliʻuokalani’s spirit remains inside. Guards and visitors have reported seeing her around 5:30 a.m. looking out from the second-floor window. Others feel sudden chills or hear faint weeping where she once sat composing music.
The King and His Headless Guardian
Two ancient figures have been spotted claiming to be King Kamehameha III and his guardian ancestor Iwikauikaua, the warrior spirit said to protect the royal bloodline. Guards have reported that while standing at the Kauikeaouli Gate, they would hear a thunderous blow against the iron lock before the gates swung open on their own. Sightings have also claimed that Iwikauikaua is seen carrying his own head beneath his arm, followed by a shadow of the King himself.
The Blue Room Piano
Inside the Palace’s famed Blue Room, where royals once entertained guests by playing music, a grand piano rests behind glass. It sits there as a reminder of the royalty days, locked away and untouched, yet there have been reports of faint notes playing on its own. The sound is said to vanish the moment anyone enters the room.
The Chanting Room
Those of royal bloodline claim that when they enter the upstairs bedroom once shared by King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi’olani, they hear Hawaiian chanting. No chants have yet been recorded, and tourists reportedly hear nothing at all. Some say this is because the spirits only sing for those who share their blood. Others believe the sounds are generated from higher frequency levels.
The Sacred Mound of Pōhukaīna
Behind a small fence marked “Kapu” lies the former burial site of Hawaiian royalty, including Kamehameha II and Queen Kamāmalu. The mound is said to hum faintly at night. Visitors who walk in proximity have felt sudden dizziness, chills, and the sensation of being watched. Locals warn not to cross the boundary as it’s a sacred area.
The Banyan Spirits
Two great banyan trees were planted by Queen Kapi’olani when the Palace opened. According to lore, these trees harbor the souls of the unclaimed dead, those who had no family to guide them into the afterlife. When these trees sway with the wind, locals claim it sounds like whispers or sighs. Some nights, faces appear briefly within the bark.
The Queen’s Cigar
The Palace is a non-smoking location, but staff members have reported walking through a cloud of smoke near the Queen’s writing room. Queen Liliʻuokalani was known to enjoy cigars during her lifetime, making many wonder if the mysterious smoky smell is a remnant of her lingering spirit.
The Lady in Black
A shadowy woman in a long black Victorian gown has been spotted gliding through the palace courtyard and corridors. Witnesses claim to see her walking with purpose before disappearing, causing the temperature to drop and leaving a faint trace of perfume. Some believe she is a royal attendant. Others think she is the physical manifestation of the Palace’s sorrowful past.
The Night Music
On quiet nights, clear and no wind, people who have walked near the Palace claim they hear faint music. Once again, no recordings have yet been captured.
How to Visit
You’re in luck with this one. The location is open and active to the public, hosting events and more. You can check out the main website here. For lore and all spooky things you humans enjoy, you can book a Honolulu ghost tour via US Ghost Tours.
Nearby Haunted Sightseeings
Wahiawa Botanical Garden – “Green Lady” – 45minutes
Locals tell of a grotesque, fish-like crone with seaweed hair, called the Green Lady. This creature is said to stalk those within her path. Honolulu Haunts suggest this mysterious ghostly figure attempts to kidnap the innocent and is also spotted walking throughout the foliage.
Manoa Falls / Banyan Tree at Trailhead – 20minutes
The banyan tree at the trailhead is said to “hold lost spirits.” At times, guides report faint drumming, whispers, or shadows shifting unexpectedly in the tree’s roots.
Kaniakapūpū Ruins – 35 Minutes (site is now off-limits, or is it?)
According to Only In Your State, which makes me think there should be a site for “only in your planet,” the Kaniakapūpū Ruins is one of the most haunted places in Hawaii. You want paranormal and preserved history? This is it. The ruins are what’s left of King Kamehameha III’s summer mansion, and while it’s closed to the public, there may be two ways to grant access (see here for details). It lies in a deeply remote area, where visitors have reported feeling watched or even chased out, as not all spirits enjoy unwanted guests visiting their sacred land. Spirits known as the warriors, called Night Marchers, are said to remain there unable to cross to the other side. Bumping into one of these spirits is said to be terrifying.
Nearby Accomodations
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Paradise Hotel
Prince Waikiki
