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Hawaii – Home of the Night Marchers
The Hawaiian Islands are notably one of the most spiritual
vacation destinations. With a rich history of mythology
and folklore and numerous sacred sites still standing, Hawaii’s
link to the past is ever present.
The retelling of spooky ghost tales has been a favorite
form of entertainment and an important cultural link in
Hawaii since ancient times. Ghostly images or haunting acts
have been reported in old buildings, deep valleys, sacred
burial sites, ancient temples called heiaus, forested areas,
beaches and lava fields. A good majority of Hawaii residents
have either had a spooky encounter at some point during
their lives, or know of someone with an eerie story to tell.
One of the most popular subjects of ghost stories in the
islands is the Night Marchers, or Hukai-po.
Who are they?
Night Marchers are ghostly apparitions of a band of beings
who move with purpose to the beat of primitive pounding
drums. Some say they are armed spirit warriors en route
to or from battle, toting archaic weaponry and clothed in
decorated helmets and cloaks. Other accounts tell of high-ranking
alii (ruler) spirits being guided to places of high importance
or to welcome new warriors to join in battle. Perhaps these
restless souls are looking to reclaim rightful territory,
replay a battle gone awry, or avenge their own deaths. Some
say the Night Marchers are searching methodically for an
entrance into the next world.
Night Marchers are said to roam through very specific locations
on the islands, between seashore and mountains and are often
recognized by their raised torches and repeated olis, or
chants. Although there have been a few scattered reports
of daytime marches, these apparitions appear to be most
active at night and are said to march on certain nights
designated by the moon. And although the Night Marchers
allegedly float a few inches off the ground, some local
accounts tell of seeing mysterious footprints in their path
after they’ve passed.
Areas like the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Kaaawa Valley and Kalihi
Valley on Oahu are rumored homes of Night Marcher trails,
and nighttime visitors are encouraged to be wary. Other
alleged Night Marcher sites include:
- Oahu’s Pali Highway in the majestic Koolau Mountains
runs along the old battle site of the famous Kamehameha
battle, and nighttime visits, especially alone, are
not recommended.
- The Kamehameha Schools campus in Kapalama on Oahu,
over one hundred years old, is said to have been visited
by Night Marchers on many occasions.
- At Kualoa Ranch on Oahu’s windward coast, Night
Marchers have been spotted around an area that is said
to house the remains of hundreds of Hawaiian chiefs
and are said to be responsible for a good many nighttime
car accidents.
- La Perouse Bay, an area of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural
Area Preserve in South Maui, the restless Night Marchers
roam along the hardened lava landscape in search of
mischief.
- The town of Kaunakakai on Molokai is rumored to
be a Night Marcher hotspot as the remnants of the Ililiopae
Heiau, a sacred temple site, are located here.
- Laie on Oahu was a city of refuge in ancient Hawaii,
where criminals and offenders of the culture’s strict
aikapu religious practices were held. Even today, spirits
of soldiers are said to roam the outskirts of Laie in
search of possible escapees.
What to do when happening upon a night march in progress?
The ghostly procession must never be interrupted. Legend
has it that resting your eyes upon the Night Marchers could
signal a grim fate for the perpetrator, a friend or relative,
so witnesses are urged to crouch low to the ground, “play
dead” and avert the eyes. Any sound or movement could invite
a Night Marcher’s deadly glance. These Night Marchers are
set diligently upon their destination and are not considered
spirits that will deviate from their path to haunt humans
nearby.
Favorite Nights of the Marchers: Po Kane and Po Akua
Po Kane – in night of
the Hawaiian god Kane, chiefs, chiefesses, priests and close
attendants march.
Po Akua – on the 14th
night of the new moon, spirits of chiefs, warriors, aumakua
(ancestors) and Gods march between sunset and sunrise.
Some characteristics of the mysterious night marches
include:
- Heavy wind
- Rows of spirits carrying torches
- Alternating male and female rows
- Accompanying lightening and thunder
- Accompanying heavy rain or high surf
- Chanting and drumbeating
- Unusually bright torches
- Game playing and revelry
- Accompanying mist or fog
Other alleged Night Marcher sites:
Moanalua on Oahu
Kahakuloa on Maui
Kekaa on Maui
Hanapepe on Kauai
Hokunui on Lanai
Kapapakiikii on Niihau
Waipio Valley on Hawaii
Hilo on Hawaii
Waipio on Hawaii
Palilua on Hawaii
Ghost tours in Honolulu are quite popular and an organization
called GSI Hawaii, Ghost Scene Investigators, offers several
eerie tours and ghost story sessions centered around the
Night Marchers and other ethereal entities. The tale of
the Night Marchers even inspired a 2001 film entitled, “The
Night Marchers.” If you’re interested in finding out more
about the feared Night Marchers of Hawaii, pick up one of
the many local books on the subject of the underworld, or
sign up to be a guest in a tour through haunted hotspots.
Even those locals who’ve never seen or heard the restless
warriors will tell you they very much believe in their existence.
If you happen to be in the path of the Night Marchers and
the faint sound of drumming sends a chill up your neck,
remember to show the ancient warriors respect through solitude.
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