The Legend of the Night Marchers
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.









