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Hilo, Hawaii ghost walk
Ghost Walk · Hilo, Hawaii

Hilo Ghost Walk

Walking tour of historic downtown Hilo with plenty of ghost stories and local folklore.

Duration
2 Hours
Min Age
13+
Departs
Select nights at 5pm
Rating
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On Christmas Day 1915, a Hilo native named Elena dove into the ocean off of Keaukaha with a friend. They swam about 100 feet to some rocks in Hilo Bay to collect Hawaiian shellfish for dinner. Just a moment later, the friend heard Elena's panicked cries for help. Suspended in place for unknown reasons, an unseen force held her in its powerful grip underneath the waves and wouldn't let her go. Elena hoped to see her grandchildren again, but her friend, try as she might, could not free her from the crushing, invisible embrace. Who would save Elena?

This is just one of many gripping, otherworldly tales from Hilo. The New Orleans of the Pacific, Hilo is a colorful, historic, mural-filled town — home to music, ghosts, and magic. The scene of devastating tsunamis and the wandering spirits they leave in their wake, Hilo's crescent-shaped bay also saw the launch of King Kamehameha's 800 war canoes in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Expect to learn about Hawaii's haunted heritage and to hear tales of Hilo's unique paranormal activity. Enigmatic local entities include 'uhane, wandering spirits of the dead, 'aumakua, ancestors transformed into family gods, the protective power of Hawaiian deities such as Pele and Mo'oinanea, and akualele, mysterious fireballs associated with curses and the dead.

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Included by Happy To Visit
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As featured by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority
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Featured by Happy To Visit

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What To Expect

Guide
Expert Paranormal Guide
Departs
Select nights at 5pm
Difficulty
Easy / Moderate
Price
$65.25 / adult

The Hilo Ghost Walk tour was created by not only combing through old books, newspaper articles, and stories, but by interviewing the people who live and work in these establishments every day. We worked closely developing the tour stops with a local archaeologist and our guides are Hawaiian locals. We are proud to be part of the tourism community in this vibrant town with a fascinating mix of cultures.

Tour Highlights

  • ▸Marvel at Hawaii's unique perspective on the paranormal.
  • ▸Hear Hawaiian and Japanese accounts of local supernatural encounters and strange tales from the annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
  • ▸Learn about the spiritual influence of the sacred mountain named Mauna Kea on legal affairs.
  • ▸Enjoy a haunted stroll through the quaint streets of historic Hilo with its charming pre-World War II persona and historic storefronts.

Itinerary

Meet your guide at Historical marker near Day-Lum Properties — 2 Kamehameha Ave., downtown Hilo.

  1. 1

    Confluence of Wailuku River & the Pacific Ocean

    Gaze into the Wailuku River whose name literally means “water of destruction” in Hawaiian. Maybe you'll glimpse a fierce sacred being called a mo'o, as you listen to real accounts of tragic occurrences on the river attributed to powerful supernatural forces.

  2. 2

    Palace Theater

    The Tennessee Wraith Chasers evaluated claims of ghostly presences and apparitions in 2019 for the TV show Haunted Towns. Is this cinema in the path of the legendary Night Marchers?

  3. 3

    Kalākaua Park

    Pay homage to Hawaii's last king, nicknamed the Merrie Monarch, at his statue in Kalākaua Park, Hilo's original town square. King Kalākaua sparked a resurgence of Hawaiian culture.

  4. 4

    Pacific Tsunami Museum

    Learn about the wandering spirits that followed the deadly tidal waves in 1946 and 1960.

  5. 5

    The Naha Stone

    Touch the 5,000 pound Naha Stone, an ancient megalith which played a vital role in a Hawaiian prophecy.

  6. 6

    Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo

    This popular restaurant was once home to a Masonic Lodge and modern wait staff have reported strange paranormal activity here, what's the connection?

Important Info

  • ▸Free parking is available in the lot near the historical marker, but there is also ample street parking throughout the area.
  • ▸The duration of our tours is 1.5-2 hours depending on the engagement of each group. Please allow for 2 hours since our guides take pride in what they do and can sometimes provide updates and extra juicy details when guests ask questions.
  • ▸This tour runs rain or shine, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
  • ▸The tour route is wheelchair-accessible, just let us know if you plan on using one, so we can adjust the route appropriately for your comfort.
  • ▸Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. But we will reschedule you if you have an emergency.
  • ▸Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don't require their assistance.

Meeting Point

The historical marker near Day-Lum Properties (2 Kamehameha Ave.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hilo Ghost Walk?+
The Hilo Ghost Walk is a guided evening tour through downtown Hilo that shares true local ghost stories, Hawaiian folklore, and paranormal history. You’ll explore historic landmarks and learn about Hawaii’s unique spiritual heritage, from ancient deities to wandering spirits.
How long does the tour last?+
The tour usually lasts about two hours. It covers a moderate walking distance through Hilo’s historic district, making it both accessible and immersive for visitors.
Where does the tour start?+
The tour begins near the historical marker by Day-Lum Properties (2 Kamehameha Ave.) in downtown Hilo. This central meeting point offers free parking nearby, with additional street parking throughout the area.
What can I expect during the Hilo Ghost Walk?+
Expect a mix of history, culture, and ghostly legends. You’ll visit sites like the Palace Theater, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and Kalākaua Park, hearing tales of spirits, ancient gods, and unexplained phenomena that shape Hilo’s haunted identity.
Is the tour scary or family-friendly?+
We can never guarantee a supernatural encounter, but we will explain paranormal phenomena such as cold spots and residual hauntings. What we do guarantee: Our local connections and dedication to research means you'll get authentic accounts — in all their shocking detail.
Who leads the Hilo Ghost Walk tours?+
All tours are led by knowledgeable local guides, many of whom grew up in Hilo. They’ve worked with historians, archaeologists, and residents to ensure every story is authentic and rooted in Hawaiian tradition.
Is the Hilo Ghost Walk wheelchair accessible?+
Yes, the tour route is fully wheelchair-accessible. Guests using wheelchairs are encouraged to let the team know in advance so the route can be adjusted for maximum comfort.
What should I wear or bring?+
Hilo’s weather can change quickly, so bring a light rain jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes. The tour runs rain or shine, and the terrain is mostly flat and easy to navigate.
Are pets allowed on the tour?+
Service animals are welcome, but other pets should be left at home for safety and liability reasons.
Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?+
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a light jacket or rain gear. Hilo evenings can be humid and sometimes rainy, so being prepared makes the tour more enjoyable.
What makes this ghost tour unique?+
Unlike generic ghost tours, the Hilo Ghost Walk blends Hawaiian mythology, local oral history, and true paranormal accounts gathered from Hilo residents. It’s an authentic, respectful look at Hawaii’s spiritual world, led by locals who know the land’s stories best.
What is your cancellation policy?+
Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. If we cancel the tour because of weather or another event, we offer a full refund. We will do our best to accommodate rescheduling requests, but cannot guarantee changes because other tours and dates might be sold out.

Also In Hawaii

Kailua-Kona Ghost Walk

Kailua-Kona Ghost Walk

Kailua-Kona, HI 2 Hours
  • Night Marchers & menehune tales
  • The kahuna's fearsome powers
  • Stroll the Kona shoreline
From$65.25/ person
Learn MoreBook Now

Do You Have The Courage To Join?

Explore haunted locations and hear chilling tales. Face your fears and uncover dark secrets — if you dare.

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Hilo Ghost Tour | Haunted Bayfront History, Hawaii's Big Island