Hawai‘i History
News
The haunting history of Kualoa
Long regarded as sacred, Kualoa was originally a special place reserved for chiefs and it was once a place where ali‘i from O‘ahu and Maui wrestled for control. With legends dating back to ancient times, and more modern tragedies as well, spirits of the past make their presence known.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiJanuary 21, 2026
The Pilgrimage of Bob Krauss
A half-century ago, legendary journalist Bob Krauss joined a 300-mile trek across Hawai‘i island, inspiring his 1975 book, "The Island Way." In it he explored "an Island approach to our global future" that was influential on local politics at the time and very much worth revisiting today.
Perry ArrasmithJanuary 15, 2026
Community Voices: The Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana celebrates 50 years of aloha ʻāina
“Laʻa, Maʻa, Paʻa; Sanctify, Sustain, Solidify,” is an ʻōlelo noʻeau from Aunty Alice Kuloloio of Maui that has been adopted as the ʻOhana’s 50th Anniversary slogan. It provides vision for their aloha ʻāina work.
Davianna Pōmaikaʻi McGregor, Hina Keala & Kaipu KealaJanuary 13, 2026
Hauntings at Honolulu's Yokohama Yokai
On the corner of Merchant and Bethel Streets in Downtown Hotel, you'll find the Yokohama Special Bank Building. It's a storied site, once home to the hale pili of ali‘i. After the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Army took over the bank building as a military police station. Is it any wonder occupants have reported strange occurences?
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiJanuary 07, 2026
Disembodied voices at Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel
Spirits ancient and modern have been heard and seen in the hallways and kitchens of this hotel, named for King David Kalākaua’s gracious wife.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 31, 2025
Residual energy manifests at Ali‘i Place
More than a century ago, the site hosted stables that were burned down during an outbreak of bubonic plague. Now, it's home to the Ali‘i Place office tower. One tenant, the Prosecuting Attorney for Honolulu, is the kind of place where strong emotions leave a mark on their surroundings, resulting in eerie experiences.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 24, 2025
Community Voices: Who decides what is historic?
A personal essay discovering how parts of Hawaiʻi’s past — houses and the land they sit on — are preserved, and a recommendation to the state for its future.
Maxx RamosDecember 16, 2025
Huaka‘i Pō at First Hawaiian Center
First Hawaiian Center remains the tallest building in Downtown Honolulu. The property on which is stands is home to an amazing — and sometimes frightening — history. Long before there was a bank, a house stood on the property, known as Haleʻākalā. Bernice Pauahi lived there, as did the future Queen Liliʻuokalani. Duke Kahanamoku was born there. And some say Huaka‘i Pō, the Night Marchers, still make their presence known there.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 10, 2025
The Spirit of Kamakahonu
Hungry spirits and haunted history surround the King Kamehameha Hotel on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i Island. The area of Kamakahonu was home the royal compound of Kamehameha I, where he worshipped at Ahu‘ena heiau and where the most influential figures in Hawaiʻi gathered nightly.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 03, 2025
Hawaiʻi Island artist advances to finale for “Hawaiʻi to the World”
This singer and songwriter will represent Hawaiʻi Island in the finale of a new talent competition, “Hawaiʻi to the World,” which was launched by Hawaiian Council. So far, finalists have also been named to represent Kauaʻi and Maui.
Katie HellandDecember 02, 2025
Why does Hawai‘i have a GET?
The General Excise Tax. We all know it, we all complain about it, especially the way it stacks up in transaction after transaction, raising prices. But there was a time when it didn't exist at all. Here's a look at who created it, when, and, most importantly, why.
Perry ArrasmithNovember 28, 2025
Spooky shadows at the Pink Palace
The Royal Hawaiian Resort Waikīkī is nearly a century old, and at least three centuries of history and legends predate it at its seaside location. Is it any wonder guests have reported otherworldly experiences?
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiNovember 26, 2025
Ups and downs of haunted Harbor Court
Long ago, the land under Harbor Court in Downtown Honolulu hosted a heiau and generations of Native Hawaiians. Layers of landfill and modern architecture may have covered the area, but they can't erase the lingering traces of the past.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiNovember 19, 2025
Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch” actor stars in local theater production
“Outlandish,” a new play about the Victorian travel writer Isabella Bird and her encounter with King Lunalilo had its world premiere on the stage of Kumu Kahua Theatre this month. Joining the cast is actor Kaipo Dudoit, who spoke with Aloha State Daily about how he gets into character for the role of King Lunalilo.
Katie HellandNovember 14, 2025
Haunted halls of Honolulu Hale
Honolulu's city hall, Honolulu Hale, is nearly a century old — old enough to acquire a reputation for sightings of a supernatural nature. Here's the history of how the building came to be, and what people have experienced in its hallways.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiNovember 12, 2025
Inside: A Night at the Museum with Iona
Cheryl Flaharty, the founder and artistic director of Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre, takes Aloha State Daily behind-the-scenes of its upcoming free First Friday event at the Capitol Modern. Flaharty wanted to be a jazz dancer before she took a life-changing contemporary dance class at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Katie HellandNovember 07, 2025
The bones beneath the Contessa
The Contessa condominium in Mo‘ili‘ili stands where Kamo‘ili‘ili Church and its mainly Hawaiian graveyard had served the community since 1850. The remains of nearly 500 people were moved for the condo, but workers and residents over the years have reported chilling tales of the spirits that remain.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiNovember 05, 2025
Prince Kūhiō’s racing canoe returns to water after decade on land
This racing canoe is headed back to the ocean. Learn more about it and its recent role in an exhibit at the Bishop Museum.
Katie HellandNovember 01, 2025
“Defining Courage” returns to Hawai’i
This live show honors the Japanese American soldiers of World War II. "Defining Courage" was previously at Hawai'i Theatre on O'ahu in 2023. Now, the immersive live show is back on two islands: O'ahu and Maui.
Katie HellandOctober 31, 2025
Ages of unrest at Windward Mall
The former Sears store in particular had been a nexus for unexplained activities — staffers and shoppers pushed by unseen forces, clothes flung along their racks.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiOctober 29, 2025
Hawai‘i Then and Now: Kealakekua's Aloha Theater
Built in 1932 for movies by the Tanimoto family, this South Kona landmark started offering live theater performances as early as 1939. Now it's the full-time home of the Aloha Performing Arts Company, where, Artistic Director Sarah Athens says, "Anyone can be an actor. Anyone can be an artist. All you have to do is want it.”
Andrea CavaliereOctober 29, 2025
Unseen visitors at the Mission Houses
Between 1821 and 1832, missionaries built three houses on what was then a dry and dusty plain. A city has grown up around then since then, but eerie shadows of the past have been seen at these Honolulu landmarks.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiOctober 22, 2025
Ghosts of the past at the Navy Exchange
The building rests on the slopes of Āliamanu and Āliapaʻakai, places bound to the legends of the goddess Pele and her sister Hiʻiaka. Shoppers and staff alike have shared eerie tales of what they've seen and felt here.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiOctober 15, 2025
Japanese Breakfast — Teshima’s and a Century of Change in South Kona
Teshima's Restaurant is a South Kona landmark dating back to 1929. Here is the family story behind the landmark, with then-and-now photos.
Andrea CavaliereOctober 15, 2025