Results: Urban Legends by State Part 12: Hawaii
Published on 07/05/2025
Ah the state of natural beauty! And volcanoes! This should be fun but also will require more than one part!

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1.
1.
The one thing a tourist should never ever do, take rocks or black sand off the islands or face the wrath of the fire goddess, Pele! Pele's curse is a Hawaiian legend warning against taking lava rocks, sand, or other natural elements from the islands, as it's believed to bring bad luck to the offender. While not a literal curse, the belief stems from the deep respect Hawaiians have for their land and the goddess Pele, who is associated with volcanoes and fire. Many visitors have reported experiencing negative events after taking souvenirs, leading some to return them with apologies. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hilo Post Office, among others, have reported receiving numerous packages containing rocks and sand from people attempting to lift the curse, according to Shaka Guide tour and Rock & Gem Magazine. Regardless of whether one believes in the curse, the legend serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting the natural environment and cultural traditions of Hawaii. Have you ever been to Hawaii and if so, have ever taken a rock or anything natural off the island?

Been to Hawaii, but respected the land and never took anything
20%
406 votes
Been and took something, only to be cursed later
5%
101 votes
Never been to Hawaii
55%
1114 votes
Not Applicable
20%
413 votes
2.
2.
The Night Marchers (Huaka'i Pō): These are the ghostly spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors who march in procession at night, often accompanied by drums and chanting. They are said to be bound to their sacred paths and will punish those who interrupt their march. Locals sometimes plant tea leaves around their homes to deter them. If you come across the Night Marchers in a procession, do not interrupt them; never look at them directly or they will kill you. If seen, remain quiet with your eyes averted and bow as low as possible to the ground. Present these warriors the respect that they deserve, and they will continue marching on. Have you've heard of these spiritual beings?

Yes
7%
135 votes
No
63%
1288 votes
Undecided
7%
149 votes
Not Applicable
23%
462 votes
3.
3.
The Green Lady of Wahiawa Gulch. This ghost is described as a green-skinned woman with dagger-like teeth and hair draped in seaweed and moss. She is said to haunt Wahiawa Gulch, searching for children to replace her own lost child. Children are warned to stay away from the gulch to avoid being taken by the Green Lady. The Green Lady is often described as a woman who lost her child, either in the gulch itself or during a flood. Some versions say she died of grief or heartbreak after failing to find her child, while others say she's a mo'o wahine, a shapeshifting spirit associated with water and sacred places. Have you heard of this story?

Yes
6%
130 votes
No
66%
1338 votes
Undecided
6%
120 votes
Not Applicable
22%
446 votes
4.
4.
The Menehune. Though not ghosts in the traditional sense, the Menehune are a race of small, mysterious people who are said to live in the forests and mountains of Hawaii. According to legend, they are master builders who work only at night, constructing fishponds, temples, and roads in a single evening. While not necessarily malevolent, it's said that if you catch a Menehune in the act of building, they will disappear forever. Some people believe that the Menehune are responsible for ancient, unexplained structures found throughout the islands. The Menehune are typically described as small, ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet tall, with muscular, stocky builds. They are said to have large eyes and low, humming voices. There's debate about whether the Menehune were a distinct, pre-Polynesian group of people or a mythical creation. Some believe they were a separate race that arrived in Hawaii before the ancestors of today's Hawaiians. Others see them as a metaphor for skilled, ancestral builders. Have you've heard of these mythical creatures?

Yes
8%
159 votes
No
64%
1309 votes
Undecided
6%
118 votes
Not Applicable
22%
448 votes
5.
5.
The Faceless Woman of Waikiki. The gory genesis of the Faceless Woman, or Mujina, can be traced back to the land of the rising sun: Japan. This sinister spirit is a shape-shifting creature, able to transform into a horrifyingly faceless human figure. As Japanese immigrants began settling in Hawaii during the 19th and 20th centuries, they brought with them their rich culture and bone-chilling folklore, including the dreadful tale of the Faceless Woman. This gruesome phantom often appears as a mesmerizing lady donning a flowing white gown. But beware, for upon closer inspection, one will discover her most terrifying trait: the absolute absence of any facial features. The horrifying sight is enough to send shivers down the spine of even the most courageous souls. Throughout the years, there have been countless accounts of encounters with this spectral siren, each leaving witnesses quivering with fear. While her hauntings vary in location, the most infamous tales are set in public restrooms, shopping malls, and movie theaters. The most notable, petrifying encounter took place in 1959 at the Waialae Drive-In Theater in Honolulu. A woman ventured into the restroom, only to find another woman combing her long, flowing hair before the mirror. Upon approaching the figure, the witness realized, to her utter horror, that the woman had no face. Panicked, she fled the scene, and the ghastly story quickly spread among the terrified townsfolk. Have you've heard of this ghost tale?

Yes
6%
120 votes
No
66%
1344 votes
Undecided
6%
128 votes
Not Applicable
22%
442 votes
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