Mysteries of Hawaii LLC

Led by Master Storyteller and Night Marcher Consultant Lopaka Kapanui, all of our experiences weave together authentic ghost stories, folklore, and historical events, bringing Hawaii’s forgotten past to life. Established in 1997, we are a Native Hawaiian-owned business that has earned the distinction of being voted the #1 Ghost Tour in the Nation by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for TWO years in a row.

Unlike national chains that mass-produce ghost stories without cultural context, Mysteries of Hawaii provides an authentic, locally-created, and professionally-guided experience that is deeply infused with the oral traditions of the Hawaiian people that reveal how history, belief, and the supernatural are intertwined.

We’ve created a legacy of storytelling.
Lopaka Kapanui is the driving force behind Mysteries of Hawaii. Lopaka has spent more than 25 years researching and preserving the Islands’ most chilling and sacred stories. His deep knowledge stems from a lifelong passion for Hawaiian history, folklore, and his personal experiences with the supernatural. Often regarded as the successor to the late Glen Grant, Lopaka continues the tradition of sharing the eerie and unexplainable tales that have captivated audiences for generations.
In Hawaiian culture, storytelling is more than simple entertainment. It is a means of preserving history, passing down wisdom, and respecting our kupuna (ancestors) who came before us. Our tours do not rely on gimmicks or fabricated tales; instead, they honor the true and often spine-tingling accounts passed down through generations.
What makes Mysteries of Hawaii unique?
We are truly locally owned and operated. Some large national ghost tour chains will claim to be local with tour guides that live here while their corporate base is in Virginia. However, Lopaka and Mysteries of Hawaii are deeply connected to the aina (the land), its people, and its history.

Our extensive research allows us to share historical accuracy and true accounts of local hauntings, giving our guests a truly authentic experience. Hawaii’s rich cultural melting pot is reflected in its ghost stories, blending legends from many traditions. We strive to ensure authenticity in every story while honoring our Hawaiian beliefs alongside the supernatural tales of the diverse cultures that make up our island home.

Our tours are meticulously crafted to take guests deep into Hawaii’s haunted past. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, Mysteries of Hawaii delivers an immersive and chilling experience. Our popular ghost tours include:
1. Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour
Hear tales about royal ghosts, vengeful spirits, and authentic Hawaiian legends. Join us as we follow the paths once walked by Royalty and visit the eeriest of Honolulu’s haunts.
2. Waikiki Night Marchers Tour
Learn about a place once famous for ancient burials, sacred heiau, battlefields, the homes of ali‘i, and several paths of the feared Night Marchers. Hear the stories of those who have witnessed the march and have survived to tell the tale.
3. Honolulu Night Marchers Tour
The legendary Night Marchers’ pathways intertwine among Downtown Honolulu’s modern streets and walkways. Discover ancient trails of the Huaka’i Pō and hear stories of eyewitness accounts of the ghostly procession.
4. Custom & Private Tours
For those seeking an exclusive experience, we offer private and customized ghost tours and storytelling events. We often work with schools, corporate groups, and private parties to deliver a blend of history and folklore or spooky ghost stories. We can tailor any tour or event to your interests.

Beyond the tours, our mission is to preserve & educate.
Mysteries of Hawai‘i exists to share the history of Hawai‘i and her people one story at a time.

I ka wa ma mua, i ka wa ma hope; the future is found in the past.

We honor the past to prepare for the future. Passing from this existence into the next is inevitable; it’s the single thing that every ghost story has in common. As we honor those who came before us, we are encouraged to do the things we’re meant to do now: make connections, live well, share love and kindness, and care for each other and the world we live in. That is the direction to a brighter future. Also, we like to scare people.

At Mysteries of Hawaii, we are committed to more than just spooky entertainment. We strive to preserve Hawaiian culture and history through storytelling and ensure that these important tales do not fade into obscurity but continue to be passed down to future generations.
In a world of instant access and information downloads, the lost art of ha‘i mo‘olelo, storytelling through oral traditions, will once again become a treasure for generations upon generations, and a simple ghost tour will become a cultural experience.
Why Choose Locally-Owned Ghost Tours Over National Chains?
When it comes to ghost tours, the difference between locally owned operations and large national chains is more significant than you might think. While national companies often span dozens of cities, they tend to miss the personal touch that makes a ghost tour genuinely unforgettable.

Local knowledge and culture.
With so many locations to manage, national ghost tour chains can’t always capture the true essence of a place that makes each ghost story come alive. In contrast, locally-owned ghost tours are run by people who have grown up in or lived in their communities for years. We spend a tremendous amount of time researching local history, legends, and hauntings to ensure our tours are not only accurate but deeply rooted in the unique culture of the area.

Personalized experience.
Large chains can feel impersonal. It’s often difficult to get in touch with customer service, sometimes guides don’t show up, and there’s little accountability. Locally owned tours, however, thrive on personal connection. We take pride in what we do, and you can feel that passion during the tour. We are not just reciting lines; we’re connecting with our guests and sharing the stories that have been passed down through generations, making every tale feel real and engaging.

Supporting small business.
When you choose a locally owned ghost tour, you’re not just enjoying a better experience—you’re making a meaningful impact. You’ll be making a difference for a small business run by a local family. Money spent on a local business stays in the community, helping to strengthen the local economy. This support helps small businesses thrive, inspires new ventures, and fosters a sense of pride and connection among residents.

Passion that shows.
Locally owned ghost tours are often run by individuals who truly love what they do. We aren’t just offering a tour—we’re sharing our passion for the paranormal, local history, and the community. This passion is infectious and creates a richer, more engaging experience for our guests. You’ll leave feeling connected to the stories, the city, and the people who live there in ways that large chains simply can’t replicate.

Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or somewhere in between, our tours promise a fascinating look into Hawaii’s haunted history. Experience the ghosts, legends, and mysteries of our islands through the eyes of a true master storyteller.