Our Kaka‘ako celebrated the spirit of Halloween with a unique virtual event featuring Lopaka Kapanui, master ghost storyteller and owner of Mysteries of Hawai‘i. Lopaka spoke from inside the Barn at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako to an online audience of 263 viewers from Hawai‘i, the mainland, and abroad on Zoom, as well as a small in-person audience of Our Kaka‘ako commercial tenants. Dressed in all-black attire, Lopaka began with an oli ho‘okipa (chant of welcome) followed by a ho‘olauna (introduction) of himself and the evening’s event. He began with an eerie disclaimer: nothing will follow you home after the event nor will any supernatural entity attach itself to you. He followed with sharing about Kakaʻako in ancient times, an area of fishing villages bountiful with pa‘akai (salt) ponds. Salt is used for blessings in both Hawaiian and Asian culture.
After sharing a couple of stories about supernatural instances in various areas around Kakaʻako, Lopaka had the audience on the edge of their seats. He then moved into a moʻolelo (story) about some of the most identifiable buildings in the Kakaʻako area, including Kawaiahaʻo Church, the Post Office (a former opera house), and ʻIolani Palace. He also shared about Night Marcher processions that come through parts of downtown Honolulu. Legend has it that if you encounter them, you must strip and lie facedown with your hands on your head to avoid harm. Lopakaʻs stories were plentiful and covered stories about keiki (children), aliʻi (royalty), and residents who once lived in Kakaʻako. The stories were set in sites surrounding Kakaʻako, including Kapena Falls in Nuʻuanu, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and even the H-3 freeway. Lopaka took questions from the live and virtual audience. Plenty of attendees asked about whether their favorite hangout spots were haunted, and he, in his straightforward manner, confirmed, elaborated, or reassured them. Mahalo to Lopaka Kapanui for sharing his mana‘o (knowledge) and remarkable storytelling gift with everyone during the event! If you couldn’t join us during the livestream, the recorded webinar is available above. And if you’re interested in Lopaka’s tours, visit mysteries-of-hawaii.com. Happy Kakaʻakoween!