Night Marchers

Overview

Spectral processions of ancient Hawaiian warriors said to march along ancient trails in the islands at night, escorting deceased aliʻi and dangerous to mortals who look upon them.

Details

Origin:

Reports are concentrated on the Hawaiian Islands, particularly along ancient trails, near heiau, and at recorded battlefields.

Regions:

Hawaiian Islands

First Reported:

Pre-contact

Full Account

In Hawaiian tradition the Night Marchers, or Huakaʻi pō ('procession of the night'), are the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors and their attendants, marching as the vanguard or escort of a sacred king, chief, or chiefess. They are also called ʻoiʻo, 'spirit ranks'. They are said to emerge from their burial sites or rise from the sea on nights honoring the gods Kāne, Kū, Lono, or Kanaloa, and to follow ancient trails between heiau (temples), villages, and battlefields — paths that often predate modern roads. Witnesses describe the marchers as warriors in battle dress carrying spears and clubs, sometimes accompanied by drums (pahu), conch shells (pū), chants, torches, and a foul, musky odor; their feet are said not to touch the ground. Tradition holds that any mortal who looks upon the marchers in defiance will die violently, but that lying motionless face-down, or being recognised by an ancestor in the procession who calls out 'Naʻu!' ('mine!'), affords protection. Planting kī (ti, Cordyline fruticosa) is said to keep the marchers away from a dwelling.

Also Known As

• Huakaʻi pō (Hawaiian)
• ʻOiʻo (Hawaiian)
• Nā Huakaʻi o ka Pō (Hawaiian)

Etymology

Origin:

Hawaiian

Meaning:

Huakaʻi = 'procession, journey'; pō = 'night'; ʻoiʻo = 'spirit ranks'

First Use:

Pre-contact Hawaiian oral tradition

Timeline

• Pre-contact — Hawaiian oral tradition of Huakaʻi pō and ʻOiʻo predates European contact (Cultural baseline)

Sightings & Evidence

Cultural Significance

Many Hawaiians treat the Huakaʻi pō as real and dangerous; building practices, plantings, and personal conduct continue to acknowledge them in some communities.

Related Phenomena

• The Wild Hunt — European spectral procession of dead warriors and hunters

Tags

Sources

• Nightmarchers — Wikipedia
• Hawaii's Night Marchers: A History of the Huakaʻi Pō