The Iao Theater in Wailuku is the subject of local legends about being haunted by ghosts, including a friendly, sweet spirit and the ghost of a 1920s flapper. The historic building's ghostly claims were explored in the SYFY Channel's Haunted Collector, which documented encounters by employees and paranormal investigators. The claims include sightings of a benevolent spirit, a mysterious ethereal figure, and other unexplained occurrences. Employees and paranormal investigators have reported encountering a friendly, sweet ghost within the theater. Another rumored spirit is a flapper from the 1920s, whose presence is said to be more intense during productions. Some accounts mention a mysterious, ethereal figure as well. Eyewitnesses have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing footsteps on stage. The theater gained wider attention when it was featured on the final episode of the SYFY Channel's Haunted Collector.