Summary
(Note: The Pali Lookout is currently closed indefinitely due to rock slide damage to the Pali Highway in February 2019. The Hawaii DOT has reopened one side of the Pali Highway during peak travel times on weekdays, but the lookout will still remain closed. Check the Division of State Park’s website for updates.)
The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is a popular stop for most first-time visitors to Oahu and tour companies on the island. This picturesque destination, located directly mauka (towards the mountains) of downtown Honolulu, is a prominent feature of the Nu’uanu neighborhood of Oahu.
Getting There
The park is conveniently accessible via a clearly marked access road off of the Pali Highway (Highway 61). If you’re driving from Waikiki, you can reach the Pali Highway by entering Honolulu on Ala Moana Boulevard or via H1, making it approximately a 30-minute drive depending on traffic conditions. For those planning a visit to Kailua or Lanikai, it serves as an excellent stop along the way.
While there is no entrance fee for Hawaii residents, visitors arriving in rental vehicles are required to pay a $3.00 entrance fee per vehicle. Fortunately, guests in tour groups can rest assured that the entrance fee is incorporated into their tour cost.
What’s in the Name
In the Hawaiian language, the term Nu’uanu Pali is made up of three words: nu’u (elevation or height), anu (cool), and pali (cliffs). Thus, Nu’uanu Pali translates to “cool elevation cliffs.” Visitors to the lookout can attest that while the winds can be refreshing, the stunning views make it an unforgettable experience.
What You’ll See
From the lookout, you can admire expansive views of the Windward Oahu coast, stretching from Kaneohe Bay all the way to Kualoa Regional Park and the iconic Mokoli’i (Chinaman’s Hat) to the north. You will also enjoy magnificent sights of Kailua, along with the Ko’olau Mountains and the Mokapu Peninsula, which houses the Kane’ohe Marine Corps Base.
Historic Significance of Nu’uanu Pali
The Nu’uanu Pali Overlook is a site of monumental importance in Hawaiian history and has inspired many local ghost stories and urban legends. Notably, in 1795, Kamehameha I, from the island of Hawaii (the Big Island), triumphed over the forces of Maui’s Chief Kalanikupule, who had previously conquered Oahu. During this period, both sides acquired weapons from European merchants, including muskets and cannons, augmenting traditional Hawaiian weapons like spears. Kamehameha’s superior weaponry, supplied by British Captain George Vancouver, greatly aided his victory.
After several confrontations on Oahu, Kamehameha managed to push Kalanikupule’s forces into the valley near the lookout, where a near 1000-foot drop to the coastal plain created a dramatic backdrop for the battle. This confrontation, known as Kaleleka’anae (leaping of the ‘anae fish), refers to the unfortunate men thrown from the cliff. Kamehameha’s victory on Oahu, followed by the peaceful surrender of Kauai by King Kaumualii in 1810, marked his ascension as the first king of the Hawaiian Islands.
Before the Days of the Pali Highway
Traveling from Oahu to the windward side of the island has not always been straightforward. Nowadays, it takes less than an hour to drive from Honolulu to Windward Oahu; however, in the early 1800s, travelers had to hike around the southeastern side or trek over the Ko’olau mountains via the Pali Trail, a route that, although quicker, was much riskier.
In 1845, the Pali Trail was enhanced with stone paving and widened to six feet, allowing horseback riders to complete the trip in about three hours. By 1897, parts of the cliff were blasted, resulting in the construction of a new 20-foot-wide “carriage road,” supported by stone walls, suitable for vehicles. This road remained in use until the mid-20th century.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that the construction of a modern paved highway commenced. This culminated in the opening of the Pali Highway in 1957, which continues to be a vital transportation route for both island residents and visitors. Today, many travelers pass the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, perhaps taking a moment to appreciate the stunning vistas and reflect on the rich history of this significant location in Hawaii.
