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Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Pali Highway, Oahu, HI
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As featured in Honolulu for free
Ranked #46 of 306 attractions in Oahu
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas, Valleys
Activities: Watching sunrise/sunset
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: <1 hour
Owner description: The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside is a lookout above the Pali Highway tunnels where you’re treated to a panoramic view of Oahu's Windward side with... more » Owner description: The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside is a lookout above the Pali Highway tunnels where you’re treated to a panoramic view of Oahu's Windward side with sweeping views of Kaneohe, Kaneohe Bay and Kailua. It’s also well known for strong tradewinds, forming a natural wind tunnel of sorts. It was here in 1795 that Kamehameha The Great conquered the island of Oahu in one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history. Led by Kalanikupule, the defenders of Oahu were driven back up into the valley where they were trapped above the cliff. More than 400 of Kalanikupule's soldiers were driven off the edge of the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below. « less
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114 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
CA
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 5, 2013

Awesome views!! A MUST see if your here in Oahu. The views are spectacular, it is windy but that's expected on the top of a mountain! Great photo opportunities and nice to learn about the history of the area as well. If your not renting a car some tours stop here as well, just don't miss this opportunity to overlook... More

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New York City, New York
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
43 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2013

Stopped at the top of the Pali Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. This lived up to all the hype. There is a very large parking lot, a bathroom, and wild chickens running around the top. Walk around and all the way down to the walkway to the edge and all of the land below is spread... More

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Sheridan, Oregon
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013

First, the drive up to the Pali is enjoyable driving through the Hawaiian greenery. Once you get to the parking lot, there is a fee you must pay to park. Then take a short walk to lookout. But hold onto your hat and small children, the wind is extremely strong on the Pali. Once you have adapted to the wind,... More

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Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Top Contributor
167 reviews 167 reviews
44 attraction reviews
Reviews in 60 cities Reviews in 60 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013

I went on a day when it was sunny and completely clear. You could see for miles into the ocean. The views are stunning. If you visit Oahu and don't come here, you will miss something that will stay in your mind forever. PROS: - Breathtaking, panoramic views. - A warm wind to cool you down on a hot day.... More

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See 2 more reviews by rikerwt for Oahu
Hawaii
Top Contributor
112 reviews 112 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 52 cities Reviews in 52 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

In the final days of King Kamehameha wars to unify the Hawaiian Islands, the Battle of Nuʻuanu in May 1795 was a key battle site. This attraction not only marks that event but provides a breath taking view of windward Oahu and marks the location in which the leeward and windward sides of the island were linked in the bygone... More

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Alexandria, Virginia
Top Contributor
110 reviews 110 reviews
97 attraction reviews
Reviews in 61 cities Reviews in 61 cities
143 helpful votes 143 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 5, 2013

Strong winds and a thick haze didn't deter my brother and me from heading to this lookout. We were driving south on the Kamehameha Highway (Rte 83) in Kaneohe, Hawaii when we turned right onto Pali Highway (Rte 61). We followed the signs to the Nuuanu Pali State Wayside where the lookout is located. I remember my brother telling me... More

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See 3 more reviews by rusticpress for Oahu
New York
Top Contributor
109 reviews 109 reviews
53 attraction reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 3, 2013

The first reaction to the lookout is that it is breathtaking - your second reaction is the wind - it is almost always windy, we were told, but in good weather, you will get some spectacular views of the valley. Parking is $3, which seemed a bit excessive for a few minute stop....

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Kailua, Hawaii
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

I have seen the Pali lookout as I drive to and from Town (Waikiki) and I've always wanted to check it out. I drove to the lookout point and was surprised to see that there was paid parking. Luckily I am a local resident so I did not have to pay. The view was amazing but I was nervous to... More

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CT
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

Well worth a visit. Only 30mins outside of Honolulu, and the drive there is very scenic. The lookout is high on the mountain, huge winds, and you can see all through the city/town, all the way up to the ocean. This was the first thing we did when we landed in Honolulu, and were just amazed! It's also fun to... More

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Irvine, California
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 4, 2013

If you visit Nuuanu Pali lookout you'll get some great pictures from the lookout and learn a little bit about why the area is so special. The parking and entry are free, and the walk to the lookout is very easy and short from the parking lot, you don't even have to get on a trail. It can get very... More

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