Nu’uanu Pali
Nu’uanu Pali
4.5
About
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.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
940 reviews
Excellent
523
Very good
316
Average
85
Poor
10
Terrible
6
Pandy D
Sydney, Australia886 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout, Kaneohe, Oahu
About a 20min drive from Waikiki, gives you a panoramic view from the lookout toward the Windward coast of Oahu, as well as the cliffs of the Ko’olau Range. This is a historic sight with breathtaking views. It was very windy the day we went and cooler than the coast, probably due to the elevation. Parking is $7 per day, and the lookout is open 6am - 6pm. Then you can drive to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, and then Manoa Falls on the way back to Waikiki.
#NuuanuPaliLookout
#Nuuanu
#PaliLookout
About a 20min drive from Waikiki, gives you a panoramic view from the lookout toward the Windward coast of Oahu, as well as the cliffs of the Ko’olau Range. This is a historic sight with breathtaking views. It was very windy the day we went and cooler than the coast, probably due to the elevation. Parking is $7 per day, and the lookout is open 6am - 6pm. Then you can drive to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, and then Manoa Falls on the way back to Waikiki.
#NuuanuPaliLookout
#Nuuanu
#PaliLookout
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sightseer779040
218 contributions
Oct 2022
We found this during my research on places to stop on a drive around the island. The parking lot is decently sized so there was plenty of parking. There is a cost to parking ($7) at an automated kiosk. But the kiosk also said it was free to park for military, and it was based on license plate numbers, so I am not sure how that works. We saw some feral cats roaming around the parking lot. From the parking lot it is a quick walk over to the lookout. It is very scenic with rainforest and mountain views around. There are also some informative signs about the battle that took place at the lookout. Overall we took some pictures and it was cool to see, so we spent about 5 minutes here, as it was also quite windy and drizzly since it was higher up.
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ITRT
Virginia38,444 contributions
Mar 2022
Are you looking for a undeniably great view of the Ko’olau Mountain Range and Oahu’s windward side at an elevation of 1200 feet? Yes, most definitely head to the Nu’uanu Pal Lookout just a short drive from Honolulu. Besides the view of the mountains and the Pali Notches,, you are treated to a panoramic view including the two of Kailua, Kaneohe Bay, the Diamond Head, Waikiki, Honolulu and Mokoli’i Island. Hold on to your hat and young children as the winds are strong and you can hear it howling through the mountains. This site is where King Kamehameha I in 1795 conquered Oahu and united the islands and Hawaiian people. Parking is free for residents and is $7.00 per vehicle for non-residents.
Although approximately less than a mile long, the Pali Notches Hike is known as the most perilous and risky hikes in Hawaii. Yet, adventure seekers put aside their trepidations and embark on its steep incline and cliffs. From what I have read, the first part of the trail is muddy, and covered in roots and branches. To get to the notches, you will deal with vertical drop-offs, loose rocks, strong winds, and crevices. As you continue upward, your rock-climbing skills will be tested. The notches were carved for canons to defend Oahu during the battle of Nu’uanu. When we visited, we saw a hiker almost to the top of the trail. I understand those who are successful to reach the top are afforded an incomparable panoramic view of the windward side of Oahu.
Although approximately less than a mile long, the Pali Notches Hike is known as the most perilous and risky hikes in Hawaii. Yet, adventure seekers put aside their trepidations and embark on its steep incline and cliffs. From what I have read, the first part of the trail is muddy, and covered in roots and branches. To get to the notches, you will deal with vertical drop-offs, loose rocks, strong winds, and crevices. As you continue upward, your rock-climbing skills will be tested. The notches were carved for canons to defend Oahu during the battle of Nu’uanu. When we visited, we saw a hiker almost to the top of the trail. I understand those who are successful to reach the top are afforded an incomparable panoramic view of the windward side of Oahu.
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Creeping_Death_LA
Los Angeles, CA4,219 contributions
Mar 2021
My adventure started on the public bus when I was dropped off at Castle Junction, there's no bus stop at the very popular tourist lookout. Rental cars were over $250 a day to rent and Uber was non existent in this area. I walked up along the highway to another smaller lookout that does not appear on google maps and found a trail that connected with the old Pali road. I was the only hiker along this muddy trail and found the old abandoned Pali road which was an awesome experience to hike. Once at the top lookout where most of the tourist go I found out this section to enter old Pali road is closed to everyone but it's not closed off from the route I took up to the top.
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melanie T
New York City, NY4,460 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
I've been here once 11 years ago so on this trip to O'ahu, I decided to take my husband since he had never been before. It's a nice lookout but parking will set you back $7 if you are not kama'aina (local). Kind of wish I had taken my sister's (the local) driver's license just so we could have parked for free! It's not that much in the grand scheme of things but you're really only up there for 15 to 20 minutes max to snap a few pictures. It's not somewhere you'd go hang out, especially since it's so windy up there.
Also, don't worry if the lot is full when you arrive. Like I said, people don't spend a lot of time up here, so somebody is always leaving. There’s also only one meter so if you get there at the wrong time, you could end up waiting quite a bit to pay. I also entered the wrong license plate number but luckily, the parking attendant said it was fine. I would have been annoyed if I had to pay again and end up paying $14 for this.
Bottom line - nice view but nothing jaw-dropping or spectacular. I mean you're in Hawaii - there are plenty of other/better views.
Also, don't worry if the lot is full when you arrive. Like I said, people don't spend a lot of time up here, so somebody is always leaving. There’s also only one meter so if you get there at the wrong time, you could end up waiting quite a bit to pay. I also entered the wrong license plate number but luckily, the parking attendant said it was fine. I would have been annoyed if I had to pay again and end up paying $14 for this.
Bottom line - nice view but nothing jaw-dropping or spectacular. I mean you're in Hawaii - there are plenty of other/better views.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P B
Sherwood Park, Canada81 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
It is definitely a beautiful view but to pay almost $8 to park for a few minutes is absurd. There were two officers just sitting in a truck waiting for someone to ship payment. We found beautiful views at the nearby botanical gardens and the whole park was free.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
al22tecc
Philippines7,606 contributions
Dec 2019
The view is different from other lookout points. For this one, we can see a long highway, and the clubhouse of a golf course with the clubhouse's roof all covered with solar panels.
There are signs that help explain what happened at this area which adds to the aura, in effect making it more than just a mere viewing deck.
We went up one side of the road, and after spending time at this lookout point, we continued and exited at the other side of the road which goes out into the highway.
There are signs that help explain what happened at this area which adds to the aura, in effect making it more than just a mere viewing deck.
We went up one side of the road, and after spending time at this lookout point, we continued and exited at the other side of the road which goes out into the highway.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
njoireading247
Johns Creek, GA275 contributions
Dec 2021
This was an unexpected stop but we are so glad we found it. You will need to pay for parking and it is extremely windy. The lookout is high about the valley but you can use the signs to determine what everything is. Stop here before continuing elsewhere so that you know about the other areas when driving through.
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dool15
Tennessee107 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Nu’uanu Pali should be a stop on any Oahu itinerary. Not only is it a historic site, but the experience is truly like none other. The view is phenomenal, and the wind is no joke. I was expecting windy, but was not prepared for WINDY. I was on a personal tour who made this one of our stops on a tour of Oahu!
Written February 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sein
167 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
This place has a nice view of the island. When I went to the parking space was limited and the weather was super windy but if you were still amazing. A short drive from both Honolulu and Kailua side. It is very easy to find.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anyone got to the lookout by an Uber? If yes, can you also easily get an Uber to get down from the Lookout regarding it is far inside the national park and maybe no cell signal there?
Thank you!
MKP5456
Ahmedabad, India554 contributions
Hi, this is a 15 to 20 min stop on the way to other attraction. Just for Nu‘uanu Pali it is no point in getting Uber and be sure you will not get to it for return journey. Still this is what you want you can pay 15 to 20 min waiting charge.
You should take some trip to various place in this direction instead of Uber, you can hire a car and drive on Nu'uanu Pali Dr and stop for a while at the look out point. ( I visited Byodo-In Temple, Haleiwa ( For big waves) 2 to 3 hours, make a quick stop at Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) and Sunset Beach Park )1 to 2 hrs .
Hope this will be useful.
zz77
14 contributions
Hi E6862,
Our tour company has told us that they will cancel this visit point due to road closed, as everyone said this is a place cant be missed, so can we go there by "the bus"? I will come to Oahu in May.
Thanks
Shaun T
Sydney, Australia1,030 contributions
Think it be best to rent a car
nachomagana
Chicago, IL
How much time do you spend there?
foodloversacto
Sacramento, CA105 contributions
It’s a stop and look location..nothing to do in particular just a view site..
11Stef
Austin, TX87 contributions
Can you take an uber up to pali lookout?
Tony G
Sioux Falls, SD181 contributions
Yes you can take Uber or Lyft up to the Pali Lookout. It would be rather expensive depending on where you are starting from. You would also probably have to pay the parking fee.
Renting a car for a day would be easier and I suspect cheaper. Stopping on the way to the North Shore would be a great way to maximize a one day rental.
Madevilz
Montreal, Canada142 contributions
We ommitted to pay the fee because we entered the parking but did not stay... Is there a camera that takes note of car plates or something? Because we saw no one.
KurtAndWendy
Portland, ME991 contributions
I think it's just an "honor system" to pay if you decide to stop, park your car and walk up to the overlook. No charge for just driving through.
AndersonianAdventure
Suwanee, GA179 contributions
Is any car suitable to get to these locations or is 4WD needed?
HowardL82
Oahu, HI49 contributions
Any car can get into the lookout parking lot.
Morgan W
Liberty Lake, WA1 contribution
I visited the Nuuanu Pali Lookout on 2/19/15 and come across a photographer who was selling her photos from this location. She had some lovely photos of Lanikai beach. I gave her my email so she could send her website info but sadly I did not receive an email. I would love to locate this photographer.
bobed
Yonkers, NY85 contributions
directions to getting to the pali outlook from Honolulu hotels namely Hilton Hawaiian village thanks
Nu’uanu Pali (Oahu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Nu’uanu Pali
- We recommend booking Nu’uanu Pali tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 46 Nu’uanu Pali tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Nu’uanu Pali:
- Majestic Circle Island Eco Tour from Waikiki (From $149.00)
- All Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Day Tour with Lunch and Waimea Waterfall (From $145.55)
- Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour (From $130.00)
- Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour (From $120.00)
- Private Circle Island Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer (From $299.48)
- Hotels near Nu’uanu Pali:
- (6.35 mi) Prince Waikiki
- (6.30 mi) Hotel La Croix
- (6.32 mi) The Equus
- (6.32 mi) The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
- (6.32 mi) Paniolo at the Equus
- Restaurants near Nu’uanu Pali:
- (3.77 mi) Over Easy
- (5.77 mi) Sweet E's Cafe
- (3.63 mi) Moke's Bread and Breakfast
- (3.60 mi) Kalapawai Cafe & Deli
- (3.57 mi) Haleiwa Joe's At Haiku Gardens