Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

Oahu Attraction Guide

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

Nuuanu Pali Lookout is a wind-swept Oahu viewpoint with Ko'olau cliff scenery, windward coast views and important Hawaiian history.

Nuuanu Pali Lookout Sign
Nuuanu Pali Lookout Sign

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, Oahu

Here's one spot that's a feast for the eyes - Nu'uanu Pali Lookout on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The lookout is located on a 1,186-foot high (361 m) mountain pass surrounded by 3,000-foot (914 m) peaks. From up here you'll enjoy a nice bird's eye view of the towns of Kaneohe and Kailua, Kaneohe Bay, Mokoli'i Island, the magnificent Ko'olau Mountain Range and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Often times it's very windy here, so hold on to your hat, hairpieces, small dogs and children 🙂

Not only is Nu'uanu Pali a popular lookout point, but it is also a historic location. It was here where King Kamehameha I fought his last battle in his war to unite all the Hawaiian Islands with an army of 10,000 soldiers. In 1795, a few hundred warriors were driven off the cliff to their death 1,000 feet below by Kamehameha's men. Legend has it that on certain nights, one can still hear the screams of the warriors. According to reports, workers unearthed 80 skulls believed to have belonged to the warriors during a road construction in 1848.

The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is easily accessible from the Pali Highway (Route 61). Just look for the signs on the Honolulu side of the Pali tunnels. The lookout is open to the public daily from 6 am to 6 pm. There is no admission fee, but for non-residents of the state of Hawaii, there is a $7 parking fee per vehicle.

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Jerry

Feb 08, 2009

The view is fantastic from up there, but hold on to your hat because it's windy! At least on the day when I was there.

Location, Parking and Directions

Nuuanu Pali Lookout is located off Pali Highway near the Nuuanu Pali tunnels, between Honolulu and the windward side of Oahu. The map point is kept at the current page coordinates for the lookout area. Visitors usually arrive by car, use the designated parking area and walk a short distance to the viewpoint.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nuuanu Pali Lookout located?

Nuuanu Pali Lookout is located off Pali Highway near the mountain pass between Honolulu and Oahu's windward side.

What can you see from Nuuanu Pali Lookout?

Visitors can see Kaneohe, Kailua, Kaneohe Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains, windward valleys and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

Why is Nuuanu Pali Lookout historic?

The area is tied to the 1795 Battle of Nuuanu, an important event in Kamehameha I's campaign to bring Oahu under his rule.

Is there a parking fee at Nuuanu Pali Lookout?

Current DLNR information lists no parking charge for Hawaii residents and a $7 per vehicle fee for non-residents.

Is Nuuanu Pali Lookout windy?

Yes. The lookout is famous for strong wind gusts, so visitors should secure hats, phones and loose items and stay behind barriers.