Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is a wind-swept Oahu viewpoint above Pali Highway, known for Ko'olau cliffs, windward coast views and the 1795 Battle of Nu'uanu.

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Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, Oahu

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 easy to reach 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.

Key Features

Windward Oahu viewpoint above Pali Highway
Wide views of Kaneohe, Kailua, Kaneohe Bay and the Pacific
Ko'olau cliff setting at a historic mountain pass
Associated with the 1795 Battle of Nu'uanu
Known for powerful trade-wind gusts
Short walk from the parking area to the lookout
DLNR lists daily hours as 6:00am to 6:00pm
No parking charge for Hawaii residents
Non-resident parking fee is listed as $7 per vehicle
Clouds, mist and showers can move through quickly

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Nu'uanu Pali Lookout so windy?

The lookout sits in a mountain pass where trade winds funnel through the Ko'olau Range, which can make the gusts much stronger than in nearby Honolulu.

What does the word pali mean?

Pali means cliff, and the name fits the steep Ko'olau walls that rise around the viewpoint and drop toward the windward side.

Why is Nu'uanu Pali important in Hawaiian history?

The area is associated with the 1795 Battle of Nu'uanu, when Kamehameha I's forces fought for control of Oahu.

When is the view usually clearest?

Mornings often bring clearer views before clouds build over the Ko'olau cliffs, though windward weather can change at any time.

Can you see the windward towns from the lookout?

On clear days, the view reaches across Kaneohe, Kailua, Kaneohe Bay, valley neighborhoods and the ocean beyond the windward shore.