Nu'uanu Pali Drive

Oahu Scenic Drive Guide

Nu'uanu Pali Drive

Nu'uanu Pali Drive is a short rainforest detour off Pali Highway, with canopy trees, valley scenery, Morgan's Corner folklore and easy access between Honolulu and Windward Oahu.

Nu'uanu Pali Drive (Morgan's Corner), Oahu

Most people who drive from Honolulu to Kailua or Kaneohe on Oahu's windward coast take the Pali Highway (Route 61). Take a small detour and make a turn onto Nu'uanu Pali Drive and you will feel like you're in a jungle. This canopy-covered road has some interesting looking trees and is home to a popular Hawaiian spooky legend. In fact, many residents would consider the sharp curve known as Morgan's Corner one of the spookiest places on Oahu. Morgan's Corner is named after Dr. James Morgan who used to live at this sharp curve between the 1920s and 1940s.

On a moonless night it is literally pitch black in here and even during the day many people get chicken skin when stopping at Morgan's Corner. There are many variations of the spooky tale, and one of them goes like this: A girl from the Morgan's residence hanged herself on the tree at the end of the road. She was reported missing for a few days and when she was found, her head had severed itself from her body, leaving it handing by the rope alone. Her body and head were never reattached when she was buried, leaving her to forever haunt the Nu'uanu Pali Drive.

But spooky or not, Nu'uanu Pali Drive is one of the most scenic roads on Oahu. If you don't have time for a rainforest hike, drive along this road and enjoy the lush vegetation surrounding it.

Visitor Reviews

Reviews and Ratings

Be the first to review Nu'uanu Pali Drive.

Add Your Review
Your rating

Reviews are checked before they appear on the site. If a rating is not selected, the comment will not affect the average rating.

Location, Parking and Directions

Nu'uanu Pali Drive is located in Nu'uanu Valley on Oahu. From Honolulu, take Pali Highway toward Windward Oahu and turn onto Nu'uanu Pali Drive for the shaded valley detour. The map marker identifies a point on Nu'uanu Pali Drive near the upper valley and Morgan's Corner area.

Loading map…

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nu'uanu Pali Drive?

Nu'uanu Pali Drive is in Nu'uanu Valley on Oahu, just off Pali Highway. It offers a short rainforest detour between Honolulu and the windward side near Kailua and Kaneohe.

What is Nu'uanu Pali Drive known for?

The road is known for its lush tree canopy, quiet jungle-like feel, old residential setting and Morgan's Corner, a curve tied to local ghost stories and folklore.

Is Nu'uanu Pali Drive the same as Pali Highway?

No. Pali Highway is the main Route 61 corridor between Honolulu and Windward Oahu. Nu'uanu Pali Drive is a slower side road that branches off and reconnects near the same valley area.

Can visitors stop at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout nearby?

Yes. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is nearby at Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside. Check current hours and parking fees before visiting, and expect strong wind at the lookout.

What should visitors know before driving Nu'uanu Pali Drive?

Drive slowly, respect residents, watch for narrow curves and wet pavement, and avoid stopping in the road. This is a neighborhood road, not a formal park road.