Nu'uanu Pali Drive

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.

Key Features

Short Honolulu scenic drive through Nu'uanu Valley

Located near Pali Highway and Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

Shaded route with forest, old stone walls and cool valley air

Often misty or rainy because of the Koolau mountain setting

Good add-on before or after a windward Oahu drive

Drive slowly for narrow turns, cyclists and wet pavement

Best views depend on clear weather and cloud cover

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nu'uanu Pali Drive?

Nu'uanu Pali Drive is in Honolulu's Nu'uanu area, near the Pali Highway and the route toward the windward side of Oahu.

What is Nu'uanu Pali Drive known for?

It is known for a shaded valley setting, old stone walls, forested curves, cool air and a quieter scenic route near Nu'uanu Pali Lookout.

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

No. Nu'uanu Pali Drive is a smaller scenic road near the Pali Highway, while the highway is the main route over the Koolau Range.

When is the best time to drive Nu'uanu Pali Drive?

Go when visibility is clear if you want to include Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. Mist and showers are common in the valley.

What should drivers watch for?

Watch for wet pavement, narrow curves, cyclists, pedestrians, fallen leaves and local traffic through the shaded valley road.