Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

Scenic spot · Nuuanu-Punchbowl

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

Scenic spot · Nuuanu-Punchbowl

Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Highlights

Historic battle site with panoramic views & strong winds

Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Get directions

dlnr.hawaii.gov

@afar

"Crossing an Island This used to be the old highway to get from the leeward to the windward side of the island. It was literally built into the side of a mountain and was barely hanging on. It’s now been replaced with a proper 4 lane highway complete with a tunnel, but parts of the old highway are still there to hike on. To get there you have to go through tourists. They are there for the lookout and the spectacular view – but you can go much deeper than that! From the lookout, go down to the right and go past the ‘closed’ sign, away from the tourists at the lookout snapping photos. Take the old Pali Highway through dense jungle growing along the side of this lush mountain. We also picked fresh guava off the trees and snacked on them along the way down. We hiked about 45 minutes down and then slowly turned around and came back up. You can hike all the way through to the end though."

Off the Beaten Path: Hiking around Honolulu

View Postcard for Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

carine

Google

Opening hours are 6 am to 6 pm. You must pay 7$ parking per car even if you stay 5 mins. The lady is there to place a fine as soon as you arrive if you don’t take the ticket. It is a great view so it is worth it

Dan Theriault

Google

The pivitol Battle of Nu'uanu took place here in 1795 where the forces of King Kamehameha pushed Oahu warriors off the sheer cliff to their deaths, winning his battle to unify the Hawaiian Islands. A construction crew recently found hundreds of skulls at the base of the cliff. It is great to reflect on the battle while visiting here but be prepared for unbelievable winds. The views are spectacular!

Bruno Diaz

Google

This lookout point is a must-see and completely worth the stop. The view from the top is genuinely great. You get a massive, sweeping panoramic that captures everything: the sheer Koʻolau Mountains, the valley, the city of Honolulu in the distance, and the ocean. You can practically see everything from there. If you are driving the Pali Highway, definitely stop by.

Alpesh Patel

Google

During Hawaii trip back in 2021 The view is incredible from here. It's a short walk. It can be very windy so hold onto your hats! Parking is $7. You can purchase a ticket at the kiosk. You need to put on your license plate number to get the ticket that you place in your windshield. Lots of feral chickens around, as usual. It's a nice place to stop. Beautiful scenery and scenic drive in and out from the state park.

Lisa M

Google

This is sooo beautiful. The drive up is beautiful. All the lush green trees and fauna. There is a parking lot once you get there, and you so have to pay. There were lots of roosters and chickens in the parking lot, which was cool. I learned they roam freely on the island. The walk up to the lookout is beautiful as well. It's super windy there so be ready to her almost blown away. I was not ready. Lol. The view up there is phenomenal. The pictures do not do it justice. I mean the greens, the browns, the blues. Just breathtaking. Take the drive to this Lookout, I promise you will NOT be disappointed.

Eddy Salomon

Google

My uncle took us to this place for some amazing views. The way the wind whips up here is pretty amazing. Definitely worth the visit and off the beaten path. It’s an easy experience for all ages and abilities.

Matthijs

Google

There's paid parking here. I think it was $7. Not sure how they check it though. The view was great. It was a bit windy though, causing the view to even greater when some skirts blew up in the wind. Marilyn Monroe style.

Gilbert Grape

Google

Great spot with a magnificent view, was there for a bit taking it all in. Everything is so beautiful in Hawaii and this lookout point gives you an glimpse of that beauty. The wind, woah the wind. Could hold you up at an angle at certain times! Very few people there had the place to ourselves basically. Made it that much more beautiful.

Tina K.

Yelp

Beautiful, amazing view Free parking, lots of spaces No need to hike Highly recommend

Klemens T.

Yelp

Pali Lookout will always have one of the best breathtaking and windiest views of the kaneohe valley area. It's a super short walk from the parking lot to the lookout. There are some informative signs posted about some history of the Pali. Don't come up here at night, be respectful, don't take anything, and the saying is, don't bring pork items to the Pali. Please follow the signs and don't enter past areas that are dangerous due to falling rocks, etc. It's super windy so I'd watch your headwear and dress appropriately. I've seen hats, wigs fly off the cliff and I've see women dresses fly up so high everyone saw them completely naked so don't be that person lol. Super small parking lot. Locals are free and non-residents must pay for parking, but it's such a short attraction, as long as you're in and out within 5-10mins, I think you'll be fine. It's your risk lol.

Gustavo K.

Yelp

Hawaii has many things you can do in the water but this is something different! Woah! Do not bring a kite here! or a paper plane! or a parachute a hat or umbrella! and dont drop your phone! It's so windy! Realy short fun experience! Lots of interesting information and history that must be read! Parking is pretty easy just be aware of drivers. $7 dollars at the kiosk for parking! Locals drive safe but most tourists don't so be watchful and aware! There are no restrooms and not food or beverage spots. Its just a windy hsitorical spot to appreciate and enjoy!

Sallie R.

Yelp

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout has stunning panoramic views of Oʻahu's windward coast, with dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and sweeping ocean vistas. Rich in history site of a major battle during King Kamehameha's unification of the islands. Plenty of parking with a small fee. It's usually super windy, but the quick stop is absolutely worth it. Just a short drive from Honolulu, it's a great way to take in Hawaii's breathtaking landscape in under 30 minutes.

Kristy W.

Yelp

Pali lookout is nice lookout point but the wind is absolutely insane because it's coming from the ridgeline. There is plenty of parking and it's not that far of a walk from the parking area. I highly recommend just coming to see it. It is beautiful.