Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Scenic spot · Nuuanu-Punchbowl ·

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

Scenic spot · Nuuanu-Punchbowl ·

Historic battle site with sweeping views and intense winds

spectacular view
insane wind
historical site
parking fee
worth the stop
short walk
panoramic views
powerful wind
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout by null

Information

Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Get directions

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Get directions

+1 800 464 2924
dlnr.hawaii.gov

Features

•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"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
Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

Grace C.

Google
The view of the Windward side of Oahu is a must stop. You do have to pay for parking. There is a machine that accepts card so, no cash required. You can also feel the history of this place, the warriors who died here and the highway that was built off the cliff. This wind is also powerful and can take your breath away as easily as the view can.

Don D.

Google
I love coming to this spot when I had some extra time to spend while waiting for a flight out or on a day when sightseeing is the plan. The views of the valley and ocean are spectacular, and the view up to the surrounding mountains and the passing clouds is magical. The parking can seem a bit expensive, there is a machine to pay as well as the pay to park app, so at least it is easy.

Melissa W.

Google
This was not expected. This was a gorgeous and unexpected visit. We saw the signs and took a chance. It is a free park. We were actually heading somewhere else to visit. This was like being caught in hurrican winds safely. The view was gorgeous. The experience of the winds won the show. Learned a fantastic history lesson as well. There was a monument to the female warriors. Fantastic!

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 T.

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!

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.

Manish S.

Google
Accessible and Quick: The lookout is conveniently located just off the Pali Highway and features a paved path, making it an easy, short stop for those traveling between Honolulu and the Windward side.

Bruno D.

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.
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Lolo A.

Yelp
As of July 2025, parking is free for Hawai'i residents and Military. The short walk from the parking lot to the lookout is paved, and no hiking is necessary. The scenic Windward views are spectacular! It can be quite windy and bit cold, so bring a jacket just in case.
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Brian F.

Yelp
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout (aka Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside) sits 1,200 feet above sea level overlooking the windward side of Oahu. It's situated on a cliff and is a short paved walk from the parking area. Parking costs $7 per vehicle for non-residents and is free for Hawaii residents. There's enough space for commercial vehicles and the parking prices for them start at $15. This site was the location of the Battle of Nuʻuanu between Kamehameha and rival forces in the late 1700s. His men forced the opposing side off the cliff resulting in a total of 400 men lost in this battle. To this day this is one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history. It was so bloody that when the Pali Highway road was built, workers found 800 skulls believing to be from warriors who lost their lives from the cliff above. The views were nice but the history of site was magnificent. Note that when you leave, beware of which exit you take because it leads to the highway. If you take the wrong exit it'll be a long detour to turn the other way around.
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Bob R.

Yelp
The views here are nothing short of spectacular. Nuuanu Pali Lookout offers the absolute best views on the island of Oahu! The pictures do not do it adequate justice. A word of caution, it gets quite windy up there so be prepared for it.
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Rebecca S.

Yelp
Amazing views. Free parking for Hawaii residents. Paid - self pay machine for non residents. $7. Credit or debit only. No hiking area or facilities. Some jungle fowl in the area looking for free handouts of food.
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Gus 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!
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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.
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Tina K.

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