Nu’uanu Pali
Nu’uanu Pali
4.5
About
The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside is a lookout above the Pali Highway tunnels where you’re treated to a panoramic view of Oahu's Windward side with sweeping views of Kaneohe, Kaneohe Bay and Kailua. It’s also well known for strong tradewinds, forming a natural wind tunnel of sorts. It was here in 1795 that Kamehameha The Great conquered the island of Oahu in one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history. Led by Kalanikupule, the defenders of Oahu were driven back up into the valley where they were trapped above the cliff. More than 400 of Kalanikupule's soldiers were driven off the edge of the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Best nearby
Restaurants
27 within 5 kms
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161 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- GEORGETTA S5 contributionsAmazing viewsWe were prepared for it to be really windy here, but we must have lucked out. The day we visited there was just a gentle breeze and spectacular vistas. We even got to witness a marriage proposal! We visited with a young local couple who were flying a drone and said the lack of wind was unusual. Easily accessible for my father- in- law using his walker. Parking lot gets busy.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 January 2023
- Sarah BBoston, Massachusetts152 contributionsBeautiful if you don’t mind paying to parkEven just driving to the lookout was worth it. Only drawback here is that you have to pay to park- really uncommon for a lookout and felt really unnecessary. There’s even a guard to enforce it. The view is amazing though!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 June 2023
- Ajay HNew York City, New York9 contributionsBreathtaking ViewsNu’uanu Pali lookout has sim absolutely stunning 180 degree views. It looks over the city and mountains. The Lookout was also not at all crowded when we went. The winds were insane as well. highly recommend it!Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
948 reviews
Excellent
529
Very good
317
Average
86
Poor
10
Terrible
6
Dreamer23449028264
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This lookout is a must do if you’re driving along the highway, heading to the north shore, or to Byodo-in Temple. The view is spectacular and it’s one of the best places to get close to the mountains without having to hike a long or challenging trail.
This is a very specism historical site and there are several other unique elements at this location including a sacred site and traces of the old road.
We visited twice and each time the weather was different. The first time was close to evening and it was a bit windy and cloudy. The second time was super sunny but the rain and clouds came in while we were there. If you go, understand that conditions can change quickly and vary greatly. It’s a good idea to hold on to your hats and anything that might fly away.
There is a parking fee of $7 (Sept 2023) but it was well worth it. Yes on the mainland states there aren’t very many places where you have to pay to see a lookout but as this site is so special and has a several other elements too we didn’t mind paying to help with the upkeep of the site.
This is a very specism historical site and there are several other unique elements at this location including a sacred site and traces of the old road.
We visited twice and each time the weather was different. The first time was close to evening and it was a bit windy and cloudy. The second time was super sunny but the rain and clouds came in while we were there. If you go, understand that conditions can change quickly and vary greatly. It’s a good idea to hold on to your hats and anything that might fly away.
There is a parking fee of $7 (Sept 2023) but it was well worth it. Yes on the mainland states there aren’t very many places where you have to pay to see a lookout but as this site is so special and has a several other elements too we didn’t mind paying to help with the upkeep of the site.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merpeople
Randolph, MA93 contributions
Aug 2023
Imagine the epic battle fought here by Kamehameha in his quest to unite the islands under his rule! It's a gorgeous drive up the mountain to the overlook and then breathtaking views! So glad we went.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ajay H
New York City, NY9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Nu’uanu Pali lookout has sim absolutely stunning 180 degree views. It looks over the city and mountains. The Lookout was also not at all crowded when we went. The winds were insane as well. highly recommend it!
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey61017490913
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This is a great sightseeing trip with a great panoramic view. It is worth the trip to drive there and take in the other views on the way there.
Written 27 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
Boston, MA152 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Even just driving to the lookout was worth it. Only drawback here is that you have to pay to park- really uncommon for a lookout and felt really unnecessary. There’s even a guard to enforce it. The view is amazing though!
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaMNUSA
Saint Paul, MN940 contributions
May 2023
After paid $7 for the parking, we walked to the lookout. It was very windy, I felt I was being blowed away by the wind. We managed to take a couple of the pictures and left.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor B
Tucson, AZ1,069 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
It’s a amazing lookout. That said, it’s just a lookout with nothing to “do”, or buy. Someone said you have to pay for parking which is weird since you are only going to be there for 10-15 minutes. There a few informational “placards” to read with interesting info on Hawaiian history.
VictorB
VictorB
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5aRBy6
Gettysburg, PA197 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
In 1866 this would have been a manificent view of Hawaiian homes, farms and fishing areas. It has bren replaced with houses, commercial buildings and a golf course.
Also note that there is a $7.00 fee to park if you are not a Hawaiian resident.
Also note that there is a $7.00 fee to park if you are not a Hawaiian resident.
Written 23 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dg2014jg
Magnolia, TX917 contributions
Mar 2023
Absolutely beautiful. Thanks to the other reviewers for giving me a head's up about the wind. Yep, tie down your hat. Even on a lightly foggy day, this was a worthwhile trip.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomaswZ8603TP
Joice, IA50 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Our VRBO host told us to check this out. It was our first stop on our trip. Great way to welcome us to Oahu. The view was beautiful
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anyone got to the lookout by an Uber? If yes, can you also easily get an Uber to get down from the Lookout regarding it is far inside the national park and maybe no cell signal there?
Thank you!
MKP5456
Ahmedabad, India554 contributions
Hi, this is a 15 to 20 min stop on the way to other attraction. Just for Nu‘uanu Pali it is no point in getting Uber and be sure you will not get to it for return journey. Still this is what you want you can pay 15 to 20 min waiting charge.
You should take some trip to various place in this direction instead of Uber, you can hire a car and drive on Nu'uanu Pali Dr and stop for a while at the look out point. ( I visited Byodo-In Temple, Haleiwa ( For big waves) 2 to 3 hours, make a quick stop at Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) and Sunset Beach Park )1 to 2 hrs .
Hope this will be useful.
zz77
14 contributions
Hi E6862,
Our tour company has told us that they will cancel this visit point due to road closed, as everyone said this is a place cant be missed, so can we go there by "the bus"? I will come to Oahu in May.
Thanks
Shaun T
Sydney, Australia1,033 contributions
Think it be best to rent a car
nachomagana
Chicago, IL
How much time do you spend there?
foodloversacto
Sacramento, CA105 contributions
It’s a stop and look location..nothing to do in particular just a view site..
11Stef
Austin, TX87 contributions
Can you take an uber up to pali lookout?
Tony G
Sioux Falls, SD184 contributions
Yes you can take Uber or Lyft up to the Pali Lookout. It would be rather expensive depending on where you are starting from. You would also probably have to pay the parking fee.
Renting a car for a day would be easier and I suspect cheaper. Stopping on the way to the North Shore would be a great way to maximize a one day rental.
Madevilz
Montreal, Canada176 contributions
We ommitted to pay the fee because we entered the parking but did not stay... Is there a camera that takes note of car plates or something? Because we saw no one.
KurtAndWendy
Portland, ME991 contributions
I think it's just an "honor system" to pay if you decide to stop, park your car and walk up to the overlook. No charge for just driving through.
AndersonianAdventure
Suwanee, GA179 contributions
Is any car suitable to get to these locations or is 4WD needed?
HowardL82
Oahu, HI49 contributions
Any car can get into the lookout parking lot.
Morgan W
Liberty Lake, WA1 contribution
I visited the Nuuanu Pali Lookout on 2/19/15 and come across a photographer who was selling her photos from this location. She had some lovely photos of Lanikai beach. I gave her my email so she could send her website info but sadly I did not receive an email. I would love to locate this photographer.
bobed
Yonkers, NY87 contributions
directions to getting to the pali outlook from Honolulu hotels namely Hilton Hawaiian village thanks
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Claim your listingNu’uanu Pali - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Nu’uanu Pali
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Nu’uanu Pali:
- Majestic Circle Island Eco Tour from Waikiki (From HK$1,161.36)
- All Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Day Tour with Lunch and Waimea Waterfall (From HK$1,134.47)
- Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour (From HK$1,052.24)
- Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour (From HK$935.32)
- Private Circle Island Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer (From HK$2,723.97)
- Hotels near Nu’uanu Pali:
- (10.01 km) Coconut Waikiki Hotel
- (9.91 km) Club Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki
- (8.60 km) Lanikai Beach Rentals LLC
- (9.47 km) Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel
- (6.87 km) Papaya Paradise Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Nu’uanu Pali:
- (6.03 km) Over Easy
- (5.95 km) Le Crepe Cafe Kailua
- (5.81 km) Moke's Bread and Breakfast
- (9.23 km) Sweet E's Cafe
- (5.76 km) Kalapawai Cafe & Deli