One of Oahu’s Most Stunning Viewpoints
Of all the stops on an Oahu circle island tour, few take your breath away quite like the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Perched high in the Koolau mountains, this famous overlook offers a sweeping view of Oahu’s lush windward coast, with green cliffs plunging toward Kaneohe and Kailua far below. It is beautiful, it is often wonderfully windy, and it holds a powerful place in Hawaiian history. Here is what makes this stop so special.
The View From the Pali
Pali means cliff in Hawaiian, and the name fits perfectly. From the lookout, you gaze out over dramatic, fluted mountain walls draped in green, with the windward towns, the ocean, and offshore islands stretching into the distance. On a clear day it is one of the most photographed panoramas on the island. Be prepared for the wind, though. The lookout is famous for powerful gusts that funnel through the mountain pass, sometimes strong enough to hold you up if you lean into them.
A Site of Hawaiian History
The Nuuanu Pali is not just scenic, it is historic. In 1795 it was the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, a pivotal clash in which King Kamehameha I defeated Oahu’s forces to unite most of the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. Warriors were driven up the valley and over these very cliffs. Standing at the lookout today, it is moving to think that this peaceful, beautiful spot was once the turning point that helped form the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Tips for Visiting
A few things help you make the most of the stop.
- Hold onto hats, sunglasses, and loose items, since the wind can whisk them away.
- Bring a light jacket, as it is cooler and breezier up here than at the beach.
- Have your camera ready, but hold it firmly in the gusts.
The stop is usually short, but the view and the history make it unforgettable.
Part of the Perfect Circle Island Day
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout sits just off the Pali Highway between Honolulu and the windward coast, which makes it an easy and popular stop on a circle island tour. On a guided trip, your driver shares the history and the legends of the pass as you take in the view, adding depth to an already stunning moment. It is the kind of stop that ties the whole island together, connecting Oahu’s natural beauty with its remarkable past.
Feel the Wind, See the History
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is more than a pretty view. It is a place where Hawaii’s landscape and history meet in dramatic fashion. Stand at the railing, feel the mountain wind, and look out over the windward coast, and you will understand why this stop is a highlight of any Oahu circle island tour.