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Nu'uanu Pali State Park
Categories: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Local Flavour Active Life Parks Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Local Flavour, Parks [Edit]
Nuuanu Pali DrPali Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96817
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
50 reviews for Nu'uanu Pali State Park
Review Highlights
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"The Pali lookout is a must for visitors." In 20 reviews -
"Beautiful view of the Windward side." In 5 reviews -
"...love that you can walk down the old road and explore a bit." In 3 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Glenn L.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 9/25/2011 1 photo
This is a great spot to stop at and take pictures! It's very windy so bring a jacket! We came here after the beach and it was late afternoon already so it was almost dark out...
There's a trail on the right side of the park.. It was pretty fun walking through it and seeing the great views from a different angle! We saw some locals walking through the trail as well picking beautiful flowers!Listed in: HAWAII TRIP 2011, 808 VISIT BACK IN 2010
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/9/2011
Beautiful view! Definitely worth stopping by to take pics and enjoy this very windy spot! My friend… Read more »
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Review from Charles O.
Honolulu, HI
5/29/2011
First of all, if you're a local you don't have to pay to park. I found this out from some guy who was directing people to the parking slotmachine thing where you might need to use a creditcard to pay for a 15 minute visit.
I love the wind, the clouds and the view - very introspective type of a place in spite of the wind-swept camera toten crowd.
Had the unfortunate drama of watching some fellow with his family of ten try to hunt down chickens (which were being trailed by baby peeps) much to the amusement of his similarly sick family while two of my mainland keiki's watched in horror. -
Review from Annie W.
8/11/2011
It's the view of the windward side, both greenery and water which makes for good picture taking =)
It's super windy up here and there's plenty of space for people to walk around and snap some pictures.
It's $3 to park now, but it's free for locals. Just check in the with the attendant and he'll make sure your vehicle does not get cited.
The lookout is high in elevation, so it allows you to see a beautiful valley, Kaneohe bay and even Chinaman's hat. It's a definite touristy spot to hit up because of the view.
Yes your hair might be flying all over the place while taking pictures, but try to focus on what's in the background.
Yelp Challenge # 11/365 -
Review from Linda T.
4/16/2011
$3 parking fee for non-residents. When we went the parking meter didn't work for us and others. We ended up not paying but didn't get a ticket for the 10 or so minutes we were there even though there was a park employee sitting in his car in the lot.
The view would've been more amazing on a sunny day but is still gorgeous anyway. And no kidding, it was cold and windy up there. -
Review from Geoff K.
Honolulu, HI
8/15/2010
Nu'uanu Pali State Park or The Pali Lookout offers beautiful mountain top views of the windward side of the island. Bring your panoramic camera and be ready to snap a few pictures. It is very very windy, but not really that cold.
The Pali reminds me how inept the state is at running parks. I remember my mom taking me here about 20 years ago with a friend of mine. He got stung by a bee. Fast forward 20 years and there sill bees all over the damn place. They did put a sign up. "Caution Bees".
How hard can it be to just kill 'em all. Use poison, burn the hive, do something.
There is also a trail here that you can hike. It starts at the old Pali road. What I'm guessing was Hawaii's first road through the ko'olau mountains. There are a lot of trees and brush on the road/trail. I wish the state would cut it all down or at least keep it trimmed back. I followed the road for about a half mile until it turned into a narrow trail, then I turned back. -
Review from John W.
Harrisburg, OR
2/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Don't just go to the lookout with the bus load of tourists.
If you want a short but worth while hike as you approach the main lookout take a right up the dirt path. This will take you to the notches above the lookout, there is a lot of history behind them, check it out before you go. This shouldn't be tried if you aren't an good shape are happen to be scared of heights.
Also if you're looking for a longer option hike down the old road, make a left under the current Pali highway and follow the trail to the small waterfall. -
Review from Keri K.
Mililani Town, HI
8/31/2010 1 photo
Very Beautiful state park displaying the natural beauty of the island of Oahu. Admission is free, however if you intend on staying for anything longer than 15 minutes I would recommend getting the parking pass. this is the natural notch in the Koolau mountains that figured prominently in a battle between ruling chiefs.
This site is also on a portion of the old Pali road, which is no longer in use.
Depending on which way the winds are blowing, this location can either be not windy at all, or completely crazy windy. Be sure if you have hats or sunglasses you like, or even loose tops, make sure they are secured, or be prepared to say bye-bye to them!
Site has a great vista of the windward side, extending from kaneohe to olomana to kailua. Definitely a picture worthy site! -
Review from Mary B.
Hobart, IN
12/10/2008
This is a awesome place for some great views and photo ops,
it was just way too windy. But it's still a great spot!!! -
Review from Nick R.
1/24/2008
The Pali highway is a pretty busy affair, one of only a few ways to get to the northern suburbs of Honolulu. I thought the lookout was breath taking, and certainly worth 10 minutes of your time. At no time was I the only person around, so I think as long as you don't leave your iPod sitting in view inside your car, you should be fine for the short duration you are here.
Keep your expectations in line though. This is basically a scenic overlook, don't plan your day around it. -
Review from Emi H.
Updated - 10/25/2009
This is my absolute favorite kiddie park! Swing set, 2 play sets with slides (1 for big kids & 1 for little kids). All in an area that is padded with that turf stuff where your toddler can bounce back from eating it into the ground. This park also has basketball courts, picnic tables, lots of grass & trees and the most important part...SHADE! I hate sitting in the sun and worrying about my little hapa kids getting baked. So it's nice that I can take my kids to the park, sit on a bench and we can all have fun in the cool shade of the trees. Plus it's Nu'uanu so the temperature is always fairly cool.
Be sure to bring your picnic lunch, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and a big blanket to lie on and enjoy the day. Only bad thing that happened to us recently was that someone barfed on the big kid play set. Not sure who ended of cleaning that up but I'm just happy that my kid didn't do it!Listed in: Townies Rule!, Me + My BF = Bliss, You've Got Kids In Honolulu…, Lazy Sunday In Honolulu
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/23/2009
This is always on the list when someone calls and says "We're coming to Hawaii for the FIRST time!"… Read more »
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Review from Joanne G.
10/28/2008
A quick word of advice: DO NOT come up to Nu'uanu Pali State Park wearing a skirt or a dress, unless you so enjoy flashing your undies to the dozens of visitors who just happen to be watching your windblown photo-ops at the Pali lookout.
You really only need ten minutes to take in the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and coast below. And yes, it's totally worth the quick stop on the way back from Kailua, even if you do happen to be wearing a dress. -
Review from Belle B.
Walnut, CA
8/7/2011 1 photo
I love coming here because I feel closer to my grandfather and my ancestors when I'm here. It's eerie because I can just feel them with me. This is a beautiful lookout where you can see several major landmarks on the windward side of the island. It's really windy at the top, so you might want to bring a windbreaker. I love that you can walk down the old road and explore a bit. There is so much history here and it's a significant place. I have been here several times during the day and at night. It's a very spiritual place.
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Review from Kayla S.
Kailua, HI
3/6/2010
FYI - Parking at this park is now $3 per car! (Unless you show your local ID.)
First off, I have to say that I thought this was a myth - but my fiancee told me that if you take a baseball cap and throw it as hard as you can OFF the lookout (towards the ocean) it will actually act like a boomerang and fly back to you because the winds are so strong. I have been skeptical but last time we went we tried it - and it worked!! Believe me, myself and everyone else on the lookout thought that poor baseball cap was a goner but the wind carried it back. Totally fun trick! (Still, I wouldn't try it with your most favorite hat!)
This is definitely worth a stop when you are driving over the Pali. To catch the view and snap some pictures will only take you about 10 min. More than that and you will be cold and/or blown away anyway. Try to go with someone local, paying the $3 might not be worth a 10 minute stop for a nice view..It's often cloudy and/or rainy there, so it's worth it to wait for a relatively clear day to get the best views/pics. -
Review from Esther Y.
10/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
GORGEOUS views of Kailua. Pretty windy, but when I went it wasn't a cold windy...just windy.
Kama'aina get free parking...so go with one. =) -
Review from J H.
WALL STREET, NY
3/23/2009
See where Kamehameha beat his rivals and pushed them off the cliffs. Then hike up to the peak for an amazing biew of k-bay to the north and all the way to Waikiki. Watch helicopter tours fly under you from the ridgeline and peaks above the Pali Lookout.
P.S. no pork on the pali (or the gods will be angry with you)!Listed in: been there, done that
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Review from D.J. Y.
8/1/2007 4 photos
Home to the Nu'uanu Pali lookout, or just the Pali Lookout to locals, this place has a hauntingly windy feeling to it. Looking out over the 985-foot cliffs of the Koolau Mountain Range you'll often get blown back by the high winds whipping through this place.
In 1795, Kamehameha I and his army invaded Oahu, arriving in an imposing fleet of war canoes at Waikiki Beach. The Oahu warriors were led by Kalanikupule, the alii nui (chief) of Maui and Oahu.
Kamehameha's army marched to Nuuanu Valley to face Kalanikupule's troops. The ensuing battle was fierce, bloody and unrelenting. Gradually, Kamehameha's men gained an advantage, forcing Kalanikupule's forces to retreat further up the valley. The Oahuans attempted to make a final stand, but Kamehameha's army was too strong. Thousands of Kalanikupule's men were pursued and driven over the steep cliffs to their deaths.(http://Aloha-Hawaii.com).
Get this: During construction, workers found an estimated 800 human skulls and other human bones at the foot of the cliffs--the century-old remains of Kalanikupule's slain warriors.
No wonder it has a powerful aura around it. Truly not to be missed it's an awesome experience if you are on Oahu!!Listed in: If I were a tour guide...
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Review from Mona O.
Fremont, CA
11/25/2007
This review is for the Pali lookout, as I did not make it to the State Park. While free and it's a short , easy stroll from the small lot to the lookout, I thought that it was pretty lame for a lookout... unless you like looking out onto a golf course (woohoo!... not).
My first warning was the broken auto glass on the ground (high theft area). My second warning was the warning sign for bees (we did find a bee on the ground). My third warning was the throngs of tourists heading back to their cars, some dressed in heels. And my final, though belated, warning were the three itchy mosquito bites.
Sooo not worth it. I recommend Diamond Head instead. -
Review from Iris M.
Cambridge, MA
9/30/2011
So windy and beautiful! Don't wear skirts or anything too loose. There's an old road that's blocked off, which is majestically eerie to walk down. I kept feeling as if the mountain was going to collapse. The lookout is perfect for a reflective walk and pictures of
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Review from Belinda S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/3/2009
You have to be careful up here! The tourists that parked their car right next to us were robbed while they were out looking at the views. It was creepy that they could have broken into our rental car too, but luckily I was smart and took my wallet with me.
Be safe! -
Review from Brian A.
Honolulu, HI
3/29/2010
Looking for one of the easiest and best vistas on the island? It's also a great place to cool off as it's one of the breeziest places on the island also. It has excellent views of Kailua, Kaneohe Bay, and the Ko'olau Mountain range. One of the must-stops for new visitors.
One of the best times is later in the afternoon when the sun is on the Honolulu side. There are times you can see the sun peer through the mountains and firing its rays through the clouds.
Minus one star for making people pay for a really short stop. If it was a hiking destination or something I'd understand. Just be careful and keep all valuables with you. -
Review from Pearl V.
San Jose, CA
6/11/2008
Nice views and strong breeze.
That's pretty much it.
Take a few good photos and call it a day!Listed in: Hawai'i... how I miss thee
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Review from Janel Y.
11/6/2008
Good view. You can see Chinaman's hat as well as Molokai and some other locations that one of the maps point out...but that's about it.
IT IS WINDY, even on a sunny day when there's not a breeze felt, so be wary of wearing a hat, skirt, pareo, anything that might give someone a flash...unless that is your intention! ;o)
There was a guy hanging out, giving out info on FREE, 3 hr hikes (not too difficult or strenuous) around the island (he mentioned something about checking out "Lost" and "Magnum P.I. locations), but don't know if it's really legit or what. Sounded alright, but we didn't take him up on his offer.Listed in: Live Aloha
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Review from W L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2008 2 photos
A-OK for going all the way out to the Pali Hwy to get your hair blown in all directions.
see pics
A-OK for potential bee-stings
A-OK for a trail that seems to go on forever and ever. the worst part is having to walk back
nice view of the Nu'uanu valley and beyond. I guess if I was homeless with no bus fare I'd take the trail to Kailua if i had to get there for some reason (maybe to beg for change from the tourists eating at Boots and Kimo's) -
Review from Connie W.
2/10/2009 2 photos
Pali Lookout is one of my favorite places to stop and catch my thoughts. The weather can become VERY windy; you've been warned. The panoramic view of Kaneohe and Kailua is so beautiful on a clear day, but I wouldn't stop there. Most tourists come to the lookout, take in the sights for a few minutes, and then leave. If you walk along the Old Pali Highway, you'll get closer to nature and come across many beautiful vantage points. There are also short, quiet trails leading into the valleys along the highway. If you're going to take the time to come to Pali Lookout, appreciate the view and make it worth your while.
Park entry used to be free, but they're now collecting a $3 parking fee for visitors. A small price to pay for the experience, and the money spent goes towards keeping Hawaii parks beautiful. Fee does not apply to locals who show state ID. -
Review from Jesse C.
3/8/2010 3 photos
This is where some high school friends I came to get away from the city. Spectular view and cool (maybe thats a understatement) breeze.
I'm very sad that they now charge $3 for parking for non-residents (started 3/5/2010). -
Review from Dave L.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2008 2 photos
It's a good view...
That's about it. Came here when it was raining, so the view wasn't as awesome. But the drive was nice -- saw a bunch of waterfalls coming out of the mountain.
Tips: Quick stop off the Pali freeway. Watch your car.Listed in: Hawaiian Hedonism
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Review from Bret O.
Fremont, CA
1/14/2008
Watch out! There was a lot of auto glass in the parking lot.
I went there very quickly, saw a view that was marginally pretty, and went back to my car with a purpose. -
Review from Cy C.
Beautiful view of the Windward side! Must read the historical background, very interesting! Depending which way the wind is blowing it may be strong or may not be windy at all. If its cloudy, it can get pretty cold. I suggest you bring a jacket and hold on to those hats! ;)
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Review from Lili K.
6/25/2010
Beautiful! It's $3 to park but we decided not to and were fine (not recommending you do the same unless you're a risk taker OR a local). Mah boo and I came here to take a break from the beach views and see some greens already. It was a bit windy, but we like the wind since it blows us together (aww). We take some romantic shots, and what do you know-other couples want to mimic the same poses (this always happens :P). Hey, it's all about learning from one another...
So we exchange cameras with a couple (they go to the lower level while we take a picture on top) and vice versa. Except, my boo decided to test out his new waterproof, and shock resistant (not shockproof) camera that's supposed to be good for 7 feet or so. We decide to throw it up and the guy misses it, and unfortunately the camera couldn't resist, after all. All good, it was returnable btw. But just so you know, don't throw cameras up and down. But definitely take them when snorkeling!!
In short-great make out spot. JK kind of. Great place to take in the view and reflect on the many blessings you have in life. Nature at its best! -
Review from Sabine F.
Converse, TX
Nu'aunu Pali State Park has breathtaking view of the cities below mainly Kaneho Bay. Don't worry about the parking fee, if you are a Disabled Vet you won't have to pay and if you do it is still worth it. Take a moment to walk on the old Pali road that is closed. This year the wind was bearable but last it was so windy that the air was ice cold. We felt like we were freezing the death.Be prepared to take warm clothing.
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Review from jocelyn l.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2009
Gorgeous views of Kailua, Kaneohe; you feel like you're...in a completely different world and not 15 mins from downtown Honolulu.
Super windy though...hold on to your hats! -
Review from Edwina K.
Honolulu, HI
7/25/2008
After a day in Kailua, we decided to check out the Pali lookout. We actually haven't visited this yet. In regards to scenery, it was a disappointment. It was very windy. Compared to my favorite scenic point (in between Haunama Bay & the blow hole), it just didn't blow me away - ha!
What makes this worthwhile is the history! We were standing where many lives were lost. Like in D.J.Y's review: "an estimated 800 human skulls and other human bones at the foot of the cliffs--the century-old remains of Kalanikupule's slain warriors." Not only do we need to appreciate the natural beauty of Hawaii, but also it's rich culture/history. -
Review from Kymberli C.
Concord, CA
9/8/2010
Beautiful view, a must see at least once in your lifetime place! Beware it is SUPER windy and will blow your hair ALL over the place and make your face feel like it is about to fly off as well.
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Review from jen n.
Long Beach, CA
4/8/2008
You gotta come here at least once if you are visiting Oahu. Let the winds blow your skirt up and your toupee off.
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Review from Rey L.
2/1/2011
Awesome view of a lot of greenery. Lots of fresh windy air. Nice historical background provided. Thats about it. Once around is good enough. Give it a gander.
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Review from Sandy H.
Long Beach, CA
3/9/2011
Yet another must see place on the island! You have to pay for parking which isn't expensive and try avoiding going when there is a bus load of tourists there but that would be hard regardless. It was really windy when we were there but the view was spectacular! The gardens and everything below were so lush and green! There were also a lot of chickens roaming around the parking lot area. lol
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Review from Ashley E.
Escondido, CA
2/6/2009
Yes, it's very windy, but the history behind the lookout is so cool that I didn't even care. I've been there three times, and every time I think of King Kamehameha and his army pushing the Oahu troops off the cliffs to their deaths. You can see Chinamans Hat, Kanehoe Bay, and lots of lush green forest. Very pretty, historically rich, and VERY windy!
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Review from Byoung Kyu S.
Plano, TX
12/3/2008
I thought the views would be more spectacular. It's a short drive so you won't waste much time on the road. It's a nice quick trip if you have some time to kill.
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Review from Erik S.
Cambridge, MA
9/25/2008
The Pali lookout is a must for visitors. It's easy to get to, quick and the view is magnificent. Yeah, it's windy, but guess what? You're on the side of a cliff.
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Review from L N.
San Jose, CA
11/6/2010
This is such a beautiful place! They have a nice view of the natural surroundings of the Pali. It was extremely windy on the day that we visited. Overall, I won't forget this place as it was one of the hiking adventures that made my Hawaii trip a memorable one!
