Pali Highway
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
23 reviews for Pali Highway
23 reviews in English
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Review from Noel B.
2/26/2012 12 Check-ins Here
I'm reviewing the LOOKOUT on the highway.
First off, it is accessible whether you are driving into town or to the winward side of the island from 9am-4pm. There is a small parking lot that can hold roughly 20 vehicles or so. On the other side of the bridge, there is parking for buses; so, maybe you can squeeze into a parking spot over there if the first lot is full. In addition, if you are not a local or military, you have to pay for parking. There is an electric meter that does take credit cards.
Before leaving the car, remember to bring a jacket/something warm and strap your hats on tightly as the winds are really gusty!
And most importantly, bring a camera and be amazed of the largest natural bay in Hawaii: Kanehoe Bay.
P.S. it is a great place to propose and take family pictures -
Review from Malia H.
Aiea, HI
There afe so many stories about bringing meat on the Pali, etc.
I just think this is a great drive to unwind and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the windward side. One minute your are in bustling Honolulu and the next you are in Kaneohe or Kailua. If you are lucky, you will get to see waterfalls as adding down the nearby mountains as you drive.
Luckily, I have not experienced a lot of traffic on this highway. But when it backs up, it really backs up from what I heard. Also this is home to lots of speed traps for police as well.
Take the drive and relax. -
Review from Krystle K.
Kaneohe, HI
1/6/2012 185 Check-ins Here
Who would've thought checking into a highway right? Being able to do this might be dangerous being that you shouldn't be on your phone while driving, but that won't stop me from checking in. :)
This highway isn't the greatest, but it can be really nice. Be careful for the hairpin turns and be careful when it's wet. I suggest not checking in while roads are wet. :) -
Review from Chad Y.
11/28/2011
Yes, I am writing a review about a highway...why? Because I need some diversity in my reviews and the Pali Highway is certainly something that locals appreciate and has a lot of history to it!
Connecting metropolitan Honolulu with the windward side of Kaneohe and Kailua, the highway has gone through two iterations with the "old highway" which can still be accessed from the Pali Lookout and walked down and the "new highway" where you currently drive. It is always a gasp moment as you drive towards the windward side from town and come out of the tunnels and see the beautiful expanse that is ahead of you. Note, as you come down the Pali to Kaneohe, there is a pretty sharp turn so be careful and take it down to the speed limit. Same turn exists when you are going from the windward side to town, so be careful!
Now there is some historical folklore, like not taking raw pork over the pali or your call will stall. I never tried it, however I ain't about to test that theory! -
Review from Jay L.
Honolulu, HI
Well what'd you know, I'm actually gonna write a review on Pali Highway. Now this should be fun and interesting to say the least. Now stand back as I'm about ready to let loose on what I've got to say about this highway to all these roody poo yelpers (just kidding) what this highway is all about so here goes nothing.
Pali Highway stretches all the way from the Windward side allowing commuters from Kailua and Kaneohe to use for them to get to town and vice versa. Commuters going to or coming from Kailua rely on Kalanianaole Highway while commuters going to or coming from Kaneohe rely on Kamehameha Highway. It can be crazy especially during morning rush and afternoon rush hours with traffic to deal with on the highway.
What most people might not know is that Pali Highway can be wicked highway to the point where it has the dangers factored all onto this long stretch of highway and you'll know exactly what I mean in a heartbeat away or two. There have been many bad things that have occurred on this highway especially in both directions heading Kailua bound and town bound and many of the bad things are a series of accidents involving cars, pedestrians, motorcycles, buses, etc. A lot of the accidents that occur is due to speeding and not seeing the pedestrians crossing the street on the crosswalk especially senior citizens. Many drivers speed on the highway by going beyond the speed limit so keep a sharp eye for cops with their speed guns by staying within the speed limit otherwise they'll nab you in an instant and issue a speeding ticket.
Now onto the fun part of Pali Highway. Driving along the highway is fun and enjoyable as you're able to see fantastic views of the Windward side if you're heading in either direction. You also get to see waterfalls coming down the Ko'olau's and that's another amazing sight to see as you're traveling along the highway. Watch out for the hairpin curve after going through the tunnels; it can get real hairy in an instant if you're not careful.
Well there you have my certified 100% proof of a review on Pali Highway. Have fun, hope you enjoy the scenery along the highway if you're driving or on the bus, and most importantly, DON'T SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY!!! -
Review from Nicole K.
Waipahu, HI
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh Pali Highway. For some reason the only time I drive here is at night ... and I'm always too scared to look in my rearview mirror because I'm scared I'm going to see Pele in my backseat. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's one of my legit fears.
There are cops that wait to catch speeders, so make sure you follow the speed limit.Listed in: be a tourist, When the outdoors attack
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Review from Sterling E.
Honolulu, HI
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lol, reviewing a highway.
Scenery on the drive is amazing! Both end ways give a nice view of Honolulu and Kailua. Middle part gives you breathtaking mountains. Scenic wise, I prefer to take the H3 because it has the jurrassic park feeling when going to the leeward side. The hairpin curve is a bit tricky so be careful when it is raining. Oh, and the slower cars on the right lane does tends to not apply on this road for some reason. So prepare to switch lanes frequently. -
Review from Connie M.
12/27/2011
Breathtaking views, just don't bring raw pork
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Review from Kristina R.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2007
Quite possibly the most beautiful highway on Earth...although Highway One along the California coast is a strong contender.
The only drawback from the sweeping views, gorgeous lush valleys, and fabulously big green mountains on this lovely stretch of road is the fact that it's often considered a roller coaster ride by drunks and lushes alike.
Watch out during holidays and celebration weekends. There are many times I've had to swerve to get out of the way of a speeding, veering car coming back from a football party.Listed in: E noho me ka hau`oli
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Review from JayChan H.
Beverly Hills, CA
12/8/2008 4 photos
In the 1960's and 70's when I was a little keiki the Pali was more of a twisty old road into the clouds where rainbows are born.
Now it's wider, faster and much more highway like but it's still the best route into the clouds for a view of heaven. Pray for traffic so you can take your time enjoying the surroundings. Don't miss the exit for the Nu'uanu Pali lookout and wind tunnel. Pictures posted with this listing. State park reviewed here: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Tantalus is my favorite "just because I can" drives on O'hau followed closely by the Pali Highway I just wish I was there now instead of LA. -
Review from Thi L.
Plano, TX
7/10/2008
Most beautiful place I have witnessed with my own eyes.
Haha, and it's free.
You must go here and have a look for yourself. It's breathtaking and will leave you speechless.
But keep in mind, pick a day where the weather is extra kind. Don't go when it's too windy, as it might be even stronger on the Pali highway. :(
I was lucky enough to go on a day where the weather was perfect. Don't forget to take your camera! Bring back some pictures to brag to your friends with. -
Review from jocelyn l.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2010
You may think it's a little bizarre to Yelp a highway. However, once you've driven on the Pali Highway, you'll know what i mean.
I used to live in Kailua and would have to drive downtown and back everyday for 2 years. The drive from downtown to Kailua is once of the most beautiful drives in the world. Once you go through the tunnels and come down the mountain, the view of Kaneohe Bay...is unmatched.
Second only to the view of the Golden Gate Bridge on the 101. Oh, and behind the scenic drives on CA 1 and Sandy Beach on Oahu. OK, OK. Top 10 drives. Ever.
*One thing I would like to implore the State of Hawaii/ City & County of Oahu- The people of Kailua need an expanded/ better highway to Downtown. You really should NOT be sitting in 55 mins of traffic from Castle Hospital to Downtown. Seriously. We're not in LA -
Review from Nick Y.
Kailua, HI
9/6/2008
This is just a bit ridiculous. I can't believe I'm going to review a highway. What's next? Kamehameha, Kalanianaole, Kahekili?
Yeah, I guess the Windward side of the Pali is beautiful, but from a jaded local's perspective, it really is just the road from Kailua to town. Rush hour blows, and the lights aren't timed so you catch every single red in Nu'uanu. Watch out for massive potholes, speed traps and little old granny pedestrians. -
Review from eric k.
Dublin, CA
6/6/2007
there is a lookout spot where to see the Pali Highway. This is a very old road that has since turned into a actual highway, but was previously used by islanders to make the trek over the ridge from one side of the island to the other.
It can often be cold and a bit gloomy up here, so if you decide to stop by, dress warmly.
The views are breathtaking.
There are also several other links denoting some of the historical significance:
http://www.hawaiihighw...
http://en.wikipedia.or... -
Review from Brian A.
Honolulu, HI
11/24/2009
Of the three passages through the Ko'olau Mountain range, the Pali (pronounced Pah-Lee) Highway holds the most magnificent vista's of the Windward side of Oahu. Once you move through the tunnels, it's like the sky and mountains make way for the view. One of the best views can be seen from the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. Just a short warning though, it's super windy up there.
From the Honolulu side, it will also take you right past the Nu'uanu Reservoir, where they fish (or used to) for freshwater catfish and clams. Also the Summer Palace and several consulates.
Make sure to watch your speed, it changes several times depending on where you are. I'd say a constant speed of 45 mph is about the maximum speed you will see posted. Sometimes it can get congested during rush hours. I wouldn't drive anywhere on Oahu during rush hours anyways. Just not generally a great idea. -
Review from John O.
11/9/2007
I was sitting here trying to think of how and why someone would review a highway!
Well, those words "LUCKY YOU LIVE HAWAII" comes to mind...
I am so lucky to have the honor to drive on such a beautiful highway everyday I go to work. Sure, it is a highway, but it has some of the best scenery. Green towering mountains, lush (natural) landscaping, rainbows and misty clouds, historic tunnels that lead you toward the vast Windward side where you can get a view of the beautiful beaches, and best of all, the many waterfalls after rain shower.
Well, does that not deserve 5 Stars!!! -
Review from Belinda S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/17/2008
Great views!
But two out of the three times I visited, it was completely cloudy and I couldn't see a thing.Listed in: Oahu!
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Review from Rich P.
12/31/2010
I was happy to see Pali Highway on Yelp. Just the other day I was saying to my wife that the Pali Highway is my favorite highway in the country. It's all lush with greenery, fun to drive on, and the Pali Lookout has a gorgeous view. We were dismayed to see that they started charging to park up there. Lame, but I can understand why, I guess. Someone has to pay for the upkeep. Anyway, our new tradition is to buy Coco-Puffs from Liliha Bakery and then drive up to the Pali Lookout to eat them before continuing on to Kailua. Try it!
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Review from Charlie D.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2008
okay. i just want to rain on your parade. i mean, yes the view is phenomenal, but the road itself is a DISASTER!! how many times must you replace the transmission on your car just to visit this highway? at least twice a year.
and really, do the hike that goes under the pali to the waterfall and congratulate yourself. -
Review from Nikki M.
New York, NY
12/4/2008
I have never felt so small. The view is AMAZING from the Pali. If you have to get stuck in traffic, this is the place be stuck!
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Review from Justin B.
Kailua, HI
1/20/2011
Great highway, I love that I can write a yelp review for it!
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Review from Josh A.
Goose Creek, SC
2/25/2009
Definitely need to stop by here if you get a chance. If you don't have time to, then make time. We got there at the butt crack of dawn, well before anybody else. The chickens were fun to watch, as they fought over our goldfish crackers. There were a lot of them too, coming out of everywhere, once they saw we had food. The views from the look out is amazing. It crazy to think that one of Hawaii's bloodiest battles happened here. If you were on the loosing end, you would be screwed. The cultural significance of this area is very important, so respect the land if you go.
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Review from jordan f.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
35 and 45 mph speed limits??? what the hell is this, a parking lot? that is not a highway. i have places to be, jesus.
