Enjoy the beauty of Nu’uanu Pali Lookout O’ahu
The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, located in the Ko'olau Mountain Range on Oahu's windward side, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island's windward side. Near Kailua and Kaneohe, the viewpoint is accessible through the Pali Highway, which is a short distance away (Highway 61).
In addition to the viewpoint, there is a connection to the Old Pali Road, an abandoned and overgrown road that runs along the edge of the cliffs. Despite the fact that the viewpoint is located at 1200 feet elevation, the wind here is very powerful, to the point that you can typically lean back against it as if it were a wall.
The lookout is a popular stop-off point for tourists and tour buses. While you'll see many people walking out to the lookout point for a few pictures, there is much more that can be done here! The beginning of a path that goes up the hill to a "puka," or a hole in the cliff, is located to the left of the parking lot on the right. This walk is both beautiful and exciting, with steep drop-offs on each side of the ridge on either side. If at all feasible, avoid the ultra-narrow ridgeline by following the trail line down via the "forested" sections of the route. Because these small trails constantly re-connect with the ridgeline, they help to make the trek a little safer. Precaution should be used in the region around the "puka." However, it is not advised to continue up the path beyond the puka since the terrain becomes very hazardous.
To the right of the viewpoint lies the entrance to the Old Pali Road, a mysterious and beautiful cliff-side road that has been closed to vehicle traffic since its construction in the 1960s. It is true that there are some gates with warning signs about falling boulders placed at the entrance to this route, but they are open and the old road is popular with hikers and visitors, so don't be worried about passing through them. Getting to the Pali Lookout on Oahu may be the most fun thing to do on the island, and getting there is not difficult. Trust us, it’s worth it!
