Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, there are great places that you have to see, offering picturesque views and incredible beauty that you have to see to believe. Each of the islands has its most famous destinations and attractions that help to make the islands so appealing. And as great as each site is on its own, it’s just part of what makes Hawaii such a special place.
On Oahu, one of the most important sites is the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, a scenic lookout point in the middle of the Ko’olau Mountains that provides a panoramic view of Oahu’s Windward Coast. The lookout point is at the beginning of the Nu’uanu Valley, and can be found along the Pali Highway, connecting Honolulu with Oahu’s lush Windward side, and the towns of Kaneohe and Kailua. Just follow the signs during a drive over and you’ll find yourself with an incredible view.
The importance of the valley cannot be understated, being the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaii’s history. During the unification of the Hawaiian Islands, King Kahmehameha led his troops to the valley in the battle for Oahu, ultimately defeating the opposition and bringing the islands one step closer to a unified rule. However, the full history of the site was not known until the original Pali Highway was constructed in 1898. Workers found the remains of more than 800 warriors who were pushed to their death during the battle, falling from the cliffs above into the valley below. Today, the story of the battle can be found at the lookout, and shows different points that played a role in the battle.
The lookout point is one of Oahu’s must visit sites. Visitors can expect to spend about 20-30 minutes here, taking in views of the valley and feeling the powerful winds that can gust in excess of 80 mph! It is highly advised to leave your hats in the car when walking out to the lookout. From the edge of the lookout, many iconic sites of Oahu are visible, including Chinaman’s Hat Island and Coconut Island, Marine Corps Base Hawaii of Kaneohe, and the town of Kaneohe.
There may not be a more incredible view of Oahu, and finding the Pali Lookout is easy. You can visit the site on any Circle Island Tour, or if you have a rental car, make the short drive to see it for yourself. No matter how you get there, be sure that the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is on your list of sites to visit on Oahu.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Sea Life Park Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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