What to see and do at Nauuanu Pali, Oahu, Hawaii
The pass at Nauuanu Pali, Oahu, Hawaii has been a vital location from ancient times to the present
Nauuanu Pali is located on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii. It is a section of the windward cliff of the Koolau mountain located at the head of Nuuanu Valley.
Nuuanu Pali pass has been a vital location from ancient times to the present because it offers a low, traversable route through the Koolau mountain range which connects Honolulu on the leeward side of the mountains to Kailua and Kaneohe on the windward side of the island. The route drew settlers who formed villages in the area and populated the Nuuanu Valley for over a thousand years.
On 12/14/2023, we reached the Nauuanu Pali Lookout by traveling east from Honolulu on the Pali Highway (Hwy 69). The Pali Highway connects Kailua with downtown Honolulu, and it runs through the Nuuanu Pali Tunnels which are bored through the steep mountainside.
From the Nauuanu Pali Lookout is a panoramic view of the windward coast of Oahu.
The Nuuanu Pali has been a vital pass from ancient times to the present because it is a low, traversable section of the Koolau mountain range that connects the leeward side of the mountains, Honolulu to the windward side, Kailua and Kaneohe. The route drew settlers who formed villages in the area and populated Nuuanu Valley for a thousand years.
Viator offers numerous tours on the island of Oahu. Click here for details.
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout sits above the tunnels through the mountain.
From here is a panoramic view of the windward side of Oahu with views of Kaneohe, Kaneohe Bay, and Kailua.
The Nuuanu Pali pass was the site of the Battle of Nuuanu which was one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history. In 1795, Chief Kamehameha I sailed from his home island of Hawaii with an army of 10,000 warriors. After conquering the islands of Maui and Molokai, he attacked Oahu.
The defenders of Oahu, led by Chief Kalanikupule, were driven back from the coast up into the Nuuanu valley where they were trapped on the cliff at the Nuuanu Pali pass. Chief Kamehamehaʻs warriors forced Chief Kalanikupule’s men to their deaths off of the cliff. Roughly 400 warriors died in this battle.