Pali Highway Scenic Lookout

Very windy and cold but gorgeous overview of the mountains and ocean. Great view, easy 2 minute walk from parking lot

While driving around the island, we stopped off at the Pali Highway Scenic Lookout.The day was overcast and windy. But it was wonderful to read about the history of this spot. It was wonderful to see Kailua and Kaneohe!It's a nice stop to check out.

My daughters like to visit the Pali whenever they come back with me to Oahu. There usually has been lots of parking when we come but still annoyed having to pay the $7 flat rate parking fee when we don't stay long. Locals and military can skip paying but given I used a rental car this time we paid the machine.We noticed more chicken families running around the grounds than I recall in my last visits. Views were beautiful as usual. A new memorial (since my last visit) was installed in February 2023 dedicated to Hawaiian Warrior Women. I wished that they did not close the road below the viewpoint. We remember walking up and down it before they gated it off. I guess its now a safety issue due to the potential for falling rocks, however, the gate wasn't locked.

Absolutely beautiful views! This is a must-see! It does get very windy there and there a lot of bees, but the overlook is incredible. Easy walk up to the lookout for those who want a good view but may be unable to hike.

As we took the Pali Hwy back towards Honolulu, my friend pulled us into the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout which was right after a hairpin turn on the road. According to the signage, this spot is a historic site marking a bloody 1795 battle in which King Kamehameha the Great was victorious. The result was a unification of the Hawaiian Islands.Today, this upper scenic lookout provides a terrific panoramic view of Oahu's windward side with Kāneohe, Kāneohe Bay, and Kailua off in the distance. There is a parking fee, however because it was a Sunday, we took advantage of the absence of a parking attendant or meter maid. It happened to be dry and particularly calm during our brief stop which made the cliffside perch more serene.The landscape was very lush and green. This was quite a contrast to where I live on the mainland. Below the observation level was a paved trail that was gated off to prevent pedestrians from trespassing. I imagine that the path leads to some beautiful, secluded spots that would be overrun by tourists. There are numerous superstitions and tales about this area so do an internet search if you are interested in the folklore.

There are two scenic lookouts on the Pali Highway.The one that starts from Honolulu and goes to Kailua is the lower scenic lookout. There is a green sign located about 500 ft before the entrance. If you look down on the road, the solid line that borders the edge of the highway will turn into dotted lines indicating the entrance to the Scenic Point. It's dangerous because the incline is downwards and is in the middle of the hairpin turn.The upper scenic lookout is accessible when you're driving from the Windward side to Honolulu. It's located before the Pali Tunnels and is after the hairpin turn.Both Scenic Points have views of the Windward side of O'ahu and Mount Olomana. I like to go at different times of the day because the sunlight and clouds change the colors and ambiance of the sky!Sometimes, it's so rainy, windy, and cloudy! The view can be totally blocked with Mother Nature's artistic skills!Check it out! It's a quick, free stop! Note: Be careful of parked cars and sketchy people if they're there!

I love taking visitors to this lookout after visiting the eastern side of the island. We arrived about 10 minutes before closing and the parking is still a flat $7! I didn't see anyone around to ticket us so we did a quick stop for photos (5 min) without paying the outrageous parking fee (i later found out that residents can park free). I'm baffled as to why it's not prorated for the few minutes you'll actually spend there. I've never been to the lookout and spent more than 10-15 minutes there. Yes, there aren't many parking spaces but if I were paying $7, I'd want to spend a heck of a lot more time there instead of quickly turning over the space.

Wow, this lookout is breathtaking, and the view is spectacular. The wind is so strong, and u can't have you hair in one place for a good picture! The parking is easy, and we arrive around 3pm, it's plenty parking! The driving to this spot is also very scenic and totally worth the drive!

Beautiful, but windy place to visit. It offers magnificent views of Kailua and Kaneohe cities. It is a recommended place for all, including the locals, to visit, at least once, and learn a little fascinating Hawaiian history about this lookout.

What is NOT TO LOVE at this awesome magnificent place!!!! Breathtaking views and you will never tire of going here to look at the beauty of the island!!!