Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside Review: Epic Views & Windy Wonders! 🌬️🏞️
Just hit up Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside on Oʻahu's Pali Highway – total showstopper! Perched on sheer cliffs at 1,200 feet, the panoramic sweep of the Windward Coast is unreal: lush Koʻolau mountains, sparkling Kāneʻohe Bay, and Kailua beaches stretching forever. On a clear day like ours, it's pure postcard magic! 📸✨ Even cloudy, the misty vibes add drama. Pro tip: Go early to beat crowds and snag prime selfie spots – it's a quick stop from Honolulu, perfect for a road trip break.
The wind? Legendary! Trade winds whip through like a natural tunnel, strong enough to lean into (kids will love it, but hold hats tight!). 🌪️ It's what makes this spot feel alive, channeling that ancient energy from the 1795 Battle of Nuʻuanu – where Kamehameha I claimed victory. Historical plaques add cool context without overwhelming the chill factor. Easy access, short paved path to the lookout, and interpretive signs for history buffs.
Downsides: $7 parking fee stings a bit (no bathrooms beyond porta-potties, oof), and high winds can close it occasionally – check ahead! Safety first near edges, folks. Overall, 4.7/5 stars – a must-do for Oʻahu's wild beauty. Wind in your hair, history at your feet: Aloha adventure...
Read moreAside from the Pali lookout, you're able to do the adventurous hike to find the Pali Puka. From the Pali Lookout entrance, walk left and you'll see a sign that says "Area Closed." Ignore the sign and keep following the path. Warning: This hike is not for the faint of heart. You will climb the steepest of hills with the help of ropes and walk along the very edge of the ridge. As dangerous as it is, this was definitely my favorite hike on Oahu. It's like going through "The Jungle Book" in real life. Do not try to go while it's raining though. It can get very muddy and going downhill...
Read moreAnother great view of the island! There are plenty of parking spaces, but you gotta pay. I love all the greens and blues, it really takes you into the beauty of nature. I got some really pretty photos of hawaii here, but be careful because there are a lot of ants on the walls so if you're going to climb make sure to check before you get stung.This place gets crowded, but for the most part you can always get a great photo if you find the right angles. Definitely...
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