The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is a section of the Ko’olau mountain range located on the windward side of Oahu, Hawai’i.
The lookout is at the head of the Nu’uanu Valley and provides amazingly scenic views of the Northeast coast of Oahu. The lookout is situated below the Pali tunnels and provides spectacular views of Kaneohe, Kaneohe Bay, and Kailua.
The first road to connect the windward side with Honolulu was built in 1845, and in 1898 was developed into a highway. During construction of that highway, 800 skulls were found, they were believed to have been from warriors who may have fallen to their deaths from above. This highway was later replaced by the Pali Highway, and the Nu’uanu Pali tunnels in 1959 – the route is still used today.
An interesting piece of Hawaiian folklore surrounds the Pali Lookout and it states that one should never carry pork over the Pali. It is believed that Pele, an influential Hawaiian goddess is responsible for this. Pele, the volcano goddess, is responsible for not permitting passage of pork over the Pali, due to her competition with Kamapua’a. Kamapua’a is a half-man half-hog god, and Pele would not allow him to pass over the Pali and trespass on her side of the island while in the form of a hog (pork).
Learn more interesting folklore and facts about Hawai’i’s landmarks like the Halona Blowhole & Chinamans Hat on your next Polynesian Adventure tour.
