Nu‘uanu Pali
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and Molokai, King Kamehameha I attacked Oahu with 10,000 warriors
which included a good number of non-Hawaiian soldiers. The Hawaiian soldiers led by Kalanikupule were closed in at
Nu’uanu Pali, pushed to the edge of the cliff, and fell to their deaths on what is now known as the Pali
Lookout.Nu’uanu Pali used, and continues, to be a significant passage way of the Koʻolau Range
. It can be used as a cross
section between Honolulu (South Shore) and Kailua and Kaneohe (North Shore).
Because of this accessibility, many settlers in the past had lived in the area. Many years after the battle, in 1898,
workers who built the first road through Nu’uanu Pali found 800 human skills which are believed to belong to the
fallen defenders.
Myth and Legends
It has been known all throughout Oahu that carrying pork over or across Nu’uanu Pali is a dangerous thing to do. The carriers’ vehicles would stop and would only start when the pork is taken away from the car. This is because of the Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele. Having ran into a rivalry with a god who’s half human and half pig, Pele prohibits the trespassing of pigs no matter the form to her side of Oahu.There are two large rocks at the back of Nu’uana Valley which are believed to be representations of two guardians of the Nu’uanu Pali passage. These goddesses are Hapu’u and Ka-lae-hua-ola, whom passersby offer flowers and bark cloth to be allowed a safe passage through the valley.
There has been a rumor that hungry ghosts attack Nu’uanu Pali passersby for food. Consequently, travelers tie strips of banana leaf or bamboo to their food containers to repel the aggressive spirits away.
Another myth that wraps Nu’uanu Pali is the one about a lizard woman or mo’o wahine in Hawaiian. Like the western’s folklore about mermaids, this lizard woman takes in the form of a beautiful lady and lures in male travelers to jump off the 305 meter cliff.
Pali Lookout
Hiking Trail
The Nuuʻuanu hiking trail is among the most popular hikes locals and tourists alike take in the island of Oahu. It is quite challenging and very scenic. The trails starts at Kanalinkahua and ends at the Nu’uanu Pali itself. It involves going through ponds, streams, and taro patches.Nuuʻuanu Reservoir
Deep in the jungles of Nuuʻuanu Valley is the Nuuʻuanu Reservoir which has diverse water species such as the catfish and Peacock Bass. The reservoir is only open to Oahu residents and tourists on May, August, and November to avoid too much fishing and allow the fishes to propagate and grow naturally. Many people picnic on the emerald riverbeds of the reservoir. Appointments have to be made however to enter. Licenses and cards are required for every fisherman fishing in the reservoir.How to Get Here
Nu’uanu Pali is a 5-mile drive northeast of Downtown Honolulu. It can also be accessed through public transportation. Kamehameha highway just goes around the entire Oahu island so you’ll never go wrong going either way. Depending on where you are, ask around which bus would take you quicker to Nu’uanu Pali.Similar Attractions
Other lookouts in Hawaii are Makapu’u Lookout, Kalaupapa Sea Cliff Lookout, Moana Cliff, Pu’u Ohia, and Polu Valley Lookout. Among the most popular similar attractions in the world is Madeira’s Cabo Girao, a Portuguese sea cliff lookout which is 589 meters high. New South Wales also has Bald Hill Lookout. An interesting Ice Age cliff in Australia called the Devil’s Gullet is another lookout to see. There are many other cliff lookouts around the world especially the Australia and the United Kingdom.Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up.
Author: kimn. Last updated: Feb 25, 2015
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