With only 4% of Oahu developed, 96% of the island remains free from the urban sprawl. Hawaii is home to over 1.4 million individuals, with the majority of the population centered in Honolulu. Within the city lies Hawaii’s heart of tourism, Waikiki, known for its popular surf beaches, shopping, and nightlife.
On our Island Tours, you will see the landscape change from downtown sky scrapers to lush jungle and untamable mountains within minutes. Uncover the dynamic history of the island while exploring the most breathtaking sites the Oahu has to offer.
The Koolau mountain range runs up the Eastern side of the island, blanketed in dense jungle. These towering mountains and steep cliffs seem impassible. Yet, at a lower rising area of the Koolau mountains lies the Nu’uanu Pali, which connects Honolulu to the Eastern Coast.
Positioned on a cliff off the Winward side of the Koolau mountians, the Pali Lookout offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastal area below, including Kaneohe Bay and Kailua. This site is rich in both natural and military history, as well as cultural significance. Since ancient times, the Nu’uanu Pali has served as a vital connection between the Winward and leeward sides of the Koolau mountains. It is here that the bloodiest battle in Hawaiian history was fought, as King Kamehameha lead his warriors in a battle against Chief Kalanikupule’s men, forcing them to leap from the cliff to their deaths below.
The Nu’uanu Pali is a perfect example of how Oahu’s natural landscape shaped the historical development of the Island. Each location in Hawaii is unique with beautiful scenery and untapped history, just waiting for you to uncover these hidden discoveries.