Love the Pali tunnels. Our guide *who was amazing* told us about the old route around the mountain and how easy the tunnels made the trip. HE also told us one of them collapsed- while we were in the tunnel :-) We loved the trip up to the Pali lookout. The lookout is one of my favorite places on the island. Love the tunnels and love the lookout! I didn't think it get pictures of the tunnels so I'm really happy to see the ones here! read more

"Joyce! Look! That's the side of the tunnel that collapsed!" - Nadine C., pointing wildly at the tunnel we were driving through. [Insert the cartoon dog meme where they're sitting at a table in a room that's on fire with the words, "This is fine."] I always see Paul C. checking in here so when we approached the tunnel, I made sure to check-in as well. It's a gorgeous tunnel that connects downtown Honolulu and Windward side. With lush green foliage and low cloud coverage the day we were driving through, it really was a gorgeous view. read more

Pali Tunnels - Picturesque. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

I recall when growing up as a kid, it was so fascinating to go to the Windward side as you had to go through the tunnels, where I used to get such a kick out of this. The kids in the car would hold their breath as we passed through. Things you do when young... Pali Tunnels (PT), which connects downtown Honolulu and Windward side, started in 1957 with one-way traffic and officially completed in 1962 with traffic going both ways. It's definitely a scenic route as you are blessed with a bountiful greenery and floral as you use PT. The air is so fresh and crisp where I take deep breaths. Such things to bring peace and a smile to my face. Although it's been documented that i requires more time to get home via Likelike Highway over Pali Highway but I tend to use Pali as I find PT more historic and scenic. Some people have voiced they don't care for PT as it's haunted but it doesn't matter to me. The setback with any small highways is the back up when there's any accident, stall or work getting done. But then, we're in Hawaii where majority of people drive with Aloha. Be kind. Be patient. Drive with Aloha. And enjoy what Hawaii has to offer. Mother Nature blessed our islands. Appreciate what Mother Nature has to offer. read more

Pali Tunnels - 11.9.2020 Stunning rainbow capture - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Lovely luscious green area! So much natural beauty to take in as you make your way out of the tunnel system. read more

Pali Tunnels - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

I learned from Historic Hawaii Foundation that construction of this tunnel began mid-1950's. On 1957, the first tunnel was open for one-way traffic & second tunnel was completed in 1961. All of these information drove me in an interesting state of mind in history! Interesting ayt! Lately, we've been passing in here as we took plenty of orders from Kailua. Easy, smooth & mesmerizing ride. It reminds me of my fantasy enchanted place of my childhood. The surroundings itself is too juanderful (read wonderful) not to feast. Amazing how people from the past made an incredible work that in this current generation tend to benefit. A work that will give a big impact way before this tunnel was finalize. All because of a certain effort of the state. Mahalo nui loa for those who have been part on this magnificent work! Feel free to have a fun & sometimes a mystique ride esp. if you go inside the tunnel. The best ever! I had a mini roller coaster ride sometimes & the feeling is so surreal. Mahalo for reading & happy Juandering fellow yelpers! IG: hello.juanderpinay www.juanderbandit.world read more

See all

Going to Pali tunnels practically every day when we head into town. Sometimes coming out of the tunnels and down Pali why lots of road construction weaving to left yo the right. But the tunnel is nice and bright read more

Pali Tunnels - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

As a child Pali and Likelike were our means to get to the Windward side I always loved the views from the Pali Highway and every so often we would venture to the lookout to soak in the views. When H-3 opened another view I totally love I didn't frequent the Pali. Most of 2019 the access through Pali was closed due to the landslides which hurt Windward commuting traffic. But now that is open we decided to travel this route. The view and memories always touch my heart. Pali is a special place with various sorts of memories. One of my elders once told me could you fathom literally driving over the Pali yes Old Pali Road was a narrow curvy road that took a very long time to travel through. Thankful for advanced infrastructure and I am sure improvements will continue to happen when needed. read more

Located on the Pali Highway townbound direction right after the hairpin turn (and before the tunnels), this lookout area is a great place for watching the sunrise or taking pictures of the windward side. The parking area is wide enough to fit at least 7-8 cars, although you'll rarely find that many cars at any given time. Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. read more

Pali Tunnels - Sunrise 3/22/17 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Nu'uanu Pali Tunnels replaced the Old Pali Road (now Pali Trail) in 1960. These tunnels and the Pali Highway were built to replace a narrow, winding and dangerous road over the mountain ridge. Hawaii State Highway 61 passes through the Nu'uanu Pali trans-Ko'olau Range connecting Honolulu (leeward O'ahu) and the communities of Windward O'ahu (Kailua and Kane'ohe). The tunnels serve as one of three trans-Ko'olau routes on O'ahu. The other two trans-Ko'olau tunnels are the John H. Wilson (Likelike Highway- Route 63) and Tetsuo Hirano (Interstate H-3). As a child, I remember riding over the Old Pali Road with my parents to visit relatives who lived in Kailua. I always looked forward to the visits as my cousins were about the same ages as me and my siblings. But, we all "dreaded" the ride over. There were such narrow points where only one vehicle could fit so drivers had to pull over to allow oncoming traffic through. Or, at times, it seemed as if our car was floating through the clouds because looking out of the car, we couldn't even see the roadway under us! The nice thing about these adventures was there was NO Road Rage! People were genuinely polite and respectful of each other's road safety. The views were incomparable with expansive lushness and greenery beneath us with the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean meeting our Hawaiian skies. So, indeed, the Pali Highway and tunnels were built to provide a safer route through the mountain ridge for the burgeoning population of O'ahu to use and enjoy. read more

Test your driving skills by taking the Pali Highway, or Route 61 as shown on maps. For the uninitiated, it is difficult to negotiate the many twists and turns that are not evident until you approach them. The drive does becomes easier as you become accustomed to the roadway (especially the hairpin turn - you can see the dents in the guardrails). You'll know when to coast, when to accelerate, and when to be prepared to brake (particularly during rush hour). The Pali Tunnels are 2 short tunnels, as compared to one long and seemingly narrow Wilson Tunnel on the Likelike Highway (shown as Route 63 on maps). The Pali requires your attention and is actually a scenic and enjoyable drive. It's much more interesting and challenging than the straightaway on the Likelike Highway, except for that treacherous turn coming out of the Wilson Tunnel traveling towards Kaneohe (or northbound) where some fatal accidents have occurred. Watch for the cops who are looking to tag speeding drivers, especially during non-rush hour and Honolulu-bound in Nuuanu area. read more

Nuuanu Pali Tunnels is a major transportation route from Kaneohe and Kailua over to Honolulu. I have had many drives through the Pali Tunnels whether it be enroute to my girlfriends house or to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay where I was stationed at from 2012 to 2015 while serving in the United States Marine Corps. What intrigues me about it, is how it was built! The tunnels were built through the mountain ridge, which replaced a narrow, winding, and dangerous road over the mountain. Funny, but when driving from either Kaneohe to Honolulu or Honolulu to Kaneohe, I always lose signal while driving through the Pali Tunnels. I like to dub it as the Bermuda Triangle for cell phone usage because if you are on a call best believe you will lose that call due to the losing of signal or maybe that is just Sprint cell phones, hehe. Call me crazy, but every time I have driven-through the Pali Tunnels at night, I always get an eerie thought of a ghostly image appearing in the back seat of my car or maybe on the roads which stems from the history of it and old folk tales. While driving inbound or outbound, it always seems so mystical during the late evening hours because traffic has dwindled in comparison to the morning and afternoon hours. I have to say that out of all the old folk tales I have heard, the one that intrigues me the most is the "Pork Over The Pali". Legend has it, is that you are not supposed to carry pork over the Pali from the windward to the leeward side, especially at night! Why? It is because the pig god Kamapua'a lives on the windward side, and his ex-girlfriend, volcano goddess Pele lives on the leeward side. Because of a dispute, they agreed not to bother each other, Kapanui says. Taking pork from one side to the other side would symbolically break that agreement. Some drivers have claimed their cars mysteriously stalled on the highway, but started up after they threw the pork product out the window. That is one that I have no interest in experiencing, especially if it involves my car breaking down on the Pali Highway, so keep that in mind prior to driving along the Pali Highway before transporting that pork, hehe. Thomas G read more

Pali Tunnels - Photo by Mark A Johnson - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Rating Pali Tunnels...hmmm never would have thought of rating the Pali Tunnels until they closed down the Pali Tunnels & Highway and stranded me on Windward side...leaving me to drive through the Like Like Tunnels & Highway town bound all the time. I HATE YOU LIKE LIKE AND YOUR DANGEROUS LITTLE TUNNELS!!! The Like Like tunnel spooks me SO MUCH!!! Way too narrow for my big wide truck... I appreciate you Pali Tunnels, without you, I must drive through those frightening little Like Like Tunnels. Life becomes very inconvenient when you're not open Pali Tunnels....I love you & appreciate you. read more

Short: measuring a small distance from end to end. I've been thinking about "short" lately, and I gotta say I'm not a fan. As a matter of fact I'm mediocre on short. Synonymous? Brief, momentary, temporary, fleeting, passing...quick???? No, things that are short are often unwanted and disliked. Examples: Trips Weekends Naps Drinks Lifespan Temper? Hair (I'm a fan of short hair!!!!) A short working day is nice, but it's still a working day. A short stay in the hospital is better than a long, unless you wanna lose weight, or the next stop is the morgue. I love "The SHORT Happy Life Of Francis MaComber," but that's a pretty sad ending. Ever hear a tall person say "Damn! I wish I was shorter!" All short things in life we enjoy are the bad things. Pali Tunnels (Formally Pali Hwy, it still is Route 61, but just not recognized that way on Yelp) are short. Measuring less than 20 meters, they are a bat of a beautiful woman's eyes. I travel Pail (Route 61, you wanna know the difference in a local and a mainlander? Call it Pali, A is "ah" and the I is "e" sound, only Mainlanders say 61, locals don't know what the hell 61 is? True story.) four to five times a week. The surface is in poor condition, and often in need of pothole repair, but I got it figured. I hit a huge bolder once upon a time coming outta the second tunnel (and I minus one star just for that!), but it made me a legend at my working place. But (there is always a "but" in life)! It also affords me some miraculous sunrises; 12-15 minute commute time to and from work; a beautiful view of downtown Honolulu, where the Pacific seemingly rises up above all the urban sprawl; great hiking, and on rainy days, hundreds of waterfalls. The tunnels are just short, and your radio losses reception, so I just drive fast (I drive fast anyway). That's my (short i.e. Meaningless!) review, I'm mediocre on short. Pali Tunnels are "short". Three star. Petite/Small is a different subject. AloHa! ;) read more

Pali Tunnels - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My girlfriend and I both hold our breath in tunnels. She says it's for good luck whereas I say it keeps evil spirits away. She says my version is negative and fear-based, but I think keeping evil spirits away is good luck, so I win. There are some tunnels I do not hold my breath for because holding my breath is not my most magnificent gift. I also sometimes feel like it may be hazardous for drivers to not be breathing. BUT, the Pali tunnel is a traditional hold-your-breath tunnel and I have been delightedly not breathing in it since I was a small child. It is also a beautiful road to drive down, all lush and tropical and green and nature-y. We use it to get to Kailua. We use it to get back home from Kailua. That is all we use it for. The end. read more

In the 1960's and 70's when I was a little keiki the Pali was more of a twisty old road into the clouds where rainbows are born. Now it's wider, faster and much more highway like but it's still the best route into the clouds for a view of heaven. Pray for traffic so you can take your time enjoying the surroundings. Don't miss the exit for the Nu'uanu Pali lookout and wind tunnel. Pictures posted with this listing. State park reviewed here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/nu-uanu-pali-state-park-honolulu Tantalus is my favorite "just because I can" drives on O'hau followed closely by the Pali Highway I just wish I was there now instead of LA. read more

Recently I've been I've been headed over to Windward Oahu fairly frequently. I always use Google Maps to figure out which way is faster, the Pali Highway or the Like Like highway. Usually it is the Pali Highway. Along the way, there are two short tunnels that go through the mountain rather than the old Pali road which went around the side of the mountain. The very cool thing about the Pali Highway is that there are scenic points so if you are taking tourist over to windward Oahu, you can stop and get great views from either the Pali lookout or one of the other seeing points going into Kailua or coming back to town. The only thing that I don't like about the Pali highway is that when coming back to town, there's a weird right lane that leads to H-1 East and also has some local street feeding in to downtown. It creates a mess during peak times. read more

I'm reviewing the LOOKOUT on the highway. First off, it is accessible whether you are driving into town or to the winward side of the island from 9am-4pm. There is a small parking lot that can hold roughly 20 vehicles or so. On the other side of the bridge, there is parking for buses; so, maybe you can squeeze into a parking spot over there if the first lot is full. In addition, if you are not a local or military, you have to pay for parking. There is an electric meter that does take credit cards. Before leaving the car, remember to bring a jacket/something warm and strap your hats on tightly as the winds are really gusty! And most importantly, bring a camera and be amazed of the largest natural bay in Hawaii: Kanehoe Bay. P.S. it is a great place to propose and take family pictures read more

This is my home turf. Born and raised here, I like being in the middle of what feels like the center of the island. When I go to the windward side, I sometimes drive through the mist and clouds which curtain the stunning views of carved mountains, fresh ginger, tall bamboo, and varying landscapes. When I drive down the Pali towards town, the sight of buildings and the ocean take my breath away as I compare what man has made vs. what God has made. .. Recently, the potholes have been patched, so the ride is much smoother and enjoyable! I like the challenging twists and turns...especially the hairpin turn right before the runaway truck ramp! read more

There afe so many stories about bringing meat on the Pali, etc. I just think this is a great drive to unwind and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the windward side. One minute your are in bustling Honolulu and the next you are in Kaneohe or Kailua. If you are lucky, you will get to see waterfalls as adding down the nearby mountains as you drive. Luckily, I have not experienced a lot of traffic on this highway. But when it backs up, it really backs up from what I heard. Also this is home to lots of speed traps for police as well. Take the drive and relax. read more

I'm rating a series of tunnels. This is absurd. I'm giving it 5 stars because it's my way home and away from hectic Honolulu. Yeah, there's a lot of potholes, but once I'm through those tunnels, I know I'm home. read more

Who would've thought checking into a highway right? Being able to do this might be dangerous being that you shouldn't be on your phone while driving, but that won't stop me from checking in. :) This highway isn't the greatest, but it can be really nice. Be careful for the hairpin turns and be careful when it's wet. I suggest not checking in while roads are wet. :) read more

Traffic on the Pali Highway winds through residential areas then up into the mountains and down on the windward side. Traffic moves along well, though there are the occasional idiots that speed in and out between cars, trying to beat everyone to the other side...Dangerous! Otherwise, it is a scenic drive through lush Nuuanu Valley and you can stop at the Pali Lookout, which is fun on a windy day! read more

When I was a kid, this was my favorite place to drive through. Of course I did not actually drive this place at that time. I was a passenger in my family's car. Still, it was a joy experiencing going through unnaturally made tunnels on a naturally made mountainside. I especially found it fascinating when my ears would feel stuffy suddenly because of the quick elevation and descent. I would often have to yawn or swallow to try to clear my stuffy head and ears. Nowadays, Pali Tunnels is one of the main roads to get to Kailua and back from Honolulu. There are a few others, such as on the Likelike Highway, or through the back way, through Waimanalo. read more

Awful -it's been closed for almost the entire 2019- and yet its still not finished. Big rains on Christmas Day - new landslides and trees are down. The actual tunnel area is still a mess. The DOT had a chance to fix the flooding -but they ignored the problem. Still large streams of water running across the lanes -bringing rocks and debris with it. The Nuuanu area is still a complete 3rd World country roadway. I would be ashamed if I worked this project-even the new asphalt has bad spots here and there-its not going last long before the weather breaks open potholes again. We will hear that it rained alot delaying the project-but if you go Canada and drive to Whistler -all that snow and sleet and their roads are pristine!!! Even when they repair it -its cut out and filled in perfectly-not the shovel job and run it over with truck tire like in Hawaii! read more

I just wanna get to work from point a to point b (Saturday's too) but those mudslides keep bringing me down :( Roads are a lot smoother now though :) read more

Quite possibly the most beautiful highway on Earth...although Highway One along the California coast is a strong contender. The only drawback from the sweeping views, gorgeous lush valleys, and fabulously big green mountains on this lovely stretch of road is the fact that it's often considered a roller coaster ride by drunks and lushes alike. Watch out during holidays and celebration weekends. There are many times I've had to swerve to get out of the way of a speeding, veering car coming back from a football party. read more

Most beautiful place I have witnessed with my own eyes. Haha, and it's free. You must go here and have a look for yourself. It's breathtaking and will leave you speechless. But keep in mind, pick a day where the weather is extra kind. Don't go when it's too windy, as it might be even stronger on the Pali highway. :( I was lucky enough to go on a day where the weather was perfect. Don't forget to take your camera! Bring back some pictures to brag to your friends with. read more

I think many folks on Oahu have a 'love/hate' relationship with the Pali. It can be so slow during peak hours, but the absolutely stunning beauty of the drive seems to more than make up for it. Some of my favorite obake (ghost) stories are about the old haunted Pali...'don't drive with pork in your car (kapu!)'...'the half-faced ghost'...the 'Night Marchers.' Check out the old stories, it's really fascinating. Make sure to stop at the Nu'uanu Pali - the view is breathtaking and the wind will take your breath away (if the obake don't get you first). read more

Closed. it will continue to close the Piikoi onramp to the H-1 eastbound on weekdays during afternoon peak hours from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This decision comes after a six-month pilot closure resulted in time savings of 4.7 minutes for the average 20,000-plus drivers that use the H-1 eastbound between the Middle Street overpass and the Punahou offramp during peak afternoon travel hours. read more

Old. Slow. Potholed. And yet so beautiful. Sometimes when I drive or ride on the Pali I think of the old legends of Pele or the ghost stories of my youth. And other times when I'm stressed I roll down my window and feel to cool crisp Pali air, it's full of green lush hope for the future with staying power of the past. And I am reminded how lucky I am to be here. How lucky I am to see these cliffs and to be able to have these memories. How lucky I am to be here. It is frustrating when I'm stuck in traffic, because let's face it, who likes to be stuck in traffic. But even still...like today. I was crawling town bound and looked out my window to see the clouds flowing up the Pali cliffs to the right and to the left these really beautiful wildflowers that I had never noticed before growing on the hill right before the tunnel. For me....the Pali is a merging of the past, present, and future, it shows that no matter how far I go, I can always find something that can take me home. read more

They are getting a structural update right now - until August? How commercial and local residents weather this storm will be interesting. Since the City Government did about zip for many local businesses under the onslaught of Rail - I am not thinking the current group of Solons will recognize this coming crisis, that's 5 months!!!! In the meantime the Pali is being repaired- and the Pali hike is kaput for now from the Lookout. read more

Of the three passages through the Ko'olau Mountain range, the Pali (pronounced Pah-Lee) Highway holds the most magnificent vista's of the Windward side of Oahu. Once you move through the tunnels, it's like the sky and mountains make way for the view. One of the best views can be seen from the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. Just a short warning though, it's super windy up there. From the Honolulu side, it will also take you right past the Nu'uanu Reservoir, where they fish (or used to) for freshwater catfish and clams. Also the Summer Palace and several consulates. Make sure to watch your speed, it changes several times depending on where you are. I'd say a constant speed of 45 mph is about the maximum speed you will see posted. Sometimes it can get congested during rush hours. I wouldn't drive anywhere on Oahu during rush hours anyways. Just not generally a great idea. read more

You may think it's a little bizarre to Yelp a highway. However, once you've driven on the Pali Highway, you'll know what i mean. I used to live in Kailua and would have to drive downtown and back everyday for 2 years. The drive from downtown to Kailua is once of the most beautiful drives in the world. Once you go through the tunnels and come down the mountain, the view of Kaneohe Bay...is unmatched. Second only to the view of the Golden Gate Bridge on the 101. Oh, and behind the scenic drives on CA 1 and Sandy Beach on Oahu. OK, OK. Top 10 drives. Ever. *One thing I would like to implore the State of Hawaii/ City & County of Oahu- The people of Kailua need an expanded/ better highway to Downtown. You really should NOT be sitting in 55 mins of traffic from Castle Hospital to Downtown. Seriously. We're not in LA read more

Yes, I am writing a review about a highway...why? Because I need some diversity in my reviews and the Pali Highway is certainly something that locals appreciate and has a lot of history to it! Connecting metropolitan Honolulu with the windward side of Kaneohe and Kailua, the highway has gone through two iterations with the "old highway" which can still be accessed from the Pali Lookout and walked down and the "new highway" where you currently drive. It is always a gasp moment as you drive towards the windward side from town and come out of the tunnels and see the beautiful expanse that is ahead of you. Note, as you come down the Pali to Kaneohe, there is a pretty sharp turn so be careful and take it down to the speed limit. Same turn exists when you are going from the windward side to town, so be careful! Now there is some historical folklore, like not taking raw pork over the pali or your call will stall. I never tried it, however I ain't about to test that theory! read more

there is a lookout spot where to see the Pali Highway. This is a very old road that has since turned into a actual highway, but was previously used by islanders to make the trek over the ridge from one side of the island to the other. It can often be cold and a bit gloomy up here, so if you decide to stop by, dress warmly. The views are breathtaking. There are also several other links denoting some of the historical significance: http://www.hawaiihighways.com/photos-Oahu6.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Highway read more

Got in a car accident here before. Some idiot thought it would be real cool to film need for speed drift by using leaked oil as a means for increasing the extremeness of a stunt, so innocent drivers would drift out of control while exiting out of the last tunnel. After that period, i tried to avoid the Pali as much as possible. After a few years, i began to utilize the pali more and more, just because its closer than the likelike exit coming out of town. I'd say its pretty convenient in arriving into town though because you get to drive into china town where alot of the cool resturaunts/bars are. I often drive straight into chinatown during high traffic hours just because it sometimes saves more time than being stuck on the nasty traffic jam that usually occurs on the main highway. Also theres a number of nice scenic points through out the highway, not to mention pali lookout, which i still have never visited. read more

Driving on the pali is pretty fun, unless you're stuck in traffic. Going up toward Kailua/Kaneohe, is scenic. Great views of the windward side if you take time to go to Nuuanu Pali but then go back down and go thru the twin tunnels. Remember to take your time so you don't crash and burn (no pun intended). Going from Kailua/Kaneohe, is scenic then the tunnels, then a joy ride to go down to town. But slow down well before Waoakanaka/Nuuanu Pali Drive since so many accidents occur here and cops often tag just below that for those that speed. This ain't the mainland! read more

So my friend drives this thinking, "oh i remember this from a video game!" Not real world experience I say. However it was still a great drive and we took the twists and turns searching for the Pali Lookout. Mountain stretches, clouds, lush forest. Just dont do the drive during the rush hour. Otherwise it's a great drive for driving's sake. read more

This is just a bit ridiculous. I can't believe I'm going to review a highway. What's next? Kamehameha, Kalanianaole, Kahekili? Yeah, I guess the Windward side of the Pali is beautiful, but from a jaded local's perspective, it really is just the road from Kailua to town. Rush hour blows, and the lights aren't timed so you catch every single red in Nu'uanu. Watch out for massive potholes, speed traps and little old granny pedestrians. read more

I was sitting here trying to think of how and why someone would review a highway! Well, those words "LUCKY YOU LIVE HAWAII" comes to mind... I am so lucky to have the honor to drive on such a beautiful highway everyday I go to work. Sure, it is a highway, but it has some of the best scenery. Green towering mountains, lush (natural) landscaping, rainbows and misty clouds, historic tunnels that lead you toward the vast Windward side where you can get a view of the beautiful beaches, and best of all, the many waterfalls after rain shower. Well, does that not deserve 5 Stars!!! read more