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This is a beautiful hike. I would say it's a medium to hard climb. I would not recommend children though. I also would not recommend ever going on a rainy day. The scenery is breath taking all through out the hike. There were a few areas that we stayed in the woods instead of on the ledge, for obvious reasons. Remember, there are other hikers on this trail. Some areas are thin walk ways so be courteous as you would on the road. Allow people to pass by you while you stand on the side and vise versa. Take a look at the look out spot before the hike. It's a great view of the old Pali road.
So as a disclaimer, this hike is technically illegal but fortunately I'm blind and illiterate as I could not see or read the sign that says "do not cross beyond this point". So when you park at the overlook point/parking lot, you probably should pay $7 for parking (free if you're a resident). Now, the hike itself is pretty intense despite being short. There's a nice tutorial level where you can get a taste of how the actual hike will be where you're on the edge of the cliff for maybe 7 feet. Then once you scale a series of steep hills (with the assistance of ropes and tree branches) you will encounter a whole segment of narrow path that puts you between lots of shrubbery and the edge of the cliff. If you prefer living, there is a cleared inner path to take as well. Eventually you're reach a cliff wall that you absolutely cannot scale, climb down and you will see the puka that overlooks everything and may I say, it is well worth the hike. But anyway, please please please exercise caution on this hike as it can be treacherous and is definitely not a hike to do if it rained recently.
Awesome view. Hard to find on "all trails" app. Just do a simple google search to find the entrance. Breathtaking views. PRO TIP: check the weather, I went on a clear day. Also you don't have to walk on the outer edge there's always a path inside the wood line. When you get to the spot you have to climb doWWn to it. I wouldn't go alone.
If you're afraid of heights... don't even bother. Just stay behind and hang out with the chickens. Definitely one of the most scariest hikes I have ever partially done. I'm afraid of heights but sometimes I manage to face my fears... except today. You're literally at the edge of the cliff/mountain. You have to be extremely careful and take you most precious time. There are ropes for you that helps you up. After we passed the ropes... we climbed a little further but the height was to high... my boyfriend and I couldn't build the courage to the lookout and headed our way back down. On a good note... beautiful view and I'm Sure it's definitely worth it if you finish it. Still worth it and we tried.
Will it be WINDY or W I N D Y on the day you may want to visit the famous Pali hole-in-the-rock? The perfect weather conditions would be: partly sunny, dry, and not especially windy. If the forecast predicts rain or heavy winds, I would avoid it and opt for a safer trail. The hike is short, but with ridges and steep sections. We were fortunate to have gone on a clear day that followed a stretch of several days without significant rain. But back to the wind...I've never been to the Pali Lookout without feeling like I was going to blow away. We experienced the same type of blustery wind along the ridge. I wore a cowboy hat with a chin strap, and still felt it struggling to stay on my head. A friend almost lost her baseball cap twice that day. The views of the windward side are gorgeous, and can be enjoyed throughout the hike along the ridge. The puka itself is easily missed, we hiked right over it and had to descend just a bit to get to it. It's also smaller than I had anticipated, and the area just behind it is tight, with a steep drop. So just enjoy the awesome view looking through it, get your photos, and move on. There isn't enough room for large groups to congregate comfortably/safely.
This isn't a long hike, but it is pretty tough. Mainly because its going all uphill and you are on the edge so mentally it can be challenging if you are afraid of heights or falling. Coming back down was easier, but scary. We were grabbing on to branches in hopes we wouldn't fall or the branches break on us. To get to the trail for Pali Puka, you have to go on the side of the parking lot where all the tour buses park. You will see a rock wall and a spot that is broken. That's where you start (sorry I should have taken a picture of it~!). Its all uphill from there!
Tips: Wear glasses to prevent dirt from flying into your eyes. You'll be parking in the same lot as the Pali Lookout. Go early for parking spots. Put your driver's license on your dash if you're kama'aina. It's free parking! I think. Might help to bring gloves. DO NOT come when it's raining or just finished raining. This hike is not really for the faint of heart. I am deathly afraid of heights but went for it anyway. The beginning, you'll go through a trail of bamboo (then head left). Upwards towards roots you can pull on to get yourself up a steep hill. Out the other end (on the left of a tree) onto the ridge. You can follow the trail to the end. There are 1-2 parts where it will be questionable whether you should cross a narrow path. I suggest you do not go that way (but I feel like I know some people who have). Most of those ridges have an alternative path on your left into the trees. There are hills with ropes for a reason. It is common to grab loose rocks barely embedded into the ground so be sure to test your grip before moving ahead. When you get near the end (where that 40-50 foot face rock is), you may be tricked into going left again into the trees for a safer passage. However, you do NOT want to go into the forest when you're at the end of the hike. It's a dangerous dead end. Continue forward on the ridge and walk right over the puka. Then you can find your own path to go down once you get to the bottom of the rock. You don't need to climb the big rock, but some crazy mainlander did and decided to tie a little rope only for the top 10 feet of that part. Probably good to just stay by the puka. Good luck! Look at http://www.unrealhawaii.com/2011/01/pali-puka-2/ if you need any help. This was good enough to help me find the trail for one (the hole in the rock wall) and know that I needed to walk over the puka first. Then come down. Why 4 stars? I guess I was a little disappointed when it took us almost twice as long to get to the end than some people said. Save 30-40 minutes one way. Left house at 8:30a and reached the puka at 9:34a.
This hike is amazing but if you're scared of Mother Nature and what she can do, I suggest you not to do even try. But as the adrenaline junkie I am I went and overcame my fears! But really really amazing view of the Honolulu valleys and especially at the time we went! Sunset... if anyone wants to do a hike let me and my gf know!
After hiking the pillbox and finishing around noon I felt like I had another wind in me for a hike. As my cousin invited me to join him and his group, we took the 30 minute drive to meet up with them and along we went. On a day of clouds and skies, the weather was definitely enjoyable. SPOILER If you've seen my previous hike reviews as much as I am for adventures and the art of getting lost, sometimes I am on a time constraint. Directions: As we approached the area you will notice a brick wall against some trees. Further to the left, you'll notice a man made path between the brick walls. That's where the hike basically begins Hiking Difficulty: Medium Hard -It requires quite a lot of skills, strength, balance, and confidence. It requires a lot of proper hand and foot placing. Be sure to test steps as some grips may not be sturdier than others. Once you do, be sure to commit to those grooves. Wear gloves, proper hiking shoes, and pack light as well! I personally felt going down was easier as I was able to basically walk on my butt, know my steps, while staying grounded. Advice: * The sun is not the enemy here, it's mainly the fear that you might slip and fall that is most salient. * Go with groups for support * Careful for millipedes! If you don't bother them, they don't bother you. * Wouldn't recommend it on a rainy day, hiking this on a warm day was dough imagine the slipperiness in the rain! * For those looking for the puka, there'll be a point when the path is extremely narrow but you see an option to go downwards if you take that path, it is right there. * Enjoy your breaks, the views regardless the views are awesome.
Epic views with some strong winds. Difficulty: easy Danger level: intermediate (no pets or kids) I've been to the Pali lookout dozens of times. Meeh, no big deal. The Pali Puka hike is a big deal! You get to walk along the edge of the mountain! A very thrilling experience. The winds are strong, but it blows up from the hillside, so in a small way, it helps keep you from falling...well not really. The hike is not that difficult. It may involve some climbing, but nothing an average hiker can't handle. The hike isn't too steep to need ropes. The trail is pretty clearly laid out, so getting lost is hardly an issue here. With that said, it isn't a hike for children since it is very risky and involves some climbing. Be careful walking down since you can slip. I did. I fell down so fast I didn't even have time to scream. Minor cuts...no problem. The entrance is shown in one of my pictures.
What a pretty place to stop and take in the view! It's fairly easily accessible from the highway and you are rewarded with a small stop-off where you can see the green valleys below. This is near one of the botanical gardens so it's a nice place to stop for a few minutes as you're driving back to Waikiki. It's $3 to park if you're from out of state but there are convenient parking stations to pay. The actual hike part was closed when I visited so I was unable to go up. The sign said something about regenerating the landscape so maybe too many people have been walking along it?
Even on a cloudy day the Pali lookout is still beautiful and magnificent views. I haven't been here for years now they have Porta Potty lol that's a good sign . If you have out of town guest this a quick and a must stop tourist attraction plus it's free only parking but do what I do I just wait in my car . Support local read more
Difficult hike, not for children or elderly. Entrance is technically "blocked" by the sign. Only reason I found it was because the park employee told me to just hop the little stone fence lol. Located right next to the portapotties. This isn't a stroll or just a long hike. It's difficult due to the potential weather conditions and the steep climb. There are ropes in portions, and if that's not your thing I don't recommend it. Not for kids or elderly in my opinion. You have to be relatively fit with decent knees. Don't wear flip flops. Bring water. Take your time and focus otherwise you can easily fall to your death or twist an ankle. That all being said, I was able to make it to the pali puka point as a relatively fit 4 month pregnant individual lol. Maybe wasn't the wisest decision but worth the views lol. Be very cautious if you're planning on doing this hike. Check weather conditions, the mud makes it easy to slip. Check wind conditions as there are some life threatening falls along the way. Bring proper shoes, I recommend pants and not shorts, just for potential bugs/brushes. Definitely hike and seek adventure, just don't be an idiot or an uninformed tourist about it. This hike HAS killed locals in the past before, Google it. read more
4 years ago
Pali Puka was gonna be my last hike of 2022, but we couldn't find the entrance LOL we ended up finding our way into the other more difficult trail "Pali Notches" which you enter from the right exiting the Nuuanu Pali Lookout while Pali Puka will be to the right so keep that in mind. We returned 2 days later better informed and found the entrance. I personally would consider The Pali Puka hike moderate in difficultly (which can be made more challenging if you choose to continue past the puka), note though if you have a heights thing it would probably be considered hard because there is a lot of edge walking but not anything too narrow. We ended up reaching 1803ft in height by the time we completed the first opening past the puka; peep the last picture and look closely at the tiny human beings at the top of the next peak! hehe The path is pretty clear through and there's a fork you'll notice to your left toward the beginning half of the hike which allows you to choose to go low or high, low is more in the trees and high is more edge walking both will lead you to the puka; we went high on the way in and low on the way back I personally appreciated the high road more as we had more access to the views! This hike has plenty gorgeous views and amazing spots to get some nice memory shots in even beyond the puka. Of course an amazing part of being on the hikes is meeting some cool people, I even seen a few older individuals (at least 20+ years older than me) pacing themselves on this hike, even headed past the puka where the climb is pretty epic and steep but ultimately they were getting it done! Very inspiring to me being in my 20s Pro tip: 1) Try check the weather before you choose to hit this hike you definitely don't wanna get caught on the edge in high winds or rain 2) Parking is $7 for visitors, Free for residents May you find this information helpful or encouraging! Alohaaa read more
This is a beautiful hike. I would say it's a medium to hard climb. I would not recommend children though. I also would not recommend ever going on a rainy day. The scenery is breath taking all through out the hike. There were a few areas that we stayed in the woods instead of on the ledge, for obvious reasons. Remember, there are other hikers on this trail. Some areas are thin walk ways so be courteous as you would on the road. Allow people to pass by you while you stand on the side and vise versa. Take a look at the look out spot before the hike. It's a great view of the old Pali road. read more
So as a disclaimer, this hike is technically illegal but fortunately I'm blind and illiterate as I could not see or read the sign that says "do not cross beyond this point". So when you park at the overlook point/parking lot, you probably should pay $7 for parking (free if you're a resident). Now, the hike itself is pretty intense despite being short. There's a nice tutorial level where you can get a taste of how the actual hike will be where you're on the edge of the cliff for maybe 7 feet. Then once you scale a series of steep hills (with the assistance of ropes and tree branches) you will encounter a whole segment of narrow path that puts you between lots of shrubbery and the edge of the cliff. If you prefer living, there is a cleared inner path to take as well. Eventually you're reach a cliff wall that you absolutely cannot scale, climb down and you will see the puka that overlooks everything and may I say, it is well worth the hike. But anyway, please please please exercise caution on this hike as it can be treacherous and is definitely not a hike to do if it rained recently. read more
6 years ago
Awesome view. Hard to find on "all trails" app. Just do a simple google search to find the entrance. Breathtaking views. PRO TIP: check the weather, I went on a clear day. Also you don't have to walk on the outer edge there's always a path inside the wood line. When you get to the spot you have to climb doWWn to it. I wouldn't go alone. read more
9 years ago
If you're afraid of heights... don't even bother. Just stay behind and hang out with the chickens. Definitely one of the most scariest hikes I have ever partially done. I'm afraid of heights but sometimes I manage to face my fears... except today. You're literally at the edge of the cliff/mountain. You have to be extremely careful and take you most precious time. There are ropes for you that helps you up. After we passed the ropes... we climbed a little further but the height was to high... my boyfriend and I couldn't build the courage to the lookout and headed our way back down. On a good note... beautiful view and I'm Sure it's definitely worth it if you finish it. Still worth it and we tried. read more
Will it be WINDY or W I N D Y on the day you may want to visit the famous Pali hole-in-the-rock? The perfect weather conditions would be: partly sunny, dry, and not especially windy. If the forecast predicts rain or heavy winds, I would avoid it and opt for a safer trail. The hike is short, but with ridges and steep sections. We were fortunate to have gone on a clear day that followed a stretch of several days without significant rain. But back to the wind...I've never been to the Pali Lookout without feeling like I was going to blow away. We experienced the same type of blustery wind along the ridge. I wore a cowboy hat with a chin strap, and still felt it struggling to stay on my head. A friend almost lost her baseball cap twice that day. The views of the windward side are gorgeous, and can be enjoyed throughout the hike along the ridge. The puka itself is easily missed, we hiked right over it and had to descend just a bit to get to it. It's also smaller than I had anticipated, and the area just behind it is tight, with a steep drop. So just enjoy the awesome view looking through it, get your photos, and move on. There isn't enough room for large groups to congregate comfortably/safely. read more
This isn't a long hike, but it is pretty tough. Mainly because its going all uphill and you are on the edge so mentally it can be challenging if you are afraid of heights or falling. Coming back down was easier, but scary. We were grabbing on to branches in hopes we wouldn't fall or the branches break on us. To get to the trail for Pali Puka, you have to go on the side of the parking lot where all the tour buses park. You will see a rock wall and a spot that is broken. That's where you start (sorry I should have taken a picture of it~!). Its all uphill from there! read more
Tips: Wear glasses to prevent dirt from flying into your eyes. You'll be parking in the same lot as the Pali Lookout. Go early for parking spots. Put your driver's license on your dash if you're kama'aina. It's free parking! I think. Might help to bring gloves. DO NOT come when it's raining or just finished raining. This hike is not really for the faint of heart. I am deathly afraid of heights but went for it anyway. The beginning, you'll go through a trail of bamboo (then head left). Upwards towards roots you can pull on to get yourself up a steep hill. Out the other end (on the left of a tree) onto the ridge. You can follow the trail to the end. There are 1-2 parts where it will be questionable whether you should cross a narrow path. I suggest you do not go that way (but I feel like I know some people who have). Most of those ridges have an alternative path on your left into the trees. There are hills with ropes for a reason. It is common to grab loose rocks barely embedded into the ground so be sure to test your grip before moving ahead. When you get near the end (where that 40-50 foot face rock is), you may be tricked into going left again into the trees for a safer passage. However, you do NOT want to go into the forest when you're at the end of the hike. It's a dangerous dead end. Continue forward on the ridge and walk right over the puka. Then you can find your own path to go down once you get to the bottom of the rock. You don't need to climb the big rock, but some crazy mainlander did and decided to tie a little rope only for the top 10 feet of that part. Probably good to just stay by the puka. Good luck! Look at http://www.unrealhawaii.com/2011/01/pali-puka-2/ if you need any help. This was good enough to help me find the trail for one (the hole in the rock wall) and know that I needed to walk over the puka first. Then come down. Why 4 stars? I guess I was a little disappointed when it took us almost twice as long to get to the end than some people said. Save 30-40 minutes one way. Left house at 8:30a and reached the puka at 9:34a. read more
4 years ago
The route starts by the rock wall where the bamboo are , such an amazing hike . A lot of hiking uphill and there's ropes for you to hold onto . Beautiful view don't forget your hiking shoes and careful not to slip ! read more
10 years ago
This hike is amazing but if you're scared of Mother Nature and what she can do, I suggest you not to do even try. But as the adrenaline junkie I am I went and overcame my fears! But really really amazing view of the Honolulu valleys and especially at the time we went! Sunset... if anyone wants to do a hike let me and my gf know! read more
After hiking the pillbox and finishing around noon I felt like I had another wind in me for a hike. As my cousin invited me to join him and his group, we took the 30 minute drive to meet up with them and along we went. On a day of clouds and skies, the weather was definitely enjoyable. SPOILER If you've seen my previous hike reviews as much as I am for adventures and the art of getting lost, sometimes I am on a time constraint. Directions: As we approached the area you will notice a brick wall against some trees. Further to the left, you'll notice a man made path between the brick walls. That's where the hike basically begins Hiking Difficulty: Medium Hard -It requires quite a lot of skills, strength, balance, and confidence. It requires a lot of proper hand and foot placing. Be sure to test steps as some grips may not be sturdier than others. Once you do, be sure to commit to those grooves. Wear gloves, proper hiking shoes, and pack light as well! I personally felt going down was easier as I was able to basically walk on my butt, know my steps, while staying grounded. Advice: * The sun is not the enemy here, it's mainly the fear that you might slip and fall that is most salient. * Go with groups for support * Careful for millipedes! If you don't bother them, they don't bother you. * Wouldn't recommend it on a rainy day, hiking this on a warm day was dough imagine the slipperiness in the rain! * For those looking for the puka, there'll be a point when the path is extremely narrow but you see an option to go downwards if you take that path, it is right there. * Enjoy your breaks, the views regardless the views are awesome. read more
Epic views with some strong winds. Difficulty: easy Danger level: intermediate (no pets or kids) I've been to the Pali lookout dozens of times. Meeh, no big deal. The Pali Puka hike is a big deal! You get to walk along the edge of the mountain! A very thrilling experience. The winds are strong, but it blows up from the hillside, so in a small way, it helps keep you from falling...well not really. The hike is not that difficult. It may involve some climbing, but nothing an average hiker can't handle. The hike isn't too steep to need ropes. The trail is pretty clearly laid out, so getting lost is hardly an issue here. With that said, it isn't a hike for children since it is very risky and involves some climbing. Be careful walking down since you can slip. I did. I fell down so fast I didn't even have time to scream. Minor cuts...no problem. The entrance is shown in one of my pictures. read more
10 years ago
What a pretty place to stop and take in the view! It's fairly easily accessible from the highway and you are rewarded with a small stop-off where you can see the green valleys below. This is near one of the botanical gardens so it's a nice place to stop for a few minutes as you're driving back to Waikiki. It's $3 to park if you're from out of state but there are convenient parking stations to pay. The actual hike part was closed when I visited so I was unable to go up. The sign said something about regenerating the landscape so maybe too many people have been walking along it? read more
If you haven't gotten over the placeholder photo of the Pali Puka Yelp page yet, yeah that's me LOL, as of writing this on July 09, 2017. Anywho, let's get down and dirty to the specs of this hike (try not to get dirty thou :P) **DURATION: Slowly but surely! This hike is a pretty quick hike, about 20-35min (Start - PUKA) **DIFFICULTY: Easy-Moderate **PARKING: Free for locals. Honestly, I don't even know how they can tell who's car is local but just in case have something that is visible on your car to show you are truly local, something that doesn't reveal any sensitive information thou. Again, just in case, you may never know.. Notes: ~Word of warning takes your time on this hike as it is literally near the edge of death. Do not underestimate the winds because it is really strong up there. ~On some of the paths throughout this hike you can take a safer one which is through the brush/trees/bushes (it's a visible path) or the more adventurous but dangerous route (on the edge of the ridge (there lots of room to walk but just go with caution) **GEAR: Most of you! yes I mean you are probably wearing nonhiking shoes such as a Nike free run or some type of running shoes that have been worn out or has no grip at all. Honestly, that's perfectly fine because I use my Free Runs all the time for hikes! But as you may know, those shoes can easily cause you to slip especially on the dry dirt footpath, so make sure you have something to grip or hold on to going down/back especially. ~Gloves if you don't want to get your hands dirty, regular hospital or those types are ok. I was fortunate enough to have some in my car so it was easy for me to use my hand going back down using the backward crawling method. ~Water of course lol **TERRAIN: I don't recommend going when its very saturated and rainy.. the muddy terrain is not a safe and comfortable one to hike. Super dry days the dirt can get very slippery so just be always on your feet and be near something you can grab on too to be safe. ~Heights, literally zero tolerance! Your on the edge of the mountain any buffoonery while hiking could be deadly. So please be safe, and have fun.. just no fooling around. **PUKA STOP: So as the hike is called Pali Puka it could end there but as you can see when you're at the Puka the hike can continue on. It gets pretty steep as you go further. As you can see in my photo, which is the cover photo currently (As of July 9, 2017) that spot is actually past the puka and past the elevated/steep part after the Puka. Again go with caution and if you are going with people advise them that if they are going to the steeper (past the puka) hike that as they go up rock may become dislodged and the people below could be affected to just be careful. Anyways have fun! I recommend this hike, sometimes when I have time to kill going between windward or town side I just come to this hike and do it quickly. It's fun, quick and the views are one to be seen read more
10 years ago
Easy to get to, lookout had a great view. Not much to do other than check out the view. Scenic drive. Parking cost $3.00 but the pay area was broken. Hiking was not easily viewable read more
9 years ago
As a distant, moderate-advanced hiker Pali Puka wasn't high on my "to hike list." I thought I'd rather spend my adult time on a 5mile or longer trail, but boy was I wrong! The views are AMAZING!!! Since we went on a dry, sunny day Pali Puka was a breeze for my hiking companion and I. And I didn't even get lost once! Lol Simply park your car at the Pali Lookout, walk towards the bus lot and enter at gap in the hedges. I love when illegal trails are marked with "Area Closed" signs....it makes it so easy for hikers to find! A lot lot of people take the "safer" route through the trees but honestly the "safer" route looked dark and creepy to us while the outer, edge trails offered AMAZING views!!! Pictures and videos definitely make the trail look scarier and more narrow than it is. But that doesn't mean this trail is for kids, babywearing or those afraid of heights. Since the trail is roughly longer than one mile, a novice hiker with good shoes can do it in the right conditions. I wouldn't recommend going if it's the raining, windy, or muddy. Trek safely Yelpers! read more
6 years ago
Amazing panoramic views of the valley below. It was a quick decision to take the exit and make the stop. Great photo opportunity if you're looking to take some photos or selfies. read more
9 years ago
Parking: Park at the Pali Look Out. Parking is $3 for non residents and free if you live in Hawaii. Trail Head: The hike begins at an opening in the bamboo trees near where the tour buses park. It's very easy to spot. Food/Water: Bring water, no snacks needed. It's a pretty quick hike. Difficulty: Easy for experienced hikers. Length: This hike is fairly short, if you're just going to the Puka. You can probably get there within 30 minutes if you're not stopping to take pictures. Terrain: The trail begins in the forest. Be careful as the tree roots are very slippery after it rains. Once you get up onto the ridge, you have two options: you can hike directly on the side, or if you have a fear of heights, hike the trail that is on the opposite side of the trees. This option is safer but you don't get the views that you would being right on the edge. The View: Amazing on a clear day! Just don't go when it's cloudy or you'll miss it. Danger: 6/10. Just be careful if you're very close to the edge. Dogs/kids?: Kids 10+ who like hiking could probably do this trail. Dogs may be able to do it if they are very agile. Use your best judgement. Get out there and hike! (: read more
9 years ago
Parking: When you arrived to the Pali lookout, make sure you show your id to the parking attendant for KAMAINA. Parking is FREE for locals and tell him which car you parked and put your id on the dashboard facing down. Trail start:Trail starts where the buses parked and you'll see a "no trespassing ". Go pass it. Pet friendly?: It can be pet friendly if your dog is a regular hiker. Took my pit but she got tired easily and had a hard time climbing up and down steep parts of the hill. Bringing your smaller companion is easier to carry. Kid friendly?: nope. Maybe hard for little kids to climb up and can be dangerous. Trail: take 30min or more to hike up. it's steep in some part of the trail and slippery from tiny rubble. Be careful and wear shoes with grip. No slipper! Go on a sunny and less windy day. Around the summer time is better cause during winter, we get to have really strong winds and it'll be a serious dangerous situation when you try to walk along the edge of the mountain. Or after a rainy day or when it rains that day, DONT HIKE! the trail will get wet and be a dangerous idea to hike. So please be cautious. read more
9 years ago
My favorite hike on the island so far. Scared of heights? -there is a less obvious back path through the trees, so you don't have to walk on the ridge. read more
DIRECTIONS: Drive to the Pali Lookout, park your vehicle and walk to the left by the bus parking lot and you will see a trail going up. Just look for a break in the wall, to show the path. If you look closely from the H3 next to the Pali Lookout you will see a puka at the top of the ridge. Yes this is the destination for the Pali Puka. Most reviews say this hike is 20 minutes long. Its not a long hike but a very treacherous hike. Let me warn you if you are scared of heights and ledges, this is not the hike for you! You will be along the cliffs edge and you will walk a path with ledges on both sides. I'm not trying to scare you, I just want you to be prepared. There are no ropes for you to hold on to, so bring good shoes. I will be honest, I'm not scared of heights however I am scared of how clumsy I am. At this hike, a clumsy step could be deadly. Now that you have been warned, the final destination is worth every breathtaking step. Since this hike allows you to be close to the ledge you are close to unobstructed views of the Windward coastline. Absolutely amazing! Just imagine you are part of the Koolau mountain range. Once you reach the "Pali Puka, you will also be able to catch views of the Honolulu city skyline and a waterfall along the mountainside. Yes you will have to do some rock climbing up some steep hills. This hike is not as physically challenging as other hikes however this hike will challenge you mentally. Best way to describe this hike is, it was absolutely breathtaking! read more
7 years ago
If you are scared of heights, do NOT attempt this hike. Or if you do, be prepared to face your fears in a very real way. I personally don't consider myself too freaked out by high places, but shimmying across a narrow trail and relying on branches in order to keep from tumbling down into oblivion is a bit overwhelming. Something about climbing up along the edge of a sheer drop makes me imagine all the ways things could go wrong... That being said, the Pali Puka is actually a really fun hike. I'm glad I finally made it up there and would go again. There are spots along the trail where you'll want to be extra cautious, but if you're smart and sure-footed, you'll be fine. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Don't do this hike if it is raining, has been raining, or could possibly start raining. This is a steep trek so muddy trails and slippery roots are not your friend. I did this hike just after a big rain, so trust me on this one. 2. There is generally a side trail off to the left that you can take if you don't feel comfortable walking on the edge. Take the side trails. 3. Expect amazing views. You'll want a camera to document. 4. Bring a backpack to store said camera, water, etc. You'll want your hands to climb/keep from sliding down the mountain on your bum. 5. If you haven't reached the ropes, keep going. It can be confusing to know exactly how to get to the puka, but basic rule up thumb: just keep going up. 6. The best way to get down to the puka is to cross over/on top of the arch. Just after you'll see some rocks down to the left that form a sort of natural stairs. It's really easy to climb down and up here. Pali Puka, you freaked me out and blew my mind at the same time. Thanks for the really exciting hike. And for all you fellow adventurers, have fun and be safe! read more
Short and sweet! Very steep most of the way up, there are a few ropes to help but they are not necessary. Only about 30-45min to get to the puka, if that, with some outstanding views. Though I wouldn't call it an "easy" hike, due to the very steep incline and some narrow parts that take you disturbingly close to the cliff, where you could meet your end. Yet, it's still very doable for most people who don't have a strong fear of heights. Directions Park at the Pali Lookout, but don't walk to the lookout. Instead, walk to the left toward the huge parking stalls for buses. You'll see a rock wall and an opening in the brush. Once you step through, the trail is obvious. If anything, ask the parking attendant, he'll probably point you in the right direction. Tips: If it's raining, I'd turn back, but you can learn that lesson yourself. On the way up there are a few parts where the trail splits. The left takes you to the usually muddy route through the trees; the right takes you out in the open where trail will be very narrow, windy, and with a steep drop off. Brah, buggah iz nuts!! That is, it can be slightly unnerving. I use the bushes as hand holds here. Altogether a fun little hike. If it were a little longer, or a little less traveled by others, I'd probably give it a 5 stars. Still, I'll be back many times to come. read more
6 years ago
A hike hidden in plain view among the tour buses and the crowd of visitors. Find the broken rock wall, climbing into the bamboo shoots and leading up to the steep slopes that will guide you to a muddy path and towards the ridge. We were lucky enough to do the hike on a sunny morning, however due to heavy rains from the night prior, the path going up was a dangerously and slippery nightmare. When you find your way to the ridge after a muddy climb. This will test your fear of heights and your upper body strength to push yourself again to the top of the peak and finally reaching to the "puka". This hike can be very dangerous due to muddy slopes and very uneven paths in the ridge. Always hike with a partner and be safe. read more
I love short and blood pumpin hikes and Pali Puka is definitely one of them. I had been at work standing since 6:30 so despite my mind urging me to go lay down and be lazy my body was telling me to go hike. Plus, I had made plans to go with the bf so I couldn't back out.... The trail starts in the back of the Pali Lookout parking where the tour buses park. A part of the rock wall is broken, this is where the trail starts. You'll see some bamboo trees on the left once you enter the woods and its basically a straight shot up from there. It doesn't take too long to get to the ridge and once you get there just follow it to the tall 40-50 ft rock. You can't miss it. Use the branches on the trees to help you up/down the trail. You will slip on that sandy trail if you aren't careful. There are definitely some sketchy spots on the ridge but there are parts of the trail where you can walk through the woods which is much safer. The puka is hidden and is right under the 40-50 ft rock. You'll see a path to go down if you look closely. All in all, it was a perfect 1hr hike to start sweatin and feel like you got a work out in. Plus, since its so windy it feels great and will cool ya down. :) http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=QkQLnujuiBDP1mNChJYJww http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=EQAMkj6Gs5MvPLasnGQ6Yg&userid=QkQLnujuiBDP1mNChJYJww http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=V1Scc_PQdaj1I93cP6F4Dg&userid=QkQLnujuiBDP1mNChJYJww read more
Now THIS is the hike I've been dying to review (literally). Simply, you can park in the same parking area as if you were going to Nuuanu's Pali Lookout area. Good thing if you're a resident cause free parking ah! So, instead of going into the lookout area, turn left at the sign and follow the stone wall. You'll find a noticeable crack in the wall and that's where you enter into the bamboo trees. Go up from there, but before beginning, let me warn you that it's a risky hike if you're afraid of heights and if it's wet! **BE EXTRA CAREFUL IF THE TRAIL IS MUDDY!!!! I advise beginning hikers not to try it if it's muddy. Follow the ridge till it's end and you'll have to walk a few steps down below you and see that you were above the puka (which is at the end of the ridge). I took an alternative route to get to the puka and it was slippery. Of course, I slipped because that's what slippery things do to you... I fell 50 feet down the opposite side of the ridge of the mountain and got super muddy. Thank God I sort of landed on a tree branch before falling further into God knows what! Despite my accident, I'd still do it again! (the hike, not the fall). The hike reveals a breathtaking view of Kaneohe and the east side. The puka, well I'm not sure of it's significance but of that it's a hole in the mountain. LOL be prepared for slippery slopes and using ropes to get up steep areas. This is definitely a hike to experience! Don't hike alone, avoid it on rainy days, and ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS. read more
This was one of the best things I have done in my life. I went with friends to Hawaii and we all had a great time. One of the ways that we were able to build a stronger bond was doing this hike. I will first say, it is not advised that anyone do this hike. There are signs that say do not go. It is a hike through the forest for about half of it. When you hit the "half way point" there are telephone wires. It looked as though the telephone company had come in and cleared the area for access. You then proceed up the small trail and keep along the side of the mountain. There are some ropes for help up and trees that you can use to help climb. There were some extremely scary parts to this trail. When you break from the forest you are on a very small trail that is virtually on the side of the mountain. Keep holding on to the trees and shrubs so you do not fall off. The ground is uneven. You should be very careful where you walk. Once you get to the top the views are incredible! I will advise anyone who wants to do this to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL! You can die from this hike if you fall off. People have died before. Only do this if you are an extremely adventurous person. Do not attempt this hike if you think you are invincible. Always exercise caution and go with a friend. Happy hiking. read more
From reading all of the reviews and seeing that many people do this hike I decided to try it for myself. First of all, parking. Luckily we found parking in the lot. From what I read, parking is free for local residents, you just need to show your id to the parking attendant. But we got there and we were like, what parking attendant? There is only a machine to pay for your parking. We got lucky and someone gave us their parking ticket to put on our car. Second, to get to the trail head you walk towards the tour buses where they drop off the tourists. You will see a break in the wall and the trail starts there after. There will be a sign right as your enter the trees. When you fist step in to the trees you might get confused about which way to go. If you go left, you will kind of see a trail that goes into the bamboo trees. Don't go that way! Go straight past the sign and the trail starts from there. Don't be surprised when you start hiking and all of a sudden you are scared of heights. There will be some parts of the trail where you are able to walk inside of trees that way you can avoid scaling the side of the mountain. There are a couple of spots where there is rope to help you up and down. Take advantage of these especially if it had rained earlier. We got unlucky because right before I we reached the puka there was a swarm of bees that were infested on a tree. Not to mention that the tree was right along the trail. Going up to the puka we just ran past it and coming down we were about to avoid it and walk around the side of the mountain. When we reached the puka there were another swarm of bees that were sitting on top of the puka, so be on the lookout for those too. This view is definitely more breathtaking than at that Pali lookout! It took us about 30 min to get to the puka. read more
This hike was awesome! I would do it again and again. It was a good thing that we went on a dry day to hike this mountain. There are some parts on this trail that would make you question yourself about continuing. Just keep moving. You'll get over it. The views are sick! The puka part is beautiful and windy as well, perfect way to cool off. It felt so good to complete this hike. Mission Accomplished! read more
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Pali Lookout
Nu'uanu Pali, HI 96817
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Pali Puka - hiking - Updated July 2026
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