Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The expansive views from Nuuanu Pali.
Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest
It's not the same as a peaceful nature walk, but if time is short
and hiking isn't your thing, Honolulu has a rainforest you can drive through. It's only a few
minutes from downtown Honolulu in verdant Nuuanu Valley, where it rains nearly 300 inches
a year. And it's easy to reach: As the Pali Highway leaves residential Nuuanu and begins its
climb though the forest, the last stoplight is the Nuuanu Pali Road turnoff; turn right for a
junglelike detour of about 2 miles under a thick canopy strung with liana vines, past giant
bamboo that creaks in the wind, Norfolk pines, and wild shell ginger. The road rises and the
vegetation clears as you drive, blinking in the bright light of day, past a small mountain reser-
voir.
Soon the road rejoins the Pali Highway. Kailua is to the right and Honolulu to the left—but
it can be a hair-raising turn. Instead, turn right, go a half-mile to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout (see
above), stop for a panoramic view of Oahu's windward side, and return to the town-bound
highway on the other side.
Take the Old Nuuanu Pali Rd. exit off Pali Hwy. (Hwy. 61).
Sea Life Park
★
This 62-acre park in East Oahu is one of the island's top attractions. It
features whales from Puget Sound, Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins, California sea lions, and
penguins going through their motions to the delight of kids of all ages. With children, allow
