The Story Behind Hawaiis Famous Pali Notches

The Pali Notches hike has recently joined the ranks of social media favorites like the Haiku Stairs and Crouching Lion.

Hikers risk their lives climbing the treacherous spires of the Koʻolau Mountain Range, for the ultimate “do-it-for-Instagram” photo. But the effort to reach the end is definitely worth the scene that will be laid out in front of you. Most people don’t think about why there are manmade notches in the pali (cliffs) to begin with, but it’s a surprising story.

Hawaiian history

It all began back in the late 1700s during the Battle of Nuʻuanu and the first arrival of immigrants to Hawaii. This was a period in which Kamehameha—later to become King Kamehameha I—was struggling to unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. After conquering the Big Island, Maui, and Molokaʻi, Kamehameha made his way to Oʻahu, where chief Kalanikūpule was preparing for battle.

Kamehameha’s large army landed in Waikiki and Honolulu, where they quickly overtook Kalanikūpule’s ill-equipped forces, pushing them back up the valley to the Nuʻuanu Pali. Kamehameha sent a group up to the notches to disable the cannons, while the remnants of Oʻahu’s army made their last stance on the mountaintop. With nowhere else to run, hundreds of warriors jumped or were pushed off the sheer cliff face falling more than 1,000 feet. According to Pauline Frommer’s Hawaii, 800 human skulls were uncovered at the base of the mountain during a construction project in 1898. The Battle of Nuʻuanu is a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, often referred to as Hawaii’s bloodiest battle, and the entire area is steeped in mystery and superstition.

The hike

The Pali Notches hike is known as one of the scariest and most deadly hikes in Hawaii, but rewards those daring enough with unparalleled panoramic views of the windward side of the island. Even though many hikers have been rescued, fallen, and have even died while attempting this trek, groups of adventurers head there every day.

The hike is actually less than a mile, but is slow going with steep inclines, rock climbing, sketchy ropes, and sheer cliffs on all sides—not for the fainthearted. The trail takes experienced outdoorsmen over two of the manmade notches, before landing on the rock known as “the chimney,” and then continuing on an extremely photogenic ridge called Konahuanui. The Pali Notches is undoubtedly an unforgettable hike with stunning views that are truly unbeatable for those willing to take the risk.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.