The travel industry, as with most functioning industries, is ever changing and evolving as consumers find new interests. One of the newest aspects of tourism and travel is Eco-Tourism.

Waimea Oahu Waterfall

The sole purpose of Eco-Tourism is to maintain and improve the environment for future travelers and generations to enjoy and venture to areas that are protected, tranquil regions, or unpolluted natural areas. Conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency are among the many environmental aspects targeted through Eco-Tourism. Minimal travel to natural destinations are often transported in clean burning vehicles and usually feature a walk or hike that explores local culture that supports the area.

One of the newest and most exciting series of tours that Discover Hawaii Tours offers is our line of Eco-Tours. These tours showcase a different side of the islands, while educating on the natural history and exploring beautiful sites of cultural significance. With these tours, we take you to the Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano, Maui’s Hana Highway, and many locations around Oahu, including Sacred Sites, hidden waterfalls and even a swim with Wild Dolphins off of Oahu’s West Coast.

Waimea Valley Panoramic View

Come with us on a fabulous tour and discover native plants and flowers, hidden beaches and waterfalls, and an abundance of spectacular sites that are only found in Hawaii. Ecotourism is an excellent and necessary manner in which to preserve the environment that is so important to Hawaii and the rest of the world.

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One of the most scenic views on the entire island of Oahu, the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is an absolute must on any Hawaiian Vacation. Tucked in the cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, pali is the Hawaiian word for cliffs. From the lookout, a panoramic view of Windward Oahu overlooks the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe. The Pali Highway (State Highway 61) connects Honolulu to windward Oahu.

Scenic View from above Pali Lookout

The Pali is famous for the strong trade winds that blow through the pass, seemingly at all times. Coupled with the tunnels of the highway, it forms a natural wind tunnel of sorts.

There are many legends and beliefs surrounding this fabled overpass and its surrounding mountains. Two large stones near the back of Nu’uanu valley are said to represent a pair of goddesses who were guardians of the passage. Travelers have been know to leave offerings of flowers or bark cloth to ensure a safe trip. Many parents have been known to bury the umbilical cords of newborns under the stones, as a protection against evil. It is also widely believed that pork should never be carried over Nu’uanu Pali. Many motorists have reported their cars mysteriously stopping and not starting again until the pork was removed from the car. This is the responsibility of Pele and her contest with Kamapua’a, a half man, half hog God that is forbidden from passing to her side of the island in his hog form.

The Nu’uanu Pali was also the site of the Battle of Nu’uanu, one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian History. During this battle, King Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule. The battle took place in 1795 after Kamehameha conquered the islands of Maui and Molokai. Along with an army of 10,000 soldiers, Kamehameha forced the defenders of Nu’uanu Valley up the mountain and trapped more than 400 soldiers. The defenders were driven off the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below. When the first road was built over the mountain range, workers came across more than 800 skulls, believed to be the remains of the warriors that fell to their deaths during the battle.

For the best chance to see the Pali Lookout and many of the other scenic and historic landmarks on Oahu, join us on a Circle Island Tour today.

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