Pali Notches: A Daring Class 4 Scramble in O'ahu's Ko'olaus
- Stephen Warner
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
The Pali Notches are both a historic landmark and a notorious challenge for hikers on O‘ahu. Tucked just off the Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout, this short but gnarly trail offers Class 3/4 scrambling with major exposure — and major adrenaline.
Thrill seekers come here for the test of nerve and skill as they climb up and down vertical notches carved into the Ko‘olau ridgeline. For those even more daring, the route continues toward the Chimney, a steep Class 4+/5- climb that leads up to K1, the tallest peak on the Ko‘olaus.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Pali Notches Trail |
Distance | 1 miles / 1.6 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 1-3 hours |
Elevation gain | 800 ft / 240 m |
Highest point | 1,800 ft / 550 m (Second Notch) |
Permits / fees | $7 parking fee (free for Hawai'i residents) |
Parking | Paid paved lot at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | No (steep scrambles and major exposure) |
Know before you go
This is an extremely dangerous climb — people have died here. Don’t attempt it unless you’re fully comfortable with Class 4 scrambling and serious exposure.
You’ll likely encounter fixed ropes on the trail — but do not fully trust them. They degrade over time and are not professionally maintained. There is at least one fatality on record from a snapped rope.
Ascending the Chimney is advanced terrain (Class 4+/5-) and should only be attempted by experienced climbers. Most hikers turn around at the second notch, and for good reason. If you do plan to climb the Chimney, it's recommended to continue on to K1 and descend via an alternate route to avoid downclimbing it.
Other trails nearby
Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 400 ft (120 m) gain
Details: This “sister hike” on the opposite side of the lookout offers narrow ridges and great views — but is less technical and stops around Class 3.
The Trail
From the parking lot, head towards the lookout. You will have to get creative to get to the trail, but you should be able to find a beaten down path to your right that enters into the trees. There's no warm. This hike gets steep immediately.
After 10–15 minutes of sweaty climbing, you’ll break through the trees to your first panoramic view of the Windward side. Already worth it.
You’ll still have more climbing before you fully gain the ridge. Some of it involves scrambling on slick dirt and rock, especially if it’s recently rained.
Once you gain the ridge, you'll get your first preview of the notches and the imposing terrain ahead. The steep wall in the distance? That’s the Chimney.
Obstacle #1: First Notch
This is the easiest of the two downclimbs, with larger hand and foot holds and generally less exposure. Still, it demands attention.
The silver lining of this route is that the most technical challenge comes early. Climbing back up these notches on the return always feels easier than going down.
Obstacle #2: Second Notch
Now it gets real.
The second notch is far more exposed, with fewer holds and a steep drop, especially on the leeward (Honolulu-facing) side. Most hikers choose to descend on this side because it offers slightly better holds — but it also comes with more serious exposure. A fall here would be devastating.
That said... the views and the adrenaline are next level.
Once you reach the notch base, you can choose to continue along the ridge toward the Chimney saddle. It’s not necessary — but I recommend it. The views back along the ridge are incredible, and it gives you a chance to scout the Chimney for a future attempt.
Even this “bonus section” is no joke — the exposure continues.
Obstacle #3: Downclimb to the Chimney Saddle
This is arguably the most mentally taxing section. The ridge narrows dramatically with drop-offs on both sides and minimal holds.
Here's a shot of me making my way down. You can see how few solid holds there are.
And finally — the base of the Chimney.
The chimney climb is near vertical with serious exposure. Those red and orange ropes help mark the route, but don’t rely on them entirely. This is the realm of low Class 5 climbing, and should only be attempted by those with real experience and solid conditions.
For us? This was the turnaround point.
Because after this, it’s time for post-climb beers.
So, one more ridge walk...
....before throwing those hands up — mission accomplished.
SS Reflections
I’ll never forget my first trip to the Pali Notches, sometime in early 2017. It was my first solo mission into more technical terrain, and I remember feeling confident after recently summiting Three Peaks with a partner.
But standing above that first notch, looking down at the drop-off... I had a moment of real hesitation. “This is real,” I thought. And if another group hadn’t come up behind me and pointed out the safe line down, I honestly don’t know if I’d have had the guts to go for it.
But once I committed — climbing down and then back up through both notches — I was hooked. I’m not sure if it’s the dopamine rush, the adrenaline, or just the satisfaction of pushing past fear, but something about this climb clicked.
Over the years I would return four more times, including one successful push up the Chimney and onto K1. Each time, that same thrill came back. And now, after moving to Colorado and getting into more alpine routes, I realize how much I owe to climbs like this. My basic scrambling skills, my comfort with exposure, and even my love for pushing myself — they all trace back to ridges like the Pali notches.
And while I’ve traded the Ko‘olau ridgelines for the Rockies, the Pali Notches will always be one of the trails that made me who I am as a climber.
