The Koolau Range mountains, on the eastern coast of Oahu in Hawaii, was formed by numerous volcanic eruptions. The most prominent feature of the range is a serrated precipice, the “pali” or cliff, that rises on the eastern side and reaches heights ranging from 500 to 2,500 feet above sea level. Two cliff passes cut through the range, one of which is known as the Nuuanu Pali.
In 1782, the island of Hawaii was separated into three fragments, striking a power struggle that would last for ten years. On the large island, the death of the Hawaiian monarch Kalanipou’u left rival warrior princes to fight for power. One, Kamehameha, managed to take the Hawaiian throne.
The fighting continued for the next ten years, and in early 1792, Kamehameha succeeded in taking complete control over the island of Hawaii. In 1795, after a long period of preparation, he was able to finally defeat Kalanikupule in battle on the island of Oahu. The battle took place on the Nuuanu Pali, and Kamehameha’s warriors drove his enemies over the rim and onto the jagged rocks, 700 feet below.
Fast forward to 1959. Hawaii was admitted to the union as the 50th U.S. State. Along with this act, it was decided that Hawaii needed a highway. One that would run from Honolulu to Kapolei. This route took the highway directly through the Koolau Range mountains, across the Nuuanu Pali.
Construction began on Highway H-1 in 1953, and it took a total of 7 years for the highway to be completed. Some might think that was due to the difficult terrain. However, the facts were that the construction crew had great difficulty keeping and finding new workers.
As construction began, bones were excavated, disturbing the spirit of the fallen warriors from their sleep. As crews worked on the highway, cries and voices of the warriors would call out to them. Some have even reported seeing the apparitions of the warriors themselves.
Today, if you take a drive on this highway, you can sometimes hear the battle cries of the fallen inside the tunnels.
