Tantalus Lookout shows amazing views of Honolulu. View a gorgeous sunset or see how amazing Waikiki looks from above. This is the perfect destination to drive and only takes 15 – 30 minutes from most of Honolulu.
Tantalus Lookout
Tantalus Lookout is in the mountains above Honolulu and allows you take in the scenery of Southern Oahu and all of Honolulu – Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. It is a walk-up attraction with additional nature hikes and picnic tables available. The site is wheelchair accessible since sidewalks connect the parking lot to the lookout.
This lookout fits perfectly into a full day at the beach. You can spend all day in the sand and waves, then drive up here for the sunset and then enjoy an evening at one of the many restaurants in Honolulu.
Sunsets!
Tantalus Point has become a popular sunset viewing destination. With the sun setting in the west, the sunset takes place over Pearl Harbor, illuminating the entire south-western sky of Oahu.
The lookout can get crowded during sunset time. Instead of trying to time the sunset perfectly, why not come up an hour before and have a picnic or short hike before the sunset?
With the 180-degree views sunrises would likely be good as well, but the park does not open until 7 a.m. There might a few times a year it’s possible to see, but infrequent.
You could still take in the sunrise on the viewpoint parking available before the entrance to Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park
The Views
Incredibly, you can see from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. And the view of Downtown Honolulu is Spectacular.
You can see the view airport runway, and miles of the gorgeous, azure-blue ocean.
Unless you’re piloting an airplane, there is not a better view of this side of the island.
Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly
There is easy and accommodating access to Tantalus Point and it’s stunning panoramas.
Nature
Since the elevation of Tantalus Lookout and the surrounding area is is 900 feet and above, there vegetation is a bit different up here.
You’ll see plenty of birds as you hike around and the predominant tree is the Cook Pine which replaces palm trees in much of the mountains of Hawaii.
City Lights
I’ve been complete focused on sunsets and the daytime view of the city, but you also get extraordinary views of the city lights at night… well almost.
The park closes at 7:45 (see the timing section below). There is a parking lot a little further down the drive, outside the park gates, and that lot is open 24 hours a day (this is the same place I recommend taking in the sunrise).
Alternative to Diamond Head
The most popular overlook in Hawaii is Diamond Head. Appearing to rise out of the ocean and towering into the air. Diamond Head is a distinct land mark and it makes sense that it gets many visitors and shows up in many photos of Honolulu.
But, as far as actual lookouts go, the views from Tantalus Lookout are a next level of amazing. You can see further and you can see more well known destinations of Hawaii.
Additionally, Tantalus Lookout is free to visit and the only additional planning needed is parking before the crowds show up or the sunset (no reservations needed!)
Are Drones allowed at Tantalus Lookout?
No, there is plenty of signage stating drones are not allowed and drones are not allowed in any Hawaii State Park.
If you do want to fly a drone, the scenic lookout on Round Top Drive outside the park entrance is still and ideal place to pilot drone and get the video footage you want.
Ideas to Plan the Perfect visit to Tantalus Lookout
I’ve put togethe a couple of ideas to make sure you take in a wonderful experience at Tantalus Lookout. Instead of driving for 20 minutes and being out of your car or 5, consider some of the ideas below.
Evening Combined End with viewing the sunset.
Picnic
You can get you spot early be visiting earlier and having a picnic. Grabbing some sandwich on the way up would work well. I’ve had many successful picnics catered by Subway’s drive-thru on my way to the destination.
You could also take this a step further and grab a cheap, portable BBQ at WalMart and have a BBQ with amazing views. Family and other travel companions would remember the BBQ at Tantalus Point for years.
Hike before Sunset
Another way to avoid parking congestion at Tantalus Lookout is to arrive an hour early and take in a short hike. You’ve got a few to choose from with the Ualaka’a Trail being the closest the parking lot.
Day Hike
There are a few trails in the area of Tantalus Point. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, visit during the day for a couple-hour hike in the cool mountain air.
Trails you can look into include:
- Nā Ala Hele Trail
- Ualakaʻa Trail
- Makiki Valley Loop Trail
Getting to Tantalus Lookout
It takes about 30 minutes to get from Honolulu to Tantalus Lookout – and that is if you’re in Waikiki and rush hour is just starting. You should be able to get here in about 15-20 minutes.
The direct route is to take Manoa Road and then Round Top Drive. If you don’t have a GPS, make sure to look at the directions closely in your hotel’s business center and print the directions.
Once on Round Top Drive, you’ll see the 24 hour viewpoint. If you’re within the park’s open hours, I recommend skipping this and going straight to the look out.
However, if you want to use a drone to get some aerial shots, this is where you should stop to do it.
You’ll see the Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park sign marking the entrance to the park. Pay special attention to the closing time on the bottom right of the sign. This changes depending on the time of year (and officials are consistent about locking park gates in Hawaii on time.)
Time to Visit
The park opens daily at 7 a.m. In the Summer, Tantalus Lookout is open until 7:45 p.m., and 6:45 p.m. in the Winter.
You’ll have plenty of time to see the sunset, but once the sun has set, I don’t recommend lingering very long- officials usually do not delay in closing the park up.
Also, as suggested above, if you’re trying to make the sunset, try to get here a bit earlier so you are not fighting for a parking spot.
Cautions
- Remember Drones are not allowed at Tantalus Lookout and Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside Park.
- Lock your car doors and cover any valuables. This is good advice everywhere. While Tantalus Lookout and Hawaii are safe, car break-ins do happen, especially if valuable items are easy to see in the car.
Summary
If you’re in Waikiki or anywhere on Oahu for a few days, Tantalus Lookout should be on your list of places to visit.
There so many additional layers to the experience you have: the higher elevation’s different climate, an easy hike with amazing views, and a new perspective of Waikiki (where you’ve likely been spending a lot of time).
You will have the chance to drink in so much of the tropical scenery and azure ocean. Tantalus Lookout is also a great place to view the city lights at night.
If you can’t get reservations to Diamond Head or just want something different, make sure to pay a visit.
And if you want to pack a full mountain day in, check out nearby trails to Manoa Falls and Lulumahu Falls.