Mount Tantalus

We got there maybe 20 minutes before sunset and was able to get in some great pictures before it got more crowded and dark. It was a smooth drive up and back down. A nice point to see the sunset.

It was like a 25 minutes drive from Sheraton Princess In Waikiki. Very windy road, where you can make stops to enjoy the view about 5 minutes before getting all the way to the top. (less crowded too if you wanna avoid crowds). At the top, the entry to the park and parking is free. The sign outside states that the park closes at 6:45 pm. There was a picnic area for parking and another area for scenic viewing of the Waikiki buildings and sunset view. We went in the evening and it was a gorgeous view of the Waikiki with sunset. The space for viewing was small and it could get a little crowded. Maybe drive down 5 minutes if you want more privacy.

I’ve been to Tantalus on several trips & it’s always a treat to see the beauty of Oahu from the top of this mountain.
I’ve been here both at night and during the day, but I’ve been out of luck on both times that I was here at night because my phone ran out of battery and I didn’t have a car charger with me. Doh!
The view at night is very beautiful. I’m sure it would be a romantic spot to bring someone on a date, probably not on a first date – since the girl might feel a little uncomfortable being so far away from civilization and all.
The view in the daytime is just as beautiful because you can see all of the surrounding areas.

Gorgeous view… Worth the drive believe me. And there’s a perfect picnic spot right before the view.

A nice view that’s free and relaxing. If you have time to kill this is definitely a site to see

Relaxing and honest viewpoint.
No hiking required so it’s a nice place to take visitors (like myself) to see a beautiful sight without the strain of dragging them on an uphill hike.
Before reaching the actual viewpoint, there are places you can have an awesome picnic; saw a couple that was filling the park with good tunes and it really made my day. Advisable for all ages.

This is the best view of Honolulu, Diamond Head, Kahala, Kaimuki, and everything in between! The Mount Tantalus observation deck is a well maintained area at the very top of the mountain. It is the perfect spot to take pictures or bring a picnic. Go off the beaten path and head down to the large grassy area to have a nap and relax.
There is ample free parking as many cars come and go quickly. This is a quick drive up from Honolulu; you can come from Punchbowl Cemetery or up from Roosevelt High School. You’ll enjoy the twists and turns of the roads as you quickly ascend.
This is a must stop for locals looking to get away for a few minutes, and tourists who want a birds-​eye view of the city without taking wing.

It’s a short drive to get to Tantalus from Waikiki or Honolulu so any visitor should make the time to do this. The highlight isn’t just the lookout at puu ualakaa state park but the 9 or 10 mile loop around Round Top drive. If you go up Round Top (instead of Makiki) there is a pull out on your right that gives you a pretty cool view of Waikiki and Diamond Head. If you miss it, no worries… the lookout has a great panoramic view of the city.

The view is amazing! You can drive up or hike if you would like. You can see the city of Honolulu. From Manoa to Diamond Head and the strip of hotels. There is a picnic area in the park and a swingset someone made if you can spot it.

Breathe, relax, woosah… The one place that never gets old among the places I like to visit to get away from the city.
I don’t know why I haven’t written a review about a place that I love to visit once or twice a week in the past 5 years I’ve been living in Hawaii. I’ve heard lots of rumors. This is supposedly the place for a good make out session and all that comes along with it to the third base. But I’ve also heard that the area could possibly be a bit sketchy at night. So be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
You will get the luxury of a 140 degree view of the ocean, greens, mountains, small urban areas and the skyscrapers of Honolulu. I love coming here both at night and during the day. I’ve had many stressing days in my time on the island. You can take the girl out of SoCal but it’s hard to take the SoCal out of this girl. In result, I need to find places like Tantalus to slow my fast pace life and smell the roses in its entirety.
I can’t forget to mention the city lights at night. My shutterbug friends, if you would like to see the fireworks from the Hilton at a far distance to compliment additional spice to your city night photos, be parked here by 7:45pm for the fireworks. Otherwise, to the gents. If your lady is a calm and chill person, don’t be afraid to go outside of the box and take a break from a fancy dinner routine. Instead decide to get a take out meal and surprise her on a nice picnic to enjoy this view to stargaze (vice versa to all my lady friends as well). Tourists/​adventure seekers, there are lots of hikes connected around the area as well with amazing views.

Update: this place is just too beautiful not to get a second review. The drive on the top is a bit steep I suggest going on a slow pace. There are points along the road where you can take some pictures but nothing compares to what is on the top.
Along the way there are also house. Some of them cover the views but this also reminds you to slow down cause people might be walking or biking on the road.
On the top there’s one shade which is on the middle of the scenic view. There are a lot of people taking pictures when we got there but they are mostly friendly tourist:) the best thing to do is wait it out till there is less people so you can have a unobstructed view of the city and the crater.
My relatives who live here also show me pictures of the view on the night. Its amazing. That’s all I could tell you guys. I suggest anyone who comes in here to at least experience this view.
:) mahalo!

One of the coolest scenic points/​views that Hawaii has to offer. If you come during the day you’ll see everything from Waikiki to ala moana and many more other locations. You can see beautiful views of manoa. They also have this gazebo area where you can see all the beautiful mountains and flowers and every sight to see. If you come at night the view is magnificent but it’s a little dangerous because it is windy and it doesn’t really have a wall to hold you behind. But the view is just so calm and pretty. You see the lights from buildings all over the island.

An easier option compared to diamond state park. Drive in rather than hiking then a great view awaits. There was no fee to enter also.
Con the drive is very dizzying… also while parking is available the parking on the top is small.

The Tantalus Drive is a gorgeous 7 mile drive that takes one through impressive natural tropical flora with scenic pullouts along the way.
The road is windy as one climbs upwards but its worth coming here towards the evening to catch the sunset.
As you drive up the road with your windows rolled down, you can hear the silence of the massive tropical trees and plants on either side; the silence pierced intermittently by the calls of native birds.
Definitely high up on the list during your visit to Oahu.

I would love to see the view at night. Friend drove me up here to a lookout spot a bit before sunset, what a beautiful view! Very cool to see downtown juxtaposed with Diamond Head. The scenic drive up is nice as well, but the road was a bit windy.
Oahu should be seen from as many different angles as we can. If you like lookout points, try to make it up here!

Well known for frequent student drifters, professional hill bombing long boarders, nature photographers, and local stoners that enjoy serene views while sparking off into marijuana land. Tantalus has all the curvy twists, turns, and hills for anyone that enjoys anything on wheels.
Drivers beware, although this is a chill spot to take quiet curve filled drives through the woods, the reality is that a long boarder, drifter, bicyclist, jogger, or a wallaby can pop out the corner at any moment. Drive cautiously with your hand on the e-​brake at all times.

I’m a sucker for city lights, so the view of Mt. Tantalus was truly amazing!
I went with my family after dinner and the drive was kind of windy and dark getting to the top. We didn’t really get to the tip top apparently, but we stopped at where a lot of the tourists stopped at. I loved how the night was warm and calm with a slight breeze. What got annoying was that a lot of tourists kept pouring in. The view is definitely something to check out though!

Incredible awesome view.
I’m back on the island after a long absence, used to live here many moons ago.
My old native friend from back in day picks me up and says «what do you want to do». I tell him «let’s do what the locals would do».
After a bowl of ox tail soup he suggested we head up to Tantalus for the best view on the island.
You’ve got to see this view. Pictures do not do it any justice.
Free parking and heads up they close the park down at 7pm.

WOW! what a view!
Come at night to see all the city lights! the view is breathtaking. But don’t expect to be alone, you’ll most likely run into tourists, couples, group of kids, etc. And maybe spray some bug repellent before going.

This is one of my favorite drives on the island… actually, it’s one of my favorite drives ever! It is a must-​do for anyone who wants to see great views of Honolulu. I live in town, and my favorite route is Tantalus Drive to Round Top Drive, which leads you to Puu Ualakaa State Park (which is where the lookout is). The roads are windy and they have plenty of pull-​out spots for you to park your car and take in the beautiful views of the island.
Along the drive, you will find a beautiful change in climate as the mountain scape is so lush and shady. I love to drive this route with all my windows down and my sunroof open. There are some beautiful homes along the drive and there are some sketchy ones that look like they out of a Breaking Bad episode, so use your best judgment when pulling over, or parking your car for a hike. I have not done any of the hikes along Mount Tantalus because I am not familiar with them, and since it’s so lush, I am bound to get lost. I hope we get the opportunity to hike it with some friends who know the area better.
Be very careful on the drive up Mount Tantalus! Some people speed and take the turns too quickly. You also want to watch out for the wildlife up there. Mongoose, boar, feral cats… roadkill can certainly ruin a nice drive. It is a beautiful place that you should visit, if you have the time. I’ve been up there a couple of times and it took us about 45 minutes to get to the top, but that includes the fun stops along the way.
If you love to drive, this is one to check off the bucket list. It is so pleasant and beautiful. Don’t forget to fill your tank before you head up!