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Tantalus-Round Top Drive Honolulu

4.9

·13 reviews·Honolulu, United States

Meandering uphill road through lush forest with breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Magical city lights appear

CrowdHigh

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Tantalus-Round Top Drive Honolulu

Best Time

Sunset

Magical city lights appear

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Meandering uphill road through lush forest with breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki.

4.9

(13 reviews)

"Incredibly beautiful scenery and spectacular views of the city. You won't be disappointed!!"

TIP

🎯 Arrive Before Sunset

Park closes at 6:45 PM. Aim to arrive 30 mins before sunset for parking & setup. :clock1:

⛽ Fill Up Your Gas Tank

Ensure you have enough gas before heading up; services are scarce on the mountain. :fuel_pump:

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 13 reviews

Address

Round Top Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tantalus Lookout

Summit of Tantalus Drive

Spectacular panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor. Perfect for sunset!

Round Top Drive

The entire loop

A beautiful, winding forest drive offering glimpses of lush greenery and cityscapes.

Pu'u Ualala'a State Wayside

Near Tantalus Lookout

A peaceful spot with picnic areas and stunning vistas, often less crowded than the main lookout.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

The Tantalus-Round Top Drive offers breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu, but timing is crucial. Sunset is a popular, magical time, but can get crowded. Check park closing times to avoid disappointment, especially if planning a special occasion.

Road Conditions & Gas

While the drive itself is scenic, be aware of potential road work and winding roads. Some TikToks mention concerns about gas, so ensure your tank is full before ascending, as services are limited on the mountain.

Best Times

When

Sunset

Why

Magical city lights appear

Crowd

High

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, serene views

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoon

Why

Golden hour light on city

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Driving in Hawaii! 🚗 ⚠️ 😂

@tumua_

24.3K likes • 180.7K views

🎯 Arrive Before Sunset

Park closes at 6:45 PM. Aim to arrive 30 mins before sunset for parking & setup. :clock1:

⛽ Fill Up Your Gas Tank

Ensure you have enough gas before heading up; services are scarce on the mountain. +1 :fuel_pump:

Gas be too crazy to be doing this now 😫😫😫 #hawaii #oahu #hawaiian

@issabakla

20.6K likes • 188.6K views

$1.8M listing at 2023 Round Top Drive. Let’s take a look! #ModernHomesHawaii #EarlSolidum

earl_solidum

45 likes • 1.8K views

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road is winding and can have road work. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. :oncoming_automobile:

🤫 Seek Secluded Spots

If Ualaka'a is crowded, a nearby private lookout exists past the park entrance. 🏞️

JUST LISTED | 2198 Round Top Drive | Honolulu, HI 96822 Immerse yourself in breathtaking views encompassing downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head, lush lower Tantalus hills, and the ocean from this charming residence nestled in lower Makiki Heights. A sprawling 1200 square foot wrap-around lanai is perfect for outdoor dining and spending time immersed in the mesmerizing views. This four-bedroom, two-...

bhhshawaiirealty

0 likes • 352 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before Sunset

Park closes at 6:45 PM. Aim to arrive 30 mins before sunset for parking & setup. :clock1:

⛽ Fill Up Your Gas Tank

Ensure you have enough gas before heading up; services are scarce on the mountain. +1 :fuel_pump:

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road is winding and can have road work. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. :oncoming_automobile:

🤫 Seek Secluded Spots

If Ualaka'a is crowded, a nearby private lookout exists past the park entrance. 🏞️

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal with a view! There are picnic areas and log seating available. :picnic_table:

What Travellers Say

4.9

(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Tantalus-Round Top Drive for its spectacular, sweeping views of Honolulu and the surrounding landscape. The drive itself is described as beautiful and scenic, offering a refreshing escape into nature. While generally well-loved, some mention potential crowds at popular lookouts, especially during sunset.

"A short trip by car from Waikiki, and worth it! Incredibly beautiful scenery and spectacular views of the city."

Harrison Harrison

"Just trust the reviews. If everyone is going, you better go too. There's history, sweeping panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, a small lawn area to picnic or chill, and log seating for those who care to sit. It's Tantalus! You won't be disappointed!!"

Monae Fontaine

"Beautiful view"

Rochell Cruz

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views

Beautiful forest drive

Magical sunset vistas

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Limited services

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Waikiki, you can drive to the Tantalus-Round Top Drive via Makiki Heights Drive or Punahou Street. The drive takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility. +1

Public transport options are limited for reaching the higher points of the drive. It's best accessed by car or ride-sharing services.

Yes, many cyclists tackle the Tantalus-Round Top Drive. It's a challenging but rewarding ride with incredible views.

The road is paved but winding, with some steep sections. Be aware of potential road work and drive cautiously.

Yes, there is parking available at Tantalus Lookout, but it can fill up quickly, especially around sunset. Arrive early to secure a spot.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to drive the Tantalus-Round Top Drive. However, Pu'u Ualala'a State Wayside may have parking fees or be subject to park hours.

The park and lookout areas typically close around sunset, often around 6:45 PM. It's essential to check the exact closing time for the day of your visit.

No, advance booking is not required for Tantalus Lookout. It's a public drive and lookout point.

The main restriction is the park's closing time. Otherwise, it's generally open for scenic driving and enjoying the views.

No, the drive and lookouts are typically closed after sunset due to park hours and safety.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset offers dramatic lighting and city lights, but golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful, soft light. Early mornings can be serene with fewer people.

Tantalus Lookout provides the most iconic panoramic shots. For a different perspective, explore smaller pull-offs along Round Top Drive.

Drone usage is generally restricted in state parks and residential areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.

Expect sweeping views of Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, lush green valleys, and the winding mountain roads.

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the stunning views. However, a camera with good low-light capabilities will be beneficial for sunset shots.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly on the Tantalus-Round Top Drive. It's recommended to dine before or after your drive in Honolulu or Waikiki.

Yes, there are designated picnic areas and log seating available, making it a perfect spot for a scenic picnic.

Pack your favorite snacks, drinks, and a blanket. Consider bringing insect repellent as well.

Typically, there are no regular food trucks or vendors operating on the Tantalus-Round Top Drive.

Honolulu and Waikiki offer a vast array of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants.