Tantalus-Round Top Drive Honolulu
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
Magical city lights appear
Tantalus-Round Top Drive Honolulu
Best Time
Magical city lights appear
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Meandering uphill road through lush forest with breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki.
"Incredibly beautiful scenery and spectacular views of the city. You won't be disappointed!!"
🎯 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:
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.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Road Conditions & Gas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
Planning to propose at Tantalus lookout. Any tips?
🚗 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. :park:
View of Honolulu from Round Top Drive (from this morning's Tantalus meetup ride)
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. :park:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! There are picnic areas and log seating available. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a slightly more adventurous, yet still car-friendly, experience, the Pu'u Ualala'a State Wayside offers a similar view and can be a bit less crowded, potentially making it easier to manage younger children. The drive is relatively short from Waikiki, making it a perfect half-day excursion for families looking for a break from the beach.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Road Trippers
Combine this drive with other scenic routes on Oahu, such as Nu'uanu Pali Drive or the coastal highways, for a full day of exploration.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
For those planning a special occasion, like a proposal, Tantalus offers a stunning and memorable setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Route: Tantalus-Round Top Drive Experience
Many visitors recommend this drive for its sheer beauty and the opportunity to see Oahu from a different angle. The Tantalus Lookout is the crown jewel, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle, creating a magical atmosphere. For those looking for a slightly more secluded experience, the Pu'u Ualala'a State Wayside offers similar views with potentially fewer crowds. Remember to check the park's closing times, as access is restricted after dark.
While the drive itself is the main attraction, some TikToks have humorously pointed out the potential for road work and the importance of having enough gas, as services are limited once you ascend the mountain. This adds a touch of local reality to the otherwise idyllic drive.
Proposing at Tantalus: Tips for a Memorable Moment
For those considering a surprise proposal, privacy is a key concern. While Tantalus Lookout can get busy, there are often quieter nooks or areas slightly away from the main viewing points. Some users suggest exploring the Pu'u Ualala'a State Wayside or even a lesser-known, more private lookout found by driving a short distance past the main park entrance.
Remember to coordinate any special arrangements, like hiding items, with the understanding that you'll need to be efficient upon arrival. Ensuring your rental car has enough gas is also a practical tip, as services are scarce on the mountain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit