Just above Honolulu, the scenic Round Top Drive along a mountain ridgeline connects a series of lookouts including Puu Ualakaa State Park (Tantalus Lookout), with sweeping views over the city, Diamond Head, and the coastline.
Scenic Mountain Drive
Above Honolulu
Found in the mountains above the City.
Various options
Main lookout, small viewpoints, scenic drive.
All ages & Abilities
Paved path at the to the Tantalus lookout.
Blue Hawaii
Featured in ʻBlue Hawaiiʻ with Elvis.
Not available during bad weather.
Tour Guide & Founder
Even after guiding guests through the mountains above Honolulu, each visit is a treat. It brings back memories of visiting with family and friends. Plus the view of the city backed by the ocean is spectacular.
Tour Guide & Founder
Even after guiding guests through the mountains above Honolulu, each visit is a treat. It brings back memories of visiting with family and friends. Plus the view of the city backed by the ocean is spectacular.
Honolulu scenic drives
Visitors may recognize this overlook from Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii, where the iconic Tantalus view is framed by signature palms and city skyline layers.
Just minutes from Punchbowl and Downtown Honolulu, the drive offers stunning views whether you visit at golden hour or in the cooler morning light.
There are a variety of pullover area during the drive through the mountains and one main lookout. But remember that mountain weather changes fast, corners are tight, and visibility can vary.
Round Top Mountain Drive
| Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Site Type | ✓ General Koolau mountain roadway experience |
| Experience Style | ✓ Continuous driving scenic corridor |
| Environment | ✓ Dense green cliffs, valleys, and fog-prone ridgelines |
| Driving Complexity | ✓ Moderate due to curves and weather changes |
| Best For | ✓ Scenic touring, photography from pull-offs |
| Time Needed | ✓ Approximately 30–90 minutes depending on route |
| Key Character | ✓ Immersive “moving viewpoint” across windward Oahu |
- Lookout Hours: Open 7:00 am to just after sunset
- Round Top Drive: 9 Miles (30-60 minutes) from end to end
- Road/Lookout Closures: Weather, filming, & maintenance
- Parking Costs: Fees for non-residents and companies
- Facilities: Public restrooms available near the lookout
- Lookout Address: 2760 Round Top Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822
- From Waikiki: 20 - 30 minute drive to the lookout
- From Ko Olina: 45 min - 1.5 hr drive to the lookout
- From Turtle Bay: 90 minute drive to the lookout
Similar activities & places
Tantalus Lookout delivers crisp air, open skies, and a panoramic look at Honolulu and beyond. Pair it with the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for a view of both sides of the Koolau mountains. There’s certainly no shortage of unforgettable options across the island.
But wait, there’s more. Click the button to discover even more scenic lookouts and botanical gardens.
These are the top nearby activities and location options available on this featured tour.
Scenic mountain drives
Looking to pair this stop with other favorites? Pair a scenic mountain drive and head into the City on an Elvis or television focused Specialty Theme Tour. Your route is entirely flexible, customizable, and, of course, unforgettable.
Oahu Specialty Tour
-
Group rates from
$699
- Around any theme/activity
- 1 activity + 2-3 photo stops
- 9 hour custom private tour
Positive impact tour
- 1.5 hour positive impact
- 1-2 activities + 3-5 photo stops
- 9 hour custom private tour
About the Tantalus scenic corridor
The Honolulu Scenic Mountain Drive follows the Tantalus and Round Top ridgeline system above Honolulu, connecting forested viewpoints and scenic pull-offs along the drive. Itʻs a great addition to any Oahu nature tour. Keep scrolling for answers to help plan your visit.
Where is the Honolulu Scenic Mountain Drive found?
What makes this scenic drive unique vs. others?
What are the best times to enjoy this scenic drive?
Do you need a reservation or permit for this drive?
Are there rules or restrictions to know here?
Please stay within designated parking and viewing areas. This is also a residential area, so we avoid loud noise or extended stops in neighborhood zones. Drones are not allowed at state parks.
This stop may not be available during inclement weather.
In Hawaii, we ask visitors to respect each place they go, especially in the mountains, which were traditionally only visited for specific purposes. At Tantalus, that means enjoying the view safely, staying on paths, and helping keep the area clean and green for the next traveler.
Explore Routes
Pick from iconic destinations like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or a majestic Circle Island adventure to perfect your getaway!
Select Length
Enjoy a half-day excursion or a full-day adventure. You can go all out with a sunrise-to-sunset tour and make the most of your day.
Must See Stops
Customize your private tour with family favorites, local cuisine, shopping, hiking, and visits to some of the best island beaches.
More ideas from Halia Private Tours
We’ve guided guests through this scenic corridor for years, and the views across Honolulu and the Tantalus ridgeline continue to be one of the most memorable moments on our custom Oahu private tours.
Love scenic stops like Tantalus, or do you want something totally different? Check out our guides and blog for more drives, lookouts, and island stories you won’t want to miss.
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Subscribe & connect
Spots like Tantalus Lookout leave both locals and visitors feeling inspired and connected. These are the places where island memories are made, and we love to share them with you.
Best scenic driving tours on Oahu
Tantalus is a favorite for photographers, road-trippers, and anyone chasing that classic Honolulu view from above. Want to include this stop in your private Pearl Harbor Tour? Here are a few private tours that cruise through the area.
Circle Island Tour
-
Group rates from
$699
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- 1 Memorial + City or 2 Memorials
- 6 hour custom private tour
Pearl Harbor Tour
-
Group rates from
$799
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- 2-3 exhibits + City or visit all
- 9 hour custom private tour
Positive impact tour
- 1.5 hour positive impact
- 2-3 activities + 4-6 photo stops
- 12 hour custom private tour
Not sure which stop fits best? Search or scroll for more options, or try the personal tour quiz to help you build your perfect Oahu experience.
