Mt. Tantalus
Honolulu, Oahu, Oahu, HI, 96813
Part of the Ko’olau Range on the windward coast of Oahu, Mt. Tantalus (Puʻuohiʻa) towers over Honolulu. A scenic drive winds to the summit, where the Tantalus Lookout at Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park offers sweeping views over south Oahu, from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. It’s considered one of the best sunset views on the island.
The basics
Visitors with vehicles can drive up Mt. Tantalus on their own, though the road is steep and winding; there are a lot of tight turns. Many Oahu tours include a stop at Tantalus Lookout Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park and offer hassle-free transfers that save you from navigating the road. Options range from island highlight tours, photography and social media tours, and excursions that include food tasting, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, biking, or e-biking.
Things to know before you go
Bring a blanket for the lawn area and a light jacket or layers as it can get windy at the top.
Facilities at the Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park are wheelchair-accessible and include picnic tables, a pavilion, and restrooms.
There are two parking lots for the Tantalus Lookout, with space for around 60 cars.
Don’t leave valuables in your car, as vehicle break-ins are common.
How to get there
If you're self-driving, take H-1 to Makiki for the Tantalus and Round Top Hill Drive. For the best light, take Round Top in the morning to start the loop, and Tantalus in the afternoon. It’s a good idea to take the road slowly, which makes it easier to spot the frequent pull-outs. At the top, there will be two parking lots for Tantalus Lookout; the larger one is a short walk away.
When to get there
You can visit Mt. Tantalus at any time, but it's best to go in the early morning to avoid crowds. Tantalus Lookout Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is a popular sunset spot too, so it’s best to arrive early to get a parking spot. The views are also impressive at night; although the park closes shortly after sunset, there are other places along the drive to enjoy the night views.
Hiking the trails of Mt. Tantalus
Although most easily visited as part of a driving tour, there are more than a dozen hiking options on Mt. Tantalus, suitable for all levels of hikers. From Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park, the short and easy Ualaka Trail connects to the longer Makiki Valley, Moleka, and Maunalaha trails. The shortest trail is the 0.3-mile (0.5-kilometer) Tantalus-Arboretum Trail, while the 8.4-mile (13.5-kilometer) Tantalus Loop Trail covers most of the trails on Tantalus.
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