Tantalus Lookout rises from a lush, extinct volcano high above Honolulu, offering a cool, green escape minutes from the city below. Officially known as Puʻu Ualakaa State Wayside, this shaded park feels worlds away despite its short drive from downtown. From the edge of the cinder cone, you look out over Honolulu’s skyline, Waikiki’s shoreline, and even Pearl Harbor stretching into the distance. As the sun dips, the view turns electric. City lights flicker on, the sky deepens, and the entire landscape starts to glow. Simply put, Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park delivers one of Oahu’s most unforgettable viewpoints.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tantalus Lookout (Puʻu Ualakaa State Park) |
| Location | Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaii (Puʻu Ualakaa State Wayside on Mt. Tantalus) |
| Scenic Views | Sweeping panoramas of Diamond Head, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Manoa Valley and the city skyline |
| Operating Hours | 7:00 AM–7:45 PM (Apr 1–Labor Day); 7:00 AM–6:45 PM (winter) |
| Parking Fee | $0 for residents; $7 per non-resident car (Note: fees enforced starting Feb 2026.) |
| Hiking Trails | ʻUalakaʻa Trail (~1 mile loop) begins here; easy 0.5-mi out-and-back to the lookout; longer Mt. Tantalus hikes (~2.5 mi) |
| Amenities | Picnic tables/pavilions, restrooms and drinking water on site; parking lot and overlook platform available |
- Panoramic Views: On a clear day, the lookout offers jaw-dropping 360° views of Honolulu. You can see from Diamond Head on one side all the way across Waikiki to Pearl Harbor on the other.
- Sunset & Night Lights: This spot is famous for sunset photo ops. The skyline glows gold as the sun dips, and after dark the city below sparkles with lights.
- Family-Friendly Trails: A paved 0.5‑mile loop trail (accessible for strollers/wheelchairs) leads to the overlook. For an easy hike, take the ʻUalakaʻa Loop Trail (1 mi). More advanced hikers can continue on Mt. Tantalus trails (about 2.5 miles with 600 ft elevation gain).
- Picnic & Relax: Big trees and grassy lawns make this a perfect picnic spot. Covered pavilions and tables sit under pine trees, so you can lounge and enjoy the view. (Pro tip: bring snacks or a picnic lunch!)
Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park: Overview
Puʻu Ualakaa (pronounced poo-OO-ah-lah-KAH-ah) literally means “hill of the rolling sweet potato.” According to local legend, King Kamehameha once planted sweet potato gardens on this hill, and during harvest season, the potatoes would roll downhill on their own. The park’s official name, Puʻu Ualakaa State Wayside, reflects its status as a protected Hawaii state park, though most locals simply call it Tantalus Lookout. The name “Tantalus” dates back to the 1840s, when Punahou students attempted to hike the steep slopes of Puʻu ʻŌhi, the area’s former name. Exhausted and frustrated, they compared the climb to the Greek myth of Tantalus, forever reaching for what he could not have. The nickname stuck, and even today, the winding road leading upward is known as Tantalus Drive.
Set roughly 760 feet above sea level, the park rests on the slopes of Tantalus Mountain, Hawaii, an ancient volcanic cinder cone just north of downtown Honolulu. As you drive up Round Top Drive through Round Top, Honolulu, towering trees and dense forest create a cool, green canopy overhead. Inside the park, the paths are clean and well maintained. A short paved walkway leads from the parking area directly to the lookout platform, while the ʻUalakaʻa Trail begins nearby for those who want to explore deeper into the forest. From the summit, the view stretches wide, sweeping from the Koolau Range and Manoa Valley down to Ala Moana and Pearl Harbor.
As evening approaches, the lookout transforms. The Honolulu skyline glows warm and golden as the sun sinks, and twilight washes Diamond Head and the coastline in soft color. Photographers set up tripods, couples linger quietly, and the moment feels almost staged. Like a natural amphitheater, the island puts on a show night after night. Tantalus Lookout at night doesn’t just meet expectations — it exceeds them.
Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park Trails
All you need is a pair of walking shoes to enjoy the trails here. The main attraction is the short promenade right at the summit: a 0.5‑mile paved out-and-back trail (starting at Nutridge Street) that gently leads to the Tantalus viewpoint. This path is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with benches and picnic tables along the way. It’s rated easy (only ~50 ft elevation change).
For more adventure, continue on the ʻUalakaʻa Trail. This loop trail is roughly 1 mile long and encircles the top of the cinder cone. It winds through lush forest with occasional lookouts of its own. Even larger hikes start here: one popular route ascends to the true summit of Mt. Tantalus via the Makiki trail (about 2.5 miles round-trip, 600 ft climb). All trails are well-marked and shaded, making them safe even for kids. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
No matter which path you pick, each one rewards you with Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park trails that are scenic and family-friendly. Maps at the trailheads and park entrance help guide your route. (Pro tip: The trails here connect into the larger Makiki‑Tantalus forest reserve, so you could easily spend half a day exploring if you have time.)
Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park Tickets & Hours
Good news: there’s no toll booth here. Instead, the park’s entrance ticket is just a parking pass. As of early 2026, Hawaii began charging for parking at many popular state sites. For Puʻu Ualakaa, the fee is $7 per non-resident vehicle (Hawaii residents park for free). Have cash or card ready – the lot has an automated pay station. Commercial tour vehicles pay more ($15–$50 depending on size).
The park’s hours are posted at the gate. It’s open daily with seasonal hours: 7:00 AM–7:45 PM during summer (Apr 1–Labor Day) and 7:00 AM–6:45 PM the rest of the year. Note that the gates lock at closing time, so plan accordingly if you stay for sunset or night views.
Aside from parking, there are no other tickets or reservations needed. You simply drive up Round Top Drive (or Tantalus Drive, as locals call it) and pay once you park. The small parking area does fill up on clear evenings and weekends, so arriving a bit early is wise. Once inside, all facilities (restrooms, picnic shelters) are free to use.
Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park Reviews & Tips
Visitors love this overlook. In fact, Puʻu Ualakaa State Wayside (Tantalus Lookout) scores about 4.6 out of 5 on TripAdvisor (over 1,000 ratings). Common praise includes “drop-dead-impressive panoramic views” stretching from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Reviewers note that even daytime visits are spectacular – one described it as a “million-dollar” view you get for free. The drive itself is scenic and only 15–20 minutes from downtown Honolulu.
By sunset the lookout deck can get crowded, so many travelers suggest an early or late arrival. One visitor pointed out that if you go around midday instead of peak sunset, parking is a breeze. (Just watch out for showers during Honolulu’s rainy season; clouds can roll in fast over the mountains.)
For photographers: Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park photos all look great. By day you’ll see the blue Pacific and city, and by night you’ll capture the glittering streetlights. Don’t forget extra batteries or a tripod – long exposures of the skyline here are amazing.
Our quick tips:
- Go early or late: The platform fills up at sunset. Come right at dusk for fewer people, or arrive early to stake a spot.
- Bring a jacket: Above Honolulu the temperature can be cooler and breezy, especially after sundown.
- Watch your gear: The lot is safe, but anonymous comments mention a few car break-ins. Keep valuables out of sight.
- Eat and drink: Pack a picnic or snacks. The park has sheltered picnic tables and drinking water.
- Mind the pigs: An anti-pig fence now surrounds the lookout, but still be aware of any feral animals in the area at dusk.
After dark the view transforms: the entire Honolulu urban sprawl lights up beneath you. From this vantage Tantalus Lookout at night feels like looking out over a sea of tiny lanterns. Honolulu’s landmarks take on a new glow – Waikiki’s hotels, downtown’s towers, even Punchbowl’s rim are outlined by city lights. Many travelers say the night panorama is the highlight of visiting this park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Tantalus Lookout – Puʻu Ualakaa State Park?
It’s located on Oʻahu’s southeast side, about 3 miles from downtown Honolulu. Take the H-1 Freeway into the city, turn onto Punahou Street, then drive up Round Top Drive, also known as Tantalus Drive. The summit parking lot and overlook are clearly signposted.
What does Puʻu Ualakaa mean?
In Hawaiian, Puʻu Ualakaa means “hill of the rolling sweet potato.” The park is officially called Puʻu Ualakaa State Wayside and sits on an extinct volcanic vent along Mt. Tantalus, later developed into a scenic lookout.
Are there hiking trails at Tantalus Lookout?
Yes. The easiest option is a 0.5-mile paved loop at the summit. Visitors can also hike the ʻUalakaʻa Trail (about 1 mile) or continue onto longer rainforest trails on Mt. Tantalus, which stretch roughly 2.5 miles. All trails are marked and well maintained.
Do I need a ticket or permit to visit?
There’s no general admission ticket. Visitors only pay a parking fee of $7 per vehicle, while Hawaii residents park for free. This parking permit covers everyone in your car. No additional permits are required unless you venture into restricted trail areas.
What’s the best time to visit Tantalus Lookout?
Sunset is the most popular time, thanks to sweeping views and glowing city lights. Midday visits are quieter and still scenic. After dark, Honolulu’s skyline sparkles, making night visits especially memorable. The park is open year-round, but be sure to leave before closing time (7:45 PM in summer, 6:45 PM in winter).
