The most scenic drives on Oʻahu

Top Scenic Mountain and Lookout Drives on Oʻahu

Highways on Oʻahu deliver stunning views like nowhere else. Enter another world with must-see routes from Tantalus Lookout to the Windward Coast, coasting along the Kamehameha Highway, and the breathtaking drive to Makapuʻu Lookout. Sit back, crank up your favorite playlist and let Oʻahu’s rolling valleys, rugged cliffs, and endless blue sea unfold before you.

Windward Coast

From Mountains to the Sea

The road around the Windward Coast is curvy, but rewarding. Think lush valleys, towering cliffs, chill beaches, beautiful trails, and abundant waterfalls. Either go clockwise from Kailua town or drive north towards the North Shore. Instagrammable stops include Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse, and Crouching Lion. Be sure to keep an eye out for Mokoliʻi, a teeny-tiny island that peeks out as you reach Kualoa Regional Park. Fun fact: you can actually walk to Mokoliʻi at low tide but locals also surf, kayak, and paddleboard there from the park.

Local tip: Hungry? Keep an eye out for roadside food trucks in Kahuku slinging everything from coconut shrimp rice plates to kid-friendly waffles and shave ice.
Diamond Head to Makapuʻu Point

Coastline Wonders

This quick 12-mile drive will take you past Diamond Head State Monument, Hanauma Bay, Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse and Dors Duke’s Shangri La estate. Even if you don’t stop at any of the attractions, the view of crashing waves at Sandy Beach is worth the drive.

Local tip: Lace up comfortable shoes if you want to hike the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse trail. It’s a moderate 2.5 mile hike that’s rewarded with sweeping views of Koko Head and Koko Crater.
Pali Highway

Cliffside Views to Coastal Blues

Take off from downtown Honolulu and cruise until the skyscrapers are in your rearview mirror. When you reach the quieter, residential Nuʻuanu Pali area, the historic Nuʻuanu Pali lookout towers a thousand feet above sea level with gorgeous panoramic views. Pali Highway eventually leads to the quaint beachy town of Kailua, where you can kayak and stand-up paddleboard. Otherwise, you can take a left through Kāneʻohe to point your compass to Oʻahu’s fabled North Shore.

Local tip: The wind factor at Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is no joke so definitely bundle up to listen to what it has to say. Note that there’s also a parking fee for cars.
Farrington Highway to Kaʻena Point

Adventure on the Westside

Hop onto Route 93, better known as the Farrington Highway, which links together the North Shore and Kaʻena Point State Park along the west shore of Oʻahu. Spend the afternoon swimming, picnicking and stand-up paddleboarding at Ko Olina Lagoons, then begin your scenic drive to Kaʻena Point State Park. On your way, you’ll see quiet beaches and the Waiʻanae Mountains rolling past.

Local tip: Kaʻena Point State Park is more remote and less crowded than its siblings and only accessibly by foot. It’s also a terrific birdwatching spot with red-footed and brown boobies and other seabirds catching their meals. The majestic Laysan albatross also nests here from November through July as a safe refuge to raise their young.
North Shore Oʻahu

Iconic Beach Paradise

Cruise along Oʻahu’s North Shore coastline and hit up world famous beaches like ʻEhukai Beach (Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. Continue along this road until you land at Waimea Bay to cheer on big wave surfers. At this point, you can continue to drive along the coast to historic Haleiwa town where you can tuck into fresh seafood trucks and local boutiques.

Local tip: You’re encouraged to swim at Waimea Falls and the hike in is super family-friendly and easy for all ages. There’s restrooms, changing areas, a gift shop, and free parking!