Diamond Head Road
Diamond Head Road curves around the base of Diamond Head near Waikiki, with coastal views, Kuilei Cliffs, lighthouse scenery, the Amelia Earhart memorial and an easy drive toward Kahala.
Oahu Scenic Drive Guide
Oahu Scenic Drives
Find the best Oahu scenic drives for coastal views, mountain roads, lookout stops and memorable day trips, from Diamond Head Road and Kalanianaole Highway to Pali Highway, Tantalus Round Top Drive and the North Shore.
Scenic drive directory
Oahu Scenic Drives
Browse Oahu scenic drives, from coastal routes and lookout stops to mountain roads, historic highways and memorable day-drive ideas.
Farrington Highway (North Shore)
Farrington Highway on Oahu's North Shore runs from Waialua and Mokuleia toward Camp Erdman and Kaena Point, with Waianae Mountain views, remote beaches, Kawaihapai Airfield and a quiet rural coastline.
Farrington Highway (West Shore)
Farrington Highway on Oahu's West Shore follows the leeward coast from Ko Olina toward Waianae, Makaha, Yokohama Bay and Kaena Point, with beach parks, mountain views and remote coastal scenery.
Kahala Avenue
Kahala Avenue is a short Oahu scenic drive east of Diamond Head and Waikiki, passing luxury homes, tropical landscaping, Waialae Beach Park and the quiet Kahala shoreline.
Kalanianaole Highway
Kalanianaole Highway follows Oahu's southeast coast from Hawaii Kai toward Waimanalo, with Hanauma Bay, Lanai Lookout, Halona Blowhole, Makapuu views, Rabbit Island and Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline along the way.
Nu'uanu Pali Drive
Nu'uanu Pali Drive is a short rainforest detour off Pali Highway, with canopy trees, valley scenery, Morgan's Corner folklore and easy access between Honolulu and Windward Oahu.
Pali Highway
Pali Highway, also known as Route 61, connects Honolulu with Kailua and Kaneohe through Nu'uanu Valley, mountain tunnels, Koolau scenery and the famous Nu'uanu Pali Lookout.
Tantalus Round Top Drive
Tantalus Round Top Drive winds through the forested hills above Honolulu, with canopy roads, city views, Puu Ualakaa lookout, Diamond Head scenery and sunset views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best scenic drives on Oahu?
Popular Oahu scenic drives include Diamond Head Road, Kalanianaole Highway, Pali Highway, Tantalus Round Top Drive and coastal North Shore routes.
Which Oahu scenic drive has the best coastal views?
Kalanianaole Highway along southeast Oahu is known for ocean cliffs, lookout points, Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole and Makapuu scenery.
Can you drive around Oahu in one day?
You can see many areas in one day, but traffic, beach stops and sightseeing time can make a full island drive feel rushed.
Which Oahu drive is best for city views?
Tantalus Round Top Drive is known for forested curves, Honolulu views, Diamond Head scenery and sunset lookout stops.
Are Oahu scenic drives easy for visitors?
Most main scenic drives are paved and easy to follow, but narrow roads, parking limits and changing weather can affect the experience.