Tantalus Round Top Drive

Oahu Scenic Drive Guide

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.

Tantalus - Round Top Drive, Oahu

Round Top Drive is one of the best roads to enjoy panoramic bird's eye views of Honolulu and Waikiki. The winding, canopy-covered road leads in a loop to the top of Mount Tantalus and back down. It is quite narrow and curvy. There are a few scenic lookout points along the way. The best one is at Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park. From here one can see all the way to Diamond Head in the east to Honolulu International Airport and Pearl Harbor in the west. The sunset and night-time city light views are also amazing from up here.

Back in 1917, Round Top Drive was a gravel road, and in 1937 it was paved. A 7-mile (11.3 km) stretch of the road was put on the State Register of Historic Places in 2007 and on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. It is the first road on Oahu to receive such designation.

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Location, Parking and Directions

Tantalus Round Top Drive is located in the hills above Honolulu on Oahu. From Honolulu, follow roads uphill toward Tantalus Drive and Round Top Drive, then continue through the loop toward Puu Ualakaa State Park. The map marker identifies a point on Round Top Drive near the main hillside scenic route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tantalus Round Top Drive?

Tantalus Round Top Drive is in the hills above Honolulu on Oahu. It loops through the Tantalus and Round Top area above Manoa and offers city, mountain and ocean views.

What is the best viewpoint on Tantalus Round Top Drive?

Puu Ualakaa State Park is the main viewpoint along the route. From the lookout, visitors can see Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the south shore.

Is Tantalus Round Top Drive difficult to drive?

The road is paved, but it is narrow, curvy and shaded in many places. Drive slowly, watch for cyclists, hikers, wet pavement and limited shoulders.

Is Tantalus Round Top Drive good at sunset?

Yes. The lookout is popular near sunset because it faces Honolulu and the south shore. Check park hours before going, because the state wayside closes in the evening.

What should visitors check before going?

Check current park hours, parking fees, weather and road conditions. Rain can make the road slick, and the lookout parking area can fill during popular times.