Tantalus - Round Top Drive
Tantalus – Round Top Drive is a scenic loop road winding through the lush hills above Honolulu, offering panoramic bird's eye views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor. Lined with tropical foliage and shaded by towering trees, this historic drive includes several lookout points, including the iconic Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park. Especially stunning at sunset and nighttime, this is one of Oahu's most picturesque drives.
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.
Key Features of Tantalus – Round Top Drive
- Loop road through lush hillside: Winds up Mount Tantalus and back down through a forested area overlooking Honolulu.
- Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park lookout: Offers panoramic views from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor with sunset and night vistas.
- Canopy-covered scenic route: A peaceful drive shaded by tropical trees with frequent turnouts for photo ops.
- Historic road designation: A 7-mile stretch was added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places in the 2000s.
- Great for photography and city views: Offers one of the best perspectives of Honolulu's skyline from above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Tantalus – Round Top Drive begin and end?
The scenic loop starts in Makiki Heights and winds up and down Mount Tantalus, returning near its starting point, making it a full loop drive.
What is the best lookout point along the drive?
Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park is the most popular lookout, providing sweeping views of Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the coastline.
Is the drive shaded?
Yes, much of the route is shaded by a tropical tree canopy, offering a cooler and tranquil driving experience even during midday.
How long is the drive?
The designated historic portion of the loop is about 7 miles (11.3 km), though the full experience may include stops and side lookouts.
Is there historical significance to the road?
Yes, the road was first built in 1917, paved in 1937, and later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.