Explore Oahu > Oahu Scenic Lookouts
Laie Point State Wayside
Laie Point State Wayside lies on a peninsula in the town of Laie, on Oahu’s north-eastern shore. This small scenic lookout was featured in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, it’s the spot where the main characters jump off a cliff. Most people stop here during a circle island tour to view the island that sits offshore, it features an unusual hole at its center creating a photogenic sea arch.
Lanai Lookout
Lanai Lookout on Oahu’s south-eastern tip is an oceanfront outcropping of layered rocks shaped by years of waves crashing over the shoreline. Pause at this unique landscape, it’s one of the best photo opportunities on the island. On a clear day, you can see the island of Lanai out to sea, along with Molokai and Maui. It’s also a nice place to spot whales in season (Dec-May).
Makapuu Lookout
Makapuu Lookout is the easternmost point on Oahu, located just off the Kalanianaole Highway. It’s a popular photo and hike stop during a road trip around the south-east corner of the island. The views are panoramic and take in Manana Island (also called Rabbit Island), Black Rock Island, dramatic sea cliffs, and the expansive ocean. It’s great for whale watching in season (Dec-May).
Nuuanu Pali State Wayside (Pali Lookout)
Nuuanu Pali State Wayside, also called Pali Lookout, is perched high above the pali (cliffs) of the Koolau Range. It’s the best place to get a good look over East Oahu including the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe, and the island of Mokolii (Chinaman’s Hat). This lookout is steeped in historical significance, the site where King Kamehameha won the Battle of Nuuanu in 1795 uniting Oahu under his rule.
Puu Ualakaa State Wayside (Tantalus Lookout)
Puu Ualakaa State Wayside, known as Tantalus Lookout, is one of Oahu’s most breathtaking vantage points. From Waikiki, it takes around 20 minutes to ascend Round Top Drive to this lookout on Mount Tantalus, an extinct cinder cone in the south Koolau Range. It features a sprawling view of Diamond Head, Downtown Honolulu, and Punchbowl and an inviting lawn that’s perfect for a picnic.
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Image Credit: Ryan Tishkin
