Elevate your Oahu experience by venturing (both driving and hiking involved) to these 4 places with remarkable views of Honolulu.
Last updated: April 3, 2025
Breathtaking Views of Honolulu
Honolulu from above looks stunning. The views are even better than admiring the city’s architecture, beach culture, and abundant shopping and dining outlets from within.
The blue ocean on one side creates a contrasting vista to Honolulu’s skyscrapers, the majority of which boast white, grey, and beige paints. On the opposite side, Honolulu flatters its rather bleak coloration with vibrant shades of a tropical rainforest.
Even a die-hard nature lover will agree that these views of Honolulu are worth the hype, drive, and – in some cases – hike.
We spent more time admiring the capital of Hawaii from afar than roaming its busting streets. Being the early birds, we took in the views of the awakening Honolulu from an iconic overlook in solitude, gazed at the historic city from towering peaks located just a few miles away from the sandy beaches of Waikiki, and tolerated gusty island winds on with windward (northeast) side of Oahu.
In other words, we strived to find different ways of admiring Honolulu from above. Here are some of the best places where you, too, can enjoy the breathtaking views of Honolulu from a bird’s eye view.
THE BEST PLACES TO GET PANORAMIC VIEWS OF HONOLULU
1. Diamond Head State Monument
Nestled roughly 6 miles southeast of the city center, Diamond Head offers sweeping views of Honolulu, Waikiki, the South Shore of Oahu, and the Pacific Ocean. The iconic panorama opens up from the summit of the extinct volcano, perched 760 feet above the sea level.
To get to this elevation, you must hike. The trail is short, but steep. So prepare to shed some sweat before receiving a visual reward you are after.
With that being said, you can enjoy some views of Honolulu and the Pacific all along the trail. The Diamond Head summit is the ultimate destination that overlooks the city from one of the highest points on Oahu’s South Shore. Yet when the walking gets too unbearable, you can stop where you are and enjoy the panorama.
TIP: You can get some pretty spectacular views of the Honolulu area before you even reach the entrance to Diamond Head State Monument. Pull over at an overflow parking lot and check the surroundings from a bird’s eye view. This is also your best option if you arrive late or fail to reserve your spot in advance.
2. Koko Crater Stairs
Another disadvantage of the Diamond Head hike is its popularity. The trail gets too busy. The parking lot fills up too quickly. And if you skipped the reservation step, you may not even have the opportunity to see the towering peaks of Honolulu from the Diamond Head summit altogether.
Fortunately, another scenic trail on the South Shore of Oahu accepts spontaneous escapades and late arrivals.
The Koko Crater Stairs runs along the face of the extinct volcano, Koko Head. The trail is what it sounds like, a long flight of stairs. Used as a military railway track during World War II, the place offers a heart-pumping hike with the breathtaking views of Honolulu and the South Coast of Oahu.
The spectacular vistas open up from lower and upper elevations of a nearly 0.8-mile (one way) trail. But only once you get to the summit with a wooden observation deck, you can enjoy the 360-degree views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Aina Haina, and Diamond Head.
TIP: The hike is challenging. The trail is open to the sun. So bring plenty of water and take as much time as you need to complete the journey. For an average hiker, it may take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the hike and an additional 10-20 minutes to enjoy the views of the Honolulu area from the top of Koko Head.
3. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
No hiking is required to admire the spectacular views of Honolulu, the Pacific Ocean, and the entire Windward Coast of Oahu from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. The overlook sits 6.5 miles (10 minutes) northeast of downtown Honolulu.
A short, paved path connects a large parking lot with a narrow lookout area with a guard rail. The preventing bar along the cliff edge is not optional here. Apart from the scenic views of Honolulu and the South Coast of Oahu, the place is notable for fierce winds.
TIP: So, ladies, hold on to the hems of your dresses tightly. Or better yet, wear something less “floating” when planning to enjoy the views of Honolulu from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout.
4. Tantalus Lookout – Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park
Tantalus Lookout – Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park was deserted except for a Japanese family of four that left soon after we had arrived. With the morning sun gently basking the skyline of Honolulu, we couldn’t ask for a better view and place to end our adventures on the South Coast before heading to the North Shore of Oahu.
TIP: A small parking lot at the overlook can’t accommodate the number of people wishing to admire the breathtaking views of Honolulu later in the day. On top of that, a sign right at the lot warns about frequent cases of breaking into cars. So, don’t leave any valuables inside your vehicle. And if you want to enjoy Honolulu from above in complete solitude like we did, arrive early.
