Gaze over dramatic drops where land meets sea in breathtaking
Tucked into the verdant slopes above the city, the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve is one of Oʻahu’s most vital yet underappreciated natural treasures. This vast expanse of protected land, stretching across ridges, valleys, and mountain peaks, safeguards the island’s freshwater supply while preserving an extraordinary range of native ecosystems. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to step into a world where towering ʻōhiʻa trees, lush ferns, and the songs of native birds fill the air—a living reminder of Hawaiʻi’s natural heritage.
Tucked between Diamond Head and Koko Head, the Kāhala Lookout is a lesser-known roadside stop that offers peaceful views of the Kāhala coastline and the Pacific Ocean beyond. It’s not a major destination, but it provides a welcome breath of fresh air for travelers enjoying a slow, scenic drive along Oʻahu’s south shore.
Just a short drive from Honolulu’s bustling city center, the Tantalus Lookout at Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers one of Oʻahu’s most breathtaking urban views. From the lookout platform, you can see the full sweep of the Honolulu skyline, the turquoise waters off Waikīkī, and Diamond Head rising proudly in the distance. As the sun sets, the entire scene transforms into a golden panorama with the city lights beginning to twinkle below.
There’s a moment, just after the door swings open and the wind comes rushing in, when your breath catches and your world narrows to the edge of the sky. Below, the coast curves into golden sand and blue reef, the mountains roll into green velvet folds, and the Pacific stretches out like a mirror forever. And then—just like that—you let go.
At the far western tip of Oʻahu, where the paved roads end and the coastline turns wild, the Kaʻena Point Trail leads to one of the island’s most remote and untouched natural areas. This relatively flat but rugged coastal walk can be accessed from either the North Shore near Mokulēʻia or the west side near Mākaha, and both routes offer sweeping ocean views, lava rock shorelines, and a rare encounter with native Hawaiian wildlife.
High above the cliffs of the Koʻolau mountain range, the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout offers one of Oʻahu’s most iconic views. Just minutes from downtown Honolulu, this historic site reveals a sweeping panorama of Kāneʻohe, Kailua, and the lush valleys of Oʻahu’s Windward side.
Tucked deep within a quiet valley in Hawaiʻi Kai, the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail is a local favorite for those seeking a more secluded and rewarding ridge hike. This moderately strenuous route begins in a shaded forest and rises steadily to a sweeping ridgeline lookout, offering panoramic views that span from Waimānalo to Koko Crater and beyond.
Nestled along Kalanianaʻole Highway between Hanauma Bay and Makapuʻu, Lānaʻi Lookout is a short but unforgettable stop known for its rugged lava rock cliffs and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It's one of those places that doesn’t require much time but offers incredible visual rewards. On clear days, the view stretches to neighbor islands like Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and even Maui.
Behind the world-famous surf breaks of the North Shore lies a trail less traveled but equally rewarding. The ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail begins just across from ʻEhukai Beach Park and climbs steadily through shaded forest terrain to reveal panoramic views of Sunset Beach, Pupukea, and Waimea Bay. With its mix of peaceful woods and dramatic coastal lookouts, this hike offers a quieter contrast to the bustling beach scene below.
For travelers ready to elevate their visit to Oʻahu—both literally and visually—Magnum Helicopters offers one of the most exhilarating and scenic ways to take in the island. Based in Honolulu, this premier helicopter tour company is inspired by the iconic Magnum, P.I. television series and flies the same MD 500 helicopters made famous in the show. Specializing in doors-off flights, Magnum Helicopters gives guests an unobstructed look at Oʻahu’s dramatic landscapes, from lush mountains and hidden waterfalls to world-famous coastlines.