Honolulu County

Scenic viewpoints in Honolulu County

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks

This collection highlights the diverse geography of Oahu, from the volcanic rock formations of the south shore to the dramatic ridges of the Koʻolau and Waiʻanae mountain ranges. It features historic sites like the Nuʻuanu Pali cliffs and World War II observation posts in Lanikai, alongside natural landmarks such as the Hālona Blowhole and the 150-foot Mānoa Falls. These locations range from easily accessible roadside lookouts to challenging summit trails like the Koko Crater staircase and Kuliouou Ridge.

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks — Map

Napnet / Public domain

A

Halona Blowhole Lookout

Hālona Blowhole is a rock formation and a blowhole on the island of Oahu, Hawaii off of Hanauma Bay at Hālona Point overlooking the Pacific…

Avriette / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Pali Lookout

Nuʻuanu Pali is a section of the windward cliff of the Koʻolau mountain located at the head of Nuʻuanu Valley on the island of Oʻahu.

Daniel Ramirez / CC BY 2.0

C

Manoa Falls

Mānoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall along the Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii.

D

China Walls

Volcanic rock ledges on the south shore of Oahu, formed by lava flows and shaped by ocean erosion.

E

Kahala Lookout

A roadside viewpoint along Diamond Head Road offering vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Kahala coastline.

F

Tantalus Lookout

Located in Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside, this point provides panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head.

Daniel Ramirez / CC BY 2.0

G

Lanai Lookout

Coastal lookout on Kalanianaʻole Highway with views of the Kaiwi Channel and the islands of Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi.

ytsai2937 / CC-BY-SA

H

Makapu'u Lookout

Overlooks the windward coast, featuring views of the Makapuʻu Lighthouse and the Manana and Kaohikaipu island sanctuaries.

I

Scenic Lookout

Roadside stop along the H-3 freeway providing views of the Koʻolau mountain ridges and Kaneohe Bay.

J

Scenic Lookout

Viewpoint on the H-3 freeway overlooking the Haiku Valley and the windward side of the island.

Fritz Whittemore / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Pillbox #1

A World War II concrete observation post on the Kaiwa Ridge Trail overlooking Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands.

Fritz Whittemore / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Pillbox #2

The second of two historic military bunkers on the Lanikai Pillbox hike, offering views of the windward coastline.

M

Kuliouou Ridge trail

A ridge trail leading to a summit that overlooks Waimanalo, the windward coast, and the Koko Head crater.

N

Koko Crater Lookout

The summit of the Koko Head Railway Trail, featuring 360-degree views of Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay, and the volcanic crater.

O

Puʻukeaʻau

A peak in the Waiʻanae Range overlooking the leeward coast and Makaha Valley.

P

Palikea

The highest point in the southern Waiʻanae Range, accessible via the Honouliuli Forest Reserve.

Q

Puʻukaua

A prominent summit in the Waiʻanae Mountains located between the Lualualei and Honouliuli watersheds.

R

Maunakapu

A peak reaching 2,740 feet along the southern ridge of the Waiʻanae Range.

S

Puʻukuʻua

A mountain peak in the Honouliuli area of the Waiʻanae Range.

T

Puʻukapuaʻi

A peak in the southern Waiʻanae Mountains providing views over the Ewa Plain.

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