Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park (Tantalus Lookout)

The Tantalus–Round Top Drive loop climbs out of Makiki Street into a forested cinder cone above Honolulu, and the overlook at Pu'u 'Ualaka'a is where the payoff arrives. The state wayside sits on that cinder cone close to downtown, and its lookout delivers a sweeping view of southern O'ahu: Honolulu's skyline, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Manoa Valley, and Pearl Harbor on a clear day — a panorama that runs from Diamond Head across to the Wai'anae Range. The drive itself is narrow, continuously curving, and shaded by dense forest canopy, which means sight lines are short and surface conditions can be damp; ride it attentively. The loop was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 as the first road on O'ahu to receive that designation.

At the top, the park has restrooms, picnic shelters, and a short walking trail — a practical stop to stretch after the twisty climb. Parking is limited at the lookout itself, so early arrival helps, especially if you're aiming for sunset, when the south shore is fully lit and the space fills up. The park gates close at or shortly after sundown, so plan your departure accordingly. One standing local caution: do not leave valuables visible in your bike bags or saddlebags — vehicle break-ins have been reported here with enough frequency that the Hawaii Guide and multiple visitor sources flag it explicitly. Leave nothing out.