Scenic drives in Oahu are a fantastic way to see the island’s extravagant beauty...without paying high prices.
From its lush greenery to its elaborate backdrop of mountains and ocean...this exquisite island takes the term “picturesque” to a whole new level.
Booking a one day tour of Oahu is the best way to take it all in.
But to see the island at its finest, you shouldn’t miss these captivating scenic drives in Oahu.
Pali Highway
Connecting the capital city of Honolulu to Kailua and Kaneohe, the Pali Highway is one of the most legendary scenic drives in Oahu.
Featuring a tour through the impeccable neighborhood of Nu’uanu, this scenic drive will offer unforgettable views of this tropical landscape. Its gentle twists and curves will give you an up close view of Oahu’s epic mountain landscape, along with a breathtaking vantage point of the island’s endless blue waters.
Are you looking for the perfect place to take pictures?
The Pali Highway features many roadside cut-outs that are the ideal spots to pull out your camera, but the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is your best photographic bet.
A side note for travelers: legend has it that spooky things have happened when drivers bring pork along for the Pali Highway ride...so leave your ham sandwich at the hotel.
Mt.Tantalus - Round Top Drive
Winding its way around the peak of Mount Tantalus, the Round Top Drive offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of Honolulu and Waikiki’s majestic natural beauty.
This canopy-covered drive is so memorable, in fact, that a 7-mile stretch of its road has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Make sure to spend some time at Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park and the other wonderful pull-off points along the way.
You’ll experience unforgettable views of sites like:
- Diamond Head
- Honolulu International Airport
- Pearl Harbor
Diamond Head Road
Starting from Waikiki’s east end, Diamond Head Road is a scenic route that will guide you through some of Oahu’s most famous landmarks.
After you’ve made your journey around the foothills of the island’s legendary volcanic tuff cone, Diamond Head, you will wind along a coastal road that provides both cliffside and oceanfront Oahu views.
Make sure to stop at Kuilei Cliffs and the Amelia Earhart memorial to experience incomparable views and ideal spots for picture taking.
If you’re driving along Diamond Head Road during the winter months, don’t forget your binoculars...whales are known to swim along the coastal shores during this time.
Wherever you drive in Oahu, you are bound to find a wide array of gorgeous attractions and landscapes. But these scenic drives are known to offer the island’s best viewpoints.
To learn more about scenic drives in Oahu, as well as other travel tips and vacation activities, visit Hawaii Discount’s travel blog.
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