Tantalus Drive & Pu'u Ualaka'a Lookout

This winding drive up Tantalus through Oahu's tropical canopy leads to hands-down one of the island's best panoramic viewpoints. From 1,048 feet up on Nutridge Street, Pu'u Ualaka'a State Wayside delivers sweeping views of Honolulu, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the Waianae Mountains that'll make you understand the Hawaii obsession. The drive itself is half the magic — towering trees create a cool, shaded tunnel just 15 minutes from downtown Honolulu that feels like entering another world. Fair warning: this is a high-theft area, so don't leave anything valuable in your car. There are two parking areas — a tiny lot right at the viewpoint (maybe 8 spots) and a larger one a few hundred yards down with bathrooms and covered picnic areas.