Have you ever been to some of the most beautiful lookout points on Oahu? If not, we recommend you to go.
Oahu is very accessible island. And that is one thing that you will really love about it. You can see a lot of the island’s beauty just by visiting the variety of scenic drives, beaches and trails. Here are the best lookout points that should be on your must visit list.
Diamond Head Lookout
Diamond Head is the most popular landmark on Oahu. It is located at the eastern end of Waikiki and is has one of the best lookout points. Accessible by footpath, it can take you about 30-40 minutes to get to the observation platform.
Although there is not much shade and it can get very hot, the view is worth it. The Diamond Head lookout point allows you to see almost the entire south coast of Oahu – from Pearl Harbor to Kahala.
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Nuuanu Pali Lookout has an important historical place in the history of Hawaii. In 1795 in an effort to reunite all the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha the Great fought his last battle here.
Pali Lookout, as it is mostly know, is located on top of a 1200 foot-high cliff between Honolulu and the windward coast of Oahu. Pali Lookout offers magnificent views of a large stretch of Oahu’s east coast. Including the cities of Kailua and Kaneohe and the green peaks of Ko’olau Mountain.
Read more about Pali Lookout here.
Makapuʻu Point
The Makapu’u Point offers outstanding views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline. If you visit this lookout point, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets. You will also see the historic red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse built in 1909. On a clear day, you may even see Moloka’i and Lana’i islands.
Makapu’u Point lookout is located along the Kalanianaole Highway, near the southeastern tip of Oahu. This lookout offers absolutely breathtaking panoramic views. From November through May, it is also a preferred spot for whale watching.
Makapu’u point overlooks the steep cliffs, Makapu’u Beach and two small islands called Rabbit Island (also known as Manana Island) and Kaohikaipu Island.
Hanauma Bay Lookout
Hanauma Bay is Oahu’s main snorkeling destination. It is home to a spectacular reef and more than 450 species of tropical fish, many of which can only be found in Hawaii.
But before you go down to the beach, spend some time in the two great views of the bay. One is near the entrance and the other to the east.
Halona Blowhole Lookout
Halona Blowhole is a popular lookout point, attracting thousands of tourists everyday. It is located on the Kalanianaole Highway on the southeast coast of Oahu. The whole area is very picturesque because it is strewn with steep cliffs and offers a unique views.
The Blowhole is an underwater tube with an opening on the rocky shelf. It was formed by flowing lava years ago. When water from the ocean enters the pipe, the pressure in it increases and the water comes out like a geyser. Sometimes up to 30 feet above the rocks.
This natural phenomenon can be best observed when there is a high surf. The bigger the waves, the higher the pressure.
Lanai Lookout
Lanai Lookout is one of the three Oahu’s main roadside lookout points on this scenic stretch on the east coastline. The other two are Makapuu Point and Halona Blowhole Lookout.
Lanai Lookout is located right on the Kalanianaole Highway. There is also a small parking lot, where you can be stop. The parking lot itself is interesting because it is carved into a rock.
On a clear day from here you can see three neighboring islands – Lanai, Molokai and Maui. It will be a little difficult to understand exactly which is Maui as it is located behind Molokai. However, its main feature by which you will be able to recognize it is Mount Haleakala.