Tantalus Lookout is a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of Waikiki’s cityscape!
From here, you can see a wide range of scenery, including Diamond Head and the University of Hawaii, as well as the Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Downtown areas.
Known as the number one viewpoint in Honolulu (and all of Hawaii), it’s not only popular with tourists but also a famous date spot for local residents!
If you go around sunset, you can watch the city transform from day to night.
It’s a highly recommended spot that’s relatively easy to access from Waikiki and is guaranteed to impress.
The Night View from Tantalus Lookout
Tantalus Lookout is most famous for its stunning night views!
Hawaiian law requires all streetlights to be a uniform orange color, which creates a beautifully cohesive and atmospheric glow, unlike many other city nightscapes.
At night, Diamond Head and the ocean are dark and hard to see, but this lack of light makes ships on the water look like they are floating in the sky, and you can also enjoy the fireworks from the Hilton.
The sight of the Waikiki skyline, Hawaii’s largest city, glittering beautifully is a must-see.
The Daytime View from Tantalus Lookout
Visiting during the day offers a completely different scene from the night view, revealing a stunning panorama that feels like you’re looking out over all of Hawaii!
In the daylight, the ocean, parks, sky, and Diamond Head are all clearly visible, giving you a great sense of Hawaii’s geography.
Day, dusk, and night each offer a different view, so I honestly think it’s worth visiting three separate times to see each one!
Each time of day has its own unique charm: the daytime offers a clear view of Waikiki with its beautiful ocean and Diamond Head; the evening presents a reddish-hued landscape with an indescribable atmosphere as the streetlights begin to glow; and the nighttime reveals a breathtaking spectacle that captures the full beauty of Waikiki.
By the way, at Aloalo Travel, our tours (though they vary slightly by season) are planned to arrive just as it gets dark after sunset, so you can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views! Haha.
Tantalus Lookout: General Information
| Name | Tantalus Lookout |
| Address | 2900-3198 Round Top Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822 |
| Map | |
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | None |
| Time required | Approx. 15 minutes or more |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
Recommended Ways to Get to Tantalus Lookout
Taxi & Uber: The Best Private Transportation for Small Groups in Hawaii
Rental Cars & Turo: Private Vehicles for Exploring Hawaii at Your Own Pace
Areas Near Tantalus Lookout
[The Complete Guide] Popular Tourist Spots & Things to Do in Honolulu, Oahu