Tantalus and Round Top Drive: A Winding Retreat Above Honolulu

High above the pulse of Honolulu, where the city dissolves into tropical ridgelines and leafy canopies, Tantalus and Round Top Drive curve through one of Oahu’s most captivating scenic experiences. This narrow, twisting loop road rises from the heart of Makiki and snakes up through the lush slopes of Mount Tantalus before curling back down in a leafy descent. It’s a route that delivers sweeping panoramas, the scent of eucalyptus, and a sense of escape within minutes of Waikiki.

A Drive Through the Clouds and Trees

The nine-mile loop known as Round Top Drive and Tantalus Drive offers a highland escape with views that stretch from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. As you ascend, the road narrows and weaves through thick tree tunnels, where the air is noticeably cooler and tinged with the fragrance of guava and wild ginger. The canopy overhead dapples the pavement with soft light. On quieter stretches, the rustle of leaves competes only with the distant call of birds.

Built in the early 20th century, this roadway began as a gravel path in 1917 and was paved two decades later. Today, seven miles of it are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places—the first road on Oahu to be honored this way. That history is felt in every curve, where ironwood trees, shower blossoms, and jacarandas line the bends with bursts of yellow and purple in the fall months.

Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park: The Scenic High Point

Midway through the journey, travelers reach Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park, a forested overlook perched just above Honolulu. Its Hawaiian name refers to rolling sweet potatoes, a nod to the area’s agricultural roots under King Kamehameha I. Today, it’s better known for its picnic tables, grassy fields, and panoramic perspective over the city and coastline.

From this elevation, visitors can see Diamond Head cutting into the eastern horizon, downtown’s buildings rising like chess pieces, and flights slipping in and out of the airport to the west. At sunset, the entire South Shore glows in soft golds and pinks. As darkness settles, the city lights bloom beneath you, creating an electric sprawl across the island’s base. The lookout is popular in the evenings, often busy with both tourists and locals capturing the glow of twilight.

Facilities at the park include restrooms, drinking water, and picnic shelters. It’s typically quiet during the day, offering an ideal spot to pause with a packed lunch. Just be aware that parking fills quickly near dusk and thefts from parked vehicles have been reported, so keeping belongings out of sight is essential.

Hiking, Biking, and Outdoor Exploration

For those drawn to movement, trailheads along the drive offer hiking opportunities into Puu Ualakaa State Park and the surrounding Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve. These trails vary in difficulty, from casual strolls to more rigorous climbs, with shaded routes that wind beneath towering trees.

Cyclists also favor the drive, though this is no route for beginners. The steep inclines, sharp corners, and shared space with cars demand skill and caution. Some tour companies offer hybrid experiences that combine biking and hiking for a fuller immersion, with prices around $100 per person.

If you’re looking to walk off a meal or stretch your legs after the drive, several small trailheads can be found just outside the park. These routes delve into the green corridors of the mountainside, where vines hang low and the sounds of the city fall away entirely.

Driving Tips and Safety

Round Top Drive begins as a typical city road but quickly becomes winding and narrow, without sidewalks or guardrails in many areas. Renting a car is the most convenient way to access the route, although taxis from Waikiki take around 20 minutes and cost approximately $20 one way. Walking the drive is discouraged due to safety concerns, particularly blind curves and a lack of pedestrian space.

As of late 2021, part of the road near the Mānoa Cliffs Trailhead was closed beyond the 4120 block due to a landslide. While pedestrians and cyclists can continue past the barricade, cars cannot, and there’s no space to turn around. It’s important to obey posted signs to avoid getting stuck or having to reverse down the road.

Vehicle break-ins have been reported at lookouts, particularly when cars are left unattended with items visible inside. Despite the cameras in some areas, there’s little active enforcement. Visitors are advised to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.

A Local Experience Worth the Climb

The road may be narrow, the drive a bit winding, but the payoff is unforgettable. Locals know this area well and return often to reconnect with a quieter side of the island. The sense of peace at the top contrasts beautifully with the busy streets just below.

Tantalus and Round Top Drive aren’t about ticking off tourist boxes. They’re about slowing down, breathing in the mountain air, and looking out over a city that feels both close and distant from this height. Whether you pause at the overlook, follow a quiet trail, or simply coast with the windows down, this is one of Oahu’s most soulful drives. The journey loops back to the start, but you return carrying something more—a deeper sense of the island’s layered beauty.