Hawaii’s island of Oahu remains one of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes on the globe, with its semi-arid Wai’anae Mountains, pristine Waikiki beaches, and lush, moisture-swept easterly Ko’olau range. The island features seven jaw-dropping peaks that tower over 1,000 feet above the sea, including the 4,003-foot-tall Mount Ka’ala. Thus, Oahu boasts a bevy of breathtaking, undeniably picturesque lookouts, many of which are a short distance from award-winning Prince Waikiki. 

5 Jaw-Dropping Lookouts in Oahu

 

With its gorgeous beaches, semi-arid Wai’anae Mountains, and lush easterly Ko’olau range, the island of O‘ahu is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes on Earth. It features seven jaw-dropping peaks that tower over 1,000 feet above the sea, including the 4,003-foot-tall Mount Ka’ala.

As a result, O‘ahu is home to a variety of spectacular lookouts — many of which are a short distance from our award-winning Prince Waikiki hotel. Each of these lookouts provides panoramic views of mesmerizing landscapes and a kaleidoscope of ocean blues. 

 

1. Ka’iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail

 

Kailua’s Lanikai Pillbox may not reach 600 feet above sea level, but it remains one of the prettiest panoramic lookouts in all of Hawaii. The Pillbox boasts stunning views of Lanikai Beach’s Nā Mokulua islets, Kailua Bay, and Mōkapu Point. Be prepared for a subtly steep 550-foot climb to the summit.

 

2. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

 

Travelers often exclaim that Waimanalo Beach is the prettiest stretch of sand on the island. A few ticks southeast of the beach and 600-plus feet above the ocean’s surface stands an oft-photographed lighthouse. However, the lighthouse itself pales in comparison to the vibrant mountain views north of the sandy beach.

 

3. Pu’u Ohia (Mount Tantalus)

 

Approximately 4.7 miles north of Prince Waikiki, Mount Tantalus towers above the heart of Honolulu. The short 0.9-mile out-and-back trek offers views of Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu’s skyscrapers, and the always enthralling Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, which houses countless waterfalls, exotic birdlife, and acres upon acres of untouched natural beauty.

 

4. Hanauma Bay Lookout

 

Between Makapu’u Point and Diamond Head lies a hidden, south-facing marvel known as Hanauma Bay — an ultra-popular aquatic activity hub. Sunbathers, snorkelers, aspiring surfers, and paddleboarders frequent this bowl-shaped cove. Locals revere this section of sand for its glorious sunsets, post-storm rainbows, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

 

5. Diamond Head Crater (Lē‘ahi) Summit Trail

 

Diamond Head is easily the most well-known spot on our list. In a lot of ways, this state monument is synonymous with Hawaii. Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone, formed by a long-ago eruption of the Ko‘olau volcano. Volcanic ash, dust, and rock helped create this remarkably symmetrical crater, leaving behind a visually stunning natural marvel. From the summit, there are unobstructed views of the vast Pacific, downtown Honolulu (and Prince Waikiki), and the crater’s interior, home to the visitor center.

 

Bonus: Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

 

We couldn’t compile a list of the prettiest lookouts on O‘ahu without including Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout. The view from this lookout is as breathtaking as it is historical. Perched high in the Koʻolau mountains, Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout offers sweeping views of O‘ahu’s coast. This spot is renowned for its powerful, refreshing winds and its significance in Hawaiian history as the site of the Battle of Nuʻuanu — King Kamehameha I’s pivotal battle for the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.

 

Tips to Know Before You Go 

 

To make the most of your journey to these incredible lookouts throughout O‘ahu, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind. 

 

• Plan Ahead: Some of O‘ahu’s most popular and beautiful sites, including Lēʻahi, require a fee for entry from non-Hawaii residents to preserve their natural beauty for generations to come.
  
  
• Time Your Visit Wisely: For an unforgettable experience, consider an early morning visit to greet the sunrise or a late afternoon excursion when the golden hour casts a warm, magical glow upon the landscape.
  
  
• Pack for Comfort: We always recommend sturdy walking shoes when you’re out on the trails. We also suggest bringing water and reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and our delicate ecosystems. For windier spots, such as the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, a light jacket is always a good idea.
  
• Explore with Aloha: Above all, we encourage you to travel with a spirit of respect for the land and its culture. Please stay on marked paths and carry out everything you bring in, leaving these sacred and beautiful spaces as pristine as you found them.
  

After taking in such natural beauty, return to Prince Waikiki to unwind. Enjoy a dip in our infinity pool, which offers pretty spectacular views in its own right, quench your thirst with a handcrafted cocktail from Hinana Bar, or savor an unforgettable meal at 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar. For those looking to recharge, you can book a hot stone massage or other restorative treatments at Naio Bliss.   

 

Come for the Views, Stay for the Hospitality

 

Are you ready to see all of these stunning lookout spots for yourself — and make the most of your O‘ahu vacation? Start planning your great getaway at Prince Waikiki, Waikiki’s only oceanfront hotel offering all ocean view and oceanfront rooms and suites!

 

Get started by exploring our special offers and packages.