Tantalus Lookout

Tantalus Lookout offers panoramic views over Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. By day, the short, winding drive up to the lookout through lush jungle is lovely. At night, the twinkling lights of downtown and Waikiki lure lovers to the lookout. Limousines full of tourists also come at night. It's a treat to look down over the sweet curve of Diamond Head, the azure-blue ocean, and the Waikiki skyline.

New Year's Eve is a good time to hang out on the hood of your car at Tantulus Lookout. You can watch the millions of firecrackers lit by Manoa Valley residents, who are mostly of Chinese ancestry and really get into fireworks. If you have young kids, this works well because you can celebrate New Year's Eve while they sleep peacefully in their car seats!
Continue along the road to Pu'u Ualaka'a State Wayside Park (stay left at both intersections after pulling into the park) for sweeping views both east and west. There are plenty of shady grassy spots here for picnics.
Afterwards, head over to the college town of Manoa for a coffee.
In the neighborhood that leads to Tantalus Lookout is Punahou School, where President Obama was educated.

Directions

From the H1 Westbound, exit at Wilder Ave and keep right. Turn right on Punahou St. Turn left on Nehoa Street. Take your second right, on Makiki St. Then take the right fork. Follow signs to Tantalus Lookout.
From the H1 Eastbound, exit at Punahou Ave. Turn left on Punahou St. Turn left on Nehoa Street. Take your second right, on Makiki St. Then take the right fork. Follow signs to Tantalus Lookout.
There is a long, low railing and room to pull in off the road, and there are usually many cars and limousines parked here at night.

Click on map for interactive view