Let’s talk story about Honolulu and some of the neat things happening here in Hawaii.     Home l Privacy l Explore Tantalus When I go on a vacation to a place that I am not too familiar with I enjoy scouting out certain areas that are not too difficult to explore. Visitors are always looking for unique places. Many who visit Honolulu think that all you can find are tall buildings and the hustle and bustle of a modern city. That's not necessarily true. There are places very close to Waikiki that feels like Hawaii of yesteryear. Let's talk story about a beautiful mountain in Makiki, very close to Waikiki, called Tantalus. It is about 2,000 feet tall which means that the views from the top are breathtaking. What is so nice is that the entire scenic drive takes less than an hour without stopping. However, I suggest spending a couple of hours exploring the area, stopping along the way to take pictures at the scenic spots, walking along a few trails and including a picnic lunch at Puu Ualakaa State Park. The park is only about ten minutes from the bottom of the mountain heading up on Round Top Drive. There are lookout points up to the park however the views from the park are simply fantastic. [ pictures from Round Top Drive ] Honolulu City Manoa Valley Diamond Head and University of Hawaii Downtown You get to see the entire city of Honolulu from Manoa, Diamond Head and Waikiki on one side, the Pacific Ocean in front and Punchbowl, Downtown and the Honolulu International Airport on the other side. And the hill is more of a grassy knoll so it's perfect for a picnic. Bring your bento (box lunch) and goza (straw mat) and enjoy the view. The sunsets and the views of the city's lights are also amazing but please be careful. First of all, it is wise to take care of your car and belongings at the park. And second, the park closes right after sunset. [ Puu Ualakaa State Park ] Puu Ualakaa State Park Entrance Picnic area As you continue along your journey passing the state park you will encounter some secluded homes, trail entrances leading into the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve and a variety of trees and vegetation. The name of the road will change to Tantalus Drive as you make your descent down the mountain. There are also some nice lookout points as you travel down this road. This road will lead you to Punchbowl Crater, home to the National Cemetery of the Pacific. View of Diamond Head from Tantalus Drive Pretty trees along Tantalus Drive The ten mile adventure is a winding road through an area of tropical forests full of trees and flowers as well as homes. I suggest that you go during the day if you plan on doing the entire loop. The overlook to see the city lights at night is quite close to the bottom of the mountain and is not that difficult of a drive. The island of Oahu is very easy for vacationers to explore. Perhaps a nice way to start your vacation is by taking this short and relaxing drive up Tantalus stopping at the National Cemetery in Punchbowl. And don't forget, a picnic would be nice! Aloha. [ Top ]

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