Top 10 Viewpoints in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are the exposed peaks of vast shield volcanoes rising from the deep Pacific, and their viewpoints reflect that volcanic origin: crater rims, lava-carved coastlines, knife-edge ridges left by erosion, and summits high enough for snow in winter. Spread across Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island, these ten overlooks capture the islands' extraordinary range, from a sunrise above the clouds at 3,000 metres to sea cliffs plunging into turquoise water.
Haleakala Summit, Maui
The summit of Haleakala rises to 3,055 metres above Maui, and its crater rim is one of the most famous sunrise viewpoints on earth. Visitors gather before dawn, often in near-freezing temperatures, to watch the sun break over a vast lunar crater filled with cinder cones and cloud. A sunrise reservation is required for the summit. The thin air and otherworldly colours make it unforgettable.
Pu'u 'Ula'ula and the Big Island summits
On the Big Island, the dormant Mauna Kea reaches 4,207 metres, the highest point in the Pacific and one of the world's premier astronomical sites. The visitor information station at 2,800 metres offers stargazing, while the summit gives a view above the clouds across to neighbouring Mauna Loa. Acclimatisation and a 4WD are needed for the summit road; many visitors stop at the lower station.
Na Pali Coast Lookout, Kauai
The Na Pali Coast's emerald cliffs rise as much as 1,200 metres from the sea along Kauai's roadless north-west shore. The Kalalau Lookout at the top of Waimea Canyon Drive, around 1,200 metres, gives a dizzying view down a fluted valley toward the ocean — often through shifting cloud. There is no road access to the coast itself, so this rim viewpoint is the classic land-based perspective.
Waimea Canyon Lookout, Kauai
Often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon on Kauai is around 16 kilometres long and 900 metres deep, its walls streaked red, green and ochre by oxidised lava and vegetation. The main lookout off Waimea Canyon Drive frames the canyon and a distant waterfall. Morning light gives the cleanest views before clouds build over the wet highlands.
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, Oahu
The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout on Oahu sits at a wind-blasted gap in the Ko'olau Range at around 360 metres, with a sweeping view over the windward coast, the turquoise reefs of Kaneohe Bay and the sheer green cliffs. The trade winds funnel through the pass with extraordinary force. It is a short drive from Honolulu and a historically significant site as well as a scenic one.
Diamond Head, Oahu
The Diamond Head crater rim trail climbs to 232 metres above Waikiki, ending at a historic military observation post with a panorama over Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and the Pacific. The volcanic tuff cone formed in a single explosive eruption around 300,000 years ago. The trail is short but steep, with tunnels and stairs; reservations are required for out-of-state visitors.
Kilauea Overlook, Big Island
In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the overlooks around the Kilauea caldera give a view into one of the world's most active volcanoes. From the rim near the visitor centre, the Halemaumau crater steams and, during active phases, glows red at night with a visible lava lake. The view changes constantly with the volcano's activity; check park alerts before visiting.
Makapu'u Point, Oahu
The paved Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail on Oahu's south-east tip climbs to about 150 metres above the historic red-roofed lighthouse, with views along the rugged coast and out to offshore islets. From November to May it is one of the best land-based spots for watching humpback whales breaching offshore. The accessible path makes it popular at sunrise.
Lanai Lookout, Oahu
Along Oahu's south-east shore, the Lanai Lookout offers dramatic views of layered volcanic rock formations and crashing surf, with the islands of Lanai, Molokai and Maui visible across the channel on clear days. The exposed lava shelves and sea arches below make it a striking, easily reached coastal viewpoint just off the main highway.
Iao Valley Lookout, Maui
In the lush West Maui Mountains, the Iao Valley overlook frames the Iao Needle, a 365-metre vegetation-covered lava pinnacle rising from the valley floor. Frequent rain keeps the valley brilliantly green and often misty. A short paved path leads to the viewpoint; the deep, sheltered valley is among the wettest places on Maui.
Explore on the map
From the volcanic summits of Maui and the Big Island to the sea cliffs of Kauai and Oahu, every viewpoint above is plotted on the interactive map. Use it to see which require a summit drive or reservation, which are short coastal walks, and plan an island-hopping route that catches the Haleakala sunrise and the Na Pali cliffs in clear light.