Puu Ualakaa State Park
Puu Ualakaa State Park
4.5
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4.5
727 reviews
Excellent
374
Very good
256
Average
77
Poor
17
Terrible
3
rleNewEngland
New England589 contributions
Oct 2022
I sort of stumbled on this state park when scanning a map....I know I'm old and love paper maps.....of Honolulu. It seemed not too far from the Punch Bowl, but with the winding streets it takes a few minutes to arrive at the top. There are only about a dozen parking spots at the very top, but mid-day we had the place almost to ourselves. What amazing views of the entire city!
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harv2u
Kennewick419 contributions
Jun 2021
Best view of Honolulu! Great picture spot in the day and even busier at night. True a “hidden gem”. We stumbled on it when attending the Nutridge Estate luau. Highly recommend it. Better view than from top of Diamond Head and you don’t have to hike! And it is FREE.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless34083
30 contributions
Wow, very few people (both residents and tourists alike) know about this scenic park. Up at the top of Round Top you will find this scenic wonder of Honolulu. You'll get impressive views from the 1000 foot elevation. Don't forget your camera and wide angle lens!
The drive through Round Top is also a whole trip in itself -- you can hardly believe you're just minutes away from a bustling city. You could picnic here too but mosquitos are a big problem due to the location being in a rain forest. A trip to Oahu without going to Pu'u Ualakaa is simply an incomplete visit!
The drive through Round Top is also a whole trip in itself -- you can hardly believe you're just minutes away from a bustling city. You could picnic here too but mosquitos are a big problem due to the location being in a rain forest. A trip to Oahu without going to Pu'u Ualakaa is simply an incomplete visit!
Written September 24, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Windwardave
Honolulu, HI10 contributions
If you want to see sweeping vistas of Oahu's south shore, including Diamond Head, Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, the Airport, peek-a-boo views of Pearl Harbor, and the entire shoreline from where it curves inward on the east and then again on the west, this is it.
BUT, because the parking lot for this site is not viewable from the lookout point, there have been increasing incidences of theft (smash and grab) from visitors' vehicles.
Definitely worthwhile to take a look, but it's also better to be safe than sorry.
BUT, because the parking lot for this site is not viewable from the lookout point, there have been increasing incidences of theft (smash and grab) from visitors' vehicles.
Definitely worthwhile to take a look, but it's also better to be safe than sorry.
Written January 2, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
walkabout2011
Honolulu, HI97 contributions
Oct 2012
This trail is great, it winds around Makiki Tantalus area, and offers some spectacular views of Honolulu, as well as peaks and valleys. The mountain area gets lots of rain, and has little micro climates, so there are places on the trail where you feel like you are in the rain forest, and others where you are surrounded by Norfolk Pine tree. In the picture shown here, if you hike a few yards to the right, and look up, you will find a hidden tree house, very few people know about...so if you see this vantage point, start looking! The trail loops around and intersects with several other trail spots, it is clean and well maintained and well traveled, even though you may feel totally alone and totally blissed out to be among the many banyan trees and strawberry guava trees. It is popular for joggers and hikers, and hikes range from 1-2 miles to 3-8 miles. Very enjoyable, go explore!
Written November 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blunoz708
Bremerton, WA50 contributions
We went up the scenic drive up around Round Top Drive and down Tantalus Drive yesterday. I highly recommend checking out this scenic drive if you're touring the island. If you have someone in the car with you who has a weak stomach and isn't able to handle all the switchbacks on the windy road up to the top, then you should at least go to the Puu Ualakaa State Park.
There's a little parking lot for five or so cars, and this little walkway leads out out to the scenic overlook.
From the overlook, there are spectacular views to the south toward Diamond Head and Waikiki, and to the West toward the airport and Pearl Harbor. The view looking down into the Punchbowl National Cemetery from here is a unique perspective, too.
Continuing the counterclockwise circuit up Round Top Drive and down Tantalus Drive took us much further UP hill. The highest point and best view of the drive is in a short stretch of road where it's a single lane and you have to take turns allowing cars to pull through either direction.
Along the road, you will pass several small parking areas and several marked trail heads for hiking.
If you do take this scenic drive, then please be careful. There are a lot of hikers and bicyclists on the narrow, winding 2-lane road. Yes, yes, they're all totally NUTS for even trying it, but still...Don't be surprised when you come around one of those sharp corners and find an out-of-breath bicyclist right smack in front of you.
There's a little parking lot for five or so cars, and this little walkway leads out out to the scenic overlook.
From the overlook, there are spectacular views to the south toward Diamond Head and Waikiki, and to the West toward the airport and Pearl Harbor. The view looking down into the Punchbowl National Cemetery from here is a unique perspective, too.
Continuing the counterclockwise circuit up Round Top Drive and down Tantalus Drive took us much further UP hill. The highest point and best view of the drive is in a short stretch of road where it's a single lane and you have to take turns allowing cars to pull through either direction.
Along the road, you will pass several small parking areas and several marked trail heads for hiking.
If you do take this scenic drive, then please be careful. There are a lot of hikers and bicyclists on the narrow, winding 2-lane road. Yes, yes, they're all totally NUTS for even trying it, but still...Don't be surprised when you come around one of those sharp corners and find an out-of-breath bicyclist right smack in front of you.
Written June 1, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roymich
Chicago, Illinois1 contribution
Puu Park and Round top lookout offer the best city wide views on Oahu. I highly reccomend visiting these spots. Ive been all over the island having visited many times and my best photos were taken here.Thanks, Roy
Written September 15, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darrell S
Fujisawa, Japan14 contributions
We did the round top drive (tantalus drive) at night for some night viewing of honolulu and it was great! At the time that we went the park was already closed as it closes at 6:00 PM, but the drive is still worth the views. There are viewpoints along the way so you can get out and take pictures. Again, not many tourists know this attraction, but its free and a nice alternative option if you have a car. It's very close to Waikiki (just off of Ala Moana Blvd), and when your done the drive it drops you off in the commercial district of Honolulu.
Written July 3, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MadHatter51
Indianapolis, IN56 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
This review is for the Pu'u Ulaka'a trail with the state park. This trail meets up with several other trails. There is a small parking area at the beginning of the trail. Trail begins with a bit of an uphill hike but it is not steep. Once you get past this, the trail is pretty flat. The major thing one has to look out for are the roots crossing the trail. You have to pay attention when walking and should stop to look around.
This trail is fairly shady and since you are up a ways, it is not hot. The day we went there was a nice breeze. It was extremely pleasant. While there is a lot of types of vegetation, a few stand out. Banyan trees have gone wild on this trail. There are even a couple "banyan tree tunnels" you walk under. Rubber tress are also plentiful and range in size from small ones just starting to some very large and established trees. Kukui nut trees are everywhere too. Various places along the trail have an almost cobblestone appearance due to the kukui nuts on the trail. At various locations on the trail, there are beautiful views down and across the valley. We spent 2 hours but stopped many times to view various things. I highly recommend this trail to those who like to hike.
This trail is fairly shady and since you are up a ways, it is not hot. The day we went there was a nice breeze. It was extremely pleasant. While there is a lot of types of vegetation, a few stand out. Banyan trees have gone wild on this trail. There are even a couple "banyan tree tunnels" you walk under. Rubber tress are also plentiful and range in size from small ones just starting to some very large and established trees. Kukui nut trees are everywhere too. Various places along the trail have an almost cobblestone appearance due to the kukui nuts on the trail. At various locations on the trail, there are beautiful views down and across the valley. We spent 2 hours but stopped many times to view various things. I highly recommend this trail to those who like to hike.
Written February 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1cutemom
Spokane, Washington311 contributions
Jan 2012 • Family
So we found this park on our tantalus loop we read on Oahu Revealed. This parks views are out of the this world. All I can say is WOW! It wasnt the clearest day yesterday but this was amazing. Has a platform for get views from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. I would recommend this to anyone but especially to those who are unable to do Diamond Head but still want a spectacular view!!
Written January 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Tree House has been taken down and removed was near The Look Out.
Written January 15, 2019
Do you have a Happy Hour menu. What times (on Sunday)?
Written June 15, 2015
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