Oʻahu half-day trip: southeast coast and the Pali

A half-day loop from Waikīkī around Diamond Head and the rugged southeast shore to Waimānalo and Kailua, then back over the mountains via the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout. About 40 miles; allow 4 to 5 hours, more if you snorkel at Hanauma Bay.

1. Waikīkī
2. Diamond Head Lookout
3. Hanauma Bay
4. Hālona Blowhole
5. Sandy Beach
6. Makapuʻu Point Lookout
7. Waimānalo Beach Park
8. Kailua Beach Park
9. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
10. Waikīkī

• 1. Diamond Head lookouts along Diamond Head Road (the crater hike needs a reservation for non-residents).
• 2. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: reservation required; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
• 3. Hālona Blowhole Lookout.
• 4. Sandy Beach: watch the bodysurfers, but the shorebreak is dangerous.
• 5. Makapuʻu Point Lookout (or hike the paved Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail).
• 6. Waimānalo Beach Park.
• 7. Kailua: lunch in town, then Kailua Beach.
• 8. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout: windy cliffs and the site of a key 1795 battle in Kamehameha's unification of the islands.
• Back to Waikīkī down the Pali Highway.
• Tap "Open all stops in Google Maps" for the whole route. Phone browsers may show only the first few stops; the Google Maps app shows them all.

Sources: Hawaiʻi Guide: Oʻahu driving times · Hawaiʻi DLNR State Parks: notices (closures after Hurricane Lowell, Oct. 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.