Lanai Lookout is a scenic pull-out spot along the Kalanianaʻole Highway. It's just east of Koko Crater and about 25 minutes from Waikiki. In fact, on our way to this lookout we saw the stairs/train tracks going up Koko Crater Trail where we had just hiked the day before. Its name comes from the idea that on a clear day you can see the island of Lanai about 90 kilometers away. There are parking spots for you to stop and enjoy the views from the cliff. There are panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and strong waves crashing against the rock formations. You can only view this from the sidewalk as there are signs warning to not get any close because it's dangerous near the cliff. It didn't stop some people when I went but you'll still get a nice view regardless. read more

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Viewpoint along the southeastern coast of Oahu We stopped by this scenic point with picturesque coastline views along the Kalaniana'ole Highway southeast corner of Oahu (Highway 73). There was no sign that said Lanai Lookout. We drove on our own but I asked one of the local tour bus drivers what is the lookout named and she said Koko Head Lookout. Koko Head can be seen the mountain behind. The views are beautiful as the crystal clear blue and green waves can be seen crashing onto huge lava rocks while overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean. Amazing beauty! There are enough parking spots for quick photo ops. Tour buses stop here too. Review #3582 read more

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The lookout is basically wide, flat layers of rough rock platforms, cliffs, and slopes being bombarded with waves. It would be a great wedding venue for seals, and it's a nice place to sit and think about all of your choices, like eating six maltasinos in one sitting. With Koko Head behind you, it's one of the best 360-degree views on the island, so get a video clip of you get AROUND to it. Get it? Signs warn you not to climb over, so if you do, I recommend going barefoot (it seems grippier and exfoliatingy), never turning your back on the ocean, and using a tripod because I hate when people shake the camera when record their friends falling, getting injured, dying, etc. It's right off the highway, GPS friendly, and it's free, so there is no reason to give it less than five stars, unless you couldn't find a parking spot (it's limited) or you got jacked. Described by locals as the prettiest place to have unlocked car looted, Lanai Lookout gets its name because some people think you have to look out. I didn't have any problems, though. Just lock your car, hide your valuables in your empty Leonard's box, or have Aunt Mary wait in the back seat. read more

Lanai Lookout - Danger schmanger. - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Yes it was amazing and beautiful. We a have a great trip around island and we have a map with a great spots or lookouts. That one was interesting and has a special vibe for me. read more

This place is awesome!!! The waves crashing up on the rocks, the blue water turning white, and the sounds here are what I just got lost in!! Most hop the barrier (I did). I recommend changing out of those flip flops and get some rubber sole shoes on, cause you're gonna want to get closer, and those wet rocks are slippery and the waves are unpredictable. It's also good and windy here!!! This is senic Hawaii at its best!!! Enjoy!! read more

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I mean! What's not to love :) It's right by my family's home. It's always on the drive around the island. It's beautiful, stunning! East. Open! Massive waves! All the rocks. Kokohead. Peaceful views. Even the traffic from here looks great. What's not to love. I always make it a point to stop here whenever I come back home to Hawaii Kai. Too close not to stop: And it's good for selfies. Climb up! Take in the views. Climb down to the waves! Ciao! read more

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We went to the lookout many times but did not know about the lava tube until now. Some local friends wanted to watch sunrise, so we met up at Lanai Look out parking lot before sunrise. The parking is small but pretty empty in early morning. We cross the highway to get to the lava tube. Behind the sign " Scenic point", get over the rail, walk ovwr the ditch and stay on your right, you will find the entrance to the tube. The tube is pretty short but dark. We used flash light on our phone. It is a short walk down the cliff. It is not difficult but it can be treacherous because of the sharp lava rock and slippery from the tide! I would recommend to wear good shoes and proceed with care. You can bring children but be careful of the cliff and sudden surf up the ledge! The sunrise is amazing! We also see a big turtle swimming off shore! There are many tidepools with small fishes and hammock crabs. read more

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I don't know how else to say buy this was one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen. I watched the sunrise and felt so at peace. read more

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My bf and I stopped to check this out on a whim after seeing that the Hanauma Bay parking lot was full. I'm glad we did! We climbed over the small wall and scaled down to the bottom of the lookout easily in water shoes. There is some gravel you can easily slip on though. Walking around on the rocks at the bottom was pretty cool, and seeing the huge waves crash down was even more amazing! We even saw a few crabs walking around. Definitely be careful, as the tide is very strong here and you can be pulled down in an instant. We were able to get some cool shots and then made our way back up to the parking lot easily. A cool (and underrated) lookout to check out and explore! read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

For a little stop on the side of the road heading from Hawaii Kai to Waimanalo......this is a pretty awesome one. Just as the first sign of light shows in the sky.....as the rays of the sun start the pierce the clouds. You can be there waiting and watching the start of a new day. You can see fishermen on the rocks dodging the never seizing crash of waves. Over look the cliffs and caves of this southeastern shoreline. There are plenty of photo-op spots to take your tourist friends or just to post on yelp. Lots of parking......and of course amazing sunrises. read more

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Some of the best scenery. Climb the little wall out of the parking lot (come on, everybody's doing it), take your shoes off (its much easier) and walk down through the lava platforms. Its beautiful, if you stand at the edge, you're bound to get a sea splash, someone got drench while we were there , and the beach a few coves down is surreal! read more

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This place is AWESOME!! The rocks are sooo beautiful, and the wind feels lovely on your face. Not cold even on an overcast day. The climb down and up is half the fun. There are a lot of handholds in the curvy rock. Be careful to use them in the loose gravel areas. Probably a bad idea to go down in flip flops because my dad did and slipped, dropping his iPhone in the process. It looks like very minor turnout/lookout, but I'm so glad we stopped to check it out!!! read more

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Amazing lookout that we accidentally came upon driving away from sea life. There are parking and if not, waiting 2-5 minutes and you will get one. Not too crowded and not much to see. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beautiful rocks (it's the Hawaiian mini canyon) - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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After hiking Koko Head we decided to hit up this lookout since it was nearby. Heard about a specific lookout area that had a heart shaped beach to it and had to see it for ourselves. We parked at one of the lookouts and made our trek down onto the sandy area. It was when the sun was about to set so the waves were getting big. A couple people from the group decided to get into the water and enjoy the fine Hawaii water. The waves were pretty strong and knocked a couple of them over...hahah. Definitely not an area you'd want to go to, to relax or swim. It's more of a place just to check out and for photo ops. The other side on the other hand is where the main beach is at and that is where you'd want to visit. But on the way, I do recommend stopping by this area to check out the heart shaped looking area! read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Lock Your Cars Right Away, We got our bag, wallet stolen and heard a lot of reports stolen going here. Avoid place if possible.

Such a great place for views (and pictures)! Would definitely recommend to anyone going to Oahu. Easy to walk out to and there is a parking lot. You can get better pictures if you go over the rails (which everyone does) but even the ones from the lot are breath taking. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The view here is beautiful! I love seeing the ocean and they're is a nice little hangout that you can see below. The color of the water and the sky really brings so much tranquility and you can really feel that you're in a totally different place than home. Parking is limited, but people don't tend to stay there long so you can wait for an opening to clear up. The rocks are steep, but with much caution you can get really beautiful photos and enjoy the breeze. I definitely will come back! read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The view is Breath Taking!!! This a must stop for tourist or local. You see a lot of people jumping the wall and making there way down to the reef. Be careful rocks can be slippery and unstable. Don't get to close to the water and watch your children and adults lol, Mother Nature is unpredictable. I've seen multiple times, where waves creep up on people and almost sweep them away. It happens all the time despite the warning signs. Parking is limited and can get crowded on a beautiful day. Be respectful of the land and your surroundings. Take your trash with you, leave no trace behind. read more

Lanai Lookout - You can't tell but it was really windy. - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Such a cool place to swing by. The views are amazing! You'll love taking pics. Located right off the highway. Parking lot fills up super fast but people leave constantly. You have to scale a 3 foot wall to begin the trek down to the water or even for the best photos. Everyone was laughing and having fun taking pics such good vibes here. Really calming and breathtaking! read more

Lanai Lookout - Small parking lot fills up super quick but people are always leaving. 3 foot rock wall to scale. Beautiful views! - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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One of my favorite places to bring visitors for picture taking. Absolutely breath taking there. Jump the wall like most others do for the best pictures. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is one of the scenic lookouts that can be found if you travel along the east cost of Oahu in Hawaii. It is the first one that you will come across after passing Hanauma Bay. Parking is limited and people often park on the dirt even though they're not supposed to. What I really like is how the rocks are etched with erosion. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hop over the wall, but please be mindful that it is really dangerous. There are signs warning you. It does not look dangerous, but the gravel is loose so it is slippery even if it's not wet. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Its a ferocious type of vestige of Mother Nature's fury can be felt here at the Lanai Lookout. The quiet rumble of the ocean waves putter patter along the rugged shoreline of Oahu's southeastern coast reminds us that we all live on an island and just being here is one of the many reasons why we are "lucky to live Hawaii." I've been here several times, but the last time through the eyes of Yelp, first time reviewing a tourist attraction that is thought to be just a passing scenic spot on the way to Sea Life Park Hawaii and Sandy Beach from Haunama Bay and Hawaii Kai. The Lanai lookout is said to have great vantage points to see the island of Molokai on a real clear day. I don't know if that's really true, but I will take their word for it. The Lanai lookout is basically a small parking lot on the side of Hwy 72 aka Kalanianaole Hwy, passing Haunama Bay but before you hit Sand Beach. Here I was stopping by here after an uneventful day in Kalama Valley shopping center, hanging around and doing some hiking at the Koko Head Botanical Gardens. That was fun and soothing for sure. This place gets crowded, so best bet would be to catch the sunrise here. That must be an awesome site to see. The parking is very much limited, so get here early to secure a spot, or be left waiting for someone to leave. If you are like me, I think the bus doesn't come directly here, so you're more than likely have to walk along the shoulder of the highway to get here. TheBus routes #22 and #23 come pretty close, but not close enough. And it can get dangerously scary when cars get too damn close to you for comfort. Been there! It's quite nice to be able to venture out here and just hear the calming rumble of the ocean. I recommend coming here to see if you can catch a glimpse of Molokai. If you venture down to the beach below, do be careful, since there are dangers lurking if you aren't careful. Wear covered shoes and keep a watchful eye of yourself and what you do. Never can tell when one wrong slip can make you headline news of the day. Stay safe. The sunrise is gorgeous from this vantage point. There are plenty of photo opportunities here, so take advantage of them. Just sitting on the rocks and enjoying Mother Nature's raw creations is amazing and soul soothing as anything I have ever done. Do yourself a favor and get down here. It'll help with the stress and reconnect your mind back to nature. I guarantee it. Just bring water and sunscreen if you are going to be out there for more than 30 minutes. It gets narly hot during peak times. Support local! A+ read more

Awesome spot to stop and take pics and enjoy the view. Quite a bit of parking, would recommend checking it out when you're driving along the East Coast. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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A nice lookout along the Kalanianaole Highway in Hawaii Kai. The parking lot is small and doesn't get overly crowded. There are fabulous views of the rocks and ocean. Be very careful if you choose to venture towards the bottom of the Lanai Lookout. It's a fairly steep incline and you have to climb over a small wall at the parking lot. There is also loose gravel and rocks in some parts, making it slippery. But watching the waves crash against the rocks is impressive as it is. read more

Great place to watch the sunset or get some pretty cool pic. Technically you can jump the small divider and go out towards the cliff area and take some cool pics but there are signs that state to not go beyond that point due to danger of falling. I would listen to the signs. Can still take some cool pics from the safe area. Drove here on mopeds and the winding roads was a bit narly on the mopeds. My tip is if you are driving here on mopeds, keep your flashers on and stay to the right, so cars can pass. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Previously on LOST ... This was on our list of locations they used for the television show Lost. The main characters went through this area on the way to the "Others"camp. Parking came easy for us, but it was a very busy when we visited . What a mind blowingly beautiful spot !! The sun was out in full force and it was HOT Since you have to climb over a small wall and walk down a fairly steep incline, it limited the amount of people to the more adventureous souls. They have warning signs posted . The ground had loose gravel in spots and was slippery .( Be careful going down) We stood out there for as long as we could take the heat . I hated leaving this special place. Watching the waves crash against the rocks & clouds flowing by was grounding, it reminded of the Bixby Bridge in Califiornia enroute to Big Sur. I'd love to come back earlier in the day sometime and explore more . read more

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If you are over by the East side, this highway pull off is a must! Observe the different layers of rock flowing under your feet, the light breeze off the water, just sit and relax here. Or if you are like me ... you can go on a little adventure that you certainly won't regret it. Ready, set, go! - Step one, park at the lookout. Don't forget to lock up your belongings into your trunk. Rental vehicles are very distinguishable and are known to be a hot commodity there. - Step two, call me crazy, but cross 72. Be very careful crossing this road. - Step three, hop over the guard rail. From there follow the short, but steep path down towards the gully. Looking back towards the road, you will see a tunnel. - Step four, curiosity has probably gotten to you by now. Turn on your phones flashlight and follow this manmade tunnel. If you are average height, duck your head! At the end of the tunnel you will get a different view of the lookout, from the bottom and closer to the waves. You can climb up and sit on the shelves. Or climb down to check out the tide pools. Or just take a panorama of the scenery in front of you. This is my favorite place on the island simply because it is so quiet and calming. Not many people know of the secret menehune fishing spot which is what makes it that more exciting. *** Now with that all being said. Proceed with caution. Be very careful with your footing. Stay far away from the ridge. And be very aware of your surroundings and the waves. If it does not seem safe, please do not attempt it. Just thought I should share my little piece of peace on the island. read more

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Wow. We were headed elsewhere and decided to stop when we saw the small parking area. After looking over the stone enclosure you can see the flat sheet rock layered around the curve in the island is walkable. Despite the sign forbidding it many people, ourselves included, hiked out and around the sheets. If you are going to do this make sure not to have anything hanging from you, tight treaded shoes, and both hands free. There were times climbing around the bend that we nearly slipped due too loose rock so make sure to have your hands free to guide you. The view is spectacular and if we had more time we would have followed the descending path to the bottom (not an easy path or one for children). The waves crash mightily and the air is exhilarating. You're going to want to stop here. And if you are daring enough climb to the bottom. The caverns looked incredible but did not photograph nearly as well as the actual sight. When we go back we are climbing down. Side note: bring water. read more

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Really lovely little pull off. The parking lot is small so finding a spot is sometimes a waiting game. There's also often cops parked there so make sure you don't speed on your way in. Probably my favorite lookout spot on Oahu, because you can go over the barrier and walk in a bit on the cliff side. There's also a few other pull over spots you can walk farther down in through. read more

Lanai Lookout - IG @marissaccasillas - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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First of all, I want to warn everyone about the dangers of this area on the East side. I cannot stress enough the unbelievable power and tragedy that Mother Nature is capable of unleashing. This area has long been witness to countless tragedies and drownings, people going missing, never to be heard from again. During times of high surf and winds, the fury of the Pacific Ocean can be witnessed from the relative safety of the Lookout and parking areas as huge swells crash against the jagged sea cliffs. Hiking down to the ledges requires careful and well planned access. Spending half an hour to observe the conditions before going down is well worth taking a chance. While down there, never turn your back on the ocean. It is a highly unpredictable area, so just be extra cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times. Also, learn to trust your instincts, if something doesn't seem right, leave immediately! Other than that, being close to the ocean in this area is almost religious. Seeing how the cliffs have been formed by millions of years of relentless crashing of waves against these majestic cliffs is awe inspiring! Being able to witness this wonder of nature is awesome. As an avid photographer, I have been here my fair share of times and have never gone away unhappy. It's a photographer's playground with so many different areas to photograph! I would say the "bowl" is one of the more popular places. It's essentially water flowing through a fissure and into another part of the reef that resembles a bowl. Be careful when hiking down as loose gravel can be very dangerous. I have witnessed people slipping and getting very scraped up. Enjoy this beautiful area, but just be careful and observant at all times! I am taking off one star in respect to the danger aspect of the area... Four Stars * * * * read more

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A scenic area between Hanauma Bay and Halona Blowhole, located across from the parking and entrance to Koko Head Shooting Range. On Kalaniana'ole Hwy (72), it is marked as a scenic point. There are two signs: don't leave your valuables in the car and don't go past the rock wall as the rocks are sharp, the ground is slippery going down and the waves are definitely not calm, especially during the winter months. Guess what sign my family heeded (okay, my mom didn't go down with us). If you do go down, be careful. The lookout is loaded with lots of photo-op opportunities. One perfect photo is to capture the rock face and the waves just about to hit the shore. The site itself was also used for a few episodes of Lost, see if you can spot which site belongs to what episode. The ascent and decent make good exercise for the average couch potato. read more

I don't know why I like lighthouses. I tried to visit beautiful lighthouses whenever there's a chance and Makapuu Lookout was no exception. Just beautiful view of the white and red top lighthouse with blue ocean backdrop was a THING not to be missed. Unless you want a closer look of the lighthouse, this Lookout is enough and might be more beautiful from a distance than to walk 40 mins or so in the sweltering hot. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Stumbled upon this lookout because the hanauma bay parking lot was full so we had to keep driving. This is just past the bay and one of the coolest lookout points I've ever been to. Parking is limited but people seem to leave after a quick visit. We climbed over the wall to walk down into the area. Careful of loose gravel. Beware of letting kids roam free. The waves are powerful and come up on the lower parts of the area; could be dangerous. Very cool rock formations! I highly recommend this. Breathtaking! read more

I went to check out the sunrise and although it was a bit cloudy, it was a very nice view. Since I went early, it wasn't packed with tourists or tourist buses. It was actually quite relaxing. So, if you're planning to check this place out, I suggest going in the morning! read more

Lanai Lookout is a great vantage point to stop off on your drive after visiting Haunama Bay. Enjoy the beautiful views and take some awesome photos. read more

Breathtaking view of the power of Mother Nature. Normally the waves are 3-5 feet and that's scary when you're fishing on the edge of Lana'i lookout called "Bamboo Ridge ".. Today the waves were 15 + feet. And the ridge is getting slammed. Sadly already took someone's life. read more

Lanai Lookout - Bamboo Ridge underwater - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Stumbled upon this lookout while driving around the North Shore. Great views of the ocean and beautiful rockscape. Small parking lot, just wait a few minutes and a spot will open up. read more

Lanai Lookout - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is beautiful, it a must while in Hawaii, Honolulu. The view is truly breath taken. No charge to see or use. Great for pictures.

STOP!!! Before you go here or the blowhole scenic point and put all your stuff in the trunk. Do not have anything in your car. We had our window smashed and a bag, sunglasses, and money taken even though it was under seat. Two other cars next to ours had passenger side windows broken and lost purses, cash, ids, and camera bags. One tourist-first day on island, had their Mustang rental car stolen. We were all away from the car for only 5-10 minutes. The police shared this happens all the time and dusk is usually when the thieves come. Beautiful lookout just be smart and take your valuables with you. If you put them in the trunk do it before you get to lookout points so no one sees you. read more

Awesome under highway tunnel to get near the ocean. Little scary but if u are careful it should be ok. Definitely don't go at night!