You can definitively see other islands from Oahu. From the eastern and southeastern shores, it is possible to view the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai on most clear days. Under optimal atmospheric conditions, Maui, the furthest of the three, can also be seen on the horizon.
The Visible Islands
Molokai is the most frequently observed island from Oahu, appearing as a long, mountainous landmass across the Kaiwi Channel. Its closest point is approximately 25 miles from Oahu’s eastern tip, making its high peaks and sea cliffs easily discernible. The highest point on Molokai, Mount Kamakou, reaches an elevation of 4,961 feet, which significantly aids its visibility from a distance.
Lanai is also often visible, typically appearing as a lower, flatter silhouette situated just beyond Molokai. The distance from Oahu to Lanai is greater, around 73 to 83 miles, requiring slightly clearer conditions to be seen distinctly. Maui is the most challenging island to spot, as it lies about 100 miles away. When Maui is visible, it is usually the high peaks of the West Maui Mountains, which rise to 5,788 feet, that break the horizon.
Best Viewing Locations and Conditions
The most reliable places on Oahu for inter-island viewing are along the eastern and southeastern coastlines. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular location, offering a paved path that climbs to about 647 feet above the sea. From this vantage point, the islands of Molokai and Lanai are often clearly visible across the channel.
Another excellent spot is the eastern side of the Diamond Head crater, which provides a panoramic view from its 762-foot summit. Certain lookouts along the Kalanianaʻole Highway, particularly those near Hanauma Bay, also offer unobstructed sightlines toward the neighboring islands.
The best time to attempt a viewing is during the early morning hours, just after sunrise, or at sunset. This is when the sun is low, reducing the heat haze that builds up during the day and causes atmospheric distortion. Winter months, from November to March, generally provide the clearest air and best visibility due to lower humidity levels.
Geographical Factors Affecting Visibility
The ability to see these distant landmasses results from a combination of short inter-island distances and high elevations. The relatively short distance of the Kaiwi Channel, which separates Oahu and Molokai, is a primary factor in the frequent sightings. The high elevation of the viewing points on Oahu, such as Makapuʻu Point, and the significant height of the islands being viewed, help overcome the curvature of the Earth.
Atmospheric clarity plays a large role in determining how far the eye can see. The prevailing trade winds, which blow from the northeast, typically keep the air clean and dry over Oahu, allowing for excellent long-distance viewing. However, when these trade winds weaken, a shift to “Kona winds” can occur, which sometimes carries volcanic smog, or vog, from the Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island. The presence of vog or high humidity can significantly reduce visibility, obscuring the distant islands entirely.