Tantalus Lookout

Welcome to Poo-oo Oo-ah-lah-kah-ah State Park, more commonly celebrated by visitors and locals alike as the Tantalus Lookout. While countless travelers immediately flock to the summit of Diamond Head to gaze over the city,…

Before we approach the main viewing platform, let us examine the magnificent flora that surrounds us, specifically the towering, perfectly straight conifers that line the approach to the park. These are the Norfolk Island Pine…

As we walk along the paved path toward the primary lookout, it is essential to unravel the origins of the name Tantalus. It is, of course, an anomaly to find a Greek mythological designation deeply embedded in the heart of…

We have now reached the precipice, the magnificent viewing platform that reveals the southern shore of Oahu in stunning clarity. Cast your gaze to the southeast, where the iconic, unmistakable silhouette of Diamond Head crater…

Shift your attention now toward the far right, to the southwest. Dominating the horizon is a jagged, imposing wall of peaks known as the Wy-ah-ny mountain range. …

Direct your gaze back toward the central urban core of Honolulu, sprawling directly beneath us. You will easily spot the dense cluster of glass and steel office buildings that mark the downtown financial district. …

As the afternoon wanes and we edge toward evening, the atmosphere at the lookout undergoes a magnificent transformation. This location is universally acknowledged as one of the premier spots on the island to witness the sunset. …

As we conclude our time atop the Tantalus Lookout, let us take one final, sweeping look at the panorama before us. In a single sweep of the eye, we have traced the violent volcanic birth of the island, the ancient agricultural…