Tantalus (Oahu)
| Tantalus | |
|---|---|
 A view of Honolulu seen from Tantalus (2008) | |
| Elevation | 2,014 ft (614 m) |
| Location | |
| Location |
Honolulu County, Hawaiʻi, U.S. |
| Range | Hawaiian Islands |
| Coordinates | 21°19′57.58″N 157°48′53.34″W / 21.3326611°N 157.8148167°W |
| Topo map | USGS Honolulu |
| Geology | |
| Type | Cinder cone |
| Age of rock | Greater than 10,000 years |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Paved road |
Tantalus is an extinct cinder cone in the southern Koʻolau Range on the Hawaiian Island of Oʻahu. It also has a summit crater, Tantalus Crater. The cinder cone formed after the demise of Koʻolau Volcano, during a time of rejuvenated stage volcanism in southeastern Oʻahu that also formed Punchbowl Crater, Diamond Head and Koko Head. Tantalus overlooks the modern city of Honolulu, which is built on top of Tantalus cinders.
As part of the U.S. Army's Coast Artillery defense system a Fire Control Station was built on Tantalus. In conjunction with the Fire Control Station at Diamond Head, the two positions were used to control coast artillery batteries at Fort DeRussey and Fort Ruger. The southern slope of Tantalus was bombed in Operation K, Japan's unsuccessful second attack on Oʻahu, which took place March 4, 1942.
Today, Tantalus is a popular destination for hikers, road bicyclists, and skateboarders as well as one of the most frequented tourist spots on Oʻahu.
Popular Culture
Tantalus Crater is a setting in the novel Micro by Michael Crichton and Richard Preston.