Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South Point
South Point is the southernmost point in the USA and a national historic landmark. It is
widely believed this is where the first Polynesians landed. In Hawaiian it's known as
Ka
Lae
, which means simply the Point, and is revered as a sacred site.
To get here take South Point Rd between mile markers 69 and 70. The 12-mile road is
mostly one lane; people edge over for each other and give a
shaka
(Hawaiian hand greet-
ing sign) as they pass. The road forks a few miles south of a wind farm. Veer right for Ka
Lae and left for Green Sands Beach.
For a picturesque alternative, take the backdoor route from Kamaʻoa Rd in Waiʻohinu
to South Point Rd, an 8-mile country ramble that deposits you out just north of the wind
farm.
Beaches & Sights
Ka Lae
HISTORICAL SITE
The southernmost tip of the Big Island, and of the USA, Ka Lae does feel like the end of
the Earth, inspiring reflection. Even with the rushing wind filling your ears, an odd still-
ness and silence steals over you. From the parking area, a short walk leads down to the
tip itself.
You won't be alone, however. The confluence of ocean currents here makes this one of
Hawaiʻi's most bountiful fishing grounds, and locals fish off the craggy cliff, some bra-
cing themselves on tiny ledges partway down. The wooden platforms built on the cliff
have hoists and ladders for small boats anchored below. Locals like to cliff jump into the
surging waters here, though you may want to peek over the edge and just imagine ex-
ecuting that heart-thumping trick. Behind the platforms, inside a large
puka
(hole), you
can watch water rage up and recede with incoming waves. The only facilities are two
portable toilets.
Near the parking area is
Kalalea Heiau
, classified as a
koʻa
(a small stone pen de-
signed to encourage fish and birds to multiply). Inside is a fishing shrine where ancient
Hawaiians left offerings to Kuʻula, the god of fishermen. A standing rock below the
heiau has several canoe mooring holes. Ancient Hawaiians would tether their canoes
with ropes to these handles, then let the strong currents pull their canoes into the deep
waters to fish.
Green Sands Beach
BEACH
