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South Point at Ka Lae
As you continue the road becomes more constricted. Drive carefully and scoot over when necessary to let oncoming traffic pass. Just past mile marker 8 is an excellent view of South Point.
The road splits at the 10 mile marker with the left fork heading to the Kaulana Boat Ramp and beginning of the Papakolea (Green Sands Beach) hike. Weather permitting (rain showers do tend to pop up now and again) take the right fork and continue to Ka Lae. At the end of the road you can park and walk the rest of the way to the edge of the cliffs. Remember don’t leave any valuables in plain sight in the car even though this is popular spot for local fisherman and you will not have to walk too far.
A strong mixture of currents makes Ka Lae a fertile fishing spot that has been used by Hawaiians for centuries. Historians believe that this is where the Polynesians first made land in the islands on their way from Tahiti. This could very well be the site of the first Hawaiian settlement. Although fishing was plentiful, large fish like mahimahi, tuna and red snapper happily hang out in the waters, a canoe could easily be carried out to sea by the currents and its occupants never heard from again. You’ll notice large wooden boat hoists leaning out of the edge of the cliffs. These are used to lower the small boats into the sea. Ancient Hawaiians knew the power of the ocean here and bored holes into the cliffs where they could secure a rope which would essentially tie their boat to shore and guarantee safe return. If you look closely below the hoists, you may see a few.
Long ladders also extend down towards the crystal blue water. Some locals, and daredevil visitors, will take the leap off the cliffs and into the sea below using the ladder to climb out. This is not an activity we recommend since the currents are quite strong and the next landfall is Antarctica. Although, feel free to peer down and look for honu and other sea life bobbing by the cliffs.
The actual Southernmost tip of the United States is just past the metal light beacon to the left and toward the coast. Follow the low rock wall, actually an ancient Hawaiian ruin called Kalalea Heiau, to the edge where the frenzied ocean punishes the rugged coastline with its power. Please do not touch or sit on the rock wall as it is a sacred.
The road splits at the 10 mile marker with the left fork heading to the Kaulana Boat Ramp and beginning of the Papakolea (Green Sands Beach) hike. Weather permitting (rain showers do tend to pop up now and again) take the right fork and continue to Ka Lae. At the end of the road you can park and walk the rest of the way to the edge of the cliffs. Remember don’t leave any valuables in plain sight in the car even though this is popular spot for local fisherman and you will not have to walk too far.
A strong mixture of currents makes Ka Lae a fertile fishing spot that has been used by Hawaiians for centuries. Historians believe that this is where the Polynesians first made land in the islands on their way from Tahiti. This could very well be the site of the first Hawaiian settlement. Although fishing was plentiful, large fish like mahimahi, tuna and red snapper happily hang out in the waters, a canoe could easily be carried out to sea by the currents and its occupants never heard from again. You’ll notice large wooden boat hoists leaning out of the edge of the cliffs. These are used to lower the small boats into the sea. Ancient Hawaiians knew the power of the ocean here and bored holes into the cliffs where they could secure a rope which would essentially tie their boat to shore and guarantee safe return. If you look closely below the hoists, you may see a few.
Long ladders also extend down towards the crystal blue water. Some locals, and daredevil visitors, will take the leap off the cliffs and into the sea below using the ladder to climb out. This is not an activity we recommend since the currents are quite strong and the next landfall is Antarctica. Although, feel free to peer down and look for honu and other sea life bobbing by the cliffs.
The actual Southernmost tip of the United States is just past the metal light beacon to the left and toward the coast. Follow the low rock wall, actually an ancient Hawaiian ruin called Kalalea Heiau, to the edge where the frenzied ocean punishes the rugged coastline with its power. Please do not touch or sit on the rock wall as it is a sacred.
Location: South Point at Ka Lae is located in the South Kau Region
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