Ka Lae (Hawaiian: the point), also known as South Point, is the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii and of the 50 United States. The Ka Lae area is registered as a National Historic Landmark District under the name South Point Complex. The area is also known for its strong ocean currents and winds and is the home of a wind farm. The name for the southern tip of the island of Hawaiʻi comes from Ka Lae in the Hawaiian language which means "the point". It is often spelled as one word, Kalae, or called South Point or South Cape. A confluence of ocean currents just offshore makes this spot one of Hawaii's most popular fishing spots. Both red snapper and ulua are plentiful here. Locals fish from the cliffs, some dangling perilously over the edge of steep lava ledges. Swimming here, however, is not recommended, due to the current. In fact, it is called the "Halaea Current", named after a chief who was carried off to his death. Ka Lae is accessible via South Point Road, a 12 mile paved narrow road leading from State Route 11 (Hawaii Belt Road), the turn off being about 7 miles (11 km) west of the village of Nāʻālehu and east of Ocean View, Hawaii. The strong winds cause some trees to become almost horizontal with their branches all growing in the same direction near the ground. The road forks near its end, with one branch leading south to Ka Lae and the other east to Papakolea Beach, known for its green sand. Ka Lae is the site of one of the earliest Hawaiian settlements, and it has one of the longest archaeological records on the islands. It is generally thought that this is where the Polynesians first landed because the Big Island is the closest of the Hawaiian Islands to Tahiti, and Ka Lae would be the point of first landfall. Ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple (heiau) and a fishing shrine can be found here. In addition, ancient Hawaiians drilled numerous holes in the rock ledges to use for mooring their canoes. Tying long ropes to their boats, they would drift out to sea to fish without fear of being carried away by the strong currents. Anthropologists from the Bishop Museum excavated the area in the 1960s. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka_Lae en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...

Ka Lae (South Point)

Day 6 Afternoon Big Island, USA Time: Afternoon
Photo by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Visit the southernmost point of the United States for dramatic cliffside views.

Summary

Explore the dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas at the southernmost point of the United States.

What You’ll Do

  • Admire the panoramic ocean views.
  • Observe the rugged, windswept landscape.
  • Watch for cliff divers (use extreme caution and do not attempt if inexperienced).
  • Visit the historic lighthouse.

Tips

  • The area is very exposed and can be extremely windy.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and sun protection.
  • Be aware of strong currents if swimming is considered (not recommended for most).

What To Book / Check

  • Check weather conditions before visiting.
  • Verify road conditions if planning to drive off the main paved path.

Item Photo Queries

Ka Lae South Point Big Island USA

Detail Photo Queries

South Point Hawaii cliffs Ka Lae ocean view Southernmost point USA Hawaii Hawaii cliffside landscape