MUST STOP HERE! Quick and easy drive off the highway. Parking is a little limited. No restrooms. A local entrepreneur selling shave ice and smoothies. But you're here to be at the southern most part of the great United States! Walk out and enjoy the sights and sounds. Enjoy the epic large waves crashing! Stay back cuz if you go in, well, you won't get back out. Respect Mother Nature. I felt good here. I felt humbled here... like you realize how small you are on this planet. Visit this spot and make it another memory from your Hawaiian vacation! 10/10 read more

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Southern most part of the United States! I was blown into this special spot by a strong wind from the west. Whistling breath of the Pacific Ocean was unrelenting and awesome to experience. The sea was too rough and full of volcanic rock to swim for me. There must be some date entry points somewhere. A special spot that is paved most of the way. Such a nice drive too. Past horses, cows and small farms. A much drier and grassier part of the Big Island. read more

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We came today on one of our last days in Kona to see the sunset at the most south point of the island and it was beautiful. It took a little while to get here but in the end, it was way worth it. I would not come in flip-flops or any kind of shoe like that you need your footing it's very unstable and you can hurt yourself. Be very careful. read more

Absolutely gorgeous beach, with the added bonus of being the southernmost point of the US! We managed to get here to watch the sunset- highly recommend. The beach is covered in bleached corals which were cool, and we took home a few as unique souvenirs/gifts. It's within walking distance about 15 minutes from the cliff dive location. My eyesight is not great but my friends said they were able to see a lot of whales from here too. read more

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STEPH JUDGEMENT: Natural wonder worth visiting. We decided to visit this place on our way to Hilo from Kona and thought it was awesome. There's a dirt parking lot from which you walk down to the rocky beach. It's really windy (hence the wind farms), making for really majestic, crashing waves. We walked further around the area to check out the rock arches and other sights, and while the natural beauty is astonishing, it's sparse on any other kind of amenities. We did not see any cliff divers on the day we went, and I just can't even imagine trying to do that. Pretty cool to know that we were at the southernmost point of the U.S.! read more

If you want to go to a secluded beach this is the place for you But be warned it's windier that my husband after Taco Bell read more

Ka Lae - Beaches Near Me - Ka Lae, Hawaii

This was on my stop of things to do on the big island. The signs are not very clear to tell you what it is other than South Point Park. So had I not done my research I probably would have never known. Parking is a dirt road and the road is narrow- you can walk to what used to be a lighthouse and then further to the very edge of the water which is claimed to be the most southern part of the united states. It was not very crowded during Christmas day; there were people there taking pictures and some fishing. This spot is located near or on a burial ground of some sort according to the government signs that surround the parking lot indicating not to trespass. read more

Ka Lae - Beaches Near Me - Ka Lae, Hawaii

Invigorating views of Pacific waves crashing into Southern tip of Hawaii. Got misted sitting on the cliff on remote part of the island Make the 1 hour round trip drive you won't believe how cool this place is. read more

Ka Lae - Beaches Near Me - Ka Lae, Hawaii

Come here to do some epic cliff jumping! Really calm and clear water. Super safe! Yes there are signs saying that it's not, but literally there were a huge group of white people (us included) jumping. Sometimes when you go to cliff jumping spots and you see these young Hawaiian boys jumping you just feel kinda, incompetent. Like, oh this is probably difficult cause they are doing it. But not here! Locals and tourists alike all jump. I would have too but we had a tight schedule to stick to. When you jump, do it off the wooden plank. Not the one next to the metal ones...go more to the left and use that one. Then once you're in you can swim to the cove on the left to get out. WAYYY easier. At least that's what my husband said-he jumped. No one in the big group that was there used the ladder to get back out. If you are on your way here you HAVE to stop by Paradise Meadows Farm! It's on the way. Their coffee, Mac nuts, and shortbread cookies are to DIE for! Some cute animals on the farm to keep kids entertained. You can even do a self guided tour of the farm along with a regular one! Check out my review on them for more info! read more

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Ka Lae or simply South Point in Haole speak is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is as the name suggest the Southernmost point in the Hawaiian Island chain. It also is the most Southern Point in the United States (take that Florida Keys). The point is home to a wind farm, ancient ruins, and did I mention the wind? It is easily accessed via Route 11 and about 70 miles south of the Kona International airport. The area itself is fairly sparse but you are treated to fantastic views of the Pacific, watching cliff divers, and of course that wind. It also is the jumping off point to see Papakolea Beach (aka The Green Sand Beach). You can either hike the trail which is not too bad, or you can take advantage of the local Island Lyft that offers round trip rides back and forth. We have done both. The locals usually in 4x4's typically charge $5-10 per person for a round trip. Its easy and convenient and they are very friendly and fun to strike up a conversation with. They know all the good places to eat and interesting stuff to see or do that does not make the traditional travel lists. I'm all for off road adventures but only an idiot would take a non Jeep rental and try to make the run. Its pretty rough. It is a killer place to chill and enjoy the sights. It also makes a great stop if you are taking the Coastal route to the Hilo side (as opposed to the Saddle Road). There are lots of fruit stands and shops dotting the route and the going is slow so put on your Aloha on and take you time and enjoy life. There are warnings about break ins for cars and take your stuff with you. We have never had a problem but you never know read more

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Stunning Beauty at the southernmost point in the US... deep blue water and crashing waves.. amazing! We visited Hawaii for our summer vacation in 2018 - the Big Island, Oahu and Kauai. On our third day, we explored their south side of the Big Island, visiting Kona Joe's coffee farm, visiting South Point (Ka Lea), and seeing Punalu'u Black Sand State Beach / Park. As we planned our trip, I knew I wanted to visit the southern tip of the Big Island because it's the southern-most point in all of the USA. We used the "Hawaii Revealed" books (paper and now digital in their app) to learn more and they really shared much about Ke Lae - how the native Hawaiians have historically fished there, but the currents are strong and there is nothing between there and Antarctica... how the Hawaiians used ropes to help pull the fishing boats back in... how and where to park, etc. So we went on our second full day and were utterly amazed at the beauty. When you first arrive and park you are at an area that is 30 or so feet above the water, which is a beautiful deep blue. Many people were safely jumping in the water there. Some people were fishing there. It was nice and calm, though breezy. Then, walk about a quarter mile east and the land slopes a bit down toward the water and then you are at lava rocks that are being crashed upon by the waves... also beautiful... yet so different in so short of a distance. I could have stayed here all day, but we also wanted to visit the Black Sand Beach, so we enjoyed South Point as long as we could. If we could do this again, we'd plan to be there a little longer, just taking in the surf and the scenery. We'd likely pack more than just a snack... maybe picnic toward the water or at the car in the parking lot. There is a port-a-potty there, too. There is a space near parking where our daughter and I enjoyed kicking her soccer ball... at the southernmost point in the US. : ) South Point is about 11 miles south of the main loop road on the Big Island... and you can see that road from a distance and it's easy to get there. As you drive that southern road you pass through farms with cows and horses. We stopped to see three horses on the drive back home... they were beautiful and friendly... though we kept a safe distance. You can also see one of the places in the world where they track astronauts and satellites... it's about halfway between the belt road and Ka Lea, on the eastern side of the road... two satellite dishes pointing skyward atop two tall poles. And finally, there is a honey farm, the country's southernmost honey farm, a mile or two before South Point... unfortunately we arrived there after they were closed for the day. We highly recommend visiting South Point... after the Lava Boat ride, this was my favorite spot on the Big Island. Thanks to Hawaii Revealed for their insights about Ka Lea! read more

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It's the southernmost point in Hawaii/The US, so you're going to come here no matter what I say, but here goes: There are lots of signs saying it's illegal to jump into the water. Everyone jumps into the water. I didn't, because I'm a wuss. One of my biggest regrets from visiting the Big Island...next time... There's a ladder for climbing out of the water or lower yourself in, if you're a wuss like me. There's also a weird sea cave hole you can explore. Locals here sell various food items. This is supposedly an amazing spot to fish as well. read more

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Green Sand Beach was a failure. Our car was too low for the drive down so Ka Lae was the next option. As excited as I was for the Green Sand beach, Ka Lae was an amazing experience! Parking is located right by the fishing and cliff diving area. The road is not paved and unmarked, however it will not be hard to miss. From beginning to almost Green Sand Beach, the mild hike was beautiful! I went a couple hours before sunset and it was the perfect time! The sun painted the sky in such vibrant colors along side fluffy white clouds. The ocean was a tad bit rough, throwing waves right after the other but the sound was soothing. There was a mixture of different textures along the coast. There was lava rocks, white sand, green sand and red dirt. There was a field for miles looking inland and the moon was full! There was a small crowd by the fishing and cliff diving area but the further away I walked, the less people there was. After a long day of driving the entire island, Ka Lae was perfect for reflection! It was my first time in any of the islands of Hawai'i and I was very thankful! The drive to this area is bumpy, and the road is very narrow. Be careful and do not speed! There are hardly any signs but just follow the road and you will find it! read more

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You're travel-saavy. So you probably knew that while the southernmost point in the continental United States is in Florida, the southernmost point in the entire U.S. is Ka Lae, a.k.a. South Point, on the Big Island of Hawaii. (Well you probably knew that if you're looking up Ka Lae on Yelp) Ka Lae is a 2-hour drive from Kona. The last 8 miles take you down South Point Road, where the pavement eventually narrows down to the width of one car. South Point Cliff Drive is as far as you can get by car (unless you have an offroad vehicle). You can either park on the side of the road, or venture down into the small dirt parking lot. Just watch out for the broken, uneven pavement as you head down - you don't want to scrape the bottom of your car. So you're at the Cliff Dive, where it's crowded with both locals and Haoles fishing and jumping off the cliff into the water. But you want to go even further south, to the very tip of Ka Lae. Great, it couldn't be easier. Looking out towards the ocean (west), you'll want to start hiking to the left (south). See that dark rock wall a few feet high? It actually runs all the way down to the tip of Ka Lae (you can verify this on Google Maps satellite view). Wow, how thoughtful of whoever built it! The total hike from Cliff Dive is only a quarter of a mile. When you pass the white lighthouse beacon, you're close. Unlike Cliff Dive which has only high cliffs, the tip of Ka Lae has a rocky shoreline that you can walk onto right to the water. There are no signs here with "Ka Lae" chiseled into them that you can take pictures of. It's not needed. Being at the very southernmost point of the United States is wonderful all in itself. Enjoy. read more

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The thought of being at the southern-most point of the United States was exciting, even though I didn't remember seeing any official signage at the spot. Seeing the super blue water and looking out into the ocean was very therapeutic. There were a lot of local fishermen there at the time of my visit who didn't seem to mind the tourists and even let my dad take a picture with one of the fishes that they had caught. I recommend Ka Lae for both adults and supervised children since you'll only need to carefully walk down to the cliff edge from the parking area. Note that this place is extremely windy and there are no chains or fences protecting young ones from the cliff edges! read more

Ka Lae - Beaches Near Me - Ka Lae, Hawaii

DO THE JUMP! We came here not realizing you could cliff jump here, and I'm so glad we did. Especially since it's a really cool location- the southernmost point of the US! There were a bunch of other tourists here, and we saw ladders going down to the water and an open door frame that looked like a jumping off point, but we still didn't realize we could do it until other people started jumping. And then I had to do it! The water is so clear and so beautiful! The sun was about to set, and it took a while to get the nerve to make the leap, but it was SO worth it. The water was so pleasant - I'm usually very afraid of the cold, but it didn't bother me at all. Once we jumped in we wanted to stay forever because the water felt so clean and nice. The waves weren't bad at all; the water was pretty calm. If you're climbing up on the ladders, the brown one is easier to climb back up. read more

Even with a high surf warning, Ka Lae/South Point seems to be relatively calm. I came here last year with my friend and this year with my family. My friend decided to jump off last year, and despite not being the strongest swimmer, she managed to jump in the right timing with a previous jumper coaching her from above. She made it out by scaling up the ladder too. As for me, I wanted to spare my legs for nursing school LOL. This time around, since it was Memorial Day, fishermen crowded the cliff and had many lines cast into the ocean. Jumping off was a no-go and the locals didn't seem too thrilled with the fact that tourists were at their spot. I don't blame them though-- I'm the same way on O'ahu. Keep in mind that there is only a portable toilet on site w/ no showers. If you wanna make the jump, don't go on a major holiday or during a holiday weekend. Otherwise, the green light is yours if you're game. read more

Welcome to the southernmost point of the US of A! I came here after visiting Green Sands Beach (which itself is phenomenal), and once you get here, all you can see is bright blue ocean extending to the horizon. I found it to be a very beautiful and strangely tranquil place. There were a mix of local fishermen and tourists here. And as one of the tourists, we wanted to do the cliff jump - and jump we did! It was so fun and so memorable. We definitely had to build up the nerve to do it, but once we did, we just wanted to stay in the water. There is a skylight in the cliff right by the jumping point where the sun streams through, and you can see so many colourful fish. If you're a more adventurous type and you love the water, you'll love it. A bit tricky to get here, but there's a fork in the road at some point with a sign that directs you to either the Green Sand Beach or to Ka Lae. Don't miss this sign! Happy cliff jumping! read more

Worth visiting if at the Big Island. We didn't realize you could drive to the beach, and decided to hike. Pretty easy hike, but not a fun one as it's all on open sand with sharp rocks here and there, also there's no shade the entire walk. When cars drive by, it blows the sand into your face. Would definitely recommend driving. Beautiful beach, the water was a little cold as the sun went down by the time we made it, but we still jumped in! read more

Ka Lae - Beautiful view after hiking to Ka Lae. The sand was definitely a lot less green than I imagined, but still worth the trip! - Beaches Near Me - Ka Lae, Hawaii

This is the stop off where, back in 2008, Sis & I thought we'd find the "famous" green sand beach.......turns out we were totally off the mark but it was a nice view nonetheless. This year, the Mr & I chose to come here for the view ( plus better signage helped us distinguish Ka Lae from the Green Sand Beach ) Take South Point Road, off Hwy 11 in the Ka'u District - all the way down to Ka Lae ( the Southernmost Point of the US ) It's really, really, windy on the Point & the green beach is impossible to find from here......in fact Sis & I gave up after getting to the boundary of "A" beach - not "THE" beach; picked up some semi-green sand & snapped a few pics. That was enough for us & we turned back around....but we did enjoy the lovely, jagged, volcanic rocks that made up the shoreline Ended up, Sis & I never found the actual beach b/c we had turned down the wrong road - friends also on the Big Island said they found it but it was a trek......we felt like we *had* made a trek but guess it wasn't as big as we needed to find the elusive beach Ka Lae was a nice runner up for this once elusive green sand beach read more

Southern most point in the USA had no marker to show "Been here" however, the drive towards this place is just beautiful! I would give south point 3 stars normally but because its close to green sand beach and the drive is lovely, I raised it up to 4 star. You can see the trees permanently bent towards one direction because of the constant wind, the horizon divided by the green field and blue sky.. I truely enjoyed the drive but not necessarily the destination. The best part about this area is that it is close to green sand beach. Please see my review also on green sand beach where it is one of the places I recommend for the romantic and adventurers. If you want to go to green sand beach, you have to have a 4x4 or be ready to hike 2.5 miles one way. its a flat road and just make sure the sea is on your right side, and hills on the left. Here is a video compiling our 9 day trip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDE5Cr70XYo&t=6m15s thanks for reading. read more

The wind was intense -- blowing lots of dust in my eyes -- but the sights were amazing. It's like a dry, lonely, Southwest landscape butted up against black lava rocks with crashing surf. The busted old windmills you see driving down South Point Road are eerie and rusted. The pier is sparsely populated with fishermen, with the remaining visitors being curious tourists (like us), but it's not even close to busy. Worth a stop, for sure. read more

Ka Lae - Beaches Near Me - Ka Lae, Hawaii

I am fresh back from Hawai'i Island and, of course, returned to Ka Lae. I was visiting the island solo this time and decided I absolutely had to get in the water. I got there around 9am, right off my flight from Honolulu, and it was just me and the lawai'a (fishermen). I jumped off the cliff a few times and then hightailed it over to Mahana Bay. The water is translucent and gorgeous and it felt even BETTER to be in it. Please tourists, respect the 'aina and be careful of how you drive in this sacred area. read more

Absolutely beautiful. Everything about this drive is worth it. It's very windy and you can see old windmills next to new ones. The road is a little rough but you should have no problem, even in a sedan. It's on the way to the green sand beach too :) read more

We were warned not to go down this road in our map book, but it must have been paved recently, because it's not even a little bumpy for the first 7-ish miles and then it does get a bit rougher, but nothing to worry about. It is one-lane for part, so pull over to let people pass. I'm afraid of heights, so I can't imagine people jumping into the water from this far up. There were fishermen and other tourists, a few campers. Beautiful landscape and ocean views, well worth the little side trip. read more

I bookmarked this place as a "must-do" on the Big Island - I mean getting to the big island is already halfway there, right? My boyfriend and I drove about 3 hours from Waikoloa. When we got there, we weren't sure if we got there, I mean there is no signage or anything (Unlike Key West's famous buoy) There are lots of folks fishing, some brave enough to jump into a hole, but no signage. Oh well, at least snapchat had a location filter... I'm glad I went as part of my trip to the big island but it wasn't anything special. I most likely won't return but glad I can claim I've at least been there. read more

The windswept point, i.e., walking out to the very end of the end, is unspeakably beautiful and one of our favorite spots in the world. Ms. G and I renewed our vows there in 2014 and 2017. The walk out there past the cliff divers, and the coves on the way to that very end point, are spectacular. In a cave leading to the open water (which you can't miss), I counted at least eleven separate lava layers, which I assume means eleven major eruptions. Water currents vary depending on where you are on the point and can be scary, so young children should have hands held throughout (or be closely supervised). At the very end point, it looked too dangerous to walk in. As the terrain is rugged, wear tubbies (water shoes) or non-bulky tennis shoes. The facilities are atrocious, however, and I have to dock the state park system a star for poor maintenance. So much for "sacred grounds!" Port-a-potties are unspeakably dirty and smelly, trash overflows from the containers, and guests use the outside alfresco, rather than tote their own camping latrine. The universal camping etiquette of "trashing out" appears to be a lost art in certain parks in Hawai'i. If you walk in the "wrong" area it's like being stuck in a dog run. (It's clear that these guests are not dealing with unexpected emergencies as they leave behind toilet paper (used), which presumably they must have brought. Plus there is just too much of it.) As a non-local, I would happily pay $5 or $10 or more for a weeklong sticker car pass to have cleaner parks and to keep the parks full of a more conscientious clientele. Charging something--anything--makes a huge difference. Police can monitor this and write tickets to cite the pass-less, and the program will more than pay for itself. There is no reason for this, and if (or when) we return I hope I can report more favorably. read more

It's the southernmost point of Hawaii which makes it the southernmost point of the US. It's an easy albeit seemingly endless drive to get here. Roads are paved all the way but there are some pretty narrow areas so be careful and don't go too fast. There's room on the sides to avoid oncoming traffic. You don't need 4wheel drive to get to south point but you will need it if you want to go farther towards Green Sand beach. Don't wear a hat unless you want it to be blown away because it is extremely windy here. read more

if you're going to the black sand beach, why not hit up the southernmost point of the whole USA?! if you're an adventurer and have already been to the funky colored landmark notating the southernmost point in the continental 48 - in key west - then this certainly is on your schedule of "must visits" on the big island. there seems to be quite a few local fishermen here, with really big poles and looooooong lines (think a hundred yards or further), just chilling out enjoying the cliffs/view. there were a few people swimming, but they seemed like locals, not your average sight seeing tourist. you can get some pretty cool pictures / views of the ladders descending some 50 feet into the ocean from the high ledges, some are rusted to all hell, yet are used by some local kids to get into the water. pretty crazy. while you're at it, make sure you snap a picture of the egantic tree that is totally windblown. you really can't miss it. plus, if you get out of your car to take a picture, you will hear the goats bleating, as it's on private property. read more

Neat short detour on our way to Volcano. Worth the effort. No 4wd required.

Worth going for sure. It's unlike any other side of Hawaii I have seen. Very sparse and open on the drive down. You'll see lots of cows & horses. Like the others say, the trees permanently bent by the wind are very unique. When I finally got the the point, it is quite beautiful. Lots of locals were there fishing and a few tourists jumping off the cliffs into the clear water. It was a fun atmosphere. read more

Loved this place. The drive was really far from waikoloa so you can't chicken out when you get there or you'll kick yourself in the a$$ later from regret. Luckily my bf and I both jumped. Jump correctly (feet first) or you will bruise like a dummy like I did from jumping in a seated position (from not cannonballing it). The 12 mile drive in is really eerie, but neat at the same time. read more

You must stop here as it is truly the southern most point in the US. Sparse, dry, windy and absolutely beautiful.

Be aware that the parking lot at the bottom is more appropriate for 4WD vehicles and several sedans got temporarily stuck and many bottomed out. I advise parking at the top of the driveway and walking the very short distance to the main lot and the view. read more