South Point, also known as Kala’e, is an underrated spot in the Ka’u district on the Big Island of Hawaii.
It is often overlooked due to its remote location, but should definitely be on every traveler’s bucket list! Keep reading to discover 5 unique things to do around South Point Hawaii.
5 Things to do around South Point Hawaii
Table of Contents
- 1. Cliff Jump at South Point
- 2. Visit the Papakolea Green Sand Beach
- 3. Get lunch at the Punalu’u Bake Shop
- 4. Relax on the shores of Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- 5. Explore the tide pools at Whittington Beach Park
1. Cliff Jump at South Point
A little-known fact about South Point Hawaii is that it just so happens to be the southernmost point in the US. It is even further south than the Florida Keys!
As you stand on the edge of the cliff, there is nothing but a vast ocean between you and Antarctica.
The southern tip of the Big Island also holds historical significance and is classified as a national landmark.
This barren coastline is where the Polynesian explorers first landed in Hawaii on their journey from Tahiti around 750 AD.
You can even see old canoe mooring holes along the cliffs near the water and there are the remains of an ancient small heiau (temple) nearby.
South Point has also gained a reputation among thrill seekers as one of the best places to cliff jump in Hawaii.
Here you’ll find jumping platforms at the top of the 40-foot cliffs.
There is also a sketchy ladder secured to the cliffside which is the only way swimmers can get back up.
The jumping platforms are actually located on top of a giant sea arch. You can see the arch from the ocean, or from a massive collapsed sea cave that looks down into the water.
Some of the locals jump from here then swim under the sea arch and out to the ocean, but I would definitely not recommend this!
When the water is calm and the conditions are right, it is definitely an adrenaline rush to jump off the edge of the US and into the Pacific Ocean below.
It reminded us of cliff jumping at China Walls in Oahu.
However, South Point is also one of the most dangerous places to cliff jump. The ocean current can be strong and unpredictable.
People have been swept out to sea and lost their lives while cliff jumping, so check the ocean and wind conditions and jump at your own risk.
South Point is known for its relentless winds. Evidence of this can be seen in the trees that grow at an angle from the constant gales, and by the spinning wind turbines from the neighboring Pakini Nui Wind Farm. If it is too windy or the water is rough, do not attempt to cliff jump.
But if you’re still craving an adventure, consider booking a tour to explore Kula Kai Caverns near South Point.
You can also drive to the end of the point to see the Ka Lae lighthouse which was built in 1906.
2. Visit the Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Papakolea Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world and it is located on the southern tip of the Big Island.
The green sand is formed by olivine, a mineral that is found in the earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by a rare type of volcanic eruption.
Papakolea Beach was formed over 49,000 years ago from a cinder cone created by one of Mauna Loa’s volcanic eruptions.
The olivine crystals shattered once they reached the cold Pacific Ocean, creating this green sand beach.
It is quite a unique experience to visit this beach, but getting there takes some effort. The beach can be reached by a challenging 5.6-mile roundtrip hike that starts on South Point Road.
Locals are also waiting by to drive you down for cash, but keep in mind that driving on this road is illegal as it damages the fragile ecosystem.
Here is a great article with more information about visiting Papakolea Green Sand Beach.
3. Get lunch at the Punalu’u Bake Shop
Na’alehu is the closest town to South Point, about 15 miles away.
Here you will find Punalu’u Bake Shop, known as the “Southernmost bakery in the USA”.
They are known for their wide selection of malasadas, a puffy Portuguese fried donut. You’re going to want to sample every flavor!
The vanilla-filled malasadas and lilikoi glazed ones were our favorites.
They also sell other baked goods, like their famous Hawaiian sweet bread, and have a lunch counter where you can order a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch.
A traditional plate lunch includes meat, rice, and mac salad.
They have outdoor seating under a gazebo where you can enjoy your lunch.
The nearby Aloha Mix food truck is also a great place to go for acai bowls and shrimp plates.
4. Relax on the shores of Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
While there are several black sand beaches found on the Big Island, Punalu’u Beach is the most famous.
The rich black sand was formed by a lava flow from the nearby Kilauea Volcano.
As it came in contact with the cold ocean water, the lava shattered into tiny fragments that were smoothed by erosion over time.
Punalu’u Beach is often named as the most beautiful beach on the Big Island, and for good reason.
This stretch of jet-black beach is lined with swaying coconut palms, creating an idyllic tropical paradise.
The stark contrast of the bright green palms against the midnight black sand and lapping turquoise waves is truly stunning.
You’ll often find Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking lazily on the warm shore here as well.
Swimming conditions are not always ideal at Punalu’u Beach, but you can head a little further south to Ninole Cove for the best snorkeling spot.
Punalu’u Beach is easy to access, it is located about 9 miles from the Punalu’u Bake Shop down a paved road. Amenities include free parking, public restrooms, and picnic tables.
Another beautiful black sand beach can be found at Pololū Valley in the northern region of the Big Island.
It is also located only about a half hour from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so it’s easy to take a quick side trip while visiting the park.
Punalu’u Beach is one of our recommended stops while spending a week on the Big Island. For a complete itinerary, see our guide for the Best Things to do on the Big Island in One Week.
5. Explore the tide pools at Whittington Beach Park
Whittington Beach Park is found on the shores of Honuapo Bay. It is about 5 miles south of Punalu’u Beach and about 18 miles from South Point.
This black sand and lava rock beach is off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
Whittington Beach Park is a favorite weekend hangout for local families, but it is generally pretty quiet on the weekdays.
Honuapo Bay, or “turtle cove”, is named for to the abundance of Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles that can be found here.
The bay is also teeming with a variety of sea life.
This beach is a popular spot for fishing and exploring the lava rock tide pools to see what the tide brought in.
Swimming and snorkeling are not recommended at Whittington Beach as the water is too rough and dangerous.
However, there are some estuaries and fish ponds that are blocked off by walls creating a protected cove for swimming.
Amenities include a campground, a grassy area with shade trees, cement fire pits, a covered ramada with picnic tables, and restrooms with showers.
You’ll also notice the remains of an old pier leading out into the bay. Honuapo was once home to a thriving fishing village and subsequent commercial port.
After Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941, the US military made the decision to destroy Honuapo Pier, along with others, in order to prevent Japanese troops from landing on shore.
You can still walk out to see the smoldered remains of the bombed pier.
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I hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best things to do around South Point Hawaii!
It makes for a great stop while driving from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo. Click the links if you’re interested in those travel guides as well.
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[…] your morning hike and visiting the lookout points, I would recommend taking a drive down to South Point to cliff jump and hang out at the beach during the hottest part of the […]