South Point is the southernmost point of the Big Island, the state of Hawaii, and even the United States. There isn’t a sandy beach at the point, but there are a couple nearby if you have a 4WD rig to drive there. Don’t let the lack of sand stop you from visiting this significant and historic spot.

At South Point there is a concrete light beacon, lava rock walls, a heiau, and sheer cliffs to see. Experienced local cliff jumpers leap off the cliffs on the west side of the point when conditions are calm. A fixed ladder there aids the climb back to the top, but it’s no easy feat. A large hole in the lava looks down to the blue water way down below where you might see people swimming if the water is calm.

The remains of Kalalea Heiau are near the point. It’s not one of the largest heiaus on the island by footprint or height, but it’s an indication of how important this place was to the native Hawaiians. Look around this area for many conspicuously placed large stones. These historic stones have names and were placed for various reasons and to represent different things.