South Point and the Ka’u District
That ^^^ is the view from the southernmost point in the United States. If you were to swim…….for a long time…..directly out from that point, the next place you would land (with cold tootsies…) is Antarctica. It is thought that this is where the first Hawaiians landed when they crossed the ocean from Polynesia.
Locals like to fish here, and catch red snapper, tuna, and I’m told, even Marlin (using large garbage bags as kites to float their lines far out off the shore).
The cliffs of southpoint have several of these old boat hoists. Feel lucky? Well do ya? Huh? Yes, there were people jumping off them (below is a view from the edge…..).
This is an area where several ocean currents meet, and so is very windy. Now, you would think that a place where trees grow like this:
…would have enough wind to keep their wind farm from rusting out and falling into such disrepair. But, alas, this one
is defunct and the parts are fallen to the ground. I hear there are plans, however…..
From southpoint (which is easily accesible by car…) you can travel east toward Green Sand Beach either by using 4 x 4 or by a vigorous 2 1 /2 mile hike (in hot, windy, dry, arid desert…..did I say hot?). I’m told it’s lovely……
Heading further east along Highway 11, one comes to the towns of Naalehu and Pahala. These are old sugar mill towns, and though the mills and sugar are long gone, these little towns remain. They are small, but you can explore their shops and coffee tasting stands.
Just outside Pahala is Whittington Beach County Park. We sat here and had lunch, and an old Filipino Auntie joined us and talked story while we ate. She and hubby came to work the sugar in the 70’s. Eight children, choke (plenty) grandchildren later….she is looking forward to retirement back to Manilla.
This old, decrepit wharf is all that is left of the original sugar loading docks. ^^^
Back on Highway 11, again heading east, there is Punalu’u black sand beach. Easy access, lovely surroundings, but due to the current and waves the water is murky, the bottom is rocky and not so good for snorkeling. BUT: if you want to see turtles, this is the place. They swim, sun and hang out here.
At Punalu’u you will find this monument ^^^. It tells the story of Kauila, a goddess who was empowered to assume human form, and would come and play on the beach with the children, and then give them rides on her back.
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