South Point (Ka Lae) Information
Ka Lae ("the point" in Hawaiian), also known as South Point, is the southernmost point on the island of Hawaii and in the state of Hawaii. It is also the southernmost point of the 50 United States. The Ka Lae area is registered as a National Historic Landmark District under the name South Point Complex.
Ka Lae is the site of one of the earliest Hawaiian settlements has one of the longest archaeological records on the islands.[5] It is speculated 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 first landfall.
Ka Lae is accessible via South Point Rd., a 20-mile (32 km) one lane, tarmac road which is easily drivable but not well maintained.
The area is also known for its strong winds and is the home of a wind farm. Some trees are almost horizontal with their branches all growing in the same direction near the ground.
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.