South Point
Visiting South Point and finding the Green Sand BeachSouth point or Ka Lae (the point) is a jutting tip of land on the southern edge of the Big Island that has the claim of being "the southernmost point in the United States". From Hilo or Kona you travel south on Highway 11 and you'll find the turn off near Waiohinu town. The road is one lane and pretty bad - you'll have to pull of to the side for oncoming traffic if your side of the road is bigger than the other car's side. A few miles down you will pass a wind mill farm ... like the big windmills up on the hills in California ... because it is very windy down at South Point. A few miles past that you'll see an old, abandoned white warehouse on the right - that is an old military building from the war ... behind it is a large concrete ??? - I think it is a gun turret - kind of interesting. Keep watching on the left for the trees that grow sideways because of the strong winds - kind of funny looking. From the highway to the water is something like 12 miles - after about 11 miles you will come to a fork. If you turn right you will come to the cliffs. You'll pull into a small dirt parking area - you can park the car and walk to the edge of the cliffs. The water is the most amazing deep blue color you will ever see in your life - plus, it is so clear you can see straight down to the colorful coral bottom and watch the fish swim around. The cliffs are about 30 feet high - some brave (kids) people jump off the cliffs into the ocean - I haven't done it yet but not cuz I'm scared .. no really! =) There is also a large hole in the lava rock to the right side of the cliff that is neat to look at. The tide comes in the hole and makes a 'washing machine' effect. There's nothing to really do here except appreciate the beauty if you are not going to jump off the cliffs or fish. If you turn left at the fork you are off to the boat ramp and the visitors center. All the buildings you see on your left are old army barracks but now some families live there and operate the small visitors and refreshment center. Once you pull into the boat ramp area you are poised to begin the trek to the green sands beach. If you park your car and walk DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR. Just because this is Hawaii does not mean there are no criminals here. Anyway, if you are going to drive it - you MUST HAVE A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. =) ****Note *** As of April 2000, you may no longer drive to the green sand beach from this way - a gate to keep vehicles out has been installed due to the recent droughts and the brush fires in this area. You still may walk though. The road is bad bad bad - I don't think most people would even call it a road. The green sand beach is in about 3 miles and is really neat - plus the beachcombing on the way is phenomenal. The walk will take you about one hour each way. Is it worth it??? Well - I think that depends on what kind of person you are and what you expect from the green sands beach. If you are a reasonably fit, outdoorsy person who wants to see a unique site just for its beauty and spirituality and you have nothing valuable in your car and are wearing comfortable walking shoes and have water - go for it! If you haven't walked a mile in the last 3 months, have no water, have 5 cameras and the plane tickets in the car, are wearing sandals, and want to go swimming - don't do it!!! I have been to the green sands beach about 3 times in the last 4 years - It is different and great every time we go, but then we always drive. One time we body surfed in the waves but we have never tried to swim - I have heard there is a nasty riptide. Yes, the sand is actually a deep green. It is formed from Olivine crystals that come from a cone left from an eruption. I think it is the only one on earth. You can read how it was formed at this page. The beach is at the bottom of a small cliff. The easiest way to get to the bottom is to scale the face of it. It is really easy - once you take the first step you will see the steps carved into the face by the wind. If it is a really windy day though the sand will fly all over in your face and possibly damage your cameras so be careful. You can't see the beach from the 'road' so keep watching for the large cinder cone and walk up next to it and look down. (the first time I looked for it I drove right past it). It is a once in a lifetime experience and very enjoyable if you are prepared for it. (and keep an eye on the water for dolphin pods and whales and turtles - all three are very common there) |
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