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Ka Lae (South Point) Review

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Ka Lae (South Point)

Address: Turn right past mile marker 70 on Mamalahoa Hwy., then drive 12 mi down South Point Rd, HI | Map It

Category: Windmills
Location: Kau

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 3.0/5

Fodor's Review:

Windswept Ka Lae is the southernmost point of land in the United States. It's thought that the first Polynesians came ashore here. Check out the old canoe-mooring holes that are carved through the rocks, possibly by settlers from Tahiti as early as AD 750. Some artifacts, thought to have been left by early voyagers who never settled here, date to AD 300. Driving down to the point, you pass Kamaoa Wind Farm; although the rows of windmill turbines are still fueled by the nearly constant winds sweeping across this coastal plain, the equipment and facilities are falling into disrepair due to neglect. Indeed, some of the windmills no longer turn at all. Continue down the road (parts at the end are unpaved, but driveable), bear left when the road forks and park in the lot at the end; walk past the boat hoists toward the little lighthouse. South Point is just past the lighthouse at the southernmost cliff. Don't leave anything of value in your car, and know that you don't have to pay for parking. It's a free, public park, so anyone trying to charge you is likely running some sort of scam.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by Rockgirl from Jacksonville, FL on 7/19/07
A picturesque drive leads you down to the true Southern-most Point in the US, though not as touristy as the fake Southpoint in Key West, this is more special. Beautiful view, friendly locals, a great stop on the way to Volcano or the Green Sand Beach. (Which was amazing too!)

Member Rating: 4.2
Ratings details: Experience: 4.0 Ease: 4.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 4.0

Reviewed by Golnarsarge from Orange County, CA on 5/8/07
Okay, so it's cool to say you were at the Southern Point of the U.S. But you should know in advance that it is a desolate, ugly place (rusted out barely working windmills, dangerous terrain, nothing to see, and supposed green sand beach there is not worth it at all). Also, the locals there are very unfriendly and even taunt visitors. You also see the occasional ridiculous "Free Hawaii" sign posted by some ignorant people who have obviously never cracked open a history book to see how Hawaii became a State.
I gave it a 5 for value because it's free. If you're on the Big Island for a limited time, don't waste it here.

Member Rating: 1.8
Ratings details: Experience: 1.0 Ease: 1.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 1.0

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