I HATE that feeling of falling in your stomach! South Point is known for its powerful gusts of wind that sweep the spectacular stretch of coastline here, so prepare to hold on to your hat! Please reload CAPTCHA. My husband is from Alberta and totally has me drinking the Canadian Kool-Aid! You can even see the effect of the wind as some of the trees on the coastline have started growing horizontally! Getting to South Point on Hawaii's Big Island is relatively straightforward. Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano and one of two volcanic peaks that dominate the Big Island, spreads over half the landmass of the island. ALOHA! This is one of the safest and most accessible cliff jumping spots on Oahu. © 2021 North to South. Just aim for the horizon and jump.”. 10 Reasons I’ll Never Regret Quitting My Job to Travel, 10 More Reasons I’ll Never Regret Quitting My Job to Travel, The Coffee Shop Conversation that Doomed My Desk Job, the true southernmost point of the U.S. (map), Our Friends Are Stuck in Ecuador During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Here’s What’s Happening. How to Fly from the U.S. to the Galápagos Islands for Under $200, The Best Camera Gear for the Galápagos Islands, The World’s Best International Mobile Phone Service for Travelers: A Long-Term Google Fi Review, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dFJ2JeUGDo, The Dog-Friendly Features of Our New Campervan , Welcome to Our Road Less Traveled Life! notice.style.display = "block"; I flailed that time, too, and had much worse bruises to show for it. ); Located at the southernmost point of Big Island Hawaii, Ka Lae – also known as Kalae, South Point or South Cape – is also the southernmost tip of the United States . At the "end of this trail," you will find a cliff side jump area with a height of at least 30 feet. South Point Cliff Jump is the Southernmost Point in the US. The easiest way to get to South Point is by renting a car. Find out what you’re in for here! I got onto the platform and gave myself about 10 seconds. While the US does have territories that are further south, Ka Lae is the southernmost point (in an actual state) in the United States, while Florida’s Key West (that many people mistakenly think holds the title) is actually only the southernmost point of the continental United States. And I don’t regret it one bit! function() { It attracts tons of tourist for it being the most southern point in the United States as well as an ideal cliff jumping spot with the beautiful Hawaii coast line & mountains as your scenery. Talk about an adrenalin rush! So if you do decide to go cliff jumping Hawaii Big island, it’s at your own risk! Book the Royal Kona Resort here on Booking.com. I’m afraid of heights, so when we started talking about visiting South Point, I didn’t think I’d be jumping off any cliffs. ), Before the splash at South Point (still screaming…). The Realities of Life as a Digital Nomad Couple: Can You Handle It? Your email address will not be published. So the list below focuses on black sand beaches on the Big Island. The Beginning The first record of Cliff Jumping dates back to 1770 on the Hawaiian Island of Lana’i. Bias alert! Situated at the end of South Point Road, a 12-mile paved yet narrow road off of the Hawaii Belt Road (State Route 11), Ka Lae Hawaii is about an hour and a half’s drive from Kona. Even though it’s a top hotspot on all Hawaii Big Island tours, South Point is not always as touristy as you might think. The campsite we most recently used was near the cliffs, on the south side of the island. There are so many things you can do down in the South Point area that you could spend I am only asking because its kind of my life in California and I dont want to lose any confidence/skills.. Exploring South Point on the Big Island for Cliff Jumping & More. Bias alert! So afterward, we walked down to the true southernmost point of the U.S. (map) to get the photos we came here for. What you can’t see when you’re up on the cliff top is that you’re basically standing on top of a sea cave, so there’s actually less risk of getting slammed into the cliff when you jump than you might think. var notice = document.getElementById("cptch_time_limit_notice_75"); A 36-year-old visitor died Monday after jumping off a 25-foot cliff on the west side of the Big Island, West Hawaii Today reported. Locals told us it was 45′ high, but it sure seemed higher as the water is surprisingly hard when you hit it. Just follow our Google Maps pin above to the Danjug Cave Nature Park. This was possibly the scariest thing I've ever consciously done. Cliff Jumping at South Point (Big Island, Hawaii, USA) Diana Southern January 27, 2016 11 Comments. The waves might slightly pull you back so be sure to ride the wave in. In fact, the water is so clear during the summer at Waimea Bay jump rock that you can often spot turtles below the surface while hanging out on top of the rock. And I can totally understand your friend not wanting to dive in. We focus on small groups of adventurers, making safety and fun our top priority. He was identified as William H. Holman of Auburn, Washington. All rights reserved. Basic Driving map of the Big Island . The fastest way to get there is along the west coast of the island, through Dapa and Del Carmen. Good job on conquering your fear! Time limit is exhausted. On the Southern most point of the Big Island and also apparently of the US is a good old cliff jumping spot. We did it! Cliff jumping is for the brave at heart – those people who are unafraid to take a leap of faith and jump off the edge. There are actually two platforms – one with a height of 10 meters and another one with a height of around 7 meters. I can promise I leave any spot I visit in great condition.Thanks you! Reviews on Cliff Jumping in Kona, HI - End Of The World, Kealakekua Bay, Sea Quest Hawaii, South Point Cliff Dive, Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures, Ka Lae, Pe'epe'e Falls & Boiling Pots, Laaloa Beach, 49 Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Forest & Trail What’s more, it’s located right next to one of the world’s rare green sand beaches! Time limit is exhausted. Because South Point can be very windy, wear a hat that can’t blow away and avoid dresses or skirts that fly up easily. Most of the things you will hear about South Point (Ka Lae), on the Big Island of Hawai’i, have to do with Cliff Diving. Green Sand Beach Is One of the Rarest Kona Beaches on Big Island Hawaii: Guide on visiting the Green Sand Beach. Hi there!…, How to Fly from the U.S. to Europe for Under $200 [Budget Travel Secrets], One Epic U.S. Road Trip: 50 States by Plane, Train and (mostly) Automobile. “Oh F#@%, what have I done?” (Here’s where I started screaming. Ahhh I could never do this! As you drive down the narrow 12-mile road, you’ll pass rows and rows of enormous windmills that take advantage of the gusty wind and turn it into electricity. But also exhilarating. If jumping from a 10-meter high platform isn’t scary for you, then you have to try cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach. Tell us, would you dare to cliff jump at South Point in Hawaii Big Island? You can definitely do this without bruising, by the way. That being said, there are signs telling visitors explicitly not to cliff jump at the southernmost point in the US, Hawaii. display: none !important; Please reload CAPTCHA. The hidden cliff jumping spot in Siargao is at the northern tip of the island in the town of Santa Monica, about 1 and a half hours from General Luna. Located in the area of Ka Lae, the Southern Point cliff is about 7ish meters (25 feet) high. Jumping from these platforms straight into the turquoise water is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tell me in the comments! The brave warrior, King Kahekili would stand in judgment as his men leapt from a 70’ cliff on the south side of the island. It's a spot at Ka Lae (South Point) on the Big Island where brave adventurers jump off a 50 foot tall cliff… I just couldn’t control my flailing arms. I just wanted to see the southernmost point of the U.S. The water looked a bit rough, and some of the ladders looked a bit rusty, but the people we watched seemed to manage just fine. Required fields are marked *, Prove you're not a robot! I’m planning to do more thrill seeking adventures in the near future. The dramatic cliff tops and windswept coastline are Hawaii’s version of Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher and are an astonishing sight to see on Big Island getaways. However, that isn’t all there is to do in the South Point area. What a great way to kick off the new year! I landed feet first with my arms straight out to the sides. For me and my fear of heights, nearing the top of the ladder was actually the most terrifying part of it all. We didn’t cliff jump ourselves, but we enjoyed watching the other people as they jumped into the frothing ocean below; it’s undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable Big Island adventures you’ll find on the island if you can brave the jump! Subscribe to our email list and get FREE access to our Ultimate Road Trip Printable Packing List! Exceptional scenery aside, Ka Lae – which means ‘the point’ in Hawaiian – is also a popular spot for cliff jumping daredevils, who throw themselves five stories into the roaring Pacific Ocean below. I ended up with a superficial bruise on the underside of my arms from the smack. timeout South Point, or Ka Lae, is located along the southern coast of the Big Island and is the southernmost point of the United States. And there is a very good reason for that! There are several fun spots to cliff jump on Kauai. After an exciting two days on the eastern side of the Big Island in Hilo and Volcanoes National Park, it was time to head to Kona on the west side of the island for the second part of my island hop adventure. South Point Cliff Jumping. That is so awesome that you did that. If you are on this side of the Big Island, for example, to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a bit of planning will make sure that you can see some spectacular waterfalls. I jumped once into a rock pool in Malibu… I think it was maybe only 15′ or so and it took me like half an hour of gathering up the courage.  =  I did this some years ago, twice. It can be dangerous, but you shouldn’t go home. Paddling Kona’s clear, pristine waters since 1994, Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures has introduced countless visitors and kama’aina (island locals) to the fast-growing sport of kayaking. This article is about the famous area know as "South Point" on the Big Island of Hawaii. The 12-mile road leading down to South Point is quite narrow, but it’s not too bad. I just wanted to see the southernmost point of the U.S. One of the top Kona excursions, this rare beach is tucked away inside a collapsed cinder cone and is not all that easy to get to. Thanks for sharing, Phil. There isn’t much to see along the drive to South Point from Kailua-Kona, so come prepared with snacks and road trip music. And I actually had a similar experience to yours in Malibu before this… but embarrassingly enough, it was at the Malibu Community Pool’s high dive, and it was maybe only 10′ up. This unique beach is named after the unusual colored sands caused by volcanic olivine, the main mineral found in green peridot gemstones. The girl before us didn’t fare so well and ended up with huge swollen bruises on her hamstrings from landing her jump in a sort of seated position. Cliff diving from Ka Lae is just not smart. Do we have to hike a ways to that South Point cliff diving spot? I’ve never done anything like this before! The old one is still there and boy I am glad I didn’t have to use it!!! Learn how we got started in just 7 steps and subscribe to our newsletter for tips to help you along the way! You reach the water way faster than you think you will. It rises 13,677 feet above sea level and 56,000 feet from its base in the ocean floor, which means only the tip of … When we went, there were actually only a few people there, as other hotspots around had been slammed. This looks insanely high!! }, But whether you choose to face your fears and cliff jump here or not, this awesome geographical landmark next to Green Sand Beach is definitely worth adding to your Hawaii must-do list – even if only for grabbing a touristy selfie in front of the famous sign that confirms you’ve reached ‘the southernmost point of the United States. Where do you think I should jump next? The signs warn people NOT to jump at South Point because there have been accidents before. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the mist of the 80-foot falls, making for some pretty magical views. It is the small circle parking lot all the way through the … Luckily, the drive time from Kona is just an hour and a half. My brother jumped, and then I reconsidered. The west side of the island features shallow water and functional beaches with some same, while the cliffs are on the east side. Thinking of trying cliff jumping yourself? In case you’re wondering, Ian didn’t jump. Baltra vs. San Cristóbal: Which Galápagos Island is best to fly into? We didn’t actually know it … Now married and based out of a minimalist home in Chicago and campervan for our U.S. travels and photography, we’re still living and loving our nomadic dream together. The Hawaii cliffs look amazing at South Point, but they’re very high. I’m afraid of heights, so when we started talking about visiting South Point, I didn’t think I’d be jumping off any cliffs. Where to Stay on the Big Island – We stayed at the Royal Kona Resort and loved it. Traces of these early inhabitants are still visible today, so keep an eye out for ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple (a ‘heiau’), a fishing shrine, and canoe mooring holes carved into the rocks at Ka Lae still used by local fisherman. It can be reached with a six-mile round trip hike (most reviews say five, but it’s longer), a 4×4 drive, or you can pay to get a lift from a local for about $10 each way. Hey everyone! But one thing led to another, and the next thing I knew I was splashing into the water. Homepage > Adventure > Trips > Hawaii > The Big Island > South Point/Cliff Jumping South Point Cliff Jumping . Super easy access from the airport. But don’t dismiss this post... © avenlylanetravel 2020. Here’s what you should know: Located at the southernmost point of Big Island Hawaii, Ka Lae – also known as Kalae, South Point or South Cape – is also the southernmost tip of the United States. The South Point cliff dive platform (map) is actually on the west side of the island. List of waterfalls. I bet you could do it! It was absolutely terrifying. All rights reserved. Believed to be the landing place of the first Polynesians on Hawaii Big Island in 750 AD, Ka Lae is rich in age-old history and registered as a National Historic Landmark. When it comes to seeing a black sand beach in Hawaii, the Big Island can be a GREAT Hawaiian island to visit for your first trip to Hawaii if you want to see many really black-colored black sand beaches.. Have you ever jumped off a cliff? You don’t have to take the ladder back up, just to the southeast of there is a rocky path where you can climb out, and scramble back up to the top. Starnes Island is a hub for party barges and boats drop anchor and float for a few hours with occasional mingling and drinking. I’m lucky I even mustered the courage to jump! if ( notice ) Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). In fact, the wind farm is probably what is causing some of the rough seas here! Accounts vary as to how high the jump actually is, but it’s safe to say that the South Point cliff jump height is anything between 40 and 60 feet (40 or 50 feet are the most common estimates). The current is actually christened after a Hawaiian chief that learned the lesson the hard way. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. Oahu and Big Island are known for their epic cliff jumping spots. Contrary to many other reviews, you don’t need to be driving a 4×4 to reach the cliff top; we didn’t have one, and we got there just fine. You’ll also have time for snorkeling, allow you to view more than 50 species of fish and join in for adventurous activities like cliff jumping. Where are some cool places to do that? (function( timeout ) { Oh man, that is great news! Yes, the actual property was a little bit older, but was meticulously maintained and positioned in an awesome area. Honestly, we did not have high expectations for this hotel as we ended up having to book it last minute. :-) 6 My wife and I went to Kona on our 48th anniversary, invited my daughter and granddaughter to come along, my granddaughter suggested lets go to green beach, so we headed for green beach, on the way there we saw a sign that said south point, we made the turn and wow, heard people having a great time, once I saw the jump stand I knew I had to try it, my daughter and my granddaughter tried to talk me out of it, my wife knew I would jump, well I got my swim trunks on and a couple of the locals gave me a few pointers, I got on the stand made the jump, it was amazing, hit the water perfect, however the climb out was a little tricky. You’ll thank us later. Be sure to do this jump with experienced swimmers because getting back onto the land from water might require some assistance. Granted, I was trying to dive that time, so I went in at an awkward angle. But Green Sand Beach is totally worth the free walk; it’s one of only four green sand beaches in the world! This cliff is located in Portlock and offers a jumping-off point at a whopping 85 feet. A quick kayak trip led us straight to the cliff jumping area. Hopefully I’ll be able to pull through with it and jump. NOW Chicago, writing about the Galápagos Islands #stayhomeLATER Family Reunion, Sweden, Moab, and Death Valley. The worst part of the whole thing was climbing up this ladder! You can easily make a day of visiting South Point by starting at the cliff jump, going to the Southernmost Point sign, and then hiking to Hawaii’s Green Sand Beach! . Maybe I can talk Ian into doing it now. On the way, however, I knew I had to make a pit stop for the hike to the Papakolea Green Sand Beach and cliff jumping at South Point. Anywhoo… I knew the key this time was to not waste any time floundering on my decision. Major recipe for “flail-ure.” , I just did this myself few weeks back. Pack a picnic as you won’t find any facilities at South Point. Starnes Island – Lake Travis (Austin) Resting in the center of Lake Travis, Starnes Island, also known to some as Rattlesnake Island, is a popular cliff jumping spot: only at the right water level. The best part of South Point isn’t the point itself but rather the cliffs leading up … If you ask people about cliff jumping spots on Kauai, they usually shrug their shoulders and tell you that cliff jumping is dangerous and you should go home. South Point Hawaii Cliff Jumping (Big Island), Top 10 Things to Do in Ponta Delgada Azores (Sao Miguel island), Azores Weather: What You Need to Know Before Going, 10 Unique Things You Must Know about Hawaii’s Big Island, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach (Best Big Island Beach), 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Alberta, Canada, 10 Attractions You Can’t Miss In Las Vegas, Top 10 Must do’s in Vegas for First Timer’s. There’s a slimy, rusty ladder (which is supposed to be for fishermen) that you use to climb back up from the water. One of the most easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island, Rainbow Falls is just a quick five-minute drive from downtown Hilo. My heart was racing, but I started my momentum forward and didn’t stop. Your email address will not be published. I should also note that once you’re in the water, if you open your eyes the ocean below is astoundingly clear, especially on a sunny day. South Point itself can be found just past the lighthouse, right next to Green Sand Beach and near Punalulu Black Sand Beach. It definitely helped watching other people go first and also not spending too much time overthinking it. Be sure to subscribe and like us on Facebook so you don’t miss out on any action! We were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. Kids have died there. A friend who had been on the dive team in school did it feet first to test it, and see if he could dive head first a second time. setTimeout( It’s a gorgeous spot for cliff diving, and right next to one of the world’s only green sand beaches. We watched a few other brave souls go, with no intention of jumping ourselves. Splashdown (and a big nose full of water)! That’s helpful to know! South Point Hawaii is a destination that’s on many an adventurer’s bucket list. Climbing the rock is very safe with natural steps all the way up and there are no rocks in the water to cause you any harm. })(120000); Paddle along a section of the island known for its abundant marine life as you scout for local Hawaiian Spinner dolphins. If you need a snack, you’ll find locals selling all sorts of treats – from pineapples to chocolate and coffee – on the road down to Ka Lae. Before traveling to Hawaii, make sure to read my Hawaii Packing List guide so you can know exactly what you need to bring on your trip to The Big Island. In 2014, we called it quits on our normal American lives, started online businesses, and set out to explore the world — and we haven’t stopped moving since! But all is not lost; there is a perfectly safe swimming area on the western side of South Point called Green Sand Beach, or ‘Papakolea’ in Hawaiian. South Point is the Southernmost point in the United States. It provides a beautiful view out over open pacifc and perhaps the chance to meet some fisherman. I’m going with my brother and sister in 2 weeks and I’m so excited!! I changed my clothes so I’d be ready if I actually built up enough nerve. 1 What to Pack? “Don’t look down. Having your own transport means you can discover the nearby Kona activities and attractions and stop whenever and wherever you want (including a stop at South Point and Green Sand Beach!). Not only is it the southernmost point, but it is also the coolest point in the country. They live in Waimea if that helps. I watched one more person go — twice — and made my decision. If you’re wondering exactly how high the South Point jump is, most online records I found say 40 feet, though a couple I found said 50 or 60. After walking the long trail to cliff jumping, we realized that if you go to the Point Picnic Area parking lot- not the beach/ boardwalk, you can walk about 30 steps to the rock to jump from.  ×  It was NOT on a beach, but it was right on the water and rocky shore that was beautiful to walk along and watch the sunset. Answer 1 of 38: Saw some great videos of cliff jumping on the Big Island and wanted to do that. Enough to get the heart racing anyway. .hide-if-no-js { Planning on visiting South Point Hawaii? After the first jump he changed his mind. Isn’t it exhilarating? The ocean here is about 20 feet deep. Do you know if you could get to Papakolea Beach from here easily? While Ka Lae (south cape) Hawaii is undoubtedly a great fishing spot because of the merging of ocean currents, it’s not advisable for swimming because of its deep water, rocky cliffs, and powerful ‘Halaea Current’ that threatens to drag unsuspecting cliff jumpers out into the ocean. They’ve built a wind farm nearby, so it’s not really all that surprising that the waters are rough. Do NOT jump if you don't think it's safe for any reason or if you think you can't climb back up. Reviewed August 5, 2019. We did the cliff dive today and you will be happy to know that they installed a brand new ladder just a few days ago. I relived it again after reading this . Our hotel even had its own lagoon you could swim in. 4 out of 5 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. The 40′ drop (12 meters) really didn’t look as high as it did in the pictures. From experience, I think 40 is probably the most accurate. . Many tracks have been created by 4x4s venturing down over the years, but you can take any pathway you find as they all lead to the beach. Here I am at the actual southernmost point, where you can walk down to the ocean. Many of the locals doing it have grown up in the ocean and are skilled in handling currents and other treacherous ocean conditions, although even they have not immune to serious injury and death over the years. I’m so excited! How We Backpacked Light in Europe (2 months, 12 countries, 1 bag), How to Fly from the U.S. to Europe for < $200, 8 Simple Ways to Prepare Yourself NOW for a Full-Time Traveling Future. He was supposedly swept away when he jumped and never seen again. NOTE: Cliff jump at your own risk and only do so when conditions are great (calm seas, clear skies, good water visibility). Leap of Faith. If you’re one of the few courageous (or, equally, stupid) people who want to jump or swim at South Point, there are metal ladders that allow you to climb back up afterward. He was the photographer for this adventure! Cliff-jumping into the Atlantic: Ireland's best coasteering spots ... nearly two dozen guiding companies provide coasteering tours around much of the island. Props to my brother for jumping first. You can also find online videos of cliff-divers jumping into an even more roiling aquatic commode at South Point on the Big Island. Whether you go for the thrill of a cliff jump, the right to say you've stood on the southernmost piece of land in the United States, or just to enjoy the breathtaking view from the end of the world, South Point Hawaii is a worthwhile destination on the Big Island and an unforgettable memory. Heading to the Big Island to visit my family, any good places for cliff jumping? }.