Here we are at South Point on the Big Island – the southernmost point in the US! Judging by the scenery of this part of the island, you might think there’s nothing to see here. Wrong!
Driving off the Hawaii Belt Road main road by about 10 miles, there are a bunch of people down here in the middle of nowhere, so there must be something to this little spot.
Past the wind farm and the wide-open spaces, you’ll make it to the cliffs of the southernmost point in these United States. You’ll find people fishing, eating lunch, watching the waves crash against the craggy shoreline, and people cliff diving. Wait, cliff diving?
Cliff Diving at South Point
Yep. See that little wooden platform? Brave swimmers use it as their launchpad into the Pacific Ocean.
I am not a brave swimmer, so anyone who darts past a view like this into the ocean commands my respect.
After plunging into the abyss, the way back up isn’t any more reassuring! That rickety, rusty old ladder is your connection back to the island.
Today we’re lucky to see a volunteer ready to make the leap. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do it for the ‘gram.
She certainly seemed to have fun doing it – and the onlookers applauded her effort.
There are few wells worth looking into here. You can really see the interesting basalt structure of the cliffs all the way down to the ocean below. A few big crashes at high tide, and the water spouts up through the hole.
Visiting the southernmost point in the US
There’s a fairly large sign on the Belt Road for the road that takes you to South Point. But, you might miss it so be sure to lean Google Maps for the assist. Next on your journey around the Hawaii Belt Road, you’ll want to visit Papakolead Green Sand Beach, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and the Punalu’u Bake Shop.
