South Point

Southpoint is the southernmost place in the United States.  That might be notoriety enough, but there are other qualities about the area that make it a special place.  South Point Road  is a twelve mile narrow, but very drivable, road that goes from Highway 11 (where else?) to the southern tip of the Big Island.  Farm land, mostly cow pastures, are seen along the road for its entire length.  Here you may note that many of the trees are swept strongly to the south.  This is in response to the nearly constant strong breeze that blows over the peninsula.  What a great place for windmills and there are some big ones!

The large windmill power generation plant along South Point Road.

Also along the way south you will see a giant shortwave station antenna (a curtain array for you techies), and a large dish antenna which is a satellite link.  But it is the end of the road that is most special.  There you find a cliff (about 30 feet?) that drops to the clear blue ocean.  This is a popular fishing spot.  You will sometimes see fishermen deploying their lines using garbage bag kites and the strong South Point wind to pull their hooks far from shore.  Incredibly, this cliff used to be used as an access point for boats.  The remains of two lowering wenches can be seen there. The ladders that were used for the climb to and from the water are extremely rickety and unsafe. Some people have been known to dive here, but don't do it!  People have also died here! 

A large "puka" or hole looks down into a sea cave at South Point. The water you see is flowing in from the cave mouth on the cliff.  It is all quite beautiful to see and a bit intimidating to some.  Look but don't try diving into the puka!