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Explore Ka'u South of Pahala

Image by Keri Melich

Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach

10 minutes

 

A few minutes away lie a beautiful black sand beach, coconut groves and resting sea turtles.

 

Snorkel with the Hawai‘i state fish, called humuhumunukunukuapua‘a, Hawaiian green sea turtles and much more.

Image by Paulius Dragunas

Kawa

12 minutes

 

Look for a yellow gate on the coastal side of Highway 11 and park on the paved area in front.

 

A decent walk along a bumpy road will lead you to one of the prime surfing beaches in Ka‘u and one of the most pristine estuaries in the state. Bring water.

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Honu‘apo/Whittington Beach Park

13 minutes

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Look for monk seals (the Hawai‘i state mammal) here. Community members and organizations came together to purchase this land for the county, saving it from development.

 

As a result, Ka‘u has the longest undeveloped coastline in the state—and this park has one of the healthiest estuaries on the island.

Image by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pa

Na‘alehu Town

20 minutes

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Here you’ll find several of the southernmost eateries in the United States: Punalu‘u Bake Shop (a popular stop to pick up sweetbread and malasadas), Hana Hou (a local favorite with delicious pies) and Shaka bar and restaurant. 

 

Pick up fresh local veggies and crafts from the farmers market at Ace Hardware and Shaka on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Image by Roman Bürki

Kalae/South Point

40 minutes

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The southernmost point of the United States, Kalae is thought to be the first landing place of early Polynesians in Hawai‘i.

 

It is a popular destination for fishermen and thrill-seeking cliff jumpers. Make sure you have a local guide show you where to jump.

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Green Sands Beach

70-minute hike/4WD

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From Kalae, visitors can hike or take a very bumpy 4WD trail out to Green Sands Beach.

 

Walk down a steep hillside with makeshift stairs and steps to the beach made up of tiny olivine crystals.

 

It is prohibited to remove the sand, but pictures are welcome!

Image by guille pozzi

Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

40 minutes

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The Kahuku side of the national park is open on Saturdays (except the first Saturday of every month) and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Hike or drive around historic ranch land and peer into deep forested pit craters filled with native plants.

 

Make sure to bring a flashlight, proper walking/hiking shoes, a rain jacket and sunscreen.

Accommodations

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Na'alehu area, 15-20 miles from Pahala:

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Kalaekilohana Bed & Breakfast

Vacation Rentals by Owners in Na’alehu

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Ocean View, 27 miles from Pahala:

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Leilani Bed & Breakfast

Vacation Rentals by Owners in Ocean View

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