Hawaii Island] What is South Point, the southernmost point of the United States? About attractions and recommended tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the islands in the Pacific Ocean that form the Hawaiian Islands and is part of the U.S. state of Hawaii.

It is nicknamed the Big Island because it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

The Big Island of Hawaii is full of unspoiled wilderness, beautiful beaches, and powerful volcanoes that can only be seen here.

In this issue, we would like to introduce the island of Hawaii, which offers a wide variety of attractions, so please be sure to read this article to the end!

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island is the largest island in the U.S. state of Hawaii (about the size of one city or two prefectures in Japan), with a population of about 150,000.

It is also the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, who unified the Hawaiian Kingdom. There is one statue of King Kamehameha the Great in Hilo, a city on the east coast of Hawaii Island, and one in Havi on the northern tip.

Please check it out when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Hilo and Kona.

Hilo International Airport is served by direct flights from Japan.

For this reason, direct flights from Japan to Hilo International Airport are convenient when traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii.

If you also want to visit Oahu, take a scheduled flight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport)!

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport), you can fly to Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport,

We recommend that you use this service flexibly according to your travel plans.

Both airports would be approximately one hour from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport).

When visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, research in advance on how to access the island to ensure a smooth trip.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Island is big, and its size continues to grow.

Another attraction is the presence of 15 of the world's 17 different climate zones, excluding the "Saharan" and "Arctic" climates.

Here are some details about the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The Big Island of Hawaii is full of untouched wilderness, so you can encounter nature in its many different expressions.

The unspoiled wilderness will give you a sense of grandeur that can only be experienced in Hawaii.

 

A powerful volcano

Hawaii Island is home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Kea, which is over 10,000 meters high as measured from the ocean floor.

Kilauea Volcano, the most famous tourist attraction on the Big Island of Hawaii, is said to be the home of Pele, the mythical goddess of fire.

The magma you will see at Kilauea Volcano will surely leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!

If you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, why not experience the powerful volcano?

 

Beautiful Beaches

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the Punaluu Black Sand Beach, a black sand beach where sea turtles can be seen, is popular.

Other times, it is called "Magic Sand Beach" because of the occasional loss of sand,

Many beautiful and attractive beaches exist, including white sand beaches.

Beach time spent on the Big Island of Hawaii is a great way to unwind from the daily grind.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

For a typical Big Island experience, Kailua-Kona and Hilo are the best places to spend time.

Kailua-Kona is the center of shopping and dining, and Hilo is home to unique stores with a strong local flavor.

Kona coffee, as well as cookies and macadamia nuts,

There are Hawaiian-style sundries and fashion stores, so be sure to stop by!

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The island of Hawaii is a great place to visit for sightseeing, but it is more enjoyable if you know the culture and history of the island!

Hawaii Island is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, formed by volcanic activity that raised it from the ocean floor.

It is known as the site of the first Polynesian settlement 1,500 years ago, and the ruins of an ancient temple can still be seen.

It is also known that Captain Cook was the first European to discover Hawaii.

Learning about the many interesting histories of the Big Island of Hawaii will make your visit to the sights even more exciting!

 

What is South Point like?

South Point is the southernmost cape on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is also the southernmost of the 50 United States.

Surrounded by a large rocky coast, the wind is strong and wind turbines line the beach, and some trees stand at an angle as if to indicate the strength of the wind.

 

Highlights of South Point

The highlight of South Point is its scenery.

There are various attractions such as Cape Kalae, where you can see spectacular scenery created by nature, Volcanoes National Park, and the ruins of a heiau where you can learn about ancient Hawaii.

 

Spectacular view from Cape Karae

Cape Kalae was the earliest inhabited area in Hawaii.

Kalae means "cape" in Hawaiian.

The endless, endless ocean is astonishingly lush and inspiring to behold.

 

Karae Lighthouse

The lighthouse standing on the cape at South Point is the Karae Lighthouse.

Nearby is a large wind farm and a satellite station of the Swedish Space Corporation.

Also, check out the greensand beach (green sand beach) on the nearby coast!

 

　Heiau Ruins

A heiau is a sanctuary left behind by ancient Hawaiians.

The ruins of this heiau are located on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The heiau ruins are not a place for casual visits, but rather a place where sacred and important religious ceremonies are held,

Some heiau were off-limits to all but royalty and the priesthood, and some were off-limits to women.

In addition, the heiau served as a school for teaching technology.

Therefore, when visiting the heiau ruins, remember to behave with good manners, not as a power spot, but as a sacred place.

 

windmill

South Point is an ideal location for a clean energy wind farm because of its strong winds.

Therefore, there are numerous windmills lining the vast expanse of land, and they are a sight to behold!

There was also a time when they used wind turbines made by General Electric now, but manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan.

 

Points to keep in mind when renting a car

To get to South Point, you must go through "South Point Road".

South Point Road is well maintained, but the road is narrow and the paved surface is crumbling in places.

For this reason, some rental car companies have designated some roads as "no-drive" roads.

If you want to rent a car to get to South Point, as it may not be covered by your rental car insurance,

Contact each car rental company!

 

Access

Two hours drive south from Hilo Airport, from Road 11, turn left at the South Point Road entrance,

Continue on the narrow South Point Road to reach the nearest parking lot in 30 minutes.

 

On the Big Island of Hawaii
Lots of spots with spectacular views

The Big Island of Hawaii is an island of abundant nature, so there are many places with spectacular views.

Of the 17 climate zones in the world, 15 are found on the island of Hawaii.

The area is famous for its spectacular natural scenery, Kilauea Volcano and Mauna Kea.

Here we would like to introduce some of the most spectacular spots in the area!

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

It is one of the very popular sights on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular view point

Kilauea Volcano, located in the southeastern part of Hawaii Island, is designated as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Chain of Craters Road, which runs down the mountain from the east of the caldera and reaches the coastline, is a scenic road with good views.

 

Access

Drive south on Route 11 from Hilo Airport and it takes about 45 minutes to get there.

Drive by the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The park is large, so we recommend renting a car and driving around.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is the tallest volcano in the Hawaiian Islands, rising 10,000 meters above the ocean floor.

The summit is also known as one of the best places in the world for astronomical observations, with 13 state-of-the-art observatories.

 

Spectacular view point

Sunsets and starry skies seen from Mauna Kea are spectacular.

The plains near the summit are covered with snow during the cold winter months, and snow accumulations of more than one meter can remain for several weeks.

At lower elevations, silver sword grass, endemic to Mauna Kea, can also be seen.

Thus, the sunset views that can only be seen here and the rare endemic species are also highlights of Mauna Kea.

 

Access

With a 4WD rental car, it takes approximately 3 hours from Kona International Airport and 2 hours by car from Hilo International Airport.

The access road to Mauna Kea has a history of opposition to the construction of the 30-meter giant telescope (TMT), which had set up a base and occupied the site from July to December 2019.

However, please be assured that the entire line is now open.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley was the site of King Kamehameha the Great's childhood and an important political and religious center in Hawaii.

In Waipio Valley, you will experience dramatic tropical beauty.

Waipio means "winding water" and is derived from the Waipio River, which flows through the valley floor.

 

Spectacular view point

The view from the Waipio Valley Lookout along the ocean is quite majestic.

The combination of the precipitous canyon and the vast ocean is truly spectacular!

If you wish to descend into the Waipio Valley valley, we recommend joining an optional tour.

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, take State Highway 190 to Waimea, then merge onto Highway 19 and continue toward Hilo,

Enter Hwy 240 at Honokaa to reach the lookout.

The driving time is approximately 2 hours.

From Hilo International Airport, take State Highway 19 north to Honokaa, then follow the road to Highway 240 in Honokaa, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

 

Recommended Tours

In this issue, we will introduce three recommended tours that allow you to fully enjoy Hawaii Island, which is rich in nature and full of attractions.

Please check out our full range of tours that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!

 

Hawaii Island, Great Nature Tour
South Point, ed.

On this tour, visitors will be issued a certificate of arrival at South Point by having their picture taken with the southernmost banner of the United States.

Other activities include entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and astronomical observation.

I highly recommend this tour because of its rich content!

 

The southernmost point of the United States and
Kilauea Volcano & Mauna Kea Starry Sky Tour

This tour offers stargazing from the World Heritage sites of Kilauea Volcano and Mauna Kea.

The starry sky seen from Mauna Kea, which is said to be the best place in the world for astronomical observation, may be the most beautiful view of the stars you have ever seen in your life!

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to participate.

 

Hawaii (island)
Spiritual Tours

This tour offers a spiritual experience at a power spot on the Big Island of Hawaii, with an experienced guide offering a spiritual experience tailored to the weather and the feeling of each participant.

This is a highly recommended tour where you can feel the power in the great nature of the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

summary

In this issue, we have introduced South Point, the southernmost point on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Although most people think of Hawaii as "shopping on Oahu," the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii Island, is filled with abundant natural beauty!

If you are planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, South Point is the place to be!

Thank you for reading to the end.