cliff jumping on the big island
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. And I don’t regret it one bit! 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. The ocean here is about 20 feet deep. =
Here I am at the actual southernmost point, where you can walk down to the ocean. 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. 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). Honestly, we did not have high expectations for this hotel as we ended up having to book it last minute. All rights reserved.
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. But also exhilarating. “Don’t look down. 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. Tell me in the comments! The fastest way to get there is along the west coast of the island, through Dapa and Del Carmen. );
I changed my clothes so I’d be ready if I actually built up enough nerve. I HATE that feeling of falling in your stomach! The best part of South Point isn’t the point itself but rather the cliffs leading up … NOTE: Cliff jump at your own risk and only do so when conditions are great (calm seas, clear skies, good water visibility). For me and my fear of heights, nearing the top of the ladder was actually the most terrifying part of it all. There isn’t much to see along the drive to South Point from Kailua-Kona, so come prepared with snacks and road trip music. Oh man, that is great news! The signs warn people NOT to jump at South Point because there have been accidents before. timeout
Find out what you’re in for here! I just wanted to see the southernmost point of the U.S. 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. Major recipe for “flail-ure.” , I just did this myself few weeks back. I’m going with my brother and sister in 2 weeks and I’m so excited!! :-)
Thanks for sharing, Phil. And I can totally understand your friend not wanting to dive in. The Realities of Life as a Digital Nomad Couple: Can You Handle It? When we went, there were actually only a few people there, as other hotspots around had been slammed. I’m lucky I even mustered the courage to jump! The 12-mile road leading down to South Point is quite narrow, but it’s not too bad. ×
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. I bet you could do it! We did it! What’s more, it’s located right next to one of the world’s rare green sand beaches! Pack a picnic as you won’t find any facilities at South Point. Do you know if you could get to Papakolea Beach from here easily? If jumping from a 10-meter high platform isn’t scary for you, then you have to try cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach. This cliff is located in Portlock and offers a jumping-off point at a whopping 85 feet. Luckily, the drive time from Kona is just an hour and a half. Do NOT jump if you don't think it's safe for any reason or if you think you can't climb back up. Hopefully I’ll be able to pull through with it and jump.
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. 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. A quick kayak trip led us straight to the cliff jumping area. We didn’t actually know it … 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! Good job on conquering your fear! Please reload CAPTCHA. Homepage > Adventure > Trips > Hawaii > The Big Island > South Point/Cliff Jumping South Point Cliff Jumping . The waves might slightly pull you back so be sure to ride the wave in. I relived it again after reading this . 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. Yes, the actual property was a little bit older, but was meticulously maintained and positioned in an awesome area. Have you ever jumped off a cliff? .hide-if-no-js {
He was supposedly swept away when he jumped and never seen again. Your email address will not be published. The old one is still there and boy I am glad I didn’t have to use it!!! Answer 1 of 38: Saw some great videos of cliff jumping on the Big Island and wanted to do that. 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. My husband is from Alberta and totally has me drinking the Canadian Kool-Aid! 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. In fact, the wind farm is probably what is causing some of the rough seas here! 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. notice.style.display = "block";
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. (function( timeout ) {
Where are some cool places to do that? setTimeout(
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. 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. We focus on small groups of adventurers, making safety and fun our top priority. There are so many things you can do down in the South Point area that you could spend But one thing led to another, and the next thing I knew I was splashing into the water. Super easy access from the airport. 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. ALOHA! 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. That being said, there are signs telling visitors explicitly not to cliff jump at the southernmost point in the US, Hawaii. He was identified as William H. Holman of Auburn, Washington. 6
Kids have died there.
Paddle along a section of the island known for its abundant marine life as you scout for local Hawaiian Spinner dolphins. Just aim for the horizon and jump.”. It definitely helped watching other people go first and also not spending too much time overthinking it. The campsite we most recently used was near the cliffs, on the south side of the island. South Point Cliff Jumping. That’s helpful to know! Talk about an adrenalin rush! 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. Leap of Faith. 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. The Beginning The first record of Cliff Jumping dates back to 1770 on the Hawaiian Island of Lana’i. This article is about the famous area know as "South Point" on the Big Island of Hawaii. The worst part of the whole thing was climbing up this ladder! 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. Basic Driving map of the Big Island . 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.. Time limit is exhausted. display: none !important;
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 . South Point Cliff Jump is the Southernmost Point in the US.
), Before the splash at South Point (still screaming…). In case you’re wondering, Ian didn’t jump. Hey everyone! Bias alert! 1
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. 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. 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. This is one of the safest and most accessible cliff jumping spots on Oahu. Be sure to do this jump with experienced swimmers because getting back onto the land from water might require some assistance. The 40′ drop (12 meters) really didn’t look as high as it did in the pictures. The easiest way to get to South Point is by renting a car. He was the photographer for this adventure! Book the Royal Kona Resort here on Booking.com. Located in the area of Ka Lae, the Southern Point cliff is about 7ish meters (25 feet) high. There are actually two platforms – one with a height of 10 meters and another one with a height of around 7 meters. 4 out of 5 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. 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. Exploring South Point on the Big Island for Cliff Jumping & More. 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. Learn how we got started in just 7 steps and subscribe to our newsletter for tips to help you along the way! I am only asking because its kind of my life in California and I dont want to lose any confidence/skills.. And there is a very good reason for that! Maybe I can talk Ian into doing it now. My brother jumped, and then I reconsidered. Your email address will not be published. From experience, I think 40 is probably the most accurate. You can definitely do this without bruising, by the way. 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. Where to Stay on the Big Island – We stayed at the Royal Kona Resort and loved it. 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. Baltra vs. San Cristóbal: Which Galápagos Island is best to fly into? Where do you think I should jump next? I watched one more person go — twice — and made my decision. We watched a few other brave souls go, with no intention of jumping ourselves. 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. 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. The South Point cliff dive platform (map) is actually on the west side of the island. Starnes Island is a hub for party barges and boats drop anchor and float for a few hours with occasional mingling and drinking. Not only is it the southernmost point, but it is also the coolest point in the country. You’ll thank us later. South Point is the Southernmost point in the United States. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. Ahhh I could never do this! However, that isn’t all there is to do in the South Point area. It can be dangerous, but you shouldn’t go home.
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. 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 It's a spot at Ka Lae (South Point) on the Big Island where brave adventurers jump off a 50 foot tall cliff… })(120000);
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! 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. So the list below focuses on black sand beaches on the Big Island. One of the most easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island, Rainbow Falls is just a quick five-minute drive from downtown Hilo. if ( notice )
I’m so excited! Getting to South Point on Hawaii's Big Island is relatively straightforward. 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 brave warrior, King Kahekili would stand in judgment as his men leapt from a 70’ cliff on the south side of the island. Please reload CAPTCHA. 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. Oahu and Big Island are known for their epic cliff jumping spots. 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. After the first jump he changed his mind. 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. They live in Waimea if that helps. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the mist of the 80-foot falls, making for some pretty magical views. Time limit is exhausted. Granted, I was trying to dive that time, so I went in at an awkward angle. So if you do decide to go cliff jumping Hawaii Big island, it’s at your own risk! 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. Splashdown (and a big nose full of water)! 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. 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. 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! 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! 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). I got onto the platform and gave myself about 10 seconds. I just couldn’t control my flailing arms. We were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. The west side of the island features shallow water and functional beaches with some same, while the cliffs are on the east side. Cliff Jumping at South Point (Big Island, Hawaii, USA) Diana Southern January 27, 2016 11 Comments. 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. South Point itself can be found just past the lighthouse, right next to Green Sand Beach and near Punalulu Black Sand Beach. Thinking of trying cliff jumping yourself? 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. Subscribe to our email list and get FREE access to our Ultimate Road Trip Printable Packing List! It is the small circle parking lot all the way through the … Our hotel even had its own lagoon you could swim in. Locals told us it was 45′ high, but it sure seemed higher as the water is surprisingly hard when you hit it. Jumping from these platforms straight into the turquoise water is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve never done anything like this before! It was absolutely terrifying. 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. . But don’t dismiss this post... © avenlylanetravel 2020. var notice = document.getElementById("cptch_time_limit_notice_75");
NOW Chicago, writing about the Galápagos Islands #stayhomeLATER Family Reunion, Sweden, Moab, and Death Valley. You can even see the effect of the wind as some of the trees on the coastline have started growing horizontally! Cliff diving from Ka Lae is just not smart. 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. Isn’t it exhilarating? It provides a beautiful view out over open pacifc and perhaps the chance to meet some fisherman. 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. Tell us, would you dare to cliff jump at South Point in Hawaii Big Island? 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. I did this some years ago, twice. But Green Sand Beach is totally worth the free walk; it’s one of only four green sand beaches in the world! 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! This looks insanely high!! Bias alert! 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. 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.
So afterward, we walked down to the true southernmost point of the U.S. (map) to get the photos we came here for. . Planning on visiting South Point Hawaii? List of waterfalls. Because South Point can be very windy, wear a hat that can’t blow away and avoid dresses or skirts that fly up easily. This unique beach is named after the unusual colored sands caused by volcanic olivine, the main mineral found in green peridot gemstones. 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. Anywhoo… I knew the key this time was to not waste any time floundering on my decision. Required fields are marked *, Prove you're not a robot! You can also find online videos of cliff-divers jumping into an even more roiling aquatic commode at South Point on the Big Island. I landed feet first with my arms straight out to the sides. function() {
© 2021 North to South. “Oh F#@%, what have I done?” (Here’s where I started screaming. All rights reserved. On the Southern most point of the Big Island and also apparently of the US is a good old cliff jumping spot. They’ve built a wind farm nearby, so it’s not really all that surprising that the waters are rough. What a great way to kick off the new year! It’s a gorgeous spot for cliff diving, and right next to one of the world’s only green sand beaches. 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!). 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. What to Pack? 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 rises 13,677 feet above sea level and 56,000 feet from its base in the ocean floor, which means only the tip of … 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. The current is actually christened after a Hawaiian chief that learned the lesson the hard way. },
}. I ended up with a superficial bruise on the underside of my arms from the smack. I flailed that time, too, and had much worse bruises to show for it. Do we have to hike a ways to that South Point cliff diving spot? This was possibly the scariest thing I've ever consciously done. Cliff-jumping into the Atlantic: Ireland's best coasteering spots ... nearly two dozen guiding companies provide coasteering tours around much of the island. My heart was racing, but I started my momentum forward and didn’t stop. Green Sand Beach Is One of the Rarest Kona Beaches on Big Island Hawaii: Guide on visiting the Green Sand Beach. There are several fun spots to cliff jump on Kauai. Props to my brother for jumping first. Enough to get the heart racing anyway. Just follow our Google Maps pin above to the Danjug Cave Nature Park. I can promise I leave any spot I visit in great condition.Thanks you! I just wanted to see the southernmost point of the U.S. South Point Hawaii is a destination that’s on many an adventurer’s bucket list. 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. 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. Reviewed August 5, 2019. 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. There’s a slimy, rusty ladder (which is supposed to be for fishermen) that you use to climb back up from the water. You reach the water way faster than you think you will. At the "end of this trail," you will find a cliff side jump area with a height of at least 30 feet. Cliff jumping is for the brave at heart – those people who are unafraid to take a leap of faith and jump off the edge. Be sure to subscribe and like us on Facebook so you don’t miss out on any action! Heading to the Big Island to visit my family, any good places for cliff jumping? 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.