Where exactly is the southernmost point of the 50 U.S. states located?
Ka Lae (South Point) sits on the island of Hawaiʻi, at coordinates 18°55′ N, 155°41′ W. That’s roughly the same latitude as Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, not Key West — which surprises plenty of people who assume the continental U.S. has the southernmost bragging rights.
What makes Ka Lae’s location so unique?
Ka Lae juts into the Pacific on a wild, windswept coast where the island’s youngest lava flows crash into the sea. It’s right on the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and marks where the North American tectonic plate dives beneath the Pacific plate. (Honestly, this spot feels like the end of the world — in the best way.)
Can you share the exact coordinates of Ka Lae?
Here they are: 18°55′ N latitude, 155°41′ W longitude. The elevation? Just 30 feet above sea level — not exactly a mountain peak.
How far is Ka Lae from the closest town?
The nearest town is Nāʻālehu, roughly 20 miles northeast. That’s about a 40-minute drive if you’re taking it slow on the winding roads.
What’s the weather like at Ka Lae?
Expect 20–40 inches of rain annually, which is actually pretty dry for Hawaiʻi. Wind speeds average 12–15 mph year-round, and the trade winds keep things breezy. (Pack layers — the temperature can shift fast.)
Is Ka Lae near any active volcanoes?
Yep — it’s on the southeast flank of Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The ground here is actually sinking at a rate of about 1 inch per decade due to tectonic activity.
What’s the historical significance of Ka Lae?
Polynesians called this place “Ka Lae,” meaning “the point,” and relied on it for navigation under starry skies. In the 1800s, American missionaries built a lighthouse here, which later got automated and switched to solar power in 2006. Biologists have tracked seabird nesting here since 1973 — one of the longest continuous records in the world.
Has Ka Lae’s coastline changed recently?
Absolutely. Since 1983, Kīlauea’s ongoing eruptions have dumped enough lava to create over 500 acres of new land. That’s why Ka Lae’s black-lava shoreline looks so raw and new — the island is literally still growing.
How do you get to Ka Lae?
Take Highway 11 to South Point Road, then follow a 2-mile graded dirt road. A high-clearance SUV is your best bet — sedans might struggle with the deep ruts. (Trust me, you don’t want to get stuck out here.)
What facilities are available at Ka Lae?
As of 2026, you’ll find portable toilets and shaded picnic tables. That’s it. No water, no snacks — pack everything you need. The National Park Service also warns that winter swells can send 30-foot waves crashing over the cliffs, so stay at least 30 feet back from the edge.
When’s the best time to visit Ka Lae?
Sunrise is ideal. The horizon glows red, trade winds carry the scent of salt and fresh lava, and the crowds are nonexistent. (Plus, the temperature is way more pleasant than midday.) Bring sunscreen and a light jacket — the climate shifts fast.
Is there an entrance fee for Ka Lae?
Nope — it’s completely free to visit. That said, donations to the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are appreciated if you feel like giving back to the place.
