South Point, Hawaii – Visit with KIDS
South Point, Hawaii – Visit with KIDS
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Most people think, incorrectly, that the southernmost point in the United States is in Florida, but that is not true!
That is the southernmost point of the contingent United States but overall…THE absolute southernmost point in the United States is the tip of the BIG island of Hawaii.
Learn more about Hawaii BEFORE you visit by reading books set in Hawaii with the kids.
South Point, Hawaii – The long drive there
The drive to South Point is a pretty drive, lined with vegetation that seems perfect for anyone’s idea of Hawaii. The vegetation is lush.
On the way, there see lava flows.
Read the signs to see that the colors of the lava give a lot of information.
The darker the lava the younger it is. Look at how things actually grow in what appears to be solid rock.
This is a great way to discuss how the lush greenery actually starts in this very barren looking rock type.
South Point, Hawaii – Kalaecoffee Kau Coffee Shop
Down the long winding road towards the actual tip of the island, you’ll find Kalaecoffee Kau Coffee shop.
Stop for a snack, drink or potty break. The kids will LOVE it!
The Kalaecoffee Kau Coffee Shop often hosts local mom’s groups so it is set up for kids. They have plenty of room to run around and a fun kids’ playground! Enjoy some yummy concoctions and pretty flowers while the kids burn off some energy.
South Point, Hawaii – Kalaecoffee Kau Orchid Farm
I’m not sure which came first, the coffee shop or the orchid farm, but what a great combination!
As the barista prepared our order I wandered around the indoor orchid growing area. Since a picture is worth a thousand words…..I won’t even try to describe the beauty. I’ll let you just enjoy.
South Point, Hawaii – Be prepared for the WIND
The wind at this southernmost spot of the United States is intense. We didn’t even let the kids venture too close to the high cliff!
I think getting blown off is probably unlikely…..but we erred on the safe side!
Those will long hair like mine should bring a hair tie or you’ll be untangling for hours. Check out this windblown tree.
Notice the windmills in the distance that make the best out of this strong and constant wind.
You’ll lose a hat with all that wind so bring hair ties!
South Point, Hawaii – Visit the tide pools
Take a few moments to look at a tide pool near the ocean’s edge. It is home to creatures that spend their entire lives here.
 South Point, Hawaii – Take your photo
This absolute end of the United States makes a great “I was there!” photo.
South Point, Hawaii – Jump off the end of the world!
There were some brave souls present – though none in our party, who took a running leap off the end of the United States. Plunging many feet to the ocean floor while hooting and hollering all the way, they made it look fun!
South Point, Hawaii – The logistics
It is a long drive from Kona and a very curvy one. Plan on the day to get there, explore, and get back. If you have people in your party that get car sick you might want to plan some extra stops along the way. Admire the macadamia nut trees which grow alongside the road!
Order some to snack on while you plan your trip!
FYI – There is a green sand beach that you can technically get to from here.
Follow the signs and be prepared for either a long, hot hike or to pay an exorbitant fee for a very bumpy ride to the beach. Either way, it is a tough journey after you have already driven a long way from Kona.
I don’t recommend trying to visit the green sand beach for families with young children.
If you are heading to the BIG island of Hawaii be sure to read the related posts!
Waikoloa Village Resort – self-contained spot to stay!
Should you swim with the dolphins? YES
Does chocolate grow on trees? YES
Visit a REAL volcano! Hawaii National Park
The Educational Tourist can help you plan the trip of your dreams!
Happy Aloha Travels,
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
So much to see and do! My boys would LOVE seeing those lava flows!
As a pilot you would LOVE a helicopter ride over the lava flow!!
So much to see. Looks like a great place to enjoy a dose of vitamin-sea! I do get car sick so thanks for the tip on that!
Oh, plan ahead…it was super curvy….but you could plan ahead and do it slower which would probably be so much better!
I love your last pic! You look amazing! I would really love to travel to Hawaii because it looks really beautiful always from all the pics that I have seen. I don’t think that I have seen anything ugly about Hawaii. I like the Kalaecoffee Kau Orchid Farm. My mother has different types of orchids and they just look lovely.
Thanks! We found it all to be beautiful in so many ways – the lush foliage and the barren lave flows. All really pretty and unusual! Lucky you to get to see orchids often!!
I, admittedly, thought I had been to the southernmost point of the US and was wrong! I’ve been to Hilo and Kona but I’ve never ventured to the south end of the big island. It looks like a great side trip and I’ll definitely have to add it to my list!
Common mistake – and you hear that a LOT regarding Florida….both spots are way cool!! The big island was a really cool place and really different than the other islands that have had more time to erode and grow foliage.
My daughter is half Mexican, from Mexico City. It sounds crazy but the mother is scared of wind, or avoids the wind. So she won’t let our daughter be in the wind. Obviously when she’s alone with me she can come out in the wind! She loves it! Mexicans from Mexico City are sensitive to the cold too, from my experience!
Isn’t that interesting? We had experiences with cultural differences in Turkey with the air conditioner. They had air conditioning but wouldn’t use it like we do because they thought the cold air was bad for you. The wind on South Point isn’t cold if that makes a difference.
So many amazing things to see! How cool to be able to jump off the end of the USA. Might have to make that a new goal haha.
It was so cool to see people doing just that!! I’m not quite brave enough to actually jump!!
My friend is going to Hawaii soon so this will be really helpful for her! I would love to visit that Orchid Farm. The colours are so beautiful.
I’d absolutely would love to go to Hawaii one day and this sound like a very good idea for a day or so! I love how it is the most southern part of the USA. It doesn’t buy you anything but I like those quirky bits of information.
I’d love to go to Hawaii! It always looks so beautiful and there is so much to do! I can just imagine how fragrant the orchid farm would be!
Hawaii is amazing!!! This makes me want to jump in a plane and go explore everywhere there! I really hope to visit it in a near future. Pinned for later