The sparsely populated KA‘Ū DISTRICT , at the southern tip of the island, is known for its rich environmental diversity A large chunk of HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is located in this district, as are wind farms, highland forests, the parched Ka‘ū Desert and enticing black-, white-and green-sand beaches.
But the area is largely distinguished by its geographic location. SOUTH POINT, at the bottom of the district, is considered the SOUTHERNMOST TIP OF THE UNITED STATES, and the village of NĀ‘ĀLEHU is its SOUTHERNMOST TOWN. More properly called KA LAE, South Point’s latitude is 500 miles farther south than that of Miami. Its roots go back to A.D. 150, when it is believed the first Polynesian explorers set foot on the island.
Nā‘ālehu is located 19 degrees north of the equator on Route 11. It’s a good place to take a break on the drive to Volcanoes National Park. PUNALU‘U BAKE SHOP 808-929-7343 OR 866-366-3501