Ka Lae (South Point)
Down, then up the gentle slopes of mighty Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world. Ka Lae (Hawaiian: the point), also known as South Point or South Cape, is the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii and of the 50 United States. The Ka Lae area is registered as a National Historic Landmark District. The area is also known for its strong ocean currents and winds and is the home of a wind farm. A confluence of ocean currents just offshore makes this spot one of Hawaii’s most popular fishing spots. Both red snapper and ulua are plentiful here. Locals fish from the cliffs, some dangling perilously over the edge of steep lava ledges. Swimming here, however, is not recommended, due to the current. In 1961 it was on the list of final sites to be considered by NASA to launch manned rockets to space, but was considered too remote.
Region: Hawaii
City: Naalehu
Distance: 29.7 km
Elevation Gain: 596 m
Elevation Loss: 380 m
Difficulty: 348 (Easy)
FIETS Index: 1.87 FIETS
Avg Grade: 3.23 %
Max cat climb: 2
Min elevation: 12 m
Max elevation: 592 m
Ride Category: Hilly