Ka Lae

Ka Lae ( Hawaiian for the point), also known as South Point ( South Point ) is the southernmost headland of Big Iceland in the state of Hawaii. Thus, it is also the southernmost point of the 50 states of the United States of America. It is in the traditional ahapuaa Kamaoa in the district Kau.

History

Ka Lae is in high probability the site of the oldest Polynesian settlement on the archipelago of Hawaii, because it the probable area of ​​origin of this ethnic group - is the closest - the Marquesas or Society Islands. They found remains of a heiau and other religious buildings which have been dated by archaeologists of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu to the year 124. In addition, were found in the area of the cliff numerous holes, which probably served for attachment of drifting in the stream fishing boats. In the area of ​​known as South Point Complex National Historic Landmark District - for which the area was declared on December 29, 1962 - There are numerous Polynesian tombs. In the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966 the territory was taken.

Natural space

The meeting of different currents ensures a diverse and extensive marine life, particularly noteworthy are the deposits of belonging to Carangidae Ulua and Pacific ocean perch. In the area of the cliffs often find hawksbill turtles, some of which make use of the nearby beaches to lay their eggs, isolated use Hawaiian monk seals the rocks for sunbathing.

Because of the constantly strong blowing wind prevents the implantation of larger plants on land, the flora is characterized by extensive areas of grass, larger land animals do not occur.

The currents of the Pacific trash vortex and the inaccessibility of the cliff, however, also lead to the fact that this part of the coast is considered one of the most polluted of the entire United States.

Access

Ka Lae can be reached through the attached, about 30 kilometer South Point Road from the Hawai'i State Route 11. These leave the main road about 11 kilometers west of the village of Naalehu. Near the Puu Nanaia located on Highway a viewpoint which overlooks the Cape and the nearby wind farm.

About a kilometer east of the Cape offers the Kaulana Ramp access from the sea.

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