Ka Lae
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South Point Complex
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Rocky cliffs of Ka Lae
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| Location | Big Island of Hawaii |
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| Nearest city | Nā'ālehu |
| Coordinates | 18°54′40″N 155°40′52″W / 18.9111°N 155.681111°WCoordinates: 18°54′40″N 155°40′52″W / 18.9111°N 155.681111°W |
| Area | 710 acres (290 ha) |
| NRHP Reference # | 66000291 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | December 29, 1962 |
Ka Lae (Hawaiian: the point), also known as South Point, 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 under the name South Point Complex. The area is also known for its strong ocean currents and winds and is the home of a wind farm.
The name for the southern tip of the island of Hawaiʻi comes from Ka Lae in the Hawaiian language which means "the point". It is often spelled as one word, Kalae, or called South Point or South Cape. 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 fact, it is called the "Halaea Current", named after a chief who was carried off to his death.
The confluence of currents also means the area is prone to accumulation of marine debris. Most of this coastline is very remote and difficult to access, and is probably the most debris-littered coast in the state, primarily due to its difficult access for debris removal. This debris poses an entanglement threat to wildlife and may refloat during storms. The shoreline is used by Hawaiian monk seals and hatchling hawksbill turtles, both endangered species. Efforts to clean the coastline are organized by the Hawaii Wildlife Fund in conjunction with the NOAA.
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