The infamous South Point Kalae hike is actually a return hike for me. In July of this year while on our trip to Kona we were able to allow for some hiking time. The location of this hike is located in Kau on the Big Island of Hawaii. We proceeded with the intentions to retrive 9 gallon sized bags of olivine crystals which are also called "Peridot" also classified as a precious jemstone. The cause for this is to use in the actual centerpeices in my nieces centerpieces for her beach wedding. So aside from the traditional sand in a glass with water table showcase we decided to do something original.
The hike for first timers seems a bit treacherous and will consist of approximately 5 1/2 hours for a complete round trip. If you are planning to do this hike I would highly suggest if your intentions is to get in and get out is to do the high road. Upon entering the trail head you will shortly notice that the trail breaks if you decide to take the lower trail which I did on my last trip here it will take you along side the shore front which has a beautiful scenic route which will take 5 1/2 hours to complete or you will have the option to take the top trail which leads your thru pasture land and a very dry desert like landscape which takes about 3 hours. Basically cutting your hike time in half.
This day was very breezy and my only regret was that I had packed a bandanna to cover my face. Wearing a hat will definitely help with the sun beaming in on you face and really helps to keep you cool.
On my last trip here I passed about 20 heeiau's but because we took the top trail this time we only gazed upon a few in the far distance.
We started the hike at about 11:00 am and returned back to our start point at about 3:45 pm of course giving allowance for our lunch and swim time.
Upon reaching the location of our planned destination there is a steep descent unto the bottom of the cylinder which extreme caution is to be taken at this point to avoid slips which can eventually lead to you loosing complete balance before plummeting to the bottom of the cylinder floor.
The sand is not sand it is in fact olivine crystal in eroded form which holds a minty green color with clear transparent crystal form.
Pack lots of drinking water for this hike and if your too tired to walk back out. At the top of the cylinder cone there is off roaders who park and do pack people back in. I would suggest giving them a nice tip which me & my hubby did to show gratitude. But as the saying goes " You no ask , You on your own". So no be shame just approach um and ask " Eh Braddah you going back to the parking? Think I can catch one ride?" And I guarantee if that person cannot drive you out he will radio for someone else who can. These guys do this for a living so make sure to pass the aloha back with a $10 tip. Cause 6 miles is NO JOKE. Anyways we retrieved our sand and all I can say is this was and still is the best hike ever.
Directions from Kona: Head out towards Kau and because the island only has one road that leads out that way, while checking on your map the turn off is marked and says "SOUTH POINT 11 miles this way" on the road sign. It is located about 4 minutes before the town of Naalehu and about 1 1/2 hours out of Kailua Kona. When entering South Point Kalae you will want to veer to the left of the fork which leads you to the boat ramp. Continue left and you will soon come to a dirt parking area where you will no longer be able to acsess clear driving and only off road vehicals are able to travel beyond this point. After parking walk down towards the ocean and to your left you will see the trail head gate. Aloha
