Head south, then south some more; when you can go south no further, you’re there! Naʻalehu is officially the southernmost town in the United States. It’s a small plantation town, with only the very basic essentials, but it’s a beauty: the Kaʻū District is the most remote and isolated area on Hawaiʻi Island, far away from tourist resorts. Choose one of our great Naalehu vacation rentals and discover something totally different!
Though you’ll be enjoying small town living with a stay in Na’alehu, there are still a handful of restaurants and food trucks conveniently located in town. Wake up in the morning with a vibrant east coast sunrise and treat yourself to fresh baked goods at the Punalu’u Bake Shop, located right in Na’alehu. The cheery yellow plantation style building welcomes you, set among four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Indulge in free samples of their freshly made Hawaiian sweetbread. They are also known for their lilikoi malasadas, donuts, and pastries. Pick some up to enjoy on the go or sit down to order from their menu of salads and sandwiches. You will love trying items from their fresh menu when staying in your Na’alehu vacation rental just around the corner!
Another popular restaurant in Na’alehu is Hana Hou Restaurant, known as the southernmost restaurant in the country. This historic establishment has been offering homemade local comfort food and desserts since 1940. Hana Hou’s is the perfect place to fill up on the local breakfast favorite, the loco moco, before adventuring around the island.
Staying in one of our houses for rent in Naalehu HI also puts you within a 20-minute drive of one of Hawaii’s most famous black sand beaches – Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. This crescent shaped beach boasts jet black sand, thanks to the frequent volcanic activity on the Big Island. Feel the black sand beneath your toes as you walk along the shore looking for green sea turtles that often stop for a rest in the sand. Although the water here is not ideally suited for swimming, the tall palms lining the beach provide the perfect amount of shade for enjoying an afternoon picnic after exploring one of the state’s finest black sand beaches.
Most people pass through Naʻalehu because they’re headed to Ka Lae, South Point, the southernmost tip of the island (and the United States). South Point is a jaw-dropping 40-foot cliff face that plunges straight into deep ocean; whales, monk seals, and really big fish pass right next to the cliff here. It’s a popular spot with local fishermen, as well as teenage boys looking to impress tourists with their death-defying leaps from the cliff. And you will be impressed; it’s definitely only for the bold (and the thoroughly confident swimmer).
South Point is a hot, dry area, so bring plenty of water if you head down here, as there are no facilities beyond port-a-potties. Papakōlea, Green Sand Beach, is here also, and make sure you wear a hat and proper footwear, as it’s a four-mile round-trip hike in the sun to reach it. The natural olivine color of the sand is beautiful and quite rare; please don’t take any home with you, though. Swimming can be hazardous here; exercise good judgement.
Kaʻū is a rare gem of a place, where the bountiful land has scarcely been touched by development. Enjoy a peaceful vacation exploring something different, when you book one of our Naalehu vacation rentals today!
Contact Us to Book One of Our Naalehu Vacation Rentals
At I Love Hawaii, we have a variety of vacation rentals available on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Whether you’re exploring nature at its rawest at Volcano National Park on the Big Island, surfing in Oahu’s Waikiki, catching the sunrise at Haleakala on Maui, or gazing out over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, our vacation rentals will ensure complete comfort during your island stay. Many of our houses for rent in Naalehu HI offer full kitchens, island-inspired décor, breezy lanais, and swimming pools. Please contact us to make your vacation rental booking and to get started on planning your ideal Hawaiian getaway!
