The 7 Best Nature & Parks in Naalehu, Hawaii (HI)

January 17, 2022 Mollie Coke

Naalehu is a community in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States. Naʻālehu means "the volcanic ashes" in Hawaiian It is the southernmost community with a post office in the 50 states of the United States. (See List of extreme points of the United States.) For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Naalehu as a census-designated place (CDP). The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name. The population was 866 at the 2010 census, down from 919 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Naalehu

1. Green Sand Beach Trailhead

Green Sand Beach Road, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Green Sand Beach Trailhead

2. Papakolea Green Sand Beach

Near Ka Lae South Point, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,118 reviews

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

The big island of Hawaii's southernmost point features the Green Sand Beach.

Reviewed By BethneyD

We had no idea what we were in for when spontaneously we took someones advice to see the "green sand" beach. This is something that should be planned as an all day event....getting to the parking area is simple and directions easy to follow. Parking your car at this spot means about an hour and a half walk/hike to the actual beach!! Be prepared to have water, good walking shoes, snacks just for getting to the location. We walked half way and then caught a ride with one of the locals who ferry people back and forth on old vehicles for a modest charge (25$ per person). Walking/hiking is free....but will take time. Once you reach the beach, a walk down steep stairs to the actual sand and water is breathtaking and truly majestic.

3. Whittington Beach Park

Highway 11, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772
Excellent
40%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Whittington Beach Park

Reviewed By 19Agnes61 - Phoenix, United States

This is a nice beach also, but then again, we haven't found a beach on the Island that wasn't breathtaking. There are restrooms here and covered picnic tables.

4. South Point Complex

South Point Road, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI +1 808-961-5797 https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/asian_american_and_pacific_islander_heritage/South-Point-Complex.htm
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

South Point Complex

Reviewed By princessvontrapp_7 - San Francisco, United States

This is one of those experiences only nature can provide. The wind is incredibly strong with trees growing sideways. The waves crashing are wild and beautiful. It can be very very bright there when the sun is out. Hard to describe what it feels like to be there and hard to believe anybody entered such treacherous waters. Will be back!

5. Ka Lae

Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772
Excellent
50%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Ka Lae

Reviewed By 2CanadianTravellers - Edmonton, Canada

Ka Lae is towards the end of South Point Road in Naalehu on the Big Island. It is on native land, there is no signage that says Ka Lae. You drive south on South Point Road off Hwy 11, before you see a cardboard sign on the road that says "Green Sand Beach shuttle," there is a black paved road to turn right, you follow the road, and you will see trucks parked along the cliffs where people fish or jump into the ocean. We saw a man catch a good size barracuda. Ka Lae is a must see while you are on the Big Island.

6. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit

Kahuku Rd, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772 +1 808-985-6000 http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm
Excellent
41%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 27 reviews

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit

Reviewed By btreid - Portland, United States

We have been in this park several times and there is always something new. Always join the ranger led tour, it's only 45 minutes. You get to know more about the Volcanoes and the history of the island. Take your time and enjoy the hike around Kilauea caldera. Make sure you have the right shoes. I would recommend hiking shoes. The landscape of this park has changed since the 2018 eruption so be aware that there are no magma that glows red at night. Kilauea caldera looks like a giant football field. The Thurston lava tube is now open. It's all lit and kids can definitely do the short walk.

7. Manuka State Wayside Park

Mamalahoa Highway 11, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772 http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/manuka-state-wayside/
Excellent
13%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
34%
Poor
8%
Terrible
21%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 38 reviews

Manuka State Wayside Park

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