What Is the Ka Lae Lighthouse?
The historic Ka Lae lighthouse stands watch over the southernmost point in the United States!
What Makes It Historical?
To safely round the bottom of Ka Lae (South Point) ships had to brave enormous waves, jagged rocks, and the smoke from erupting Kilauea volcano! And yet, it wasn’t until March 5, 1906 that the first lighthouse went up here, a 34-foot wooden tower with a lens-lantern powered by oil vapor! Its first keeper was John T. Nakai, who traced his lineage to two important fishermen for Kamehameha I, and its light was visible for 9 miles out to sea, when there were no eruptions going on!
In 1928, the wooden tower was replaced by a 45-foot, battery-powered steel one, which turned one of the area’s hazards into an advantage, making this the second lighthouse in the US to be powered by the wind! It would evolve into an automated electric light in 1949, and then, in 1972, this 32-foot concrete pole, which now runs on batteries powered by the sun, a light-powered-light! It’s wild to think that, as of last year, this third lighthouse crossed the 50-year threshold to be considered historic on its own!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Hawaiian Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
End of South Point Road
11 miles south of Mamalahoa Hwy
Naalehu, HI 96772
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!