Kaulana Boat Ramp

The Kaulana Boat Ramp is down South Point Road at the southern tip of the Big Island. It provides boaters and others a relatively calm access to the ocean in this area where the surf is usually rough. Swimming and snorkeling is possible in this tiny cove but you’ll need to watch for boats launching and returning. Just note that currents are strong in the area so don’t venture out near the end of the cove.

Countless 4×4 roads and trails follow the shoreline in this area if you want to explore. South Point is almost a mile to the west and Papakolea Green Sand Beach is about two miles to the east. A short hike of just a half-mile eastward leads to a rock wall that ends at the ocean. This historic wall is 2.5 miles long and forces all the roads to pass through one point next to the water.

The parking area for the boat ramp is about a quarter-mile east of the end of South Point Road and next to the former military airbase known as Morse Field. From that parking lot, which is the same parking area for those hiking to Green Sand Beach, it’s just a 0.2 mile drive straight toward the ocean to the boat ramp. This short distance is worth walking if you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle. It’s easy to get onto the wrong track and then it’s difficult to get turned around or unstuck if you don’t have a vehicle with good clearance and traction.

Address

S Point Rd
Naalehu, HI 96772

Phone

808-587-1966

Park Name

Kaulana Ramp

Other Names

Kaulana Bay

Owner

State

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Boating, Hiking

Amenities

Boat Launch, 4x4 Roads, Toilets at Parking Lot