This is the perfect spot to rest, relax and explore the Big Island of Hawaii. If you're looking for a retreat from the crowded condo scene you'll find this area of Ka Lae (Southoint) is one of the last pristine, undeveloped sites left in the islands. In fact, it has the longest stretch of unbroken coastline in the Hawaiian islands. Located 50 miles from Kona or Hilo you can travel to both sides of the island to visit Volcano National Park or Hilo town or visit the white sand beaches near Kona. Closer to home, this wild and open area of the US known as the Kau region, boasts a black sand (Punalu'u) and Green sand (Mahana) beach. A hike to Mahana offers a wonderful hike past the southernmost point of the US. The evening sky is so clear and full of stars it will take your breath away. You can almost see the curvature of the earth from this vantage point!

Local farmers markets abound in Naalehu, Volcano Village and Hilo. A short 15 minute drive to Pahala provides an opportunity to visit the Coffee Mill. Coffee has replaced sugar as the key agricultural product here and Kau coffee has received numerous international awards quickly overshadowing the Kona coffee the island has been known for. You can watch the coffee processing and stroll the coffee orchards as well as enjoy free coffee and local macadamia nut tasting at the Mill. Even closer to home is the Orchid Farm on South Point Road and the 'Flyin Hawaiian' airstream coffee truck in Naalehu as featured last year in Sunset magazine. Both are local gathering places featuring fresh Kau coffee. You are free to stroll through the Orchid Farm at leisure and enjoy the magnificent orchids being cultivated. You'll also want to visit the Buddhist temple just above Pahala and the Coffee Mill. It's nestled in Wood Valley on the edge of the rain forest. The small temple is a brilliant jewel. The monks who tend the grounds welcome all who come by for a visit. It's a tranquil spot for quiet meditation or a peaceful stroll. The Dalai Lama has visited this spot and you'll find some of his work featured in their small gift shop.

You won't want to miss the Volcanoes National Park about 40miles away. This is an active volcano and you can see the steam vents, hike on old lava fields, explore old native hieroglyphics and walk through ancient lava tubes. Not to be missed! Of course opportunities to watch whales, swim with dolphins at Hookena and snorkel at any number of beaches are all terrific outings.