Cliff Diving on the Big Island, Hawaii

Cliff diving is a tad controversial.  You see people jumping off the cliffs at South Point, but ALL the literature says, "as tempting as it may be, cliff diving from south point is extremely dangerous.  There are rip tides and undercurrents...."  As you can see in some of the photos there is a ladder to climb up once you jump in and several platforms to aid in the jump.  My husband has no fear...or he believes he's invincible.

South Point Park is easy to access, just off of Highway 11 onto S. Point road.  It's about a 2 hour drive south from Kailua-Kona.  There is plenty of parking, a port-a-potty and a few vendors selling items out of their trunk / tailgate.

South point cliff jumping.  There's a ladder on the right by the buoys.

 South point shoreline near the start of the long walk and/or bumpy ride to Green Sands Beach.

 The view north from South point.

Chuck snorkeling at South point.

Just beyond South Point Park is Green Sands Beach.  There is a small parking lot where you (can) leave your car.  Just remember not to leave any valuables as this is a great place for vandals.  Once you gather up all your belongings hike southeast for about 1.5 hours over lava rocks and through prairie grasses.  Or, if you have a Jeep (remember I recommended the Jeep rental a few posts ago), follow a local through the bumpy and slow ride to Green Sands Beach.  We paid a local $20 and followed him so we knew which path to take.  It was definitely worth it and he helped lead us back out.  There are absolutely NO services here.  No bathroom, no snacks, nothing.  But, trust me, it's worth it.

Once you get to Green Sands Beach, you climb down into the bay area via steps and sandy paths.  It is a challenge, but definitely worth it once you get down to the beach.

Typically, you wouldn't jump from the cliff.  Actually, until I googled it to see how high it was, I couldn't believe that anyone would be foolish enough to jump.  But, alas, there are a few people out there willing to take risks!

Green Sands Beach from the ridge

 Chuck contemplating some cliff jumping.  Note:  This is NOT advised.  No one else was jumping and there is a very small "target" area.

 And...he jumps.  I couldn't watch.  My brother snapped the picture.  The beach-goers all gasped, stood up and pointed.  I think they they he was jumping to his death.  Sigh.  Notice that he has a firm grip on his hat in his right hand.  Heaven forbid we lose the hat during the jump!