South Lanai

These seacliffs reach heights of 1000 feet. They are the highest seacliffs on Lanai. Such rock formations are created when a large section of the earth breaks away and falls into the sea. This results not only in a remaining seacliff, but often creates a huge wave - even a tsunami - that can travel for hundreds or thousands of miles.

These seacliffs are located at Palaoa Point, the southern tip of Lanai. This area is rich in historical and archeological finds. Ancient Hawaiians inhabited this area from the 15th Century until the late 1800's.

Remains of the earth that eroded away from the cliffs can be seen as small islands and rock outcroppings off shore. Often tidepools are seen in these areas where the lava lies just below the surface of the water and is partially exposed during low tide.

Along this coast is the Kahekili's Leap where King Kamehameha the Great's warriors proved their courage and bravery by diving from the cliffs into the ocean below.

A freshwater stream runs through the Kaunolu Gulch to the Kaunolu Bay near the seacliffs. This stream invited inhabitants to build their village here.

DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 440 west out of Lanai City toward Kaumalapau Harbor. Go past the airport turnoff and take the next left Kaupili Road, an unmarked dirt road. Travel approximately 2.5 miles to a yellow standpipe on the right. Turn right on this rocky road which descends downhill about 3 miles to Kaunolu Village. The seacliffs are to the right of the village.

The terrain here is rocky and unforgiving. Use extreme caution if attempting to descend to the ocean.