South Point cliffs, Hawaii

South Point (Ka Lae), on the Puna coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is the southernmost point of the USA. High cliffs formed when lava flows from Kilauea volcano reached the sea. The confluence of ocean currents offshore provide rich fishing grounds. It is believed that the first Polynesians to arrive in the Hawaiian Islands landed here between 400 and 800 AD. The ruins of *heiau* (temples), fishing shrines and other cultural vestiges found here and the entire South Point area are registered as a National Historical Landmark.