ʻUpolu Point facts for kids
ʻUpolu Point is the most northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi in the amazing Hawaiian Islands. It's a special piece of land that was formed a long, long time ago when hot lava from the Kohala volcano cooled down and hardened.
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Discovering Upolu Point
Upolu Point is like the "top" of the Big Island. It stretches out into the ocean, pointing towards other islands.
Where is Upolu Point?
This northern tip of Hawaiʻi Island reaches into the Alenuihaha Channel. This channel is a stretch of ocean that separates the Big Island from other islands like Maui and Kahoʻolawe to the northwest. On the other side of the Big Island, at its very southern end, is Ka Lae, also known as South Point.
Towns and Roads Near Upolu Point
The main town close to Upolu Point is Hawi, Hawaii. It's about 2 miles (3 kilometers) inland from the very tip.
The main road that helps you explore this area is the Akoni Pule Highway (also called Hawaii State Route 270). This road starts near the Hawaii Belt Road in Kawaihae. It then travels along the western side of Upolu Point, passing through towns like Hawi and Kapaʻau, before ending at the beautiful Pololū Valley. Upolu Point also has a view of Mahukona Harbor, a place where boats can dock.
The eastern side of Upolu Point doesn't have paved roads because the land is very bumpy and uneven. But the western side is smoother, which is why the main road is there. There's also a smaller road that runs through the middle of the point, connecting the end of the main road back to the rest of the area.
Upolu Point Airport and Water
Right near the northernmost part of Upolu Point, you'll find Upolu Airport. It's a small airport located just a bit inland.
There are also two important water reservoirs close to Upolu Point:
- Puuokumau Reservoir
- Kehena Reservoir
These reservoirs are found along the Kohala Mountain Road. This road helps connect Hawi to the main Belt Road near Waimea, running through the central part of Upolu Point.
Coordinates for Upolu Point are 20°16′7.1″N 155°51′12.96″W / 20.268639°N 155.8536000°W.
