Nāʻālehu is a small community located near the southern tip of the island of Hawaiʻi, whose name translates to "the volcanic ashes" in Hawaiian. It holds the distinction of being one of the southernmost communities with a post office in the 50 US states. Originally established as a plantation camp by the Hutchinson Sugar Plantation Company, it was later developed into a proper town by manager J. Beaty, consolidating scattered camps into a single town by 1928. The population has declined slightly, from 919 in 2000 to 866 in 2010, and the community is notably diverse, with a large Asian and Pacific Islander demographic. Today, it is home to a Bigelow Aerospace ground communication station and the Lighthouse Baptist Church, which is recognized as the southernmost church in the United States. The area is served by the Hawaii State Department of Education, including Nāʻālehu Elementary School.