KapohoKine Adventures
For those seeking soaring sightseeing and adventure opportunities on the Big Island, KapohoKine Adventures can make it happen in incredible style.
Overview of James Kealoha Beach Park
Located four miles south of downtown Hilo in a series of well known beach parks, is James Kealoha Beach Park. It is just northeast of Carlsmith Beach Park on the east side of the Big Island. The park is nicknamed “4-mile” by locals, but its official name comes from James Kealoha, who was the first Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii and a well-respected Big Island legislative leader.
Water Activities
James Kealoha Beach Park does not have a traditional sandy beach area, but is celebrated for its popular water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and fishing. The eastern side of the bay is a sheltered lagoon where the reef and lava rock barrier break the ocean current, providing a good swimming and snorkeling area. You may want to wear water shoes since most of the swimming area has exposed lava rock. The middle and west side of the bay is open to the ocean and allows in waves for surfing and boogie boarding. During higher surf, the rip current can be quite strong in the surfing area so be cautious.
Snorkeling is best along the reef areas where you can see many species of fish dancing along the coral. Close to the shore, cold freshwater springs bubble up from below, making a good environment for sea life and turtles like to frequent this area. There is a stairway entry into the water however, swimming can also be accessed along the shore.
Beach Park Features
On the weekends, this park can get busy with many local families and visitors coming out to enjoy the bay, but the swimming area is large and pretty spread out. The grassy park area has several picnic tables, some shade and a restroom. Overall, this park offers the necessary conveniences to enjoy a day at the ocean with the family. Local shave ice and various food trucks visit the park regularly, offering concessions.
Mahikea Island
Located offshore you will see Mahikea island, often utilized by the Boy Scouts for camping, aptly nicknamed Scout Island. The 1946 Aleutian Island Tsunami, damaged Mahikea Island, ripping away a portion of its seaward end, but most of it still remains today as an interesting islet to explore.
Amenities
Limited Parking
Picnic tables
Shade
Restrooms
Directions and Map
James Kealoha Beach Park is located at the intersection of Kalanianaole Avenue and Keaukaha Road.
