Whittington Beach Park

Whittington Beach Park is a county park on Honuapo Bay near Naalehu on the Big Island. There is no sandy beach here, but the park is an excellent place to rest and has lots of things to see along its shoreline.

It’s hard to beat this park for picnicking in the area (except Punaluu Beach Park). Grab some lunch in Naalehu (several great options) and drive about three miles east on Mamalahoa Highway to the park entrance. Parking is free and picnic tables are abundant, as are large grass lawns and shade trees.

After fueling up, walk west to the boundary of the park at the Whittington Beach Old Pier where the concrete pilings and beams still remain in the surf. The pier was once used to haul things from farms and ranches in this area to the city of Hilo. It was destroyed during WWII to keep enemies from potentially using it.

From the pier walk eastward along the shore to see many protected tidal pools. Honu (sea turtles) swim into these ponds and rest at night (Honu’apo means turtle cove in Hawaiian). If you see them during the day, stay back at least 20 feet so they can enjoy the ponds without stress.

If you want to camp here, get online and book your spots through the county website. The water in the park is not drinkable so bring in all the water you’ll need for the day or overnight stay. Alcoholic drinks are allowed in the park from 10am to 10pm.

Address

95-1007 Honuapo Rd
Naalehu, HI 96772

Phone

808-961-8311

Park Name

Whittington Beach Park

Other Names

Honu'apo Beach

Owner

County

Pet Details

No dogs allowed at county beach parks

Fees

Free day-use parking, fees for camping permits

Activities

Camping, Wildlife Watching, Picnicking, Fishing

Amenities

Campground, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Covered Pavilion, Restrooms, Showers, Tide Pools, Ponds, Pier Ruins, Grass Lawns