James Kealoha Beach Park

James Kealoha Beach Park is a Hilo shoreline park known as 4 Miles, with Scout Island views, ponded water, rocky edges and a local Keaukaha beach feel.

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James Kealoha Beach Park, Big Island

Named in 1963 after the first elected lieutenant governor of the state of Hawaii, James Kealoha Beach Park is also known as “4 Miles” among local residents – not because of its length, but because it is exactly 4 miles (6.4 km) from the Hilo Post Office, the main starting point for mileage markers in the area.

When it comes to beach activities, this park has a useful mix of ocean views, water sports, sunbathing and a few good fishing spots. This makes James Kealoha Beach Park a convenient weekend stop for local families and visitors. But despite its popularity, the park never seems crowded since there’s a lot of open space.

Popular water activities at Kealoha include swimming, snorkeling, surfing, pole fishing and spearfishing. The central and western areas of the bay open up to the deeper offshore waters, so during times of high surf, a strong rip current runs seaward in this area. The surfing spot located here is aptly named “4 Miles.”

The eastern end of the bay is more sheltered, and families with children prefer this area. There is a large, ponded swimming area that contains a few inlets and pockets of white sand. Behind the beach are trees that provide shade for picnickers. A picnic pavilion is also available. This area once belonged to the Carlsmith family, so sometimes the park is referred to as Carlsmith Park.

Located offshore is Scout Island. On most maps it is referred to as Mahikea Island, yet, a few others claim its correct Hawaiian name is Peiwe. The island was hit by the tsunami in 1946, which shortened it on its seaward end. It used to be a popular summer camping site among the residents of Keaukaha, as well as a destination for the Big Island boy scouts (hence its English name “Scout Island”). The Hawaiian name Peiwe refers to drupe shells, whose snails were commonly eaten and are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands in shallow, rocky areas.

Key Features

Hilo shoreline park along Kalanianaole Avenue
Known locally as 4 Miles
Named for James Kealoha in 1963
Eastern end has more ponded, protected water
Central and western bay open toward deeper offshore water
Strong rip currents can form during high surf
Scout Island sits offshore from the park
Scout Island is also known as Mahikea Island or Peiwe
Keaukaha shoreline setting is tied to local families, scouts and coastal traditions
Visitors should judge ocean conditions carefully before entering the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should visitors allow?

Many visitors allow 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether they are stopping for photos, a picnic, shoreline views or time near the ponded water.

Why is the park called 4 Miles?

The nickname comes from the park being about four miles from the Hilo Post Office, which has long been used as a local mileage reference point.

Which part of the bay is more protected?

The eastern end is usually more protected, with ponded water and small sand pockets, while the central and western areas open toward deeper water.

What is Scout Island?

Scout Island sits offshore and is also known on maps as Mahikea Island. It was shortened by the 1946 tsunami and remains part of the local shoreline story.

When should visitors be extra careful?

High surf can create strong seaward-moving currents in the central and western bay, so conditions should be judged from shore before anyone enters the water.