It’s an ideal spot for slow shoreline walks, photography, and simply watching the surf surge and break against the rocks. Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) are often seen resting in calmer pools, and seabirds frequently patrol the coast. While the adjacent Whittington Beach Park has picnic areas and amenities, this shoreline section feels quieter and more immersive, offering a close, visceral connection to the power and beauty of the Kaʻū coastline.

Overview

Along the southern Kaʻū coast near Naʻālehu, the Whittington Beach shoreline offers a peaceful place to walk beside the ocean and experience Hawaii in a more natural, unspoiled state. Instead of sand, this stretch of coast is defined by black lava rock, shallow tidepools, and long views of the Pacific, with waves crashing directly against the shoreline in a constant, dramatic rhythm.