Map showing campground location near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Camper submitted image from Whittington Beach Park

Whittington Beach Park

Ocean views define the experience at Whittington Beach Park, a free, dispersed campground on the south shore of Hawaii's Big Island in the Ka'u District. The county-managed site has toilets and cell service, and it accommodates big rigs. Campers report snorkeling and diving in the area, with encounters including sea turtles and sharks. Nearby, Punalu`u Beach Park sits a few miles northeast along the coast. Reservations are available, but no pets are allowed, and some visitors note that locals can be unwelcoming to overnight campers, so a short stay tends to draw less attention.

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Map & DirectionsWhittington Beach Park is located in Hawaii near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Dispersed Camping

Directions

From Hilo, drive on Hwy. 11 south past Pahala, watching for the sign to the park on the left. The sign is small and comes up suddenly, so keep a close lookout. From Kona, drive south on Hwy. 11 south past Naalehu, watching for the sign on the right. The sign is small and comes up suddenly, so keep a close lookout.

Coordinates

19.08963949 N
155.54916618 W

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Connectivity

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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
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Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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General Info

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Whittington Beach Park

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Brittany R.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 19, 2025

Absolutely beautiful spot!

We actually just stumbled upon this campsite as we were trying to get a view of the coast line and wow! What a beautiful place! And it’s free!! Not many of those on the island. We didn’t actually end up staying here because we were headed up to Volcano but it was so nice that we considered changing our plans just to stay here. I’d highly recommend!

Month of VisitMarch

Sasha W.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2018

So beautiful

This beach park offers so many activities, views, and great places to eat. This is one of my families favorite places to visit when coming to Hawaii. It is a drive from the big island, but definitely worth it. We stayed here 1 night before heading back to the big island. So glad we decided to make the trip. Its located on the south side of the big island, in the Ka'u District. One incredible thing about this beach and camping here is you get the best views of the ocean. It honestly doesnt get any better than that. We also enjoyed snorkeling here, too. I would highly recommend that. We also did a diving tour, which is one of the reasons we decided to come to this part of the island. The diving was incredible, highly recommend. We saw a shark, so many turtles, and lots of fish. One great thing about the park is there is no cost to come, which is awesome! We were warned, however, that the locals dont really take too kindly to people staying here. Not sure why, but everyone warned us. We camped in a spot that was hidden, so we didnt have any troubles. Just FYI before you plan to come here or stay long. Again, we stayed only 1 night and honestly were only in our camping spot for maybe 6hrs total. Just to sleep.

Month of VisitDecember

(10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photo galleries of Whittington Beach Park to preview before camping?

Yes, there are photo galleries of Whittington Beach Park available online. You can find images showcasing the coastline views, camping areas, and recreational spaces on various travel websites and social media platforms. The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii County websites may also feature official photos of the park. These galleries highlight the park's natural beauty and coastal setting, giving potential visitors a good preview of what to expect before camping. For the most current visual representation, checking recent online galleries is recommended as conditions may change seasonally.

What amenities are available at Whittington Beach Park campground?

Whittington Beach Park offers a range of amenities for campers. The park provides designated camping areas, restroom facilities, and plenty of space for recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while taking advantage of the picnic areas. The beach park is designed to accommodate families and groups looking to spend time in Hawaii's natural environment. As a free camping option on the island, it provides basic necessities while allowing visitors to connect with the coastal landscape. For specific amenity details and current conditions, contacting the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Department is recommended before your trip.

What do visitor reviews say about camping at Whittington Beach Park?

Whittington Beach Park receives positive feedback for its beautiful coastal location and free camping opportunity, which is noted as rare on the island. Campers highlight the spectacular ocean views and variety of activities available at the park. It's described as a family-friendly destination that offers a great place to experience Hawaii's natural beauty. While it requires a drive to reach, visitors consistently mention that the journey is worthwhile for the experience. The park is appreciated for its accessibility and is considered a hidden gem that some travelers discover unexpectedly while exploring the coastline.

What is the location and beach access like at Whittington Beach Park in Hawaii?

Whittington Beach Park is located along the coastal area of the Big Island of Hawaii, offering direct access to the shoreline. The park provides easy beach access with clear paths leading to the water. The coastal setting features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for watching waves and enjoying the scenery. While it's situated away from more developed areas, requiring some driving time to reach, the remote location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. The park's position along the coastline allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii's shores with relatively uncrowded beach access compared to more popular tourist destinations.

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