James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo)
- Shortboard, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
James Kealoha Beach Park (locally known as 4-Mile) is an exposed reef break on Hilo’s coast where surf is reported to be fairly consistent and able to work year-round. The spot offers both left and right reef breaks and is primarily described as an intermediate surf destination, with the wave becoming more demanding during larger pulses. Hazards are a major factor at this launch: sharp lava rocks and submerged boulders, sea urchins, and strong currents/rip conditions during larger north or northeast swells are all specifically called out. Sharks and a moderate local presence are also reported, and local and regional safety guidance highlights the need to be alert for closures tied to high surf warnings and shark sightings. Wind conditions are tied to the trade-wind regime, with northeast-to-east winds commonly influencing the water. Offshore conditions are reported from the south, while east/northeast winds can make conditions choppy; early mornings are described as often cleaner before winds build. An eastern protected area is referenced for calmer water activities, while the western/open-ocean side is the area for surfing. Facilities are available at the park (including showers/toilets and picnic areas). Lifeguards are reported as none at the spot, and rescue availability is described as limited regionally; in an emergency, dialing 911 is the stated guidance and Hilo’s medical center is noted as the nearest major hospital.
- Exposed reef break with fairly consistent year-round surf
- Both left and right reef breaks
- Eastern side more protected for swimming/snorkeling; western side for open-ocean surfing
- Sharp rocks and sea urchins—booties strongly recommended
- Exposed reef break with fairly consistent surf and year-round availability.
- Both left and right reef breaks are reported.
- Shore features can create a more protected eastern area for swimming/snorkeling, while the open ocean side supports surf.
- Exposed reef break with sharp rocks and submerged hazards.
- Sea urchins and sharks are reported hazards.
- Strong rip currents can develop during large north or northeast swells.
- No lifeguards reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade wind regime on the windward coast; can be reinforced by diurnal sea breezes.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusts reported; winds can build over the course of the day.
- Best Months
- May
- Shadow Zones
- High terrain inland can create localized lulls near the shoreline.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky shoreline with lava rocks and reef; mixed/rocky terrain with no traditional sandy beach area.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Wave size reported as small; also described as medium in other data.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Conditions can become choppy with east/northeast winds.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline entry with no traditional sandy beach area; some sandy pockets for entry reported.
Through the year
Sometimes crowded; busy on weekends with families and local surfers, quieter during weekday mornings.
November to April is described as the wetter/heaviest rainfall period, with higher storm risk noted from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Experienced riders may foil outer reef breaks on lighter wind days with sufficient swell, though shallow rocky entry makes it challenging.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil friendly is reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters over the reef
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed reef break with fairly consistent surf that works year-round. Both left and right reef breaks are reported; eastern side is more protected for calmer water, while the western side is open ocean for surfing.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NE, ENE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Optimal tide reported as all-tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break; no strong shelter from the ocean side is indicated. Eastern side has a protected swimming area due to reef/lava rock features.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds reported from the south; east and northeast winds can make conditions choppy, while west or southwest winds can provide cleaner, groomed faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size but becomes heavy with strong currents and difficult paddle-outs.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good; provides decent sections for turns.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported; can become hollow during larger pulses.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed shape reported; also described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves with medium peel speed reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Decent sections for turns; ride length reported as medium.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Provides decent sections for turns; the wave can become hollow during larger pulses.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo) in the full forecast view.
James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- N9°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 248 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 1.2–1.7 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- sharp lava rocks
- sea urchins
- urchins
- sharks
- submerged boulders
- shallow reef
- strong rip currents (during large north or northeast swells)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited regionally.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911 for emergencies. Hilo Medical Center is the nearest major hospital (reported roughly 15 minutes away).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism reported; respect the local community and lineup priority.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfing etiquette and designated swimming areas.
- Beach closures during high surf warnings or shark sightings.
- Designated swimming areas should be avoided by surfers.
- Booties are highly recommended due to the sharp reef and urchins.
- Early mornings usually offer the cleanest conditions before trade winds kick in.
- Beware of urchins, rocks, locals and sharks.
- Eastern side of the park is more protected for swimming/snorkeling, while the western side is more open ocean for surfing.
- Avoid riding/approach in areas marked as designated swimming zones.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hilo
- Nearest Town
- Hilo
- Parking
- Public parking lot available plus additional parking off Kalanianaʻole Avenue.
- Access
- Located 4 miles southeast of downtown Hilo on Kalanianaʻole Avenue at the intersection with Keaukaha Road; park is on the left after driving south from downtown.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels in Hilo plus vacation rentals and B&Bs in the Keaukaha residential area.
- Food & Drink
- Picnic areas with shade; local food trucks and small markets are often located nearby along the coast.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals are available at several shops in downtown Hilo (regionally).
- Gear Storage
- Not typically available at public beach parks; riders usually store gear at accommodation or in vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and fiberglass repair is available through local Hilo surf shops (regionally).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The easternmost beach park in Keaukaha, known for its black sand and excellent snorkeling.
An 80-foot waterfall just minutes from downtown Hilo, known for rainbows visible in the mist.
Largest Edo-style ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan, dedicated to Hilo's Japanese immigrants.
Home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, with hiking across lava fields and craters.
A 24-hour diner known for Hawaiian-style breakfast and local favorites.
Open-air downtown Hilo restaurant serving fresh local seafood and tropical cocktails.
The only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, featuring a white Bengal tiger.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo)?
The best overall months at James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo) are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are May.
Which wind directions work at James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo)?
James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo) works with NE, E winds. Offshore directions are S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo)?
Recommended equipment sizes at James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo): Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo) suitable for?
James Kealoha Beach Park (Hilo) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.