Person with binoculars watching whales from Big Island shoreline

The Free Way: Whale Watching from Big Island's Shores

Discover the best coastal viewing spots where locals watch for whales

Kalani Miller, Kauaʻi historian and storyteller

Written by a Local Expert

The Free Way: Whale Watching from Big Island's Shores

You don't need a boat to have a profound whale encounter. Some of my most peaceful and memorable sightings have been from land, with a good pair of binoculars and a bit of patience. The key is knowing where to look. I'm going to share my favorite spots with you—the ones the locals use.

Essential Gear for Shore Viewing

First, you need the right tools. Your experience will be ten times better if you come prepared.

🔭 Good Binoculars

This is the most important item. It's the difference between seeing a distant splash and watching a calf learn to breach. A magnification of 8x or 10x is perfect.

😎 Polarized Sunglasses

These are essential for cutting the bright glare off the water, allowing you to see the dark shapes of whales just beneath the surface.

⏰ Patience & Timing

Go in the morning when the sea is calmest. Scan the horizon slowly. Look for that first sign—the misty "blow"—and then focus your binoculars on that spot.

🎒 The Rest of Your Kit

Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, and maybe a comfortable camp chair for a relaxing watch.

Top Shore Viewing Locations

Now, for the spots. These are my go-to locations along the magnificent Kohala Coast, the absolute best place on the Big Island for shore-based viewing.

1. Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

\#1 SPOT

Why it's great:

The name itself, Puʻukoholā, means "Hill of the Whale" in Hawaiian. There's a reason for that. This sacred and historic site sits on an elevated bluff, offering a stunning, panoramic vantage point over the waters of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The view is simply unmatched.

Amenities & Access:

Free to enter
Excellent visitor center with rangers and educational exhibits
Accessible restrooms, drinking water
Paved, ADA-accessible 0.5-mile trail to main viewing area
Open daily from 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM

💡 My Tip: This is my top recommendation for families or first-timers. The combination of incredible views, fascinating cultural history, and excellent facilities makes for a perfect and easy morning outing.

2. Lapakahi State Historical Park

Why it's great:

Here, you can step back in time at a partially restored 600-year-old Hawaiian fishing village while scanning for whales. The park sits on a rugged, beautiful stretch of coastline that is a prime transit corridor for whales. The coastal bluffs along the 1-mile self-guided interpretive trail offer fantastic viewing opportunities.

Amenities & Access:

Admission is free
Restrooms on site
Critical: Bring your own drinking water (none available)
Natural, unpaved trail - wear sturdy shoes
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

💡 My Tip: Combine history with whale watching here. The sense of old Hawaiʻi is palpable, and the views are raw and beautiful.

3. Kapaʻa Beach Park

Why it's great:

This small county park is often called one of the single best shore-spotting locations on the island. It's a quiet, tucked-away spot with wonderful west-facing views across the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel toward Maui.

Amenities & Access:

Public restrooms and showers
Picnic tables and barbecue grills
Large covered pavilion providing welcome shade
Camping available with county permit

💡 My Tip: This is where you go to escape the crowds. Pack a lunch, sit under the pavilion, and just watch the horizon. It's pure relaxation.

4. The Kohala Coast Scenic Drive (Highway 270)

Why it's great:

This is the ultimate "choose your own adventure" for dedicated whale watchers. The entire stretch of the ʻAkoni Pule Highway (Hwy 270) running north from Kawaihae Harbor toward the town of Hāwī is elevated above some of the most concentrated whale activity in the state.

How to do it:

Drive north from Kawaihae and keep your eyes peeled for the numerous unmarked dirt pullouts on the ocean side of the road. These offer incredible, unobstructed views from a high vantage point. Please be careful and use your turn signal when pulling over and re-entering traffic.

Mentionable Spots Along the Way:

Spencer Beach Park (great for kids, with full facilities)
Mahukona Beach Park
Numerous unmarked pullouts (often the best)

💡 My Tip: This is for the explorers. Don't be afraid to safely pull over at a scenic lookout. The higher elevation gives you a fantastic angle to see not just the dramatic breaches, but the subtle movements of the whales just below the surface.

Remember: Shore viewing requires patience, but the rewards are incredible. Some of the most peaceful and intimate whale watching experiences happen from land, where you can take your time, relax, and truly connect with the rhythm of the ocean.