Hilo is not known for its beaches but if the sun is shining and you want to go to the beach there are a couple of good options.
The beaches in Hilo are located in a string of beach parks towards the south/east of Hilo. All beaches are well suited for swimming, snorkeling and / or a picnic.
Our favorite two beach parks in Hilo are Carlsmith beach park (four mile) and Richardson beach park.
Map of beach parks in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. The beaches in Hilo are on the east side of town. Adapted from google maps
You can find a summary of the larger beach parks in Hilo (from west to east) below. We list the main characteristics (Lifeguards, restrooms, shower, snorkeling, picnic tables) below. See this website for more information.
1: Coconut island (Moku Ola)
Mostly rocky shoreline with pockets of sandy beach, park accessible via footbridge from parking lot.
- Lifeguards: None
- Restrooms: Yes
- Outdoor Showers: Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Snorkeling: No
Read more about coconut island on our website.
2: Reeds bay beach park
White coral sand and lava rock beach along East side of Banyan Drive.
- Lifeguards: None
- Restrooms: Yes, portable restrooms
- Outdoor Showers: Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Snorkeling: No
3: Onekahakaha beach park
Popular beach park at the end of Onekahakaha Road that contains a sheltered sandy swimming lagoon and a rocky shoreline. Hazardous waves and currents outside protected swimming area.
- Lifeguards: Weekends/Holidays, 9:30-4:45 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Outdoor Showers: Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
4: Kealoha (James) beach park
Rocky shoreline with tide pools. Hazardous auto traffic, waves, currents and footing.
- Lifeguards: None
- Restrooms: Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Snorkeling: Yes, under favorable conditions
5: Carlsmith beach park
Excellent beach park with anchialine (a landlocked body of water with a subterranean connection to the ocean) ponds and a protected white sand lagoon along lava shoreline. Also known to locals as “four mile”.
One of our two favorite beaches in Hilo. For more information and pictures see our full description of the Carlsmith beach park.
- Lifeguards: Weekends/Holidays, 9:30-4:45 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Outdoor Showers: Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Snorkeling: Yes, under favorable conditions
6: Wai’Olena beach park (Leleiwi)
Rocky shoreline with tide pools. Hazardous waves, currents and footing.
- Lifeguards: Weekends/Holidays, 9:30-4:45 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Outdoor Showers: Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Snorkeling: no
- Swimming: Yes
7: Richardson beach park
Popular beach park with many picnic tables. There is a seawall that runs along much of the rocky shoreline, limited (but good) beach access. Also an “almost” green sand beach. Hazardous waves, currents and footing.
For more information and pictures see our full description of the Richardson beach park.
- Lifeguards: 7 days a week, 9:30-4:45 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Outdoor Showers: Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Snorkeling: Yes, under favorable conditions