Hilo Magazine -- Beach, Hilo, Hawaii

Hilo, Hawaii		Ahalanui Park
		Take Highway 130 south from Pahoa. When it dead ends at Highway 137, turn right. The Park is located on the left, just past Mile Marker #10. Warm, calm water good for swim, spring fed pool is volcanically heated to a comfortable 90 degrees. Beautiful views of the ocean from the pool. Snorkeling allowed in pool. Easy access to pool via ladders. Open daily. Free admission. Lifeguards on duty. Grassy and shady areas, picnic tables, BBQ grills. Ample, free parking, restrooms.

Hilo, Hawaii		Carlsmith Beach
		From downtown Hilo, drive east on Kalanianaole Avenue. There is a parking lot right on front of Carlsmith Beach Park on the left-hand side of the street. Carlsmith Beach Park no sandy beach but has a sandy ocean bottom. it’s a great place for swimming and snorkeling. because the nearshore waters are protected by a reef. Sea turtles can often times be seen here. Large park area with plenty of shade for picnic. Seasonal lifeguard. Showers, restrooms, parking.

Hilo, Hawaii		Hakalau Bay
		From the Hawaii Belt Road (HI 19), make a turn towards the ocean at the “Hakalau” sign and follow it into the gulch below the big steel trestle. Hakalau Bay is a good place to go to take pictures. The beach is composed of black sand and fine pebbles. Poor swimming but sometimes used by surfers. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge nearby. No facilities. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Hilo Bay Beachfront Park
		Location at Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo. Black sand beach, water is murky and swimming conditions are poor. Hammerhead sharks are common in the bay. A nice place for a picnic and a popular surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing and canoeing beach. Nice place for watch sunset. Parking, picnic tables, showers, restrooms on the shore. No lifeguard.

Hilo, Hawaii		Honoli'i Beach Park
		From Hilo, take Hwy 19 north; after the 4-mile marker, turn right onto Nahala St, then left onto Kahoa St. People park on the roadside and walk down to the park. North of downtown Hilo, the protected cove at Honoli'i Beach Park has Hilo's best bodyboarding and surfing, particularly for beginners. It isn't the best for swimming, as the adjacent river often muddies the waters. Fantastic views of Hilo, lovely grassy picnic area, rest rooms, outdoor showers and a lifeguard.

Hilo, Hawaii		Isaac Hale Beach Park
		Take Highway 130 south from Pahoa. When it dead ends at Highway 137, turn right. This Park is on the left, near Mile Marker #11. Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki is an oceanfront park, boat launch and surf location along Pohoiki Bay in the Puna district of the Big Island of Hawaii.Pohoiki Bay is known for its strong currents and although the park is known for good snorkeling, conditions are usually not ideal. Grass and shadey areas, picnic tables, picnic pavillion, restrooms.

Hilo, Hawaii		James Kealoha Beach Park
		From downtown Hilo, drive south on Kalanianaole Ave. After four miles, the beach park will be on your left. James Kealoha Beach Park offers the whole package: nice views, watersports, sunbathing and even a few good fishing spots. Popular water activities include swimming, snorkeling, surfing, pole fishing and spearfishing. Good spot for picnicking with plenty of shade.

Hilo, Hawaii		Kapoho Tide Pools
		Take Highway 130 south from Pahoa. When it dead ends at Highway 137, turn right. Just before Mile Marker #9, turn left on Kapoho Kai Road. Take the next left on Kaheka and then right on Waiopae. The pools stretch for 1 mile along the coast. This large collection of tidepools and spring fed pools with volcanically heated. It stretches almost a mile down the coast and extend up to 200 yards out into the ocean. A wide variety of fish, good snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. No Facilities. Keep off of private property.

Hilo, Hawaii		Keaukaha Beach Park
		Keaukaha Beach Park is located on the east shore of Hawaii (The Big Island) about 3 miles east of Hilo, HI. Keaukaha Beach is one of many beaches along this stretch that offers swimming and snorkeling. In addition there are fresh water spring fed ponds scattered throughout.Facilities: parking, restrooms, picnic tables and shower.

Hilo, Hawaii		Kehena Beach
		The beach is located in the Puna district (Hilo side) off of Highway 137 near Mile Marker #19. There is a small parking lot on the side of the road. From here, walk towards the left (when facing the ocean). A narrow, steep and rocky trail leads down to the beach. Kehena Beach is one of the few unofficial "clothing optional" beaches in Hawaii. It is a long, but narrow black-sand beach, also call Dolphin Beach because lot of spinner dolphins in this area. Swimming possible when the ocean is calm, Bodyboarding and fishing both good. No facilities, No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Keokea Beach
		Take Highway 270 north and then west past the villages of Hawi and Kapaau. Turn left at Mile Marker #27 to the beach. Keokea Beach is a boulder beach backed by sea cliffs. Poor swimming conditions, but good fishing and picnicking spot. Facilities: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilions, BBQ grills. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Kiholo Bay
		From Highway 19, turn on the public access road between mile markers 82 and 83. Kohala Bay has beautiful sights, fascinating wildlife, tide pools, ancient ponds and rock formations. A mini-island made of lava rock right at the heart of the bay. Turtles can often times be seen here. Good for swimming, snorkeling,surfing and fishing. No facilities, No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Kolekole Beach
		From Hilo, drive north on Hawaii Belt Road for about 10.5 miles (16.9 km). A sign marks the turnoff to the park on the right. Kolekole Beach Park is a popular beach park with beautiful scenery, spacious grassy areas and facilities. Great place for picnic and fishing. Swimming in ocean not recommended due to rough conditions. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Kua Bay
		The park entry road is located between Mile Markers #88 and #89 on Highway 19. Note: The gate is open from 9 am to 7 pm and is closed on Wednesdays. Kua Bay (Manini'owali) is part of the Kekaha Kai State Park, salt-and-pepper coastline. Swimming and snorkeling conditions good during calm days . Diving, bodyboarding, surfing are good. Facilities: picnic tables, showers, restrooms. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Lapakahi State Historical Park
		Located 12.4 miles (20 km) north of Kawaihae, near mile marker 14. Lapakahi State Historical Park was once an ancient Hawaiian fishing community, Koai'e, which dates back to the 14th century. The site features a wide array of historical artifacts, natural wonders and archaeological remains (such as old ruins, huts and temples). No sandy beach here, but good snorkeling in a small beach cove. No lifeguards. Facilities: Visitor kiosk with interpretive displays, restrooms, no drinking water.

Hilo, Hawaii		Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park
		From Hawaii Belt Road (Hwy 19), turn onto Laupahoehoe Point Road (near mile marker 27). Follow the road for about one mile (1.6 km) to the ocean. Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park is scenic peninsula on the Hamakua Coast. It is a nice spot for a picnic and picture taking, fishing. But when it comes to water activities, the options are limited. Facilites: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilion with electricity, county-maintained boat ramp, parking. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Leleiwi Beach Park
		Located on Kalanianaole Avenue, east of Hilo. Leleiwi Beach Park is a small black-sand beach and the rocky shoreline is made up of a few natural ponds, inlets and small rock islets. It is a good beach for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and picnicking. Facilities: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilions, phones, parking, lifeguard.

Hilo, Hawaii		MacKenzie State Park
		From Pahoa, take Highway 130 south. At the dead end at Highway 137, make a right turn. Highway 137 turns into Pahoiki Road for 2 miles and then Highway 137 turns left. Follow the highway until you see the park on the left after Mile Marker #137. MacKenzie State Park is part of King's Highway, an ancient Hawaiian trail, is located here. Beautiful landscape and ocean views. Swimming is not safe in this area due to very strong currents. Good shoreline fishing but don't too close to the edge of the cliffs. Facilities: restrooms, pavilion, picnic tables, camping area, parking. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Mahukona Beach
		From Kawaihae, take Highway 270 north. Between Mile Markers #14 and 15, take the road that leads to the ocean. Mahukona Beach is not a real beach, but an abandoned commercial harbor run by the Kohala Sugar Company. Ocean floor is littered with discarded equipment from old sugar mill that is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef and a plethora of marine life. Good for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating. Facilities: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilion, camping area, parking. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Manini Beach
		Coming from State Highway 160, turn onto Manini Road. Manini Beach has a rocky shoreline consisting of white coral rubble and black lava rocks. Good conditions for snorkeling and diving when the ocean is calm, The surfing conditions are sometimes good here. No facilities. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		New Kaimu Black Sand Beach
		Drive Highway 130 or Highway 137 all the way to the end at Kalapana. Park at the parking lot near the Kalapana Village Cafe. New Kaimu Black Sand Beach is located on brand new land that was created by a lava flow in 1990. There are no facilities out here, and water activities, including swimming, are not possible due to strong currents and hazardous surf. But good for hiking.

Hilo, Hawaii		Onekahakaha Beach
		Coming from downtown Hilo and heading east on Kalanianaole Avenue, make a left turn onto Onekahakaha Road. Onekahakaha Beach Park is the ideal beach for swimming, snorkeling and tidepooling. When tidepooling should wear water shoes and don't touch the sea urchins or other ocean creatures. Facilties: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilion, BBQ grills, drinking water, parking. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Papakolea Green Sand Beach
		Papakolea is located at Mahana Bay, three miles northeast of South Point, the southernmost point in the United States. At the end of the paved South Point Raod to Ka Lae (South Point), take the road to the left. Park at the end of the road. This is the first parking lot, which is about 3 miles (4.8 km) away from Papakolea Beach (you'll see a portable bathroom here). From here, it takes about 90 minutes to hike down to the beach. About one mile into the hike, there is a second parking lot. To get to it, you have to make a left turn from the main road about ¼ mile (400 m) before the first parking lot. Papakolea Beach, located near the Big Island's southern tip, is known for its unique olive green sand. Limited swimming (only when ocean is calm and only close to shore), good fishing. No facilities. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Pauoa Bay
		Pauoa Bay is home to one of the healthiest coral reefs in Hawaii, Here you'll find green sea turtles and a large population of reef fish, including eels, rays, puffer fish and butterflyfish. In the winter, you may even spot a few dolphins and whales. The natural seawalls keep out high surf, making the bay calm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. No facilities. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Pelekane Beach
		The beach is located on the Big Island's northwest shore, just north of Spencer Beach Park and the junction of Highway 19 and Highway 270. Pelekane Beach is small and consists of white sand and coral rubble. It is a sacred religious area so no swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and camping are permitted. Fishing is allowed. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Pololu Valley Beach
		Pololu Valley Beach located at the end of Highway 270 on the Big Island's north shore, just south of Kapaau. Hike leads to small black-sand beach located in a valley that's surrounded by tall sea cliffs, nice view of the Kohala Mountains and coastline. Poor swimming conditions due to strong currents. No facilities. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
		Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is located on the Big Island's southeast shore, between Na'alehu and Pahala (between mile markers 55 and 56), off Highway 11. Most popular black-sand beach on the Big Island, great place to see sea turtles. There is a boat/kayak ramp that's open to the public. Swim should close to shore. Facilities: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilions, drinking water, souvenir shack, camp sites, parking. No lifeguards.

Hilo, Hawaii		Richardson Beach
		Richardson Beach Park located just a short drive east of Hilo. Richardson Beach is a only black sand beach in Hilo. It protected by a natural lava rock seawall, vast variety of marine life, a coral reef and turtles can be seen. Excellent for snorkeling and swimming. Facilties: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, parking, lifeguard.

Hilo, Hawaii		Wai'olena Beach Park
		From downtown Hilo, drive east on Kalanianaole Avenue. There is a parking lot on your left at Waiolena Beach Park. Wai'olena Beach is a lava rock shoreline, good place for picnic, tidepooling and fishing. Facilties: picnic tables, parking.

Hilo, Hawaii		Whittington Beach Park
		The beach park is located off Highway 11, between mile marker 61 and 62. Whittington Beach park is a small beach park with a picturesque shoreline, No water activities possible, but good place for a picnic. Camping needs permit required. Facilities: showers, restrooms, picnic tables, parking.

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