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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.