Hawaii Beaches - Hilo

We have compiled for you our favorite beaches that offer adventure, amenities, wonderful black (and green) sand and archaeological evidence of Hawaiian culture, past and present.We hope that you find this Hilo beach information useful and that you use it to find your small piece of paradise. Aloha and here's to seeing you on a Hilo Hawaii beach soon!

Hilo

Mahana Beach.

Location – Hwy 11, 2.5 miles northeast of South Point, Hilo.

With no facilites and a 2 hour hike to get here, only the hardiest of beach goers should attempt to visit this beach, or have access to a 4WD vehicle and a permit to access it via vehicle. Lying at the foot of Pu'u o Mahana, an old cinder cone of Mauna Loa, this unique (Green sand!) beach should not be missed. Remember though, to come prepared. There is no water, so bring a CamelBak. There is no lifeguard, so stay out of the water. There are no toilets, so bring a small shovel and some TP. You will be amply rewarded by getting to walk along one, if not the most unique beach in all the islands. If you want a 4x4 permit call Hawaiian Homelands at 808.974.4250. they are located in Hilo.

Punalu'u Beach Park.

Location – along Hwy. 11, 27 miles south of Volcanoes National Park at mile markers 56 & 57. Look for the Sea Mountains Condo’s and Golf Course.

This black sand beach is a favorite of not only people, but endangered sea turtles. Loaded with turtles, ancient Hawaiian ruins and the remains of an old sugar railroad and army port makes Punalu’u beach park a must see for those of us trying to get the most from your time on Hawai’i. Swamped by the 1946 tsunami, the army fort is all but gone, the slabs of the buildings are all that remain. You can see what is left of the railroad (its an elevated roadbed) just past the the old Sea Mountain Condo complex (this is no longer in operation). A favorite of locals, sea turtles and the big tourist busses, your best bet is to come during the week, to avoid the crowds.

Ahalanui Park.

Location - 2½ miles south of the junction of Highways 132 and 137, southeast of Pahoa

Looking for a volcanically heated pool to lounge around in? the Ahalanui park is for you. This beach park is a 3 acre plot of land along a mostly rough Pacific Ocean. Guarded by a man-made stone wall the heated pool is a great way to chill out and take in some of the true Hawaiian spirit. Portable toilets and available, along with potable (drinking) water and a few picnic tables for lunch.

MacKenzie State Recreation Area.

Location – Hwy 137, 2 miles south of Hwy 132.

If you are looking for a great place to have a picnic and find some shade this is for you. There is no swimming here, but there are toilets and a very nice place to pull up to and hang out for a bit. Isaac

Hale Beach Park.

Location – Hwy 137, just north of the junction with Hwy 132.

Great way to spend a lazy Hawaiian afternoon oceanfront. Swimming is not advisable, as the surf is dangerous. The local fisherman launch their boats here for a morning out on the ocean. This park does have toilets and picnic areas for your use and enjoyment.

Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Location - off Kalanianaole Ave., in Hilo

A rarity for Hilo, this white sand beach is the destination for families and their children. There si a lorge,, white sand bottomed pool that is protected by a breakwater for the kids to play in. With its year-round lifeguards, picnic areas, toilets and showers Onekahakaha beach park is a must see for anyone traveling with kids or looking to lounge in a pool near Hilo.

Leleiwi Beach Park and Richardson Ocean Park.

Location - Kalaniana'ole Avenue east, 4 miles south of Hilo.

Not known as great swimming beaches, Leleiwi and Richardson parks offers great grassy areas for picnics, some protected areas to snorkel around in and, if you prefer net fishing. Both of these parks are connected, so visiting them both is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Reeds Bay Beach Park.

Location - Banyan Dr. and Kalaniana'ole Ave in Hilo.

This cove beach, close to Hilo offers good swimming options if you are staying in the city. Amenities include toilets, showers & potable (drinking) water. The waters of the bay here are a bit chilly, as there is a cold water seep in one of the pools, and this chilly water rises to the surface of the cove.