Planning Your Summer Getaway: Guide to Hilo Hawaii Beaches
It isn’t a true Hawaii vacation until you visit the Hilo Hawaii beaches. The Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the most famous shores. On the northeast part of the island lives the city of Hilo. The area is in a protected bay, making for naturally calm beaches. A smaller city makes for less crowds and is the perfect place for a family or a couple to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. Get ready to soak up some aloha!
Aside from the beaches, Hilo is known for the vibrant Hawaiian culture. With a little bit of everything, you can enjoy activities like learning the history of Hilo at the museum or strolling in the famous farmer’s market. Hilo is only a 45-minute drive from our Volcano bed and breakfast and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a place not to be missed during your stay. There is so much to do here, and we want to help you plan your trip to make it the best it can be. Preparation is key and it begins with the perfect place to stay. Join us at the Volcano Village Lodge and have easy access to both the ocean and the jungle!
Read on to learn more about Hilo, Hawaii beaches and how to successfully plan for your next beach getaway to the Big Island.
Exploring Hilo: An Overview
Hilo hosts a variety of activities that will lure any type of traveler. For the more adventurous explorer, there are waterfalls scattered all around with many of them a short hike away. For those who appreciate cultural amenities, some of the best seafood is prepared in this beachside town. Museums and art galleries dot the city center bringing a unique charm to the area.
Our staff at our Big Island bed and breakfast love to recommend our guests check out the Hilo Farmer’s Market. It is open every day year-round showcasing local produce, native plants, handmade crafts, and artisanal products. It is one of the best places to learn about Hawaiian culture. Talk to the vendors about their products – they are happy to share their knowledge!
History buffs and museumgoers will enjoy the Pacific Tsunami Museum. In the 1990s, the Hilo community supported the idea of a tsunami-centric museum. The building that it currently stands in was donated by the First Hawaiian bank, and the structure has survived two devastating tsunamis to hit the area in the 1946 and 1960. Not only will visitors learn something new in the museum, but they will also find how symbolic it is to the community, representing strength and resiliency.
Hilo Hawaii Beaches
Along the Hamakua Coast, you won’t find too many large resorts and big crowds. Instead, you’ll find beautiful and awe inspiring Hawaii beaches of a wide variety thanks to the geography here. Less than a half hour drive from our Big Island bed and breakfast and Volcanoes National Park, many of the beaches show off lava rocks and black sand from the volcanic minerals in the soil. The beaches are rare gems in themselves and a must-see on your trip down to see us! Below are some beaches we love recommending to our guests.
Richardson Ocean Park
This beach is particularly unique because it is a part of a marine conservation area. The black sands act as an entry way to protected pools fed by undergrounds springs. This allows for some awesome snorkeling to do with your group of friends and family. Like the green sand beaches on the southern shore of the island, volcanic activity brings about olivine crystals that give it the distinct green hue at Richardson. As a bonus, sea turtles love to frequent the area, so keep your eyes peeled! The beach has picnic tables, restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty.
Carlsmith Beach Park
This beach is known by locals as “Four Mile Beach.” Like at Richardson Ocean Park, Carlsmith also has pools made from ancient volcanic rock. The quiet waters here allow for some of the best spots to snorkel and view sea life. Keep in mind that there is no sandy beach here, but still plenty of places to relax. There are stairs accessing the water, and showers and picnic tables nearby.
Onekahakaha Beach Park
This beach is especially perfect for families. The water is shallow all the way to the breakwater. The crystal-clear waters give way to colorful tide pools popular with sea urchins, sea stars, mollusks, and crabs. Onekahakaha is ideal for swimming and sunbathing alike. The park has all the amenities including pavilions, grills, tables, playgrounds, showers, and lifeguards.
Leleiwi Beach Park
Surrounded by lush greenery, Leleiwi provides a serene atmosphere for beachgoers. It has wide sandy beaches and gentle waves surrounded by the famous volcanic rock formations providing a scenic backdrop. The vegetation provides plenty of space to relax and picnic in the shade. The shallow waters make for excellent exploring of the vibrant life living at Leleiwi. You can take a picnic and eat at one of the tables or pavilions next to the water. This spot is popular for watching those magnificent Hawaiian sunsets.
Before visiting the coast, think about beach safety. Keep these basic tips in mind:
Check weather conditions before you go. The tides and rip currents vary with the seasons, so be prepared to change course if waters are too rough.
- Bring reef-safe sun block and plenty of drinking water.
- Know the rules. Every beach is different.
- Never swim alone.
- Stay in areas designated for swimming.
The area is special and means a great deal to the culture here. Please be mindful of your gatherings when leaving the beach and treat the flora and fauna with respect.
Come and stay with us for several days to give yourself enough time to soak up all the beaches around Hilo. We would love to recommend where to go depending on the mood you wake up in!
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Like we said at the beginning, it isn’t a true Hawaii vacation until you visit the beaches of the Big Island! The scenic landscape of area attracts those who enjoy a quieter and relaxing vacation. There is a plethora of sea life along the beach shores, making the area popular for exploring to your heart’s content.
The Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted to the land, and we do everything we can to minimize our ecological footprint and preserve the beauty for future generations. If you want more tips for fun and safe ways to enjoy the environment, just ask us!
Savor the scenery and enjoy the tranquility of Hilo, Hawaii beaches. Stay with us at the Volcano Village Lodge and we’ll help make your beach getaway spectacular!