A small county beach park in Keaukaha, about four miles east of downtown Hilo, where a natural lava breakwater shelters a black-sand beach. It's the most popular snorkeling spot on the island's east side, and honu often rest on the sand.
Why we love it
Think of it as Hilo's answer to Kahaluʻu: free, lifeguarded, and full of turtles. The water is cooler than on the Kona side, which feels great on a muggy Hilo afternoon.
What to expect
Almost at the end of Kalanianaʻole Avenue, a paved lot sits right beside the beach. The sand is black lava mixed with green olivine crystals, and a natural lava breakwater offshore knocks down the open-ocean swell. The result is shallow water with almost no current. Cold freshwater springs feed ponds at and near the beach, so expect chilly patches where fresh water meets the warmer sea. The outer reef has tide pools that kids love. Carlsmith, just up the road, has only a lawn, but here there’s real sand, and turtles often haul out on it in the afternoon.
Know before you go
- Lifeguards
- Lifeguards are on duty daily. The state ocean-safety site lists 9:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m., while the county has posted a 4:40 p.m. end time.
- Water conditions
- Stay inside the breakwater. Where it opens to the sea at one end, the current picks up. Wear shoes on the outer-reef tide pools.
- Honu
- Turtles rest on the black sand, especially in the afternoon. Stay at least 10 feet away, and wear sandals because the dark sand gets hot.
- Parking
- Entry and parking are free. The lot fills quickly on weekends and in late afternoon when locals come for sunset, and weekday mornings have more room.
- Facilities
- There are restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and picnic pavilions.
Photo: dronepicr via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
