Beaches :: Onekahakaha ~ Lehia Beach
From Onekahakaha to Lehia Beach, these are the beaches of Hawaii Big Island's Hilo Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Onekahakaha Beach County Park
Hilo Vicinity, Big Island Hawaii. A beautiful white sand beach, found further on along Kalanianaole Avenue, Onekahakaha is arguably the best beach in the Hilo vicinity. Featuring lifeguards and a good selection of services, Onekahakaha deserves its status as the best family beach in the area. The swimming is good, but should only be attempted in the large, sandy pool protected by the breakwater. Outside of the pool, the currents can be ferocious, and more than one drowning has been recorded at Onekahakaha.
Location :: East of Keaukaha Beach Park, off of Kalanianaole Avenue.
Access :: Heading east on Kalanianaole Avenue, turn left onto Machida Lane.
Services :: Showers, restrooms, picnic facilities, lifeguards.
Notes :: A short walk east along the shoreline brings you to an undeveloped section of the beach that has many tidepools. If you're thinking of taking a dip, however, be careful, as sea urchins are often numerous within hte pools.
James Kealoha Park ("Four Mile")
Hilo Vicinity, Big Island Hawaii. A generally unremarkable beach, James Kealoha Park, also known as "Four Mile", offers a well-rounded blend of decent swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and, during the winter months, surfing. Scout Island, a good camping ground, is located just offshore. The island derives its name from the frequent boy scout camping trips that are held there.
Location :: East of Onekahakaha Beach County Park, along Kalanianaole Avenue.
Access :: Kalanianaole Avenue.
Services :: Pavilion.
Notes :: By crossing Kalanianaole Avenue, you will arrive at the sprawling, 60-acre Lokoaka fishpond. Originally used by the ancient Hawaiians as a fishing ground, the Lokoaka pond has recently been adopted for commercial use and currently produces some of the best mullet on the entire island.
Leleiwi Beach Park (Richardson's Beach)
Hilo Vicinity, Big Island Hawaii. Though the overall quality of Leleiwi Beach park is at best mediocre, the larger area within which it is located, known locally as Richardson's Beach, is very picturesque, and boasts some of the best snorkeling on the entire island. Richardson's superb snorkeling is due largely in part to its vast diversity of marine wildlife, including humu (green sea turtles).
Location :: East of James Kealoha Park, off of Kalanianaole Avenue.
Access :: While driving east on Kalanianaole Avenue, park along the road near the sign for Uwau Street, just past the Mauna Loa Shores Condominium. From the road, follow a walkway snaking through groves of coconut trees by a fancy-looking house. Follow this trail to a tiny seawall near a small cove and black sand beach.
Services :: Pavilions.
Notes :: Walking west from the seawall, you'll reach a natural lava breakwater where small pools are flooded with rushing water to form natural jacuzzis.
Lehia Park
Hilo Vicinity, Big Island Hawaii. This shady, grassy plot is well-suited to the needs of an average fun-seeking family. Though the water here is rough and generally unfavorable to swimming, sandy-bottomed tide pools, similar to those found at Leleiwi (see above), offer the perfect means of relaxation.
Location :: East of Leleiwi Beach Park/Richardson's Beach, at the end of Kalanianaole Avenue. Literally.
Access :: At the end of the road, follow a dirt track down to a well shaded lawn.
Services :: None.
Notes :: Though camping is not officialy allowed at Lehia, many locals and tourists alike choose to spend the night here.