What Locals Know and You Desire
City/town information
Small and quiet, but so many hidden gems. Shops, eateries and unique beach access points will steal your heart!
120 persone del luogo consigliano
Hilo
Small and quiet, but so many hidden gems. Shops, eateries and unique beach access points will steal your heart!
Favorite beaches
Best spot for babies and kids. It is protected by a rock wall barrier and even when the waves on the outside are large, the inside is mellow. The tide can vary and when low reveals the tan sand beach. Picnic tables are on the grass a short distance from the water. Bring floaties, SUPs and/or beach toys. You may spot turtles in the lagoon area, or see them while on an adventure out on the lava rocks. Many small hermit crabs line the rocks by the shore. After the turn from the main road, turn right at the first street sign to park in the lot.
65 persone del luogo consigliano
Onekahakaha Beach Park
74 Onekahakaha RdBest spot for babies and kids. It is protected by a rock wall barrier and even when the waves on the outside are large, the inside is mellow. The tide can vary and when low reveals the tan sand beach. Picnic tables are on the grass a short distance from the water. Bring floaties, SUPs and/or beach toys. You may spot turtles in the lagoon area, or see them while on an adventure out on the lava rocks. Many small hermit crabs line the rocks by the shore. After the turn from the main road, turn right at the first street sign to park in the lot.
Locally known as "4-mile". A local favorite. Parking is tight in front, but you can park along the street easily. Another place that sea turtles frequent. Great spot for swimming laps and snorkeling. Almost completely lava rock and grassy lawn, but if the tide is low enough you may find the small beach with tan sand off the path on the left.
140 persone del luogo consigliano
Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole StLocally known as "4-mile". A local favorite. Parking is tight in front, but you can park along the street easily. Another place that sea turtles frequent. Great spot for swimming laps and snorkeling. Almost completely lava rock and grassy lawn, but if the tide is low enough you may find the small beach with tan sand off the path on the left.
Freshwater ponds at the entrance, and a black sand beach in the back. This is a popular snorkeling and lap swimming spot, also great for kids. There is a man made wading pool at the very end of the black sand beach.
176 persone del luogo consigliano
Richardson Ocean Park
2355 Kalanianaole StFreshwater ponds at the entrance, and a black sand beach in the back. This is a popular snorkeling and lap swimming spot, also great for kids. There is a man made wading pool at the very end of the black sand beach.
Pohoiki was a beloved local surf spot until the 2018 eruption. It is now a scientific marvel as it has changed all understanding of beach formation, birthing a beautiful new black sand beach and a few new hot ponds. The drive down is remarkable as you pass through dense jungle terrain, coastal drop offs into deep blue ocean, and the road through cleared lava flow. The shoreline itself has become rather treacherous and I would not recommend swimming in the ocean here. Experienced surfers no longer go out here due to the danger (and lack of good surf) the new coastline presents. From the parking lot you can walk right of the lifeguard tower, near the tree line, and find ponds varying in size and depth. There are also ponds to the right of the tower to wade in. The ponds rise and fall with the tide, serving to filter the water some. Please be mindful that warm water breeds bacteria and make sure you have no open wounds if you decide to enter the water. We recommend bringing a jug of clean water to rinse yourself after (there is no running water or shower).
45 persone del luogo consigliano
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Kalapana Kapoho Beach RoadPohoiki was a beloved local surf spot until the 2018 eruption. It is now a scientific marvel as it has changed all understanding of beach formation, birthing a beautiful new black sand beach and a few new hot ponds. The drive down is remarkable as you pass through dense jungle terrain, coastal drop offs into deep blue ocean, and the road through cleared lava flow. The shoreline itself has become rather treacherous and I would not recommend swimming in the ocean here. Experienced surfers no longer go out here due to the danger (and lack of good surf) the new coastline presents. From the parking lot you can walk right of the lifeguard tower, near the tree line, and find ponds varying in size and depth. There are also ponds to the right of the tower to wade in. The ponds rise and fall with the tide, serving to filter the water some. Please be mindful that warm water breeds bacteria and make sure you have no open wounds if you decide to enter the water. We recommend bringing a jug of clean water to rinse yourself after (there is no running water or shower).
Honoli’i is just north of Hilo town and the most popular surf spot on this side. Lots of interesting driftwood, stones and sea treasures line the black sand coast. To the left is the Wailuku stream that runs into the ocean. The water in the stream is chilly and you will want to exercise caution if you choose to swim in it after heavy rains (no open wounds).
81 persone del luogo consigliano
Honoli'i Beach Park
Honoli’i is just north of Hilo town and the most popular surf spot on this side. Lots of interesting driftwood, stones and sea treasures line the black sand coast. To the left is the Wailuku stream that runs into the ocean. The water in the stream is chilly and you will want to exercise caution if you choose to swim in it after heavy rains (no open wounds).
Beautiful black sand beach. You are nearly guaranteed to see turtles here, either sunbathing or while snorkeling. Small yellow butterflies flutter along the shoreline adding their mystical touch! Small tidepools with lots of marine life line the shore, great for kids.
175 persone del luogo consigliano
Punalu‘u Beach
Beautiful black sand beach. You are nearly guaranteed to see turtles here, either sunbathing or while snorkeling. Small yellow butterflies flutter along the shoreline adding their mystical touch! Small tidepools with lots of marine life line the shore, great for kids.
Sightseeing
If you like to jump cliffs or are eager for a new thrill, this is the spot for you. Journey to the most southern point of the USA to take the leap. The water is deep blue and very salty. Beautiful marine life awaits you here. Take the drive or hike to Green Sands where the sand is made up of Olivine rock.
South Point Cliff Jump
If you like to jump cliffs or are eager for a new thrill, this is the spot for you. Journey to the most southern point of the USA to take the leap. The water is deep blue and very salty. Beautiful marine life awaits you here. Take the drive or hike to Green Sands where the sand is made up of Olivine rock.
Food scene
I dare you to walk in and not buy yourself a treat! The smell is intoxicating and the treats are divine. The perfect place to stop before heading to South Point or Kona, or for a lunch break in your day.
185 persone del luogo consigliano
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11I dare you to walk in and not buy yourself a treat! The smell is intoxicating and the treats are divine. The perfect place to stop before heading to South Point or Kona, or for a lunch break in your day.
If you are a kombucha fan, make this stop a priority. The booch is smooth and made with love. My all time favorite flavor is Ramble on the Rose. The cafe has some creative twists on familiar meals. You can also easily stock up on Big Island Booch at Safeway, Foodland or Costco.
34 persone del luogo consigliano
Conscious Culture Cafe
110 Keawe StIf you are a kombucha fan, make this stop a priority. The booch is smooth and made with love. My all time favorite flavor is Ramble on the Rose. The cafe has some creative twists on familiar meals. You can also easily stock up on Big Island Booch at Safeway, Foodland or Costco.
Food on the go
Great selection of on the go foods. Similar to Whole Foods with hot and cold bar selections. Stock your fridge at the suite or load up for the day's adventure.
51 persone del luogo consigliano
Island Naturals Market & Deli - Hilo
1221 Kilauea AveGreat selection of on the go foods. Similar to Whole Foods with hot and cold bar selections. Stock your fridge at the suite or load up for the day's adventure.
Incredible fresh poke plates and so much variety. This is a must visit!
88 persone del luogo consigliano
Suisan Fish Market
93 Lihiwai StIncredible fresh poke plates and so much variety. This is a must visit!
Consigli per viaggiatori
Usanze e culture
Live aloha
A smile, "aloha", eye contact and nod or small greeting is customary between people passing.
Usanze e culture
Malama the aina
Help keep the places you visit clean by leaving it cleaner than when you arrived. Dispose of your opala (trash) and any that you find around you.