Carlsmith Beach Park Four Mile
Tranquil Hilo beach park with calm lagoons, abundant sea turtles, and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Carlsmith Beach Park Four Mile
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil Hilo beach park with calm lagoons, abundant sea turtles, and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
"A must-visit destination for turtle enthusiasts, this location offers dedicated snorkeling facilities."
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Keep your distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them. Observe from afar to protect their well-being.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited. Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Encounters
Throughout the lagoons
Witness majestic sea turtles swimming, feeding, and resting in their natural habitat. An unforgettable wildlife experience!
Tranquil Lagoons
Main swimming areas
Enjoy the calm, clear, and shallow waters perfect for swimming, wading, and beginner snorkeling adventures.
Tide Pool Exploration
Rocky areas
Discover diverse marine life in the park's unique tide pools, offering a varied and engaging exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Turtles (and Parking!)
Calm Waters for All Swimmers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Keep your distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them. Observe from afar to protect their well-being.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited. Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience exploring the clear waters and marine life.
💧 Watch for Cold Water Washes
Some areas might have cold water washes, making visibility difficult. Be aware of changing conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Keep your distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them. Observe from afar to protect their well-being.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited. Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience exploring the clear waters and marine life.
💧 Watch for Cold Water Washes
Some areas might have cold water washes, making visibility difficult. Be aware of changing conditions.
🩴 Water Shoes for Rocks
Consider water shoes for navigating rocky areas and tide pools comfortably.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Carlsmith Beach Park's stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and incredible opportunities to see sea turtles and colorful fish, making it a top spot for snorkeling and relaxation. While parking can be challenging and some areas may have cold water washes, the overall experience is highly recommended for nature lovers and families seeking a peaceful beach day.
"05/06/2025 (Tue)
Carlsmith Beach Park, located just outside of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a beautiful and peaceful spot perfect for families and beginner snorkelers, thanks to its calm, sheltered waters.
The beach features several tide pools, each with its own unique characteristics—some warmer, some cooler, some rocky, and others smoother—making it a fun and varied place to explore. The shallow waters extend far out, and there's even a tiny tiny offshore island, with several palm trees growing on it. It adds a charming touch to the scenery.🌴
The water is so clear, and we saw a fair number of fish swimming around. 🐟🐠🐡We also encountered sea turtles all throughout the area—swimming, feeding, and resting. On the east side of the park (to the right when facing the ocean), there’s a ladder with handrails like the kind you'd see at a swimming pool. When I tried to exit the water using the handrail, a sea turtle swam directly toward me and came very close multiple times! (You can see this moment in our video.) The rocky area near the handrail seems to be a favorite resting spot for the turtles.
Do note that parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.
All in all, Carlsmith Beach Park is a spot full of natural beauty and calm waters—a truly worthwhile place to visit, especially for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing coastal experience."
Yulily
"This beach is absolutely stunning – The scenery is breathtaking, and the water is crystal clear, making it perfect for snorkeling.
While snorkeling, I was lucky enough to see some sea turtles and many colorful fish swimming around – such an unforgettable experience!
If I get the chance, I would definitely come back here again to snorkel. Highly recommend this spot to anyone who loves nature and the ocean."
Angelia An
"Wonderful snorkeling experience for me, an inexperienced snorkeler! I saw a turtle, several kinds of anemones, and so many fish, even though the surf made the other beaches I tried too murky.
Parking was challenging and there are washes of cold water that make it difficult to see anything... As well as being cold."
Rachel Davis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carlsmith Beach Park is conveniently located just outside of Hilo. A short drive east from downtown Hilo will take you there. Many visitors use rental cars for easy access.
Public transportation options to Carlsmith Beach Park might be limited. It's generally recommended to have a car or consider ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
Parking at Carlsmith Beach Park can be challenging, especially during peak times. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays is advised to secure a spot.
While possible, Carlsmith Beach Park is on the Hilo side of the Big Island. A day trip from Kona would involve significant driving time. It's more ideal for those staying on the Hilo side.
Yes, Carlsmith Beach Park is well-marked and easily accessible from Hilo. Look for signs directing you to the park as you drive east.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Carlsmith Beach Park is a local park and typically does not have an entrance fee. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Carlsmith Beach Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's a public park, so hours are typically dictated by daylight.
No advance booking is required for Carlsmith Beach Park as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife, especially the sea turtles. Keep a safe distance and do not disturb them.
While the park offers natural beauty, accessibility can vary. Some areas might be rocky or uneven. It's best to check locally for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling in the calm lagoons, watching for sea turtles, exploring tide pools, and picnicking.
Yes, Carlsmith Beach Park is excellent for snorkeling, especially for beginners, due to its clear, calm, and shallow waters teeming with fish and sea turtles.
Absolutely! The park features calm, sheltered lagoons that are perfect for swimming, wading, and enjoying the water.
The main attraction is the abundance of sea turtles! You can also spot various colorful fish and marine life in the tide pools and lagoons.
Yes, restrooms are available at Carlsmith Beach Park, which is convenient for visitors spending a longer time there.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of sea turtles, the clear turquoise waters, the unique tide pools, and the picturesque offshore island with palm trees.
While beautiful during the day, sunset can offer a lovely golden hour glow. However, be mindful of park closing times and limited lighting.
Sea turtles are often visible throughout the day. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light and fewer crowds for photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in public parks before flying.
A waterproof camera or a good phone with a waterproof case is ideal for capturing underwater shots of turtles and fish. A wide-angle lens can capture the scenic beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring along sand toys and picnic supplies for a full day of fun. The presence of sea turtles is often a huge hit with kids, offering an exciting educational opportunity. Just remember to supervise children closely and enforce the 'look, don't touch' rule for the turtles.
🐢 Turtle Enthusiasts
Bring your snorkeling gear to get a closer (but still respectful) look at these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The clear waters offer great visibility. Remember to maintain a safe distance and never disturb them.
🐠 Beginner Snorkelers
Bring your own snorkel mask and fins, or rent them nearby. The gentle conditions mean you can focus on learning and enjoying the underwater world without feeling overwhelmed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Sea Turtles at Carlsmith
TikTok and Instagram creators frequently capture heartwarming moments with the turtles, emphasizing the joy of seeing them up close (but not too close!). These videos serve as a great reminder of the importance of conservation and responsible wildlife viewing.
When you visit, keep an eye out near the rocky edges and in the calmer lagoon areas. The turtles are a testament to the health of the local marine ecosystem and a truly special part of the Carlsmith Beach Park experience.
Exploring the Lagoons and Tide Pools
Beyond the main swimming areas, Carlsmith Beach Park is dotted with fascinating tide pools. These natural rock pools teem with small marine life, including various types of anemones and small fish. Exploring these tide pools is like discovering miniature underwater worlds, offering a different kind of natural discovery.
These tranquil waters and diverse aquatic environments make Carlsmith Beach Park a unique destination. Whether you're looking for a relaxing swim, an introductory snorkeling experience, or a chance to observe marine life up close, the lagoons and tide pools provide ample opportunities for enjoyment and discovery.
Practicalities: Parking, Facilities, and Access
For visitor convenience, restrooms are available within the park. This is a welcome amenity for those planning to spend several hours enjoying the beach and its surroundings.
Access to the water is generally straightforward, with sandy entries into the lagoons. In some areas, like the rocky section on the east side, there's a ladder with handrails, similar to what you might find at a swimming pool, which can aid in entering and exiting the water, particularly when sea turtles are present.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit