
Reeds Bay Beach Park
A tranquil Hilo bay park with calm waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and spotting sea turtles. Ideal for families and relaxed local gatheri...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best parking

Reeds Bay Beach Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Hilo bay park with calm waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and spotting sea turtles. Ideal for families and relaxed local gatherings.
"Great for swimming with kids or for those looking to paddle board! The water is very calm."

🐢 Respect the Turtles
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them.
🚗 Parking Tips
Park in the lot or on the street, but always check signs. Arrive early for easier parking.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Bay Swimming
Reeds Bay
Perfectly calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Great for all ages.

Sea Turtle Encounters
Reeds Bay
High chance of spotting Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) in their natural habitat.

Picnic & Relaxation
Green space with banyan trees
Shaded areas with picnic benches offer a relaxing spot for families and casual gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Calm Waters & Turtle Sightings
Local Vibes & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them.
🚗 Parking Tips
Park in the lot or on the street, but always check signs. Arrive early for easier parking.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your snorkel gear to see the abundant marine life and fish.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal under the banyan trees with picnic benches available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them.
🚗 Parking Tips
Park in the lot or on the street, but always check signs. Arrive early for easier parking.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your snorkel gear to see the abundant marine life and fish.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal under the banyan trees with picnic benches available.
💧 Rinse Off
Showers are available to rinse off after swimming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Reeds Bay Beach Park for its incredibly calm waters, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, especially for families. The frequent sightings of sea turtles and other marine life are a major highlight. While generally peaceful and well-equipped with amenities like restrooms and showers, some reviews note occasional issues with drug use.
"Love this beach. We went paddleboarding, saw turtles and fish while snorkeling. Great spot for the kids to be protected from the open ocean."
Alex
"What a gorgeous setting. Decent bathrooms, great shallow area for kids. Turtles, ducks, fish, all the things! Only drawback was some obvious drug use and users, but otherwise super nice."
Jeannette Johnson
"Really really cute area, great for swimming with kids or for those looking to paddle board! The water is very calm and has good visibility. Lots of banyan trees and wildlife."
Cherry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reeds Bay Beach Park is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Hilo along Banyan Drive. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors find it a pleasant stop after visiting nearby Lili'uokalani Gardens.
Yes, there is a parking lot available, and street parking is also an option along the road. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot.
The park offers relatively easy access to the water, with a sandy area and calm bay. It's considered a good spot for those with limited mobility who wish to enter the ocean with minimal walking.
To experience the park with fewer people, aim for weekday mornings. Late afternoons can also be pleasant, especially during golden hour, though crowds may increase slightly.
While it's a lovely spot, Reeds Bay Beach Park is best enjoyed as part of a Hilo exploration rather than a dedicated day trip from further afield due to its local, relaxed nature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Reeds Bay Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its amenities and natural beauty free of charge.
Public parks in Hawaii are generally open from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific posted hours, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required for general access to Reeds Bay Beach Park. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and picnic areas.
General park rules apply. While popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, always be mindful of local wildlife and maintain respectful distances, especially with sea turtles.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally recommended to check local park regulations regarding pets. Many Hawaiian beaches have restrictions on dogs.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The calm waters make it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. It's also a great spot for kayaking.
Absolutely! The shallow, calm waters provide a safe environment for children to play and swim.
You're likely to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), ducks, and various fish while snorkeling.
Yes, the park is equipped with decent bathrooms and showers for visitors to use.
It features a narrow sandy beach area around the bay, with green spaces and picnic benches under banyan trees.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or food vendors. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Hilo town offers a variety of dining options, from local plate lunch spots to cafes and restaurants, just a short drive away.
Yes, the park has picnic benches and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for a casual picnic.
Yes, several grocery stores are located in Hilo town, which is a short drive from the park, perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies.
Hilo cuisine often features fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Hawaiian dishes. Plate lunches are a popular and affordable option.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the calm bay, lush banyan trees, and especially the sea turtles. Golden hour offers beautiful lighting.
While drone usage might be restricted in some areas, the scenic bay and coastline offer potential for aerial shots if permitted. Always check local regulations.
Late afternoons during golden hour provide stunning light. Mornings can also be beautiful with softer light and fewer people.
The banyan trees, the calm bay with moored canoes (if present), and the natural wildlife like turtles and Nene geese are great subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife like turtles from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring your snorkel gear to explore the bay's gentle underwater world together, and keep an eye out for the friendly sea turtles that frequent the area. The availability of restrooms and showers adds to the convenience for families.
🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond turtles, the bay's clear waters are teeming with various fish, making it a good spot for casual snorkeling. You might also spot Hawaiian geese (Nene) in the park's grassy areas. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful setting.
🏄♀️ Paddleboarders & Kayakers
It's a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the scenic views of Hilo Bay and the surrounding coastline. The gentle conditions also make it easy to paddle close to shore or venture further out into the bay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: Turtles and More
Beyond turtles, the bay is also home to various fish species, making it a good spot for casual snorkeling. You might also spot Hawaiian geese (Nene) in the park's green spaces, adding to the natural charm. The presence of this wildlife contributes significantly to the park's appeal as a peaceful nature escape within Hilo.
Water Activities in the Calm Bay
For families, the shallow and tranquil waters offer a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for children. Snorkeling is also rewarding here, as the clear, calm conditions allow for good visibility of the underwater ecosystem. Kayaking is another option for exploring the bay. The gentle conditions ensure a relaxing and accessible experience for anyone looking to enjoy the water.
Local Atmosphere and Amenities
While the park generally exudes a peaceful atmosphere, some reviews mention occasional instances of drug use by individuals. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings. Despite this, the overall sentiment is that the park remains a charming and valuable community resource for recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of Hilo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit