Reeds Bay Beach Park
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Reeds Bay Beach Park

4.5
·962 reviews·Hilo, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, best parking

CrowdLow
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Reeds Bay Beach Park

Reeds Bay Beach Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, best parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.5
(962 reviews)

"Great for swimming with kids or for those looking to paddle board! The water is very calm."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐢 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Bay Swimming

Calm Bay Swimming

Reeds Bay

Perfectly calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Great for all ages.

Sea Turtle Encounters

Sea Turtle Encounters

Reeds Bay

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

Picnic & Relaxation

Picnic & Relaxation

Green space with banyan trees

Shaded areas with picnic benches offer a relaxing spot for families and casual gatherings.

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Calm Waters & Turtle Sightings

Reeds Bay Beach Park offers exceptionally calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, especially for families. Keep an eye out for sea turtles (Honu) and other marine life. Arrive early for the best parking and a peaceful experience.

Local Vibes & Amenities

This park is a local favorite for casual gatherings and water activities. It features picnic areas, decent bathrooms, and showers. While generally peaceful, be aware of occasional drug use by some individuals. Parking is available in a lot or along the street.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, best parking
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Most underrated beach in the US: Carlsmith Beach Park, Hilo, Hawaii📍#hawaii #traveltiktok #travel #beach #bigisland #hilo #turtle
@zondotravel
8.7K likes • 135.5K views

🐢 Respect the Turtles

Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them. TikTok

🚗 Parking Tips

Park in the lot or on the street, but always check signs. Arrive early for easier parking. Reddit

Carlsmith Beach Park is located on the big island just outside of Hilo, Hawaii 📍 If you’re lucky you’ll spot some sea turtles 🐢 Follow for more travel recommendations and save for your next trip to Hawaii 🏝️ #fyp #hawaii #thebigisland #thebigislandhawaii #carlsmithbeach #carlsmithbeachpark #beach #thingstodohawaii #swimming
@kaylynnmkinder
7.6K likes • 89.5K views
2018年のハワイ島滞在を振り返ってみました。 Reeds Bay Beach Park #hawaiiisland #bigisland #hilohawaii #ハワイ島 #ハワイ島ヒロ
kenshibatani
6 likes • 58 views

🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel gear to see the abundant marine life and fish. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal under the banyan trees with picnic benches available. Instagram

Need a calm spot to unwind in Hilo? Tucked away just minutes from downtown, Reeds Bay Beach Park is the perfect place to float, picnic, and chill under the coconut trees. Calm waters, local vibes, and golden-hour views… what more do you need? Located along Banyan Drive – easy to miss, but impossible to forget. Tag your beach buddy and save this for your next Big Island afternoon. #ReedsBay #Hi...
arnottslodgeandhikingadventure
10 likes • 153 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐢 Respect the Turtles

Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them. TikTok

🚗 Parking Tips

Park in the lot or on the street, but always check signs. Arrive early for easier parking. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel gear to see the abundant marine life and fish. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal under the banyan trees with picnic benches available. Instagram

💧 Rinse Off

Showers are available to rinse off after swimming. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(962 reviews)

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

Calm, safe waters
Sea turtle sightings
Great for families

What People Dislike

Occasional drug use

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, it's generally recommended to check local park regulations regarding pets. Many Hawaiian beaches have restrictions on dogs. Instagram

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The calm waters make it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. It's also a great spot for kayaking. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The shallow, calm waters provide a safe environment for children to play and swim. Reddit

You're likely to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), ducks, and various fish while snorkeling. TikTokReddit

Yes, the park is equipped with decent bathrooms and showers for visitors to use. Reddit

It features a narrow sandy beach area around the bay, with green spaces and picnic benches under banyan trees. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no on-site restaurants or food vendors. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic. Instagram

Hilo town offers a variety of dining options, from local plate lunch spots to cafes and restaurants, just a short drive away. Instagram

Yes, the park has picnic benches and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for a casual picnic. Instagram

Yes, several grocery stores are located in Hilo town, which is a short drive from the park, perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies. Instagram

Hilo cuisine often features fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Hawaiian dishes. Plate lunches are a popular and affordable option. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the calm bay, lush banyan trees, and especially the sea turtles. Golden hour offers beautiful lighting. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Late afternoons during golden hour provide stunning light. Mornings can also be beautiful with softer light and fewer people. Instagram

The banyan trees, the calm bay with moored canoes (if present), and the natural wildlife like turtles and Nene geese are great subjects. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife like turtles from a distance. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Reeds Bay Beach Park is a fantastic choice for families. The calm, shallow waters of the bay provide a safe and fun environment for children to swim and play without the worry of strong waves. Reddit It's an excellent spot for introducing kids to water activities like paddleboarding or simply enjoying a gentle swim. The park also offers picnic areas under shady banyan trees, perfect for a family lunch or snack break. Instagram

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. TikTok The availability of restrooms and showers adds to the convenience for families. Reddit

🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts

For those eager to observe Hawaiian wildlife, Reeds Bay Beach Park is a must-visit. The park is a known habitat for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), and sightings are common. TikTok Visitors can often see them swimming or resting near the shore. Remember to always maintain a respectful distance and never touch or feed them. TikTok

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. Instagram It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful setting. Instagram

🏄‍♀️ Paddleboarders & Kayakers

The exceptionally calm waters of Reeds Bay make it a prime location for paddleboarding and kayaking. Unlike more exposed beaches, the bay offers a smooth, protected surface ideal for beginners and those looking for a relaxed paddling experience. InstagramReddit You can rent equipment nearby or bring your own to explore the bay at your own pace. Instagram

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Encounters: Turtles and More

Reeds Bay Beach Park is renowned for its abundant marine life, particularly the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu). Visitors frequently report seeing these majestic creatures basking or swimming in the calm waters. TikTokReddit It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a respectful distance is paramount. Federal law protects sea turtles, and touching or disturbing them can result in fines. TikTok

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. Instagram The presence of this wildlife contributes significantly to the park's appeal as a peaceful nature escape within Hilo. Reddit

Water Activities in the Calm Bay

The defining feature of Reeds Bay Beach Park is its exceptionally calm bay, protected from the open ocean swells. This makes it an ideal location for a range of water activities suitable for all skill levels. Paddleboarding is a popular choice, with many visitors enjoying gliding across the serene surface. InstagramReddit

For families, the shallow and tranquil waters offer a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for children. Reddit 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. TikTok

Local Atmosphere and Amenities

Reeds Bay Beach Park offers a more laid-back, local vibe compared to some of the more tourist-heavy beaches. It's a favored spot for casual family gatherings and relaxation. InstagramReddit The park is equipped with essential amenities, including decent restrooms and showers, which are convenient after a swim or paddle. Reddit Picnic benches are scattered throughout the green spaces, often shaded by mature banyan trees, providing comfortable spots to enjoy a meal or simply unwind. Instagram

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. Reddit

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