Richardson Ocean Park
A black sand beach haven in Hilo, famous for sea turtle encounters and vibrant snorkeling in clear, warm waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Richardson Ocean Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A black sand beach haven in Hilo, famous for sea turtle encounters and vibrant snorkeling in clear, warm waters.
"This is one of our favorite spots and definitely our favorite beach in Hilo."
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet on the lava rocks! Essential for comfortable exploration and entry into the water.
🐢 Respect the Honu
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. They are wild animals and need their space to rest and thrive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu)
Tide pools and shallow waters
Witness majestic green sea turtles resting and swimming in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Black Sand Beach
Shoreline
Experience the striking beauty of a volcanic black sand beach, a unique geological feature of the Big Island.
Snorkeling Paradise
Clear waters, especially on the right side
Dive into warm, clear waters teeming with diverse marine life. Excellent visibility for spotting colorful fish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Spotting Etiquette
Footwear for Lava Rocks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet on the lava rocks! Essential for comfortable exploration and entry into the water.
🐢 Respect the Honu
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. They are wild animals and need their space to rest and thrive.
🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. Explore the vibrant underwater world right from the beach.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
The park offers a spacious parking area, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet on the lava rocks! Essential for comfortable exploration and entry into the water.
🐢 Respect the Honu
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles. They are wild animals and need their space to rest and thrive.
🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. Explore the vibrant underwater world right from the beach.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
The park offers a spacious parking area, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The Hawaiian sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Richardson Ocean Park for its abundant sea turtle sightings and excellent snorkeling conditions in clear, warm waters. The black sand beach and convenient amenities like lifeguards and restrooms are also highlights. Some find the rocky terrain challenging for entry, and water clarity can vary, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially for nature lovers.
"05/02/2025 (Fri)
This is one of our favorite spots and definitely our favorite beach in Hilo.
The access can be a bit tricky because of the rocky terrain, but there’s a spot where turtles regularly come to rest, and we almost always see some here — today, we saw five!😊✨
It’s also great for snorkeling — the right side (facing the ocean) has shallow areas that make it easier to enter.
The water is warm, incredibly clear, and perfect for snorkeling. We saw a wide variety of fish and lots of them.
The beach also has a spacious parking area, around three showers, clean restrooms, and lifeguards on duty, so it feels safe and convenient.🐟
05/06/2025 (Tue)
Today, I entered the water from the stone steps located across from the restrooms and showers, on the left side when facing the ocean. I had often seen families with children playing there, so I thought it was just a shallow tide pool.
But maybe it was just this particular day — the water felt quite cold, was deeper than I expected, and not very clear.
I swam around to the right side along the rocks. There were a few fish near the rocks, but the waves were rough further out and I didn’t see anyone snorkeling in that area.🏊🌊
I got out of the water early and went to my usual spot behind the rocks to check on the sea turtles — and there were seven of them today! Since it was already lunchtime, I wrapped up my visit."
Yulily
"Beautiful black sand beach near Hilo with great snorkeling and calm tide pools. We visit often, and this past weekend we watched green sea turtles cruising through the pools and channels. Always a favorite on the east side!"
Bruce Collins
"Went right before sunset. Spend a lil time just by the parking lot and let the kiddos swim. Right before the sun set we took a lil hike deeper into the park and was will worth it. Great view of the sunset and we had the whole place to our self. Don't recommend staying to late as it get dark quick and need to hike back. Great place with a beautiful view if you do a lil hike."
Cesar Duran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Richardson Ocean Park is conveniently located just a short drive southeast of downtown Hilo. You can reach it by car via Highway 11, turning onto Keaukaha Road. Many visitors find it easy to access with ample parking available.
Public transportation options to Richardson Ocean Park are limited. It's generally recommended to have a rental car or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
The park features a spacious parking area, which can accommodate a good number of vehicles. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Yes, biking to Richardson Ocean Park is possible, especially if you are staying in nearby accommodations. Some condo listings even mention being steps away from the park, suggesting good bike accessibility.
While possible, Richardson Ocean Park is on the Hilo side of the Big Island. A day trip from Kona would involve a significant amount of driving (around 2-3 hours each way), making an overnight stay in Hilo more practical to fully enjoy the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Richardson Ocean Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty and amenities free of charge.
Richardson Ocean Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any temporary closures or changes in hours.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty at Richardson Ocean Park, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers and beachgoers.
While picnic areas are available, advance reservations are generally not required or offered for public park spaces like Richardson Ocean Park. It's first-come, first-served.
Yes, Richardson Ocean Park is equipped with clean restrooms and showers, making it convenient for visitors to rinse off after swimming or snorkeling.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Yes, Richardson Ocean Park is known for its calm tide pools and clear waters, making it excellent for swimming, especially for families. The right side of the beach is often recommended for easier entry.
You can expect to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) resting and swimming, as well as a variety of colorful fish. It's a fantastic spot for wildlife observation.
Absolutely! The clear, warm waters and abundant marine life make it a top spot for snorkeling. The rocky areas and tide pools are particularly good for spotting sea creatures.
It's highly recommended to wear sturdy water shoes or reef walkers due to the lava rock. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and your snorkeling gear for the best experience.
Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the black sand beach, picnicking, and taking in the scenic ocean views. Some visitors also enjoy exploring the park's trails for sunset views.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoons and sunsets provide dramatic lighting and stunning colors over the ocean.
The black sand beach contrasting with the turquoise water is a classic shot. Look for opportunities to photograph the sea turtles, palm trees, and the dramatic coastline.
Yes, but always from a respectful distance. Capturing images of the turtles in their natural environment is a highlight, but their well-being is paramount.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. If you plan on underwater photography, a waterproof camera or GoPro is ideal.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring your snorkeling gear to introduce kids to the underwater world, where they can spot colorful fish and maybe even a sea turtle. The black sand beach is also fun for building sandcastles. Remember to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as there are picnic areas available. Water shoes are a must for little feet navigating the rocky areas.
🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts
Be prepared to spend time observing these magnificent creatures. Patience is key, and always remember to maintain a respectful distance. The clear waters also offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing various fish species while snorkeling.
📸 Photographers
Capture the unique volcanic landscape, the lush tropical greenery, and, of course, the iconic sea turtles. Sunrises and sunsets here are particularly spectacular, offering golden hour light that enhances the natural beauty. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Encountering the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles)
Many visitors describe seeing multiple turtles during a single visit, with some spotting up to seven at once. The best viewing opportunities are often in the calmer sections of the water, particularly around the rocky areas. Remember, these are wild creatures, and their well-being should always be the priority. Observing them in their natural environment is a privilege and a highlight of any trip to Richardson Ocean Park.
Key takeaway: Be patient, keep your distance, and enjoy the incredible experience of seeing these magnificent creatures up close (but not too close!). Your respect ensures they continue to visit this special place.
Navigating the Volcanic Landscape
To fully enjoy the park, especially for swimming and snorkeling, wearing sturdy water shoes or reef walkers is highly recommended. These will protect your feet from the rough lava rock when entering and exiting the water, and while exploring the shoreline. The rocky areas also create natural tide pools and channels that are perfect for observing marine life.
Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding landscape offers picturesque views. The park is adorned with swaying palm trees and lush greenery, adding to its tropical oasis feel. For photographers, the interplay of dark sand, blue water, and verdant foliage provides endless scenic opportunities.
Snorkeling and Water Activities
Many visitors recommend snorkeling on the right side of the beach (facing the ocean) or near the rocky areas for the best experience. Here, you can encounter colorful fish, and if you're lucky, swim alongside the resident Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The calm tide pools are also ideal for less experienced swimmers or children to safely explore marine life.
While snorkeling is a major draw, the park is also suitable for swimming. Lifeguards are usually on duty, and the water is generally calm, especially in the protected areas. Remember to wear appropriate footwear to navigate the rocky entry points comfortably.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit