Honolii Beach Park Hilo Hawaii
A surfer's haven on the Big Island, Honoli'i Beach Park offers dramatic waves, scenic beauty, and a chance to hunt for sea glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for surfing & sea glass
Honolii Beach Park Hilo Hawaii
Best Time
Best for surfing & sea glass
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surfer's haven on the Big Island, Honoli'i Beach Park offers dramatic waves, scenic beauty, and a chance to hunt for sea glass.
"Great beach, but parking is not ideal on the side of the road. Make sure you wear good shoes down to the beach."
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The beach is rocky; water shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🌊 Respect the Current
Strong currents make it unsuitable for beginner swimmers. Boogie boarders need fins!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Surfer's Paradise
Main beach area
Witness skilled surfers and boogie boarders tackle impressive waves. A true spectacle for ocean lovers.
Sea Glass Hunting
Rocky areas
Scour the shoreline for colorful sea glass, a rewarding treasure hunt for beachcombers.
Picnic with a View
Grassy areas
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst scenic surroundings with grassy spots and picnic tables.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up: Know Before You Go
Best Time to Catch Waves & Rays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The beach is rocky; water shoes are a must for comfortable exploration. +1
🌊 Respect the Current
Strong currents make it unsuitable for beginner swimmers. Boogie boarders need fins!
🚗 Mind the Parking
Parking is primarily on the side of the road and can be tricky. +1
🏄 Watch the Pros
It's a prime spot for experienced surfers; enjoy the show!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The beach is rocky; water shoes are a must for comfortable exploration. +1
🌊 Respect the Current
Strong currents make it unsuitable for beginner swimmers. Boogie boarders need fins!
🚗 Mind the Parking
Parking is primarily on the side of the road and can be tricky. +1
🏄 Watch the Pros
It's a prime spot for experienced surfers; enjoy the show!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Honoli'i Beach Park is celebrated as a prime surfing destination with beautiful coastal views and opportunities for sea glass hunting. Visitors appreciate the scenic picnic spots and the chance to watch skilled surfers. However, the strong currents make it unsuitable for casual swimming, and parking can be challenging.
"Has grass on one side and black sand/rocks on the other side toward the bridge. Cool spot to watch surfers. Wasn’t too crowded when we went just to stop by."
Barb P
"Great beach, but parking is not ideal on the side of the road. No good turn around point. Make sure you wear good shoes down to the beach. The walkway is rough on bare feet. Loved watching the surfers and looking for sea glass."
J Martin
"What a wonderful place to visit! On ur back is the bridge and lake— somehow kids friendly. On ur front is the ocean, great place to surf! If ud like to picnic, there is a wonderful place to go to. Public restrooms were kinda out dated and need services. Parking is street parking and road was block recently."
Diana Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Honoli'i Beach Park is located just north of Hilo. Take Highway 19 (Kuhio Highway) and look for the turn-off for the park. Parking is available along the roadside.
Parking is primarily street parking along the road leading to the park. It can be limited, especially on busy days. +1
Access to the beach involves a walk down a path. It's recommended to wear sturdy shoes as the path can be rough and rocky.
Yes, it's a great stop if you're exploring the Hamakua Coast or North Hilo. It's about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Hilo.
The nearest major town is Hilo, located a short drive south. Further north along the coast are smaller communities like Papa'aloa.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Honoli'i Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee.
As a public park, Honoli'i Beach Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official posted closing times, but it's best to visit when it's light out.
No advance booking is required as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
The main restriction is related to safety due to strong currents. It's not recommended for inexperienced swimmers.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local park regulations regarding pets. Many Hawaii county parks have leash laws.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is watching experienced surfers. You can also hunt for sea glass, picnic, and enjoy the scenic views.
It's generally not recommended for swimming due to strong currents and large waves, especially for beginners. There's a calmer channel on the far left for kids.
Yes, public restrooms are available, though some reviews mention they can be outdated and in need of service.
Absolutely! There are grassy areas with picnic tables, making it a great spot for a meal with a view.
The beach has a mix of black sand and rocks, particularly towards the bridge.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dynamic surf action, the rugged coastline, and the vibrant green hillsides. The bridge and ocean views are also picturesque.
While sunsets can be beautiful, the park's orientation might mean the sun sets behind the land. However, the golden hour light on the waves and cliffs is stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and surf. A telephoto lens can be useful for close-ups of surfers.
The grassy areas offer elevated views of the surf. Walking along the shoreline (with caution) provides different angles of the waves and rocks.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local park rules. Always check current restrictions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄 Surfers & Boogie Boarders
📸 Photographers
The rugged coastline, black sand, and lush green backdrops offer a stunning natural canvas. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the ocean and shore, and a telephoto lens for close-ups of the surfers. The interplay of light on the waves and cliffs can be particularly beautiful during the golden hours. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Surf
While the main beach area is challenging, some visitors note a calmer channel on the far left, which can be suitable for children to play in the water, though supervision is still crucial.
Navigating the Terrain and Amenities
Amenities include public restrooms and picnic tables located in the grassy areas overlooking the ocean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit