Drive times and water quality risk levels for beaches near Hilo, Big Island. Risk ratings are based on long-term DOH bacteria testing data and geography. Always
check current Big Island advisories before swimming — conditions change after rain.
About Hilo
Hilo is the county seat of Hawaiʻi Island and the rainiest city in the United States, averaging over 120 inches of rain per year. That rainfall creates lush tropical gardens and dramatic waterfalls minutes from downtown, but it also means streams constantly feed into the ocean along the Hilo coast. The waterfront was devastated by tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, which is why the bayfront is now parks rather than buildings. All of Hilo's swimmable beaches are within a few minutes of downtown, clustered along the Keaukaha coastal road southeast of town.
Nearby Beaches — Ranked by Proximity
At the end of the Keaukaha road, Richardson has black-sand pockets, lava tide pools, and Hawaiian green sea turtles that feed on the algae-covered rocks. The natural spring-fed water creates unusually cold patches mixed with warm ocean water. It is one of the most popular beaches in Hilo, but bacteria levels can spike because freshwater streams empty nearby — especially after the frequent Hilo rains.
Also called "Four Mile Beach," Carlsmith has spring-fed pools separated by lava rock that create calm, clear snorkeling areas sheltered from open-ocean waves. Sea turtles are regular visitors to the inner pools. The freshwater springs keep the temperature noticeably cool, and the calm conditions make it a favorite for families, though bacteria levels track moderate due to surrounding runoff.
Onekahakaha has a large man-made breakwater that creates a shallow, protected swimming pool — the most popular ocean swimming spot for families in Hilo. Keiki (children) can wade in waist-deep water while parents relax on the sandy beach behind the wall. Outside the breakwater, conditions are rougher and not recommended for casual swimming. Restrooms and picnic pavilions are available.
Honoliʻi Beach
Moderate ●
Honoliʻi is the go-to surf break for Hilo's local surfing community, tucked into a stream valley where Honoliʻi Stream meets the ocean. The river mouth location means bacteria levels run moderate to high, especially after rain. If you are not surfing, it is still worth a stop to watch from the lookout above the beach — the access road winds down a steep gulch.
Kolekole Beach
Moderate ●
A scenic but rugged beach park nestled beneath a highway bridge in a deep gulch on the Hamakua Coast. A small waterfall drops into the stream that runs through the park to the ocean, making for a picturesque picnic spot. The rocky shore and strong currents make ocean swimming inadvisable, and the stream mouth keeps bacteria levels elevated. Best visited as a scenic stop rather than a swim destination.
Getting Around
All swimmable Hilo beaches are clustered along Kalanianaole Avenue (the Keaukaha coastal road) southeast of downtown, within a 5-minute drive. Honoliʻi and Kolekole are north of town along the Hamakua Coast on Highway 19.
- Rental car: Recommended for flexibility, though Hilo's beach strip is compact enough to cycle if you prefer
- Hele-On Bus: Hilo's public bus is inexpensive ($2 per ride) and Route 101 runs along the Keaukaha coast, but service is infrequent
- Parking: Free at all Hilo beaches — lots at Richardson and Onekahakaha can fill on weekends but rarely during the week
- Tip: Hilo mornings are often sunny with rain moving in by early afternoon — plan beach time before noon for the best conditions
If Brown Water Is Active
After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Hilo, Big Island:
- Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
- Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
- Best rain-resistant option: Richardson Beach (Southeast) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
- Check the Big Island live advisories page for current conditions
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙