Question 1

Is it safe to swim at Hilo Bay near the Grand Naniloa Hotel?

Accepted Answer

Hilo Bay itself has elevated bacteria risk (3-4 out of 5) and is generally not recommended for swimming. The bay receives runoff from the Wailuku and Wailoa rivers draining Hilo's urban watershed, and storm drains across the city. After the frequent and heavy Hilo rains, bacteria levels in the bay can be very high. The Grand Naniloa Hotel is on the bay waterfront, but guests looking to swim are strongly advised to travel to cleaner beach areas like Richardson Beach Park or Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Question 2

Where should Grand Naniloa Hotel guests swim?

Accepted Answer

Grand Naniloa Hotel guests should drive to Hilo's designated swimming beaches rather than swimming in Hilo Bay. The best options within 15 minutes: Onekahakaha Beach Park (calm, protected, family-friendly), Richardson Beach Park (snorkeling with turtles), Carlsmith Beach Park (Pu'eo Cove, calm lagoon), and Baby Beach in Keaukaha. All are within 5-10 miles of the hotel and significantly cleaner than Hilo Bay.

Question 3

Why is Hilo Bay not good for swimming?

Accepted Answer

Hilo Bay is an urban bay that receives storm drain discharge from across the city of Hilo. The Wailuku River (the longest in Hawaii) and Wailoa River both discharge into the bay. Hilo receives 130+ inches of rain annually, meaning heavy runoff events are frequent and bacteria levels can spike significantly. DOH monitoring has historically found elevated bacteria counts in Hilo Bay. The bay is also used for commercial fishing and recreational boating, further reducing its suitability for swimming.

Question 4

What is the Grand Naniloa Hotel like for beach access?

Accepted Answer

The Grand Naniloa Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton is a full-service hotel on Banyan Drive in Hilo overlooking Hilo Bay. It has a saltwater pool and Hilo Bay waterfront access, but the bay water is not suitable for swimming. The hotel is excellent as a base for Big Island volcano tourism, Hilo town exploration, and day trips to better swimming beaches. Guests who want good swimming should plan to drive to the Keaukaha beach parks about 5 miles away.

Question 5

What are the best beaches near the Grand Naniloa Hotel?

Accepted Answer

The best swimming beaches near the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo are: (1) Onekahakaha Beach Park - 4 miles, calm protected pool, ideal for families; (2) Carlsmith Beach Park - 5 miles, natural spring-fed cove with turtles; (3) Richardson Beach Park - 5 miles, excellent snorkeling with green sea turtles; (4) Leleiwi Beach Park - 7 miles, scenic tidal pools. All are significantly cleaner and safer for swimming than Hilo Bay itself.