Hakalau Bay at a Glance
Located on the Big Island’s eastern shore, about 13 miles (21 km) north of Hilo, Hakalau Bay is mainly a place to go to take pictures rather than go swimming or snorkeling. The small bay has deep offshore waters and dangerous water conditions develop during times of high surf.
The ocean bottom drops off quickly here and rip currents often times run from the bay into the open ocean. However, the bay is sometimes used by surfers. At the head of the bay, Hakalau Stream flows into the ocean, so the inshore waters are always murky. The beach is composed of black sand and fine pebbles.
The town of Hakalau was once home to a thriving sugar industry and an important stop for local transport. Remnants of its prosperous past can still be seen in the old railroad bridge that leads to the bay and the long-defunct plantation towers you can see from the road. Also located on the shoreline are the ruins of Hakalau Mill, which was destroyed in the tsunami of 1946.
If you’d rather stay out of the water, you can check out the nearby Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. This 33,000-acre (134 sq. km) area is home to a large collection of native flora and fauna. Some of them are extremely rare and can only be found here. The park is also the first park built in the U.S. solely for the protection of forest birds.
Hakalau Bay in Bullet Points
- Small bay with poor swimming conditions
- Beach has black sand and small pebbles
- Surrounded by a heavily vegetated gulch and a steel trestle
Hakalau Bay Facilities (top)
- No facilities
- No lifeguards
Hakalau Bay Water Activities
Hakalau Bay Driving Directions / Location
From the Hawaii Belt Road (HI 19), make a turn towards the ocean at the “Hakalau” sign and follow it into the gulch below the big steel trestle.
Address: Hawaii Belt Rd/Mamalahoa Hwy, Hakalau, Hawaii 96710
Hakalau Bay Map (top)
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Hakalau Bay Weather (top)
Now
66°F
Windchill:
66°F
Cloudy
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Location: Hakalau, HI, US
Wind: 8 mph NW
Humidity: 78%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.06 in rising
Sunrise: 6:25 am
Sunset: 6:31 pm
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Fri
Hi: 74°F
Low: 64°F
Showers
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Sat
Hi: 76°F
Low: 64°F
Scattered Showers
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Hakalau Bay Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Hakalau Bay Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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