Hakalau Bay

Bridge at Hakalau Bay

Hakalau Bay, Big Island

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 Overview

  • Small bay with poor swimming conditions
  • Beach has black sand and small pebbles
  • Surrounded by a heavily vegetated gulch and a steel trestle

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Reviews and Comments:
 
great view from the road leading into the bay. Water is very dirty during the winter season due to the high river that feeds the ocean. Lots of small bark in the water, water is very cold coming from the river, very strong currents. Daily the beach changes based on the surf the night before. Would recommend bringing a good camera or video as the views are amazing. Enjoy the stay...
Lucky, Sun Jan 01, 2012