Onekahakaha Beach Park

Onekahakaha Beach Park is a South Hilo shoreline park with shallow protected water, tide pools, grassy areas and an easy family beach setting.

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Onekahakaha Beach Park, Big Island

Located just south of downtown Hilo on the Big Island’s east shore, Onekahakaha Beach Park is the ideal beach for families with small children and for tidepooling. There is a sand-bottomed cove that is separated from the open ocean by a boulder break, so the nearshore waters are shallow and free of currents or wave action. Also, lifeguards are on duty year-round.

Surrounding the cove are a few tide pools, which are sometimes visited by sea turtles. The largest one of them is home to a large population of sea urchins, as well as sea cucumbers, brittle stars, cone shells, sea urchins and sea anemones. However, this pool is not as children-friendly as it has a rockier and deeper bottom and is not protected by the breakwater. Also, it is subject to currents.

Behind the breakwater, the currents are strong especially when the surf is up, so in the past, when there weren’t any lifeguards yet, many drownings and near-drownings have happened in the turbulent waters behind the protected area.

When tidepooling, keep the following safety tips in mind: Always wear water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp lava rocks and reef. Don’t touch the sea urchins or other ocean creatures. Snorkeling is best kept to the calm protected areas when visibility is clear.

Key Features

South Hilo beach park with a shallow protected cove
Sandy-bottom areas make parts of the water easier for families to enjoy
Lava rock walls help soften waves in the nearshore swimming area
Tide pools add small pockets of marine life around the shoreline
Honu are sometimes seen near the rocks and shallow water
Grassy areas and shade trees sit close to the cove
The park is close to downtown Hilo and the Keaukaha shoreline
Wet lava rock can be slippery around the tide pools
Weekends and sunny afternoons can feel busy with local families
Onekahakaha has more of a relaxed neighborhood park feel than a wide open beach

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Onekahakaha Beach Park popular with families?

The protected cove has shallow, sandy-bottom areas where the water is usually gentler than the open Hilo shoreline.

What should visitors know about the tide pools?

The tide pools can hold small fish, crabs and other marine life. Visitors should look carefully, step slowly and avoid picking up animals or standing on coral.

Can honu be seen at Onekahakaha Beach Park?

Honu are sometimes seen in the shallow areas or near the rocks. Visitors should watch quietly from a distance and never touch, feed or block them.

When is the park usually busiest?

Weekends, holidays and sunny afternoons can be busy because the park is close to Hilo and has a sheltered shoreline that draws local families.

What should visitors bring for the rocky edges?

Visitors should bring sunscreen, drinking water and sandals or shoes for wet lava rock, tide pool edges and paved park areas.