Hilo Bay Beachfront Park

Hilo Bay Beachfront Park is a long, scenic stretch of black sand on the Big Island's east coast. While not ideal for swimming, the park offers great spots for picnicking, fishing, paddling, and watching the sunset, with views of Coconut Island and Hilo Bayfront's lush green shoreline.

Hilo Bay Beachfront Park, Big Island

With close to 3,000 feet (914 m) of coastline, Hilo Bay Beachfront Park is one of the longest beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. But it’s surprisingly uncrowded. The culprit? A heavy industrial boom in the mid-1900s that has left the waters murky and the shores polluted due to sewage and industrial waste that was dumped into the ocean.

The past two decades have seen tremendous efforts by the government to restore the area. It’s still a work in progress, but on a good day, you can already glimpse some of Hilo Bay’s former glory. It was once considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Nevertheless, it is still a nice place for a picnic and a popular surfing, fishing and canoeing beach.

Swimming is not very popular, as the water hasn’t quite gained back its clear blue shade and is colder than on other beaches due to the discharge of freshwater from the nearby rivers. Nevertheless, the shore makes for a nice viewing spot, especially during sunset. It is a black sand beach and the unique color adds a lot of interest to the scene.

Much of Hilo Bay is a protected area, as there is some interesting marine wildlife around. It takes some luck and patience to spot some of the fish, but it’s certainly worth it. Most of them hang around far from shore, where there’s quite a bit of leftover sewage. Try paddling past the first few meters and they just might make an appearance.

Hilo Bay Beachfront Park is well-furnished despite its current condition. On the shore, you’ll find a number of picnic tables and shaded areas. Restrooms and showers can be found further back, as well as a few beach shops.

Key Features of Hilo Bay Beachfront Park

One of the longest beaches in Hawaii: The coastline stretches nearly 3,000 feet, providing ample space for walking and relaxing.
Black sand shoreline: Formed from lava erosion, the dark sands offer a unique visual contrast to the surrounding greenery and ocean views.
Limited swimming appeal: Water remains murky due to runoff and past industrial pollution, but ongoing restoration efforts are improving conditions.
Popular for paddling and fishing: Visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and casting a line from shore or near the canoe clubs.
Scenic park and picnic areas: Grassy lawns, coconut palms, and shaded tables make it ideal for family outings or quiet afternoons.