Onekahakaha Beach Park

Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo is one of the safest swimming beaches on the Big Island, ideal for families with young children. A shallow sand-bottom cove protected by a breakwater provides calm waters year-round, and lifeguards are on duty. The park also features tide pools with sea life, grassy areas for picnics, and convenient amenities, making it a local favorite.

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 it 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.

Key Features of Onekahakaha Beach Park

Child-friendly swimming area: A calm, sand-bottom cove protected by a boulder breakwater is perfect for keiki (kids).
Tidepool exploration: Nearby pools contain sea urchins, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and other marine life.
On-duty lifeguards: Lifeguard services are provided year-round, enhancing safety for families.
Grassy park areas: Open lawns, picnic tables, and a pavilion offer ample space for gatherings and recreation.
Playground and walkways: Added convenience and fun for kids and accessibility for all visitors.
Location: Onekahakaha Road, Hilo, HI 96720

Reviews and Comments:


Note: This beach is ADA accessible and has nice ramps that go all the way from parking to literally into the water. The ramp into the water is cement. It is wide, and it's lower end leads directly into the water where it is less than 2 or 3 feet deep, even, and covered in fine sand.
Eden on the Big Island, Sun Jun 25, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

👶Is Onekahakaha Beach good for young children?

Yes, the shallow, protected cove and year-round lifeguards make it one of the safest beaches for kids on the Big Island.

🐠What can I find in the tide pools?

You might spot sea urchins, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, cone shells, and sometimes even sea turtles in the nearby tidepools.

🚿Are there public facilities at the park?

Yes, the park has showers, restrooms, picnic tables, drinking water, a pavilion, and plenty of parking.

🌊Is it safe to swim outside the breakwater?

No, the ocean beyond the protected area can have strong currents and rough surf. It’s recommended to stay inside the cove for swimming.

🧭How do I get to Onekahakaha Beach Park?

From downtown Hilo, take Kalanianaole Avenue east and turn left onto Onekahakaha Road. The park is at the end of the road.