Honoli'i Beach Park

Ask a local about Honoli'I Beach Park, and you'll get a few different answers. Some will say it is a beautiful beach that should be enjoyed by everyone. Others will say that it's just a surfing spot and should be avoided by beach seekers.

But, no matter how you look at it, Honoli'I Beach Park is a little slice of black sand paradise that is perfect for a quick visit during your Big Island vacation. The sand here is black to give the whole coastline an otherworldly feel. But black sand is rather gritty and can be sharp, so make sure you wear sturdy sandals.

There's a reef break that makes for reliable surf, and that's why you'll see so many surfers down at Honoli'i. The surfers and boogie boarders make this beach a destination for tourist. Not only do you get strange black sand underfoot, but you also get to watch the Big Island's best surfers challenge the waves. And the waves here are especially big during the winter months.

The beach has very limited parking, so you might have to wait a bit for a spot. The walkway down to the beach features a very steep staircase, as well, so don't venture down to the beach if you think you'll have trouble climbing back out. 

There's usually a lifeguard on duty at this surfer's beach, but you may want to stay out of the water. Where there's big waves, there are big currents. You can find the clean and clear Honoli'i stream feeding into the ocean at the southern end of the beach. Here, you can cool off without the worry of ocean waves.

The northern end of the beach is perfect for beach glass hunting. Beach glass are bits of glass that have been tumbled by the waves and sanded down by the beach. These smooth pieces of glass are collector's items, and they make for a great souvenir. 

You'll find bathroom facilities at this popular Hilo-side beach, so you can spend the whole day exploring the beach for glass, wading in the stream and watching the surfers. You can also look for the green sea turtles that like to feed on the moss growing off the black volcanic rock. 

It is illegal to touch green sea turtles in Hawaii, and the authorities enforce this regulation with vigor. The oils in your skin can degrade the turtle's shell, as well. Keep your distance if you spot a sleeping turtle, and snap that selfie from a few feet away.
 

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Price: Free
Location
Hilo, Big Island