Our beach adventures began by hopping on the public transit bus to Onekahakaha Beach Park, known for its shallow tidal pools and breathtaking ocean views. After lunch we took a stroll down the coastal road to Carlsmith Beach Park for the remainder of the afternoon.

Onekahakaha means drawing pictures in the sand and has been a beautiful 13-acre beach park since 1930, originally named Machida Beach in tribute to Tomozo Machida, whose name still graces the road to the parking lot.

Carlsmith Beach Park offers a slice of paradise with its stunning crescent bay and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The vibrant coral reef teems with diverse marine life, and the surrounding lush vegetation and swaying palm trees create a perfect setting for picnics and relaxation.

Our final day exploring the bays surrounding Hilo was spent at the Richardson Ocean Park black sand beach, which, like Onekahakaha and Carlsmith, is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Hilo by car/bus and is a snorkeler’s dream. The coral displays a rainbow of colors, attracting an array of beautiful fish and sea creatures to admire. To cap it all off, we enjoyed a friendly game of bocce ball, making unforgettable memories in this picturesque setting.

A short drive south of Hilo leads you to the historic Puna Trail that meanders through 2.5 miles of lush jungle, taking you to the beautiful and secluded Haena Beach, also known as Shipman Beach, where the soft sands and gentle surf at low tide create a perfect paradise. We had an amazing day snorkeling in the clear waters, swimming alongside vibrant fish and friendly green sea turtles, making this spot a hidden gem you definitely don’t want to miss if you’re in the area.

The Puna Trail is part of an ancient pathway that was originally threaded between coastal Hawaiian villages. It was improved into a carriage road in the days of the Kingdom of Hawaii, linking Hilo and Kalapana as the “King’s Highway.” Portions of the historic road, including large cobbles and stone walls, can be traced along the path, now maintained as part of the Na Ala Hele State of Hawaii Trail & Access Program.

Ha’ena Beach, also known as Shipman Beach, is named that because the W.H. Shipman Ltd. owns the land behind the beach, which is also the reason you can’t drive to the beach. 

In Hawaii, beaches are considered public property, and the public has a right to access and use them, regardless of private ownership of land bordering the shoreline.

The enchanting olivine crystals that embellish Papakōlea Beach are the remnants of a volcanic eruption from Puʻu Mahana that took place approximately 50,000 years ago, establishing this extraordinary location as one of only four green sand beaches in the world. We embarked on a 2.5-mile journey from the parking area along a rugged, desert-like trail accessible solely by 4×4 vehicles. Although locals offered a $20 ride per person, we decided to walk, allowing ourselves to fully immerse in the stunning landscape and embrace the spirit of adventure. The hike was a rewarding experience; as we neared the beach, we found ourselves high on the cliffs, reveling in the breathtaking view of the shoreline before navigating a steep ladder that led us down to the lively beach, where waves crashed against the shore. Logan and Cash even spotted a turtle gracefully riding the waves alongside them.

On our drive back to Hilo, we visited the South Point cliffs at Kalae, the southernmost point of all 50 states, and enjoyed dinner at Hana Hou, the southernmost restaurant in the USA.

While staying in Hilo, we were anchored in the bay next to Coconut Island, where the boys thoroughly enjoyed their time racing RC boats in the tidal pools and jumping off the diving tower. The rope swing at the mouth of the Wailoa river was a huge hit as well. We spent countless afternoons watching the sun set along these shores.

Moku, meaning Island, and ola, meaning life, was once the site of an ancient Hawaiian temple dedicated to healing.

According to legend, anyone who felt unwell could be healed by swimming around Mokuola three times. Additionally, it served as a sanctuary island for those who had broken religious laws, ensuring their safety from harm. In the 19th century, individuals suspected of carrying the plague or measles were quarantined on Mokuola.

Beginning in 1909, the Keliipio family became the island’s caretakers, providing a small boat to ferry visitors to and from Mokuola. During World War II, the island was converted into a military training area, and the diving tower was constructed for sailors to practice jumping from heights into the ocean.

Today, Mokuola is a stunning Hawaii County Park offering breathtaking views of Hilo and Mauna Kea.

Honolii Beach Park, located just a few miles north of downtown Hilo, is the ultimate destination for surfers in the region, renowned for its impressive swells and consistent surf throughout the year. We had an exhilarating time here, gliding over the waves on our boogie board and body surfing, all while basking in the warm sunshine and reveling in the lively ambiance created by fellow surfers and beach enthusiasts. It was truly the perfect place to experience the excitement of the ocean.

We had a great time checking out Akaka Falls, where the water tumbles down in an incredible display, all surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous tropical flowers. Akaka Falls is a huge 442-foot waterfall, and it’s super easy to get to via a short paved loop trail that meanders through a lively rainforest, giving you views of both Akaka Falls and the 100-foot Kahuna Falls.

After soaking in the falls and stopping by a roadside sugarcane stand, we rolled on over to the stunning Waipio Valley, packed with rich culture and breathtaking views. The towering cliffs and colorful valley floor were such a sight, and did you know they filmed the ending of Waterworld in this valley?