The Best Surf Break Near Hilo Is A Hawaiian Beach Park With Friendly Locals And Lava Stones
If you are looking for the perfect mix of raw island beauty and local culture, plan a visit to Honoliʻi Beach Park near Hilo, Hawaii. It offers a laid-back setting where you can lounge under swaying palms, or ride the warm Pacific waves at this beach park on the Eastern coast of the Big Island. Located a little over two miles north of Hilo along the scenic Hamakua Coast and a 17-minute drive from Hilo International Airport(ITO), Honoliʻi Beach Park is easy to access. This black sand beach park is a favorite among surfers, bodyboarders, and travelers looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience without resort crowds. With consistent waves year-round, it's one of East Hawaii's top surf spots.
Whether you want to watch surfers from the cliffs, swim in calm tide pools, explore the pebbled shoreline, or have a picnic as you enjoy the sea breeze, there's something for everyone. Historically, the area around Honoliʻi Beach Park was home to Native Hawaiian communities and was part of the traditional fishing and farming communities. The Honoliʻi Stream was a key source of water. Over the years, Honoliʻi has transformed into a hub of East Hawaii's surf scene thanks to its consistent waves and grassroots surf culture. Actually, this adventure-packed beach park is known to be one of the best in all of Hawaii.
Where surf meets the Aloha culture
Want a place to surf and relax under the sea breeze, solo or with your family? This calm, clear-watered, and lesser-known Hawaiian Beach is beyond perfect for families seeking unlimited outdoor fun. The Honoliʻi Beach Park is a beloved community hangout with amenities and natural features that make it a popular hangout spot on the Big Island. The beach is visually and geologically stunning thanks to its lava stone-lined shoreline, which is a reminder of the Big Island's volcanic activities. Unlike white sandy beaches, Honoli'i is made up of black sand, pebbles, lava boulders, and coral fragments. The lava stones and rocks form tide pools where sea urchins and tiny crabs thrive.
Honoli'i is famous for its consistent surf suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. With the reef and lava rock bottom, you need to be cautious. Rip currents and sudden drop-offs are common. If you are a beginner, it is best to watch first, ask locals for tips, or head to beginner-friendly spots like Richardson Ocean Park nearby.
While the surf may draw adrenaline seekers, the beach park is a relaxing area. There are grassy areas with picnic tables, clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and plenty of room to stretch out with a beach towel. On the weekends, the park buzzes with community energy, with families setting up picnics under palm trees. You will find locals greeting each other by name, kids playing in the fresh water stream, and surfers chatting between sets. One of the park's coolest features is the bluff overlook, which is a paved path that descends from the road to a concrete stairway leading to a high vantage point above the beach. From the elevated overlook, you can enjoy watching the surfers and the panoramic views.
Other things to do and enjoy near Hilo
The best part about visiting Honoli'i Beach Park is the proximity to the rich culture, local food, and natural beauty of East Hawaii. Just five minutes down the road is Hilo town, a charming, artsy hub with lots to explore, including the Liliuokalani Gardens, one of the most picturesque, authentic Japanese Gardens outside of Japan. You can enjoy a post-surf bite at Pineapples, a popular open-air restaurant downtown known for its tropical cocktails, fish tacos, and live local music. If you are craving seafood, head straight to Suisan Fish Market near Banyan Drive; it's where the locals go for the freshest catch.
Want to discover the outdoors near Hilo? Head north to Akaka Falls State Park, a 30-minute drive from the beach. Take the short, paved loop trail that takes you through a lush rainforest and a waterfall. Alternatively, spend the day exploring the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve Botanical Gardens just a few minutes further up the coast. If you are a history enthusiast, discover Lyman Museum, showcasing the island's natural and cultural heritage. You can also explore the Pacific Tsunami Museum to find out about the waves that shaped the region.