Onekahakaha Beach Park

This will always be a special memory for me. The beautiful lagoon was the first place I was able to take my 4 and 5yo snorkeling together for the first time. Totally enclosed so mom wasn't freaking out the whole time, and lots of action all over! This last time, even had a turtle swim by. On one side, a nice "beach" (depends on the tide), with lots of shaded space for hanging out/picnic and the other has a big pool surrounded by rock which you can also walk around. We loved this place and spent a lot of time here. Have water shoes, rocks are tough and lots of sea urchins in the water.

Stayed in an Airbnb here and enjoyed it. The waves on the rocks were gorgeous. Great little protected coves for swimming. We even saw sea turtles.

This beach is like a giant, sandy bottom swimming pool with lots of shallow areas where kids can have a ball. There are usually a few green turtles hanging around and chilling to keep the kids entertained. Just a wonderful spot for inexperienced swimmers or people who are a bit nervous around the ocean.

Reef provides huge protected sandy area to swim. Steps and ramps provide accessible access for all ages and abilities. Turtles can sometimes be seen here. Great wading area for children. Bathrooms, swings, cooking facilities and covered picnic areas. Perfect stress free place to swim.

In Hilo visiting family and My 3-year-old son was right at home at this beach park. I almost hate to write this review b/c I don't want other people to find it LOL!! water was perfect very calm, imagine a natural splash pad.

Our usual favourite beach in Hilo area is Carl Smith Beach because of the lagoon area that often has sea turtles swimming about. We had already visited once during this trip and were returning for a second trip, but it was on a sunday and the park was VERY busy. We weren't in a "people-ly" mood and wanted something less crowded for an afternoon at the beach.
We drove down the rod about 5 minutes and saw signs for this beach - Onekahakaha Beach Park.
Decided to check it out. Has 2 very large protected bay areas closed it from a large sea wall that makes swimming and snorkeling a great spot. Mostly swimming, as I didnt see much with the snorkel.
The have stairs built into the rock face to easily get into the water, I didn't need to bother with my water shoes as it is mainly sandy bottom.
There was a lifeguard on duty and lots of grassy areas to set up beach chair and enjoy the sunshine.
Ended up being a great spot, and alot less crowded. Bathrooms were clean. Lots of parking right near the beach area. Also (as most of the beaches do) there are signs posted that the beach is smoke-free which is a real bonus!
We would definitely stop here again when visiting Big Island.

We were on the search for a picnic spot in or near Hilo and this location came up in Trip Advisor. This was a great park just a mile if that out of town. There were covered pavilions with picnic tables and BBQ grills and trash cans. Another group was making use of horseshoe pits and having a great time. Everything seemed very clean and well maintained. There is a protected "pool" if you will, that would be a great place for the kiddos to play in the water. We spent an hour or so exploring the tide pools and area surrounding. This will be our go-to picnic spot when we are in the area!

Most of the beaches in Hilo have only small pockets of sand. Onekahakaha is different. It has a long breakwater that protects quite a large sandy area. Depending on tides, the whole area can be scarcely 2' deep.

It's perfect for little kids or, in my case, lazy adults who just want to drift around and relax. Snorkeling is OK but not great, mainly right along the breakwater and at the left end of it. The beach has a lifeguard.

This is a great spot for kids. Easy entrance to the water. Shallow, calm. Lot's of other kids and families. Picnic tables, great views and just a fabulous place to spend a day.

Great county park close to town that is popular with locals. The protected pool ranges from 1 foot to 4-5 feet deep so is great for kids to play in. You can actually swim here without getting pounded by waves since there is a breakwater that keeps the surf out. Lots of grass and some shade. Good for a picnic and chilling out especially for families with kids.