Richardson Ocean Park
Hilo, Hilo
Hilo's Black-and-Green-Sand Park With Calm, Shallow Snorkeling
Richardson Ocean Park, on Kalanianaʻole Avenue in Hilo, has a narrow beach of black lava mixed with olivine crystals that looks green in full sun. Cold spring water meets warmer ocean water offshore, and the shallow water has close to zero current — one guide calls it the best snorkeling on the east side of the island. Lifeguards are on duty daily, 9:30 AM–4:45 PM; the park is listed open 7 AM–8 PM, with picnic areas, showers, restrooms, tide pools, and ponds.
Parking fills fast on weekends; weekday mornings or late afternoons usually have room. Carlsmith Beach Park ("Four Mile") is next door and also very busy on weekends. Conditions change, so check with the lifeguards.
Why Roamwise recommends this
Hilo's easiest, most family-friendly ocean stop — calm, shallow, and lifeguarded.
Best for: families, easy snorkeling, a picnic, tide pooling.
Insider tip: go on a weekday morning for parking and the calmest water.
- Safety notes:
- Lifeguards daily 9:30 AM–4:45 PM; check conditions on arrival. Hours may still be reduced after Hurricane Lala (Aug 2026) — confirm before you go.
- Best arrival time:
- Weekday mornings or late afternoons
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Lifeguards on duty 9:30 AM–4:45 PM daily
- •park hours listed 7 AM–8 PM — confirm.
- •Parking fills fast on weekends
- •go weekday mornings or late afternoons.
- •Carlsmith Beach Park is next door.
- •Check conditions with the lifeguards.
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