Just offshore is an island known as Scout Island because local Boy Scouts often camp there. Based on recommendation we visited and were not disappointed. Big Island. The above surf forecast table for Richardsons provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 12 days. Ocean Frt.-Best Hilo Swim Lagoons, Turtles * Richardsons Beach. We recommend booking Richardson Beach Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Simply grab the html code snippet that we provide and paste it into your own site. Heavy rain (total 34mm), heaviest during Fri morning. There is a lifeguard and a small sand beach to enter the bay. Bring beach chairs and find a shady spot under the trees. I am curious how far away from the ports for the cruise ships is this small find. The current surf forecast for Richardsons at 12AM is: 6ft 9s primary swell from a East direction and 0ft 14s secondary swell from a North direction (forecast issued at 07:00pm April 04). However, our aging shoreline facilities especially require significant repairs and upgrades, and we ask that the public bear with us and accommodate the needed work here., Facebook Two surf spots the bigger channel to the east has waves most of the year. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. july Best Season: summer Wind Update The wind is still cross-off at Richardsons (light winds from the SSE at Hilo Airport 5 km from Richardsons). From the parking lot, go right past the life guard stand and beach and through the rocky area. 111. The building housing the center, formerly the home of Elsa and George Richardson, was acquired by the county along with the lands surrounding it for use as a park. Parking Wind will be generally light. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells and the best swell direction is from the east southeast. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There was a large turtle just feet away from where I was paddling, great photos. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. A A A The 33rd Annual Richardson Roughwater Swim, which will be held on Sunday, Aug. 8, at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo. This is a terrific area for snorkeling, with plenty of marine life, including honu (green sea turtles). Keaukaha Beach at Carlsmith Beach Park, located on Puhi Bay, is the first in a series of beaches as you head east on Kalanianaole Avenue. 6/8/2022. Don't get me wrong, we loved Richardson beach park with the unique black sand and good snorkeling. Richardsons Ocean (or Beach) Park is the black sand beach closest to Hilo. Access to the parks shoreline areas will be maintained throughout the project, while access to the sandy beach area will be provided only via the makai side of the building. Not all beaches are clearly marked, but even those are easily identified by the cars . I visited Richardson Beach Park with my parents in hopes of seeing sea turtles. Hawaii/Big Island. Water is rougher here but it is good for snorkling. Walk east along the shore to find an undeveloped area of the park with many small tidal pools. (more green sand trivia), The black sand at Richardsons is mixed with olivines, making it an almost green sand beach. please call the 24-hour hotline to report the sighting at 808-987-0765. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Picnic Areas 76 reviews of Richardson Ocean Park "This is a great little beach. A favorite local spot for scuba divers due to its plentiful sea life, Leleiwi Beach Park lies along a lovely residential area carved into the rugged coastline. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Others, like Kaimu Beach, Kehena Beach (aka Dolphin Beach), and Pololu Valley promise more adventure off the beaten path as well as gorgeous views. Activities at Richardson Beach Park . With its tide pools and picnic tables, it's a great beach for keiki (children). If you want to hang out on a beach and swim, Kehena is a large beach great for swimming but I do recommend swim shoes of some sort and you may see some naked hippies. Just look up the bus schedule online. Lifeguards are also on duty as ocean currents can produce hazardous waves, currents and footing during high surf. This Hawaii state location article is a stub. Warm (max 24C on Sun morning, min 22C on Sun morning). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Read more here. Highly recommended! 2349 Kalanianaole Ave I did not notice any public barbie stuff. In addition, existing restrooms and showers will remain available for public use. Our family of 3 adults dropped in for a quick snorkel. Kaimu has one you can hike to but it's no good for swimming, although it does have a bar and food and if you go Wednesday nights there is a big market and live music. Hilo's beaches are small and rockyperfect for keeping crowds away. This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Sandra. A thousand yards of gray-black sand that narrows considerably as it runs west from the Wailoa River toward downtown, at one time Hilo Bayfront Park (along Kamehameha Ave.) went all the way to the Wailuku River and was renowned throughout the islands for its beauty, but commercialism of the waterfront ruined it. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Note: the tide data above is for Hilo, Hilo Bay, Hawaii which is 5 km away. Warm (max 24C on Wed morning, min 22C on Wed night). . Outside the breakwater the currents can be fierce, and drownings have been recorded. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richardson_Beach&oldid=1114354903, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 6 October 2022, at 02:42. Is it possible to get to Richardson Beach Park by public bus? Black sand beach with tide pools and good snorkeling. Big Island Surf Report for Saturday, April 29th, 2023: OPEN-Mon.thru Sat., 10AM- 5PM CLOSED on Sundays. The original Arizona waterpark - open since 1969 - Big Surf features the third-largest wave pool in North America, the 2.5 million gallon Waikiki Beach. If you surf the same spot (Richardsons) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Lifeguards Aloha! A sewage treatment plant fronts the western side of Puhi Bay. . Does anyone know of a black sand beach close by to the ports. Great small beach with plenty of sea life. After youve had a full day at the beach, stop by one of Hilos popular happy hour spots or restaurants for dinner. Adjacent is the Lele'iwi Beach Park. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Thanks to all the moms, alwa, Happy Lei Day! The green sand is made out of olivine crystals, the same crystals that give the more famous green sand beach its name. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). We gave them their space but I still got incredible photos of them. 3,600 sq. Richardsons surf forecast is for near shore open water. You can choose your preferred language and metric/imperial units for the surf forecast feed to suit users of your site. It did not disappoint, we saw about 4 of them in a tide pool. Leleiwi Beach Park & Richardson Ocean Park. Vote. Or when you get to Hilo you can call the bus company directly, or if you are staying in Hilo to speak with someone at your hotel's front desk. There is a restroom here but no other amenities. (Photo: 12 News) More than 50 years later, the wave pool evolved into a massive water park. Richardsons in Big Island is an exposed reef break that has fairly consistent surf and can work at any time of the year. We were going to go beach hopping but fell in love with this . Sunny with warm air temperatures at Richardsons today (feels like 24.0 C once we account for wind), and warmer sea temperatures (25.0 C). votes. I think we were so amazed to see in real time a black sand beach. Folks bring their own without any hastle. See all 12 Richardson Beach Park tours on Tripadvisor, See all Richardson Beach Park experiences on Tripadvisor, At the Beach with Friends Bed & Breakfast. The $2.9 million project is expected to be complete next February. Unfortunately other tourists didn't have that same mentality and just stepped right over them for their selfies. It is know to the locals as 'Richardson's' and is the best choice for snorkeling on the East side of the Big Island. This is a favorite spot with local people, who swim at Cold Water Pond, a spring-fed inlet at the head of the bay. ft. Sleeps 16. Waiuli Beach Cottage ~ Oceanfront at Richardson Beach Hilo Swim & Snorkel, View all hotels near Richardson Beach Park on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Richardson Beach Park on Tripadvisor, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Hilo, Maunakea Visitor Information Station: Tickets & Tours, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Mokupapapa Discovery Center: Tickets & Tours, Imiloa Astronomy Center: Tickets & Tours, Mauna Kea State Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours, Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Prato or vice versa, Los Angeles Venice Beach walking tasting tour with SecretFoodTours, Private Luxury 32" Speedboat 600 hp for 12 Pax Rosario Islands, Baru & More, Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne, Dominican Republic Countryside Safari Tour from Punta Cana, Tape Face at Harrahs Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells and the best swell direction is from the east southeast. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! It was very cloudy but still warm and enjoyed the view of the waves crashing into the rocks. Beginning June 6, the parking lot at Richardson Ocean Park will be closed to the public and a portion of the park from the parking lot to an area below the comfort station will be coned off for the first phase of a construction project. Today the beach is a public park, and the home is occupied and operated as the Richardson Ocean Center. Richardson Beach Park's waters are quite shallow and quiet, making it ideal for snorkeling. Richardson Beach Park, Big Island Also known as Richardson Ocean Center, this park has calm waters, excellent snorkeling conditions, lots of shade and several tide pools where children can play away from the surf. Today the home is occupied and operated as the Richardson Ocean Center. The best beaches all lie to the east of the city along Kalaniana'ole Avenue, an area known as the Keaukaha Strip, which runs six miles from downtown Hilo to its dead end at Leleiwi Point. It is a beautiful park. There could be temporary, short closures of more areas of the park if construction requires. The surf forecast for Richardsons over the next 12 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Apr 27) at 11PM. There are also picnic areas, showers, restrooms, parking, telephones, and ponds. The bay to the west is the real wave. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, click here to go to our instagram account. The most common activities you will see here are snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and picnicking. . Ideal winds are from the southwest. The reef provides protection for marine life allowing aqueous species to move between the open ocean and the tide pools. Take care of urchins, rocks, locals and sharks. None, been there. Heavy rain (total 32mm), heaviest during Fri morning. . Look for Baker Avenue and pull off to the left into a rough parking area. This site of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture is now a commercial operation that raises mullet, trout, catfish, perch, tilapia, and others. New at Richardson's Park. 3,600 sq. Get here early to get a good spot, it gets crowded. Best snorkeling imo and my favorite is exploring on the lava rock all over the far side. We recommend booking Richardson Beach Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Perfect spot to hit if youre spending one day in Hilo. Not far and yes but they are about 45-60 minutes away by car. The water isn't very warm, it is the North Pacific, but pleasant enough. View detailed surf forecast for Richardsons at:surf-forecast.com. Click below to view there surf guides. [1] History [ edit] The name Richardson comes from its original owners, Elsa and George Richardson, whose home still stands there. Good thing there is a lifeguard on duty during the weekends. It seemed as though it was going to be very crowded initially, but I found a secluded nook on the rocks past the main beach and lifeguard station and had an amazing afternoon there. My son was just as intrigued as I was regarding the rocks. Wear boardshorts or a shorty, or perhaps a thin summer wetsuit to keep the UV off. The turtles like to hang out in the tidepools to the right. Richardsons is also a great place to bring kids with its tide pools, calm water and picnic area. With only one exception, all the beaches are either black-sand beaches or have no sand and just a grassy area fronting the beach. The two most popular of these beach parks are Carlsmith beach park, popularly known as Four Mile after the mile marker, and Richardsons, almost at the end of the road. It did not disappoint, we saw about 4 of them in a tide pool. The irregular shoreline of Leleiwi Beach Park consists of a series of natural ponds, inlets, and coves fronted in part by a handful of small rock islets. So please be aware and respectful of these endangered species. There was one sleeping on the rocks in the afternoon sun and another in the water along the sea wall. The black sand is coarse, I'd recommend water shoes. A 0.2' low tide at 9:21 PM is rising to a 1.8' high at 2:46 AM. Although these beaches are outside of the downtown area, they are really only a few minutes from downtown, and all the beaches are within minutes of one another. Hilo, HI 96720. Top ways to experience Richardson Beach Park, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights, Volcano Adventure Tour & Waterfall - Shore Excursion from Hilo Harbor, Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Private Tour, Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour (Hilo, Hawaii), Hilo Private Tour : Just for your family or friends, Volcano Adventure - Search the Most Recent Active Volcano from Kona, Maui to Big Island : Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Ground Tour, Oahu to Big Island 1 Day Trip : Volcano Tour from Oahu with Air Ticket, Oahu to Big Island : Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour. Richardson Beach is a really pretty park that is free to explore. [2] George Richardson was the former Chief Detective of the County of Hawaii, and received the land as a gift of gratitude from the Malo family. We were here for a short visit hoping to see some sea turtles and we werent disappointed! Park improvements along KalanianaLole Avenue include eight picnic pavilions constructed in 1970 as a joint effort of the Lions Club and the county, as well as showers, restrooms, paved . Snorkeling is good. Stay at least 10 feet from a Green Sea Turtle and if there is a Hawaiian Monk Seal, please call the 24-hour hotline to report the sighting at 808-987-0765. For the remaining 17% of the time it is considered too small by mostsurfers but may still be OK for beginners and groms at times. Activities at Richardson Beach Park The most common activities you will see here are snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and picnicking. The surf report / weather widget below is available to embed on third party websites free of charge and provides a summary of our Richardsons surf forecast. Wind will be generally light. This was very obviously a volcanic beach, beautiful clear water. There are plenty of trees for shade and some grassy areas. By 1960, so much sewage and industrial waste had been pumped into the bay that it was considered a public menace, and then the great tsunami came. Richardson Beach Park Overview Located about 10 minutes south of the heart of Hilo, you will find a gorgeous black and green sand beach named Richardson Beach Park, a great destination for a family beach day on Hawaiis Big Island. I visited Richardson Beach Park with my parents in hopes of seeing sea turtles. On the other side is a calm and quiet bay where the snorkeling and swimming is great. It is very protected from the surf and is shallow, ankle to 7 foot depending on where in the bay. As of 11:11 PM wind is moderate and cross/sideshore from the W (260) at 4 mph. Warm (max 24C on Thu afternoon, min 22C on Sat night). The primary swell is predicted to be 2ft and 9s period with a secondary swell of 2ft and 7s. Waiuli Beach Cottage ~ Oceanfront at Richardson Beach Hilo Swim & Snorkel, View all hotels near Richardson Beach Park on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Richardson Beach Park on Tripadvisor, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Hilo, Maunakea Visitor Information Station: Tickets & Tours, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Mokupapapa Discovery Center: Tickets & Tours, Imiloa Astronomy Center: Tickets & Tours, Mauna Kea State Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours, Bali Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon & Tanjung Jepun Beach: All-Inclusive, Genteel and Bard's Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour, Big Bus Paris Open Top Evening Tour with Optional Eiffel Tower, 6-Day Small-Group Adventure Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik, Snorkeling in Cabo Rosa Tunnels Isabela Island, Tulum Guided Tour, Magical Cenote, Lagoon Snorkeling and Beachside Lunch, St. Thomas Island Tour with Mountain Top and Magens Bay Beach, Private Appian Way (Appia Antica) Tour in Rome by Golf Cart. 179. Reef breaks provide lefts and rights. The name Richardson comes from its original owners, Elsa and George Richardson, whose home still stands there. The shallow bay fronting Richardson Ocean Center is the most popular snorkeling site on the east side of the island. In spite of these valiant efforts, two of the children died. Great place to snorkel. You can get close for pictures but it is physically a climb to the protected water. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Richardson Beach Park: Richardson Beach Park, Hilo: Address, Phone Number, Richardson Beach Park Reviews: 4.5/5, There were 2 turtles just lounging in the sun, and I loved jumping around, Perfect to spend two hours alongside a beautiful lava coastline, explore tide pools, enjoy a. YouTube Probably one of the better spots to snorkel near Hilo. Richardson Beach Park has fairly shallow and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling. By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Groups Privacy Policy If a beach, to you, can be a smaller, more intimate affair where a good number of tourists and families can spend the day on pockets of sand between fingers of black lava, then Hilo has a few. After the family returned home to convalesce, Richardson continued to look in on them and see to their welfare by bringing medicine and other necessities. Surf stats for Richardsons, see the swell variation by month or season on the history page here. Snorkeling is good, not great. Other then the turtles, the beaches were gorgeous and it was fun to climb around the rocks. Richardson Beach Park; Four Mile Beach, Hilo; Hilo Bayfront Park, Hilo; More Info; More Ideas: Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Interested? The water breaks over the top of the lava and rushes into the pools, making natural whirlpool tubs. It is located near the end of Kalanianaole Avenue at coordinates .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}19445N 155049W / 19.73472N 155.01361W / 19.73472; -155.01361Coordinates: 19445N 155049W / 19.73472N 155.01361W / 19.73472; -155.01361, where Leleiwi Street leads to an undeveloped coastal access area known as Lehia Park.