East Hawai'i
Honoliʻi Beach Park (Hilo)
Honoliʻi Beach Park is a popular surfing beach located at a river mouth, where strong currents can move throughout the bay. These conditions can make swimming, wading, or playing along the shoreline difficult and potentially dangerous, especially for inexperienced ocean users. If you are new to the island or visiting the area, speak with the lifeguards on duty before entering the water. They can provide guidance on current ocean conditions and help you decide what activities are safest for you and your family.
Onekahakaha Beach Park (Hilo)
Onekahakaha Beach Park is an excellent beach for keiki to swim. A protective breakwall separates the swimming area from the open ocean, creating calmer conditions that are often better for families. However, it’s important to stay aware of changing tides. There are many deep holes within the swim area that can surprise children and inexperienced swimmers.
Always stay close to your keiki while they are in the water—even if that means getting in with them. Personal flotation devices are not a substitute for active supervision.
If you are unsure about conditions, ask the lifeguards on duty. They can provide guidance on tides, currents, and the safest areas for you and your family to enjoy the water.
Carlsmith Beach Park (Hilo)
Carlsmith Beach Park is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. The protected lagoons often provide calm conditions, making it a popular spot for families and ocean visitors.
Tides change throughout the day and can affect the depth of the water. Some swim areas are deeper than others, and deep holes can catch swimmers off guard. There are also openings between reef formations where the current can be strong.
If you are unsure about conditions or where to enter the water, ask the lifeguards on duty for tips on the safest areas to swim and snorkel.
Richardson Ocean Park (Hilo)
Richardson Ocean Park is a popular surfing and swimming beach. It can be excellent for snorkeling and swimming when surf conditions are calm.
However, strong currents are common and become even stronger with larger surf, making it difficult to swim back to shore. Be mindful of the reef and rocks, as the current can push swimmers toward them.
If you are unsure about conditions or the safest areas to swim, ask the lifeguards on duty for guidance. Staying informed helps ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Isaac Hale Beach Park (Puna)
Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki) is not recommended for swimming or surfing for those who are not proficient in the ocean. The waves and currents can be strong and unpredictable, making it a challenging and potentially dangerous environment.
If you plan to visit, ask the lifeguards on duty for guidance on how to stay safe at this beach. Following their advice is the best way to enjoy the area responsibly.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park (Ka'u)
Punaluʻu Beach is a beautiful spot for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. The black sand shoreline and clear waters make it a unique experience.
However, strong currents and winds can create hazardous conditions, so don’t swim too far from shore. While enjoying the beach, be mindful of the wildlife—do not touch or approach animals, including sea turtles.
For the safest experience, ask the lifeguards on duty for tips on current conditions and the best areas to enjoy the water.
West Hawai'i
Kahalu'u Beach Park (Kona)
Kahaluʻu Beach Park in Kona is a popular spot for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and family-friendly ocean activities. While the water is generally calmer than other nearby beaches, currents and waves can still change quickly, especially near the reef edges. Rocks and coral can be sharp, so caution is advised when entering and exiting the water.
Ask the lifeguards on duty for guidance on the safest areas to surf, swim, or snorkel, current conditions, and tips for protecting both yourself and the marine life. Staying aware and following their advice helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
La'aloa Beach Park (Kona)
Laʻaloa Beach Park (Magic Sands) is a popular beach for those who are proficient in the ocean. It is an excellent spot for bodyboarding and bodysurfing year-round.
However, the strong breaking waves in shallow waters make it hazardous for everyone in the water and along the shoreline. Small children can be swept out to sea, and anyone can get caught in currents or injured by the powerful shore break.
Ask the lifeguards on duty about current conditions and what hazards to watch for to help ensure a safer visit.
Kohanaiki Beach Park (Kona)
Kohanaiki Beach Park in Kona is a popular recreational and camping beach, as well as a surfing spot. While it offers great opportunities for surfing and enjoying the shoreline, the surf conditions can be hazardous, with strong currents and sharp reef areas.
Tide pools may be suitable for swimming close to shore, but the beach is not recommended for snorkeling due to dangerous surf, rough reef, and shifting currents.
Ask the lifeguards on duty for guidance on the safest areas to enter the water and how to enjoy the beach safely. Following their advice is essential for a safe visit.
Kua Bay (Kona)
Kua Bay (Maniniʻowali Beach) in Kona is a beautiful beach known for snorkeling, diving, and swimming, but it requires caution due to variable ocean conditions. The surf is seasonal, and rip currents can develop, especially during larger swells. The bottom can be rocky or sandy, and shore break over shallow water can make entering and exiting the ocean hazardous.
Ask the lifeguards on duty for guidance on current surf conditions, safe entry points, and tips for snorkeling, diving, or enjoying the beach safely. Staying aware and following lifeguard advice is essential for a safe visit.
Hapuna (S. Kohala)
Hapuna Beach Park on the Big Island is a beautiful, wide sandy beach popular for swimming, bodyboarding, and sunbathing. However, shore break in shallow water, shifting sands, and rip currents can make swimming hazardous, especially near the shoreline.
High winds and seasonal surf during the winter months can increase the danger, creating larger waves and stronger currents. Even experienced swimmers should exercise caution.
Ask the lifeguards on duty for the latest ocean conditions and guidance on the safest areas to swim or enjoy the water. Following their advice helps ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Spencer Beach Park (S. Kohala)
Spencer Beach Park on the Big Island is a family-friendly beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Its calm, protected waters make it a safe and enjoyable spot for keiki and families, with easy access from the shoreline.
However, exercise caution for sudden drop-offs in the water, which can occur near the edge of the swimming areas. Always stay aware of changing conditions and ask the lifeguards on duty for guidance on the safest spots to swim or snorkel. Following their advice ensures a fun and safe experience for everyone.