The best beach at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo: beach, water fun and adventure in Hawaii
Richardson Ocean Park is one of the fabulous string of beaches located in south Hilo and enjoying a beach day here is truly one of the simple pleasures to enjoy while on the island.
One of the most popular weekend hangout spots, Richardson Ocean Park for locals who nicknamed it “Richardsons”, the park is family friendly with full facilities and lifeguard station in the beach areas. The beach is also a popular place for snorkeling, surfing and spotting marine life like green honu (native sea turtles) resting or eating along the rock areas of the beach.
Where is Richardsons located?
Richardsons is the last beach park located on Kalaniana’ole in Hilo. It is the most popular because of the varied beach scene, snorkeling, surfing, picnic barbeque grills and the stunning coastal views the place is known for. There is a small parking lot area off the main road with plenty of street parking off the main road area.
Weekends here are packed so if you need more space and quiet time, visit during the weekend day at Richardsons. The park contains several ponds that are part of a marine conservation area and are typically office limits to visitors to enter or collect things.
Check out the Google Map here for a map location.
Easy directions on how to get to Richardson Ocean Park
From downtown Hilo, drive down Kalaniana’ole Avenue and drive past the series of local beaches in the area including Carlsmith Beach Park, Onekahakaha Beach Park, and some of the smaller beach parks and lagoon areas of the south end of Hilo. Richardson is the last beach park with a parking lot on the left side or ocean side of the road.
Address of the beach: 2355 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Hele-On Bus Route 101 – Keaukaha
- Route: The 101 bus travels between Moʻoheau Bus Terminal in downtown Hilo and Kings Landing, which is adjacent to Richardson Ocean Park.
- Schedule: Buses run hourly, seven days a week, from early morning to early evening. heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov
- Duration: The ride from downtown Hilo to Richardson Ocean Park takes approximately 28 minutes.
- Stop Location: Disembark at the “End of Kalanianaole Ave @ King’s Landing/Richardson’s Beach Park” stop, which is a short walk from the park entrance.
Fare and Accessibility
- Fare: As of the latest information, Hele-On Bus services are fare-free.
- Accessibility: Buses are equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
Interesting history of Richardson Ocean Park
The home still standing at Richardson Ocean Park used to be the personal home of Elsa and George Richardson who was the chief detective of the County of Hawaii. The property was gift to the Richardson’s from the Malo family that owed them a debt for saving the family from typhoid fever. The property was later gifted to the county and operating the Richardson Ocean Center today along with the beach area access.
Along this unique green and black sand beach you’ll find some fantastic marine life sheltering here including honu turtles, the endangered Hawaiian monk seal as well as migratory whales just outside the breaker’s areas of the beach.
Here’s a brief video tour of Richardsons Beach Park area and other cool things to see here at Richardson’s Beach
Things to do and see at Richardson Ocean Park
Richardson’s is more than just a beach park, there are cool tidepools and lagoons to explore, marine life to check out, snorkeling around the cove area and even adventure sports you can do here.
There are rock areas and beach areas to explore along with small lagoons that have tropical fish and marine life that is cool to see along with sea turtles that regularly feed and rest in the area.
The bay area of Richardsons is very popular for recreation to include kayaking, surfing, snorkeling and fishing in the areas that are not marine conservation areas.
The sands at Richardson’s an interesting mix of Green Olivine sand crystals and black lava sand which is unusual for this side of the island.
The snorkeling areas around the rocky outcrops in the shallow water areas of the beach are filled with tropical fish and coral and fun to explore.
Whale viewing points in winter season – the rock areas and coastline are perfect places to view humpback whales in winter.
You can walk through to the barrier rocks on the perimeter with a shallow lagoon that you can cross, this is typically a place you’ll find some green sea turtles along with tropical fish.
When it is whale season in wintertime, you can spot whales just offshore the rocky barrier areas.
Here’s a view under the water of the coral, tropical fish and marine life at Richardson’s
Safety conditions at Richardsons
Here’s a quick outline of safety conditions and tips for visiting Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo:
Water Safety
- Calm Conditions: The bay is generally calm and spring-fed, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling, especially for beginners
- Potential Hazards: Be aware that ocean currents can appear suddenly, particularly during winter months when surf conditions may be rough
- Lifeguards: Lifeguards are on duty between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., providing added safety during these hours
- Entry Points: Some water entry areas involve navigating over lava rocks; wearing water shoes is recommended to prevent injuries
Wildlife Awareness
- Marine Life The park is home to green sea turtles (honu) and various tropical fish.
- Respect Wildlife Observe marine animals from a safe distance and avoid disturbing them, as they are protected under state and federal law.
Sun Protection
- *UV Exposure: The Hawaiian sun can be intense; use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and stay hydrated to prevent sunburn and heat-related issues.
General Safety Tips
- Swimming Practice: Always swim with a buddy and stay within designated swimming areas.
- Personal Belonging: Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid bringing valuables to the beach.
- Marine Conservation Rules at Richardson Ocean Park
- No Fishing: Fishing of any kind is prohibited within the park’s boundaries. This rule helps maintain the health of fish populations and the overall marine ecosystem. Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide
- Do Not Disturb Marine Life: The park is home to various marine species, including green sea turtles and tropical fish. Visitors should observe these animals from a distance and avoid touching or feeding them to prevent stress and potential harm.
- Avoid Walking on Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are fragile and can be easily damaged by foot traffic. Walking on them can kill the coral polyps and disrupt the habitat of many marine organisms. Department of Land and Natural Resources
- Report Injured or Entangled Marine Animals: If you encounter a marine mammal or sea turtle that is injured or entangled, contact the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-256-9840. If it’s safe, stay nearby to monitor the animal until a response team arrives. Department of Land and Natural Resources
- Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: To protect the delicate marine environment, use sunscreens labeled as “reef-safe,” which do not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Amenities at Richardson Ocean Park
Weekends are the busy period for locals and families to hang out at Richardson’s or any of the Hilo Beaches, you should just visit during the weekdays if possible.
Parking is limited – with a relatively small parking lot that fills up early on the weekends, most people park on the main feeder road or on the side streets if it is very busy. Weekends are crowded and traffic and parking in the area is difficult because everyone wants to be at the beach. There is on street parking and some visitors park in the adjoining side streets in the neighborhood when it is extremely busy. Go early in the morning or later afternoon time frame or look for street parking on the main drag.
There are picnic tables and barbeque grills so a picnic is always great here especially with all the fantastic views.
Restroom facilities and showers available at the main bathroom area.
Check with the lifeguard on duty if you notice anything strange or change of flags or the weather conditions on the beach area.
Tips to visiting Richardsons
Bring your snorkel gear or other outdoor toys here to play in the semi protected areas of the beach park.
There are lots of tropical fish to discover so please use reef protected sun screen when you go swimming or snorkeling in the waters.
High tide conditions have more surf, rip tides and currents so be aware of conditions before you enter the water.
If you use Sunscreen in the water, make sure that you use only coral safe sunscreen to protect the local marine life in the water area.
Many of the rock areas and small lagoon areas have interesting tropical fish and coral and also green sea turtles that you can find. Do stay at a distance of approximately 20 feet from any sea turtle in the water or on the beach areas.
Check in with the lifeguard station to see if there are any problems with beach conditions when you visit and before you enter water.
No concessions so bring your own water, snacks and food, there are garbage cans for waste.
Snorkeling is pretty amazing around Richardson’s, check out the video snorkeling highlights.
Must bring packing and essentials for the beach
You can’t go to the beach without some of these essentials to enjoying your beach time.
Cell phone water proof case – if you want to take some underwater pictures, get one of these easy and cheap water proof cases.
Ocean reef protected sunscreen – You’ll need this in Hawaii to get in the water and it’s required usage for Hawaii reefs and ocean. Get it in SPF 50 or SPF 30 here
Rash guards for water fun – a great way to protect yourself from the elements and water fun. Check out these women’s rash guards and men’s rash guards here for reference.
Cooler backpack – the perfect picnic and drinks carrier to the beach or any outdoor fun on the islands.
UFT 50 sun hat for men’s or women’s sizes – essential head protection wear at the beach and a sport look
Check out these other Hilo area posts and attractions
Explore one of the most scenic waterfalls in town at Rainbow Falls
Enjoy some fun at Coconut Island in Hilo Bay
Experience the aquamarine pools and lagoons at Carlsmith Beach Park
Go kayaking, Sup or water fun on family friendly Reeds Bay Beach Park
Enjoy some cool and fun Things to do around Hilo town
Check out the impressive Waterfalls of the Big Island
Explore the cool caves above Hilo at Kaumana Caves State Park
Visit Lili’uokalani Garden in Hilo – a beautiful Japanese garden that is ocean front on the Hilo Bay.
Why Visit Volcanoes National Park – because the volcano is active with lava eruptions in the crater
Visit Volcano Village close to the national Park
Have you been to Richardson Ocean Park aka Richardson’s beach?
Please share your thoughts and other recommendations in the comments below with your recommendations.
Conclusion to visiting Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo
For beach time in Hilo, a visit to Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo promises a serene and picturesque experience. With its tranquil beaches, lush coastal scenery, and opportunities for relaxation and leisure, this park offers a glimpse of Hawaii’s natural beauty at its finest. Whether you’re sunbathing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, Richardson Ocean Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful escape in Hilo.
Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Richardson Ocean Park. I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.
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Author Bio – Noel Morata
Having lived in Hawaii for over 15 years, I’ve explore all the historic and cultural sites, tried delicious traditional food, fusion and local style dishes and learned a lot about growing and sustainability.
Hawaii for me is ever changing and I visit many of these places regularly for inspiration, changes that may occur, seasonality and cultural practises. I hope to share with you all the fascinating things and places I’ve learned grown appreciation for and hope that you will find the information helpful to visiting the islands.
I love visiting Richardsons Beach Park, regularly for fantastic beach time, snorkeling, visiting the ponds and lagoon area and spotting marine life, it’s a cool place to explore and hang out.
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