Enjoy the Art of Hula at the Merrie Monarch Festival
Visiting Hilo during the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy traditional Hawaiian hula, arts and crafts, music, and fun local events.
Carlsmith Beach Park Overview
Family-friendly, warm, and always welcoming, Carlsmith Beach Park is well-maintained and easily accessible. With lifeguards on duty during the weekends and holidays, it’s an excellent option for those who want a carefree beach experience with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and lounging.
Located among a series of beach parks just south of Hilo, this park borders the eastern edge of the Kealoha Beach Park on the Big Island. Carlsmith boasts some unique and wonderful park characteristics, incorporating both a garden park and a beach park in one location.
Beach Park Activities
Carlsmith Beach Park has plenty of shaded areas for beachgoers with a pahoehoe (lava rock) shelf serving as a shoreline and footpath into the lagoon. Consisting of several large lagoons, the coves have a soft sand bottom and because the waters are protected by a reef, it makes for very tranquil swimming and snorkeling. Freshwater flows up in several areas, making for some refreshing, cooler spots throughout the lagoons. The ponds are surrounded by coconut palms and lush tropical plants giving the place a Polynesian South Sea feeling.
Green Hawaiian Sea turtles can often be seen here enjoying the shallow pond and feeding. They are very friendly, however, even if they swim up to you when snorkeling, remember not to touch these endangered species as they are vulnerable to human bacteria. As a legally protected species, visitors are required to stay at least 10 feet away from these beautiful animals.
Carlsmith Beach Park also has an expansive lawn area, covered pavilions, barbeque grills, picnic tables, showers, bathrooms, and full restroom facilities to keep you and your family comfortable and relaxed throughout your fun filled beach day.
Hours
Daily 7 AM-8 PM
Amenities
Lifeguards
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Pavilions with Electricity
Drinking Water
Picnic Area
Parking
Location
1815 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
