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.
Leleiwi Beach Park Overview
Neighboring Richardson Beach Park and just 5 miles from downtown Hilo, you will find Leleiwi Beach Park (also called Wai’uli). This beach park is a popular destination for visitors due to its sequence of natural lava rock pools, tide-pool coves, and fresh water springs with nice pavilion picnic areas and great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Leleiwi Beach Park Activities
Leleiwi Beach Park is a fantastic snorkeling destination because of the protective lava rock wall that surrounds the area, breaking the strong ocean currents from reaching the beach and making for a convenient entry and exit point for water activities. Many tropical fish and other marine life including Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles inhabit the Leleiwi Beach Park making for outstanding snorkeling and diving opportunities. Some have hailed this to be the best shore dive in Hilo due to his deep-water sea mounts, lava caves and corral canyons. The dive has a difficult entry and some tricky currents so getting a local dive expert to take you out would be wise.
Although Leleiwi doesn’t offer a sandy beach experience due to its rocky shoreline, there is a small section of black sand and the location offers those wishing to enjoy the water a unique alternative. Beyond the protection of the point, surfers and body boarders ride the break they call “Richardsons” best suited for those with experience during periods of high surf. Leleiwi Beach Park is a great spot to relax, have lunch, snorkel, watch the surfers and sunbathe.
Park and Area Amenities
Part of a 1970 Lion’s Club initiative, park improvements include covered pavilions to enjoy a picnic, BBQ pits, showers, paved walkways and parking. Bring along water shoes, drinking water and snacks to make your day at the beach more comfortable. Then, after you enjoy Leleiwi Beach Park, take in some area history with a stop at The Pacific Tsunami Museum or The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, and enjoy a great meal at one of the great restaurants in Hilo.
Amenities
Parking
Pavilions
BBQ Pits
Showers
Paved Walkways
No restrooms
Location
2279 Kalanianaole St, Hilo HI 96720
4.9 miles east of Hilo
