Carlsmith Beach Park

Park · Hilo

Carlsmith Beach Park

Park · Hilo

1815 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720

Highlights

Grassy park with lagoons for snorkeling & sea turtle watching

1815 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720 Get directions

hawaiibeachsafety.com

@travelleisure

25 Best Beaches in the United States

"This Hawaiian locale is the perfect place to see the black rocks and crystal lagoons the Big Island is famous for. Not your average sandy stretch, Carlsmith Beach is a grassy, tree-filled park overlooking brilliant lava-ringed lagoons. The clear, turquoise waters here are protected by a reef, making the area a snorkeling hot spot. An abundance of sea turtles adds to the unique experience of this magical habitat. Pack your lunch and picnic at one of the on-site tables in the shade of a palm tree." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-in-the-us

View Postcard for Carlsmith Beach Park

Autum Jastram

Google

By far the best beach in Hawaii. There is a small inlet for swimming where the waves are not crashing over you, trees are hanging beautifully over the water and it’s very peaceful. Easy to find and seemed like a local favorite. Highly recommend!!

Jay Gee

Google

Calm water, beautiful scenery. Two sea turtles were basking in the sun and resting while we were swimming. There are steps and a handrail to get in and out of the water easily. There’s plenty of shade and grassy areas. Gets busy on weekends and holidays.

Suzi West

Google

Dreamy place to go snorkeling!! We saw giant sea turtles (honu) and so many beautiful birds, and even saw a mongoose!! Oh... We saw WHALES at the end of our time there .. amazing! Bring your own gear for snorkeling, bring a picnic- spend the day! It's free as well!!! Bathroom facilities are here also. Enjoy!!!! The water is amazing- icy cold in spots and warm like bathwater in others!! It's fresh water spring nearby makes the cold so cold!!! Incredible experience!!!

Hannah Shaw

Google

I usually only see places like this in the movies- heaven on earth. It has shallow, soft sandy water with a beautiful teal blue color. Local children playing on the rocks. Wonderful. Please, if you visit, leave it in better condition than you found it. Pick up any litter you see and help keep rare natural places like this safe.

Tracy

Google

Nice place to take the kids for snorkeling. They have life guards on site. You could go straight down from where the restrooms are and where they have the outside shower for you to rinse. That area is easy to go down to the snorkeling area vs the other area. Parking might be an issue on crowded days. They have restrooms here but not that clean. It's the normal beach restroom. You can see the sea turtle here.

The Jesse Adventure

Google

Such a beautiful beach to spend the afternoon at. Bring a packed lunch and some water. And something to drink. Something to drink. Enjoy the Sun. There are sometimes turtles in the water that you can see. Do not touch the turtles it's against the law

kshitij limaye

Google

Awesome free snorkeling spot. Parking is hard to get due it’s calm and clear waters. Saw a bunch of turtles and different kinds of fishes. Water was a bit chilly on the December evening, but definitely worth it.

T A

Google

Beautiful lagoon with pristine waters. Perfect for wading and snorkeling. It's relatively popular so parking might be scarce. There are similar locations before and after this place in the same road so judt be patient. Some areas have stairs to get in and out of the water for those with mobility issues. The water is calm enough for kids to swim freely.