Carlsmith Beach Park

What a beautiful park with a variety of seating and swimming areas! Shady nooks where you can watch the water lap the shore or waves roll in the distance, or breezy, sunny spots to enjoy the ocean's azure beauty. There's a lifeguard, bathrooms, picnic areas, grass, rocks, sand, turtles, decent parking, and steps with handrails to make it easy to access the water if you want to.

If your looking for a beach this is not the place. But if you want a relaxing time putting your feet in the water and maybe seeing a sea turtle or two, this is the place. Unless you feel comfortable climbing lava rocks into and out of the water. Then you can get into the ocean. It's very nice and popular here.

05/06/2025 (Tue) Carlsmith Beach Park, located just outside of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a beautiful and peaceful spot perfect for families and beginner snorkelers, thanks to its calm, sheltered waters. The beach features several tide pools, each with its own unique characteristics—some warmer, some cooler, some rocky, and others smoother—making it a fun and varied place to explore. The shallow waters extend far out, and there's even a tiny tiny offshore island, with several palm trees growing on it. It adds a charming touch to the scenery.🌴 The water is so clear, and we saw a fair number of fish swimming around. 🐟🐠🐡We also encountered sea turtles all throughout the area—swimming, feeding, and resting. On the east side of the park (to the right when facing the ocean), there’s a ladder with handrails like the kind you'd see at a swimming pool. When I tried to exit the water using the handrail, a sea turtle swam directly toward me and came very close multiple times! (You can see this moment in our video.) The rocky area near the handrail seems to be a favorite resting spot for the turtles. Do note that parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended. All in all, Carlsmith Beach Park is a spot full of natural beauty and calm waters—a truly worthwhile place to visit, especially for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing coastal experience.

Went here for a quick picnic but how I wish I shouldve brought my swimming shorts. Great swim place and honu sightings.

Saw turtles so it's an automatic 5 stars haha. We were there late so the water was a bit rough so I can't say if it was good for snorkeling or no. Nice quiet pond-like area that had turtles chilling in the water! Also nice trees/greenery.

Public reatroom that is reasonably clean, parking cam be hit or miss. Plenty of areas to sit with outdoor shower to rinse off. For someone who loves the water but dont know how to swim there are safe areas for em to dip in. Spent most of my vacay here.

This beach is absolutely stunning – The scenery is breathtaking, and the water is crystal clear, making it perfect for snorkeling. While snorkeling, I was lucky enough to see some sea turtles and many colorful fish swimming around – such an unforgettable experience! If I get the chance, I would definitely come back here again to snorkel. Highly recommend this spot to anyone who loves nature and the ocean.

Wonderful snorkeling experience for me, an inexperienced snorkeler! I saw a turtle, several kinds of anemones, and so many fish, even though the surf made the other beaches I tried too murky. Parking was challenging and there are washes of cold water that make it difficult to see anything... As well as being cold.