Leleiwi Beach Park
A serene Hilo beach park known for sea turtle sightings and fascinating tide pools, offering a peaceful local escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Leleiwi Beach Park
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Hilo beach park known for sea turtle sightings and fascinating tide pools, offering a peaceful local escape.
"My favorite place in Hilo. Great spot for children."
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Maintain a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them.
👟 Explore the Rocky Shore
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring tide pools and rocky areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Encounters
Along the shoreline
Witness majestic Hawaiian green sea turtles basking and swimming in their natural habitat. Keep a safe distance!
+1Tide Pool Exploration
Rocky areas
Discover vibrant marine life in the natural tide pools formed by the volcanic rock. Great for curious minds!
Picnic Pavilions
Throughout the park
Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the covered picnic tables, perfect for families and relaxed gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Turtles & Tide Pools
Local Charm, Not Tourist Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Maintain a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them.
👟 Explore the Rocky Shore
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring tide pools and rocky areas.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the covered picnic tables for a relaxed meal with ocean views. +1
🚗 Arrive Early
Parking can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Maintain a safe distance from sea turtles. Never touch or feed them.
👟 Explore the Rocky Shore
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring tide pools and rocky areas.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the covered picnic tables for a relaxed meal with ocean views. +1
🚗 Arrive Early
Parking can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots.
💧 Rinse Off
An outdoor shower is available to rinse off after enjoying the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Leleiwi Beach Park is praised as a peaceful, family-friendly spot with opportunities to see sea turtles and explore tide pools. Visitors appreciate its local charm and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place for picnics and quiet enjoyment of the coast. Some find the rocky terrain less ideal for swimming but enjoy the unique natural features. +2
"Leleiwi Park is a peaceful, family-friendly spot that’s perfect for a relaxed picnic by the ocean. There are several picnic tables and restrooms available, and the parking lot feels fairly spacious considering the size of the beach. When I visited, a few families with small children were enjoying the area. We didn’t go into the water, but there seemed to be some shallow areas that looked safe enough for kids to play in.👶
This park is part of a beautiful stretch of coastline near Richardson’s Beach, known for its tide pools, rocky lava shoreline, and occasional sea turtle sightings. It’s not a tourist-heavy area, so it offers a more quiet and local feel. Great for a calm afternoon with an ocean breeze.🌴🌊"
Yulily
"It's a beautiful spot to eat lunch, watch the waves, and maybe swim in some tide pools.
Pretty good snorkeling - we saw a few sea turtles.."
Jonathan Sauder
"So gorgeous!!! Rocky terrain in some areas and nice sandy spots in others. I also saw lots of baby crabs :) 10/10 would recommend."
Riley H.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leleiwi Beach Park is located south of Hilo. Take Highway 11 South and follow signs for the beach parks along the coast. It's part of a stretch of parks, so if one is full, you can try the next.
Yes, there is a parking lot available. However, it can fill up, especially during peak times. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
Public transportation options to this specific park might be limited. Renting a car or using a ride-sharing service is generally more convenient for exploring the Hilo beach parks.
Leleiwi Beach Park is situated near other beautiful beach parks like Richardson's Beach and Waiolena Beach Park, offering a scenic coastal drive.
Many visitors find it easy to drive along the coast and hop between the various beach parks, as they are relatively close to each other.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Leleiwi Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty for free.
Leleiwi Beach Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's a public park, so there are no strict opening or closing times posted, but it's best to visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required for general access to Leleiwi Beach Park. It's a first-come, first-served public space.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife, especially the sea turtles. Keep a safe distance and do not disturb them.
Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a relaxed day trip with picnic facilities, tide pools, and opportunities to see wildlife. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy picnicking, exploring tide pools, observing sea turtles, and relaxing by the ocean. Some shallow areas might be suitable for children to play in. +1
While there are some shallow areas, it's more known for tide pool exploration and turtle viewing. The rocky terrain might make swimming less ideal for some. +1
Yes, snorkeling is possible, and visitors have reported seeing sea turtles. The rocky areas and tide pools offer some marine life to observe.
Yes, there are restrooms and an outdoor shower available for visitors. +1
Yes, it's considered a peaceful, family-friendly spot with picnic tables and shallow areas that can be safe for children. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of sea turtles, the unique volcanic rock formations, tide pools, and the ocean waves. The golden hour offers beautiful light.
The park offers a rugged, volcanic coastline that's great for landscape photography, especially with the ocean as a backdrop.
Yes, it's a fantastic place to photograph sea turtles and various marine life in the tide pools. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can help capture wildlife from a distance. A polarizing filter can enhance ocean shots.
The rocky outcrops and the shoreline itself provide numerous vantage points. Experiment with different angles to capture the dramatic coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Family-friendly tips: Bring snacks and drinks for a picnic, wear water shoes for exploring tide pools, and keep a close eye on children near the water and rocky areas. The presence of restrooms and an outdoor shower adds to the convenience for families.
📸 Photographers
The opportunity to photograph Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat is a major draw. The tide pools also provide excellent subjects for macro photography, revealing intricate details of marine life. Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the best light. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive coastline, while a telephoto lens is essential for wildlife shots. Don't forget a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance colors.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Encountering Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Never touch, feed, or disturb them, as this can cause them stress and is illegal. Many visitors enjoy watching them from the shore or from a safe distance while snorkeling. When visiting, be patient and observant. The turtles are most commonly seen in the morning or late afternoon. The rocky shoreline and calm waters of Leleiwi Beach Park provide a natural habitat that attracts them. Remember that your actions can impact their well-being, so prioritize their safety and natural behavior above all else.
Key takeaway: Always give sea turtles plenty of space. Your visit contributes to their conservation when you observe them responsibly.
Exploring the Volcanic Tide Pools
When exploring the tide pools, it's advisable to wear sturdy footwear, as the lava rock can be sharp and slippery.
Pro-tip: Check the tide charts before your visit to maximize your tide pool exploration time.
A Local's Perspective on Hilo's Beach Parks
Travelers often mention that if one parking lot is full, there are several other beach parks nearby to explore, making it easy to find a spot and enjoy the coastline.
The community feel and the natural beauty make these parks a cherished local treasure. Community Insight: 'This is just one of several nice beaches along this stretch of road. If one parking lot is full I just drive to the next one.'
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit