Honolii Beach Park
Hilo, HI
Honolii Beach Park sits where a stream meets the ocean just north of Hilo, a boulder strewn river mouth that's become the most consistent surf spot on this side of the island. There's no sand to speak of and no casual swimming, but the small grassy hillside above the break gives spectators a front row seat to some of the best surfing on the Hamakua coast.
A genuine local surf institution with waves breaking almost daily, but the boulder beach and tight lineup make it a spot for surfers to watch or paddle out, not to swim.
How we score beachesWatch from the grassy bluff before paddling out if you're new here. The lineup is tight and the local crew surfs it every single day, rain or shine.
A free lot sits above the beach off Kalanianaole Avenue and can fill on the best swell days.
A steep set of stairs leads down from the lot to the river mouth and rocky beach, not manageable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Hilo's wet climate means rain in any season, and the surf here stays rideable year round thanks to the reliable river mouth break, though winter swells run bigger.
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