Richardson Ocean Park

Address: 2355 Kalanianaole Ave. Hilo HI 96720

Hours: Monday - Sunday 7:00am to 7:00pm

Directions: Head east on Kalanianaole Ave. when coming from downtown Hilo. It is almost at the end of the road after a series of other parks.

Lifeguard: Yes

Additional resources and information for Richardson Ocean Park:

To-Hawaii.com - Richardson Ocean Park

BigIslandGuide.com - Richardson Ocean Park

Yelp.com - Richardson Ocean Park

Hilo's finest oceanfront playground. A beach setting like no other where turtles "HONU" roam freely in the pacific ocean waters. The place for all kinds of generations to play and hang out together. Being that it is located in Hilo the green and lush natural landscaping around the park is out our this world, literally. No other part of this island can be compared. That is what is so unique about the Big Island and it's beach parks. They are all very much different and offer multitudes of activities for beachgoers to enjoy. The wave breaks are really great here and it seems like the surfers and body boarders really enjoy this place.

Richardson Ocean Park is also referred to by some as Richardson's Beach. There is a naturally formed lava rock wall that has been formed from the lava from Mauna Kea. Parking can be a little bit harder to find on the weekends due to the high demand for such a great place. There are families that are so loyal to this park that every weekend it's their place to be. No admission fees, just plain old fashioned natural beauty for the enjoyment and pleasure of being able to see the Big Island at it's best. Elsa and George Richardson who still have a home here were lucky enough to have this place named after them. Richardson (George) was the former chief detective of the county of Hawaii. In the early 1920's is when the Richardson's built their home from the Malo family donating the land to them. A true story of kind Hawaiian giving.

Today the park is quite simply open during the day time to all visitors, residents, and anyone who wants to enjoy it. It is operated by the Richardson Ocean Center and even has a small quaint police station office and presence by the showers and restrooms. The most apparent feature is that this is Hilo's only black and green sand beach. With luxury condos also lining it's shores this beautiful place someone still remains quite simple and true to it's original state. Hawaiian fishpond preservation in the area is visible and the highly sought after area of Keaukaha continues to roll along with some of the most unique and private beach homes on the entire island. A favorite place of ours to visit and enjoy a day at the beach.

Photos of Richardson Ocean Park: