Lava rock and a reef wall off most of Carlsmith Beach Park’s inner lagoon, so the water barely moves even when the open ocean past the barrier is churning. It’s one of the calmer swimming spots close to Hilo. Turtles show up here regularly, and a few cooler pockets form where fresh water seeps up through the ground into the lagoon.
This is a family beach first. Kids can swim without fighting current, and snorkeling is worthwhile when the water is calm and clear. There’s no sandy shore, just a lawn running down to the water, so plan for beach chairs or a towel on grass.
Carlsmith beach park in Hilo
Good for swimming and snorkeling
The bay stays calm on all but the windiest days, since the reef and lava rock block most of the incoming swell before it reaches the swimming area. Snorkeling is best when the surface is glassy, which is also when the turtles that feed along the reef edge are easiest to spot.
Carlsmith is one of the Hilo-side parks with a lifeguard on duty, and you sit on the lawn instead of sand.
No sandy beach
Picnic tables are scattered around the lawn for anyone who wants shade instead of sun.
Watch: aerial view of the lagoon
This 3.5-minute aerial video from YouTube creator lucky we live Hawaii 808 gives a good look at the lagoon and surrounding shoreline before you go.
Getting there and what’s on site
Carlsmith is 5 to 10 minutes from downtown Hilo on Kalanianaʻole Avenue, which runs past several other beach parks along the Keaukaha coast before the lot. Parking is easiest next door at Kealoha Beach Park, about a 100-foot walk.
A lifeguard is on duty daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and the park has restrooms, a shower, drinking water, and a picnic area.
Hilo’s cloud builds through most days,.
Nearby beaches
Onekahakaha and Leleiwi are both a short drive further along Kalanianaʻole Avenue. Richardsons (black sand with a scatter of green sand mixed in) is the busiest of the group, but there’s more to see along this stretch.