Richardson’s sits where cold freshwater springs meet the ocean, mixing with warmer Pacific water just offshore. That combination keeps the water shallow and the current close to zero, which is why this is the best snorkeling on the east side of the island. The beach is on Kalanianaʻole Avenue in south Hilo. Sand here is black lava mixed with olivine crystals, the same mineral that gives Papakōlea its green color, but Richardson’s is a fraction of the effort to reach.
Richardson’s Beach Park in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. This beach is one of the best places to snorkel on the Hilo side
The tide pools and calm water make it a reliable family beach. Snorkelers come for the fish in the spring-fed water. Weekends fill up fast; on a weekday morning or late afternoon, the parking lot has room.
Richardson’s is Family Friendly
Tide pools, calm water, and a picnic area make this beach park a great place to bring young kids.
A Good Place to Snorkel
The freshwater springs here do more than calm the ocean: they also form several ponds at and near the beach. The spring water is cold, and the ocean water warmer. Combine this with shallow and almost current-free waters and you understand why this is such a good place for snorkeling.
The Sand at Richardson’s: Green Olivines and Black Lava
If you look closely at the sand at Richardson’s, you will see it is mostly black lava mixed with green sand. The green sand is made of olivine crystals, the same crystals that give the more famous green sand beach its name. That beach is difficult to reach, and Richardson’s is a good place to visit if you are curious about this green sand. (more green sand trivia)
The black sand at Richardsons is mixed with olivines, making it an “almost green sand beach“. Take a close look at the sand to see the green crystals.
Directions to Richardson’s Beach Park
Coming from downtown Hilo, go east down Kalanianaʻole Avenue to reach a series of beach parks. The two most popular are Carlsmith Beach Park, popularly known as Four Mile after the mile marker, and Richardson’s, almost at the end of the road.
Visiting During the Weekend
Both Richardson’s and the adjacent Carlsmith beach park are very busy during weekends. If you want to visit during the weekend show up early to find parking or expect to drive up and down the road a while to find parking.
If your schedule allows it, a better time to visit (less parking hassle and fewer crowds) is on weekdays during the morning or late afternoon hours.
Opening Hours
The park is open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and has a lifeguard on duty daily from 9:30am – 4:45pm. There are also picnic areas, showers, restrooms, parking, telephones, and ponds.
Nearby Hilo Beaches
Carlsmith Beach Park, Leleʻiwi, James Keʻaloha, and Onekahakaha are all on Kalanianaʻole Avenue within a short drive of Richardson’s. See all Hilo Beaches here.