The only black-sand beach in the Hilo region provides relaxed swimming, sheltered rock pools and excellent surfing. A house at the beach dates back to the 1920s and was once home to the Richardson family, for whom the ocean park is named. Today visitors to the ocean park can visit the house, now the Richardson Ocean Center, to learn about the marine life of the area.
Lava from Mauna Kea has formed a natural seawall at Richardson Ocean Park, making it a sheltered beach that is perfect for young children. Rock pools that fill at high tide make for shallow, detached swimming holes at low tide. Watch the kids as they play in the pools, without the stress of swell or currents.
Beyond the seawall, Richardson Ocean Park is a popular surf break. The conditions here are known to be unpredictable and suitable for experienced surfers only. Try body boarding in the shallower waters if you’re not a confident surfer.
Rent a kayak to experience the beach in its entirety. Vendors line the beach and rental fees are reasonable. Paddle with Hawaiian sea turtles or try to spot a monk seal, common in the Hilo area. Bring your snorkel and mask to see the fascinating underwater life up-close.
Learn about the local marine life at the Ocean Center, located just above the beach. The former home of Elsa and George Richardson has been converted into an education center and research facility.
Richardson Ocean Park is located 6 miles (9 kilometers) east of Hilo. The beach is best reached by car and there is ample free parking. There is currently no public transportation serving Richardson Ocean Park however, some chartered tours will take you to the park. The park is open daily and admission is free.
Richardson's Ocean Park Tours
Visit Richardson's Ocean Park
Plan a trip to see Richardson's Ocean Park


Kona Reef, A Raintree Vacation Club Resort
Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Castle Kanaloa at Kona
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025
Popular places to visit

Carlsmith Beach Park
Explore the great outdoors at Carlsmith Beach Park, a lovely green space in Hilo.

Onekahakaha Beach Park
Spend a sunny day exploring the hidden charms of this tranquil cove, where protected tidal pools provide ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions.

Keaukaha Beach Park
Snorkel in the clear waters at this beautiful spot, where gaps in the volcanic ocean floor hide a wealth of marine life.

Coconut Island Park
Explore the great outdoors at Coconut Island Park and enjoy the volcano viewpoints during your trip to Hilo. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful waterfalls.

Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
This serene Hilo bayfront park offers the serenity of a Japanese garden, a lush canopy of banyan trees and beautiful views from a sacred ancient Hawai’ian island.
Port of Hilo
Explore the waterfront in Hilo with a trip to Port of Hilo. Discover the area's beautiful waterfalls and top-notch restaurants.
Best Lodging Options Near Richardson's Ocean Park
Check availability on hotels close to Richardson's Ocean Park

Charming Beach House @ Richardson Beach Park, Hilo’s Premier Beach

Quiet Hilo Beach Cottage, Prime Location for Beaches, Snorkeling, and Surfing

Ocean Frt.-Best Hilo Swim Lagoons, Turtles @ Richardsons Beach

Hilo's Newest Richardson's Beach Park House. Best Loc. Snorkeling, Turtles.

Private home across the street from the beach. Minutes from downtown Hilo

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Hale Honu Steps from the Ocean at Maunaloa Shores Condo in Hilo!
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Richardson's Ocean Park
- Other Hotels near Richardson's Ocean Park, Keaukaha
- Hotels near popular Hilo Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Richardson's Ocean Park
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Hale Honu Steps from the Ocean at Maunaloa Shores Condo in Hilo!
- KeALOHA - INCREDIBLE views, Spectacular Beach Park, the Best snorkeling, Turtles
- A Tropical Paradise 2 Bed/1bath. Stunning Bay and Ocean Views
- OCEAN VIEW 2BRM WITH BEACH PARK NEXT DOOR
- Epic Oceanfront Penthouse with Best Views in Hilo!
- Direct Oceanfront Mauna Loa Shores #508 New Remodel next to Beach Park
Expedia's Latest Trends
- Flights from Jacksonville (JAX) to Naha (OKA)
- Flights from Iwakuni (IWK) to Tokyo (HND)
- Flights to Europe
- Flights from TYO-All Airports to Hong Kong Intl.
- Flights to Yokosuka
- Emirates Tokyo (HND) to Dubai (DXB) flights
- Flights to Canada
- Flights from Manila (MNL) to General Santos (GES)
- Flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Incheon (ICN)
- Flights from Sydney (SYD) to New York (JFK)