Coconut Island Park(Moku Ala)

Near Coconut Island Park, there are several excellent dining options. Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine offers New American dishes in a trendy setting, with a focus on cocktails and live music. Another popular spot is Hilo Bay Cafe, known for its waterfront location and Pacific Rim-inspired menu. For a taste of local seafood, Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is a great choice, offering dishes in a historic setting. Coconut Grill provides all-day American fare with a cozy atmosphere, while Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo serves classic Hawaiian comfort food in a cheerful setting.

For accommodations near Coconut Island Park, several hotels offer a range of options. The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo provides modern oceanfront rooms and a golf course. The Dolphin Bay Hotel is a relaxed option with lush gardens and full kitchens in some rooms. For a more intimate experience, the Hilo Beach House Inn offers a serene yoga retreat environment. The SCP Hilo Hotel is a family-run hotel with a pool and lush gardens, while the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel offers waterfront views and an outdoor pool.

Coconut Island Park offers several amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park includes restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and covered pavilions, making it an ideal spot for family outings and picnics. Additionally, the park provides ADA access, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the facilities. The presence of clean restrooms and showers adds to the convenience of spending a day at the beach.

The park's picnic areas are well-maintained, with plenty of space for relaxation and dining. The availability of drinking water and electricity further supports the comfort of visitors. Overall, Coconut Island Park is well-equipped to cater to various needs, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Coconut Island Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. Swimming is a popular pastime, with the calm waters of Hilo Bay providing a safe environment for swimmers of all ages. The park is also great for picnicking, with its large grassy areas and picnic tables. For those looking for adventure, the 20-foot tower on the northern tip of the island is a thrilling spot for jumping into the ocean.

Tidepooling is another fun activity, especially for kids, as the island's small beaches and tide pools are home to a variety of marine life. Photography is also a popular activity, with the island offering stunning views of downtown Hilo and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, fishing is a common pastime in the area, making Coconut Island a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Coconut Island Park offers accessibility options to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the facilities. The park provides ADA access, including wheelchair-accessible restrooms and pathways. This allows individuals with disabilities to easily navigate the island and participate in activities like picnicking and swimming. The footbridge connecting the island to the mainland is also accessible, making it easy for everyone to reach the park.

Parking at Coconut Island Park is convenient, with a small parking lot available near the footbridge that connects the island to the mainland. If the parking lot is full, visitors can also park along Banyan Drive and walk a short distance to the bridge. The parking is free, although spaces are limited, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

The proximity of the parking area to the beach makes it easy for visitors to transport their gear and enjoy a day at the park. Street parking nearby provides additional options if the main lot is full, ensuring that visitors can always find a place to park.

Coconut Island, or Moku Ola, has a rich history and cultural significance. It was once a place of refuge, or Pu'uhonua, where individuals could seek pardon for past wrongdoings by reaching the island before their pursuers. The island also hosted an ancient temple dedicated to healing, and legend has it that swimming around the island three times could heal ailments.

The island has been affected by several tsunamis, with marks on a coconut tree showing the high water levels from these events. This historical significance adds depth to the island's appeal, making it not only a recreational spot but also a site of cultural importance.

Coconut Island Park is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby Liliuokalani Gardens is a stunning Japanese-style garden with beautiful ponds and walking paths. The Reeds Bay Beach Park and Hilo Bayfront Beach are other nearby beaches worth visiting. For nature lovers, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a short drive away, offering hiking trails and volcanic landscapes.

The Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots & Pe'epe'e Falls are popular stops for those interested in exploring Hilo's natural beauty.