Leleiwi Beach Park

Near Leleiwi Beach Park, you can find a variety of excellent dining options in Hilo. Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine offers New American dishes in a lively atmosphere, featuring cocktails and retractable walls. For local seafood and historic touches, Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo is a standout, with high ceilings and a restored bank building ambiance. Hilo Bay Cafe provides waterfront dining with a New American menu and Pacific Rim twist, offering beautiful bay views.

For those interested in American comfort food with a Hawaiian twist, Ken's House of Pancakes is a popular choice. It serves traditional Hawaiian dishes and macadamia-nut pancakes. For Asian-fusion cuisine featuring local seafood, Moon and Turtle is a recommended spot with a menu that changes seasonally.

Visitors to Leleiwi Beach Park have access to a range of hotels in Hilo. The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo offers modern accommodations with a pool and free Wi-Fi, located oceanfront. For a more intimate stay, Hilo Beach House Inn provides a cozy, beautifully landscaped setting near the beach. Hilo Hawaiian Hotel offers waterfront rooms with a pool and garden views. Additionally, the Dolphin Bay Hotel provides relaxed accommodations with kitchen-equipped studios and apartments.

Leleiwi Beach Park features several amenities that enhance visitor experience. These include covered pavilions perfect for picnics, BBQ pits for outdoor cooking, showers for post-water activities, and paved walkways for easy access. However, it lacks restrooms on site. Bringing water shoes, drinking water, and snacks is recommended for a more comfortable visit. The park's scenic locations are ideal for families and groups, with plenty of space for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.

Leleiwi Beach Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. It is renowned for its snorkeling opportunities due to the protective lava rock wall and diverse marine life, including sea turtles. Swimming and bodyboarding are also popular, although the strong currents and high surf require caution. The rocky shoreline provides an interesting backdrop for exploration and photo opportunities. Beyond water activities, the park's lush surroundings are suitable for picnicking and sunbathing in sheltered spots.

While Leleiwi Beach Park offers scenic pavilions and walkways, its natural terrain and lack of restrooms might present challenges for visitors with mobility issues. The park has paved pathways, making it easier for visitors with wheelchairs to move around. However, accessing the shoreline or engaging in water activities may require additional assistance due to the rocky terrain and currents.

Parking at Leleiwi Beach Park is convenient, with designated spaces available for visitors. However, the parking lot is not large, so it can fill up quickly during peak times or holidays. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. The proximity of the parking area to the beach facilities is a plus, allowing visitors to easily access the park's amenities.

Leleiwi Beach Park has a rich history and unique features that make it fascinating. It was part of a 1970 Lion's Club initiative to develop local parks. The park's volcanic rock formations create a natural sea wall, protecting the swimming areas from strong currents. The area is known for its diverse marine life, including Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles that frequent these waters. The park's stunning natural beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit destination on the Big Island.

Leleiwi Beach Park is surrounded by several attractions in Hilo. It is next to Richardson Ocean Park and about five miles from downtown Hilo. Visitors can explore the Pacific Tsunami Museum and the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center for a deeper understanding of local history and science. The nearby area also hosts cultural events like the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, celebrating traditional Hawaiian hula and arts.