.Dz39YA4B_1ApwID.webp)
Honoli'i Beach Park
A Surfer's Guide to Hilo's Premier Wave
Written by a Local Surfing Expert
Kalani MillerThe Heartbeat of Hilo's Surf Scene
Aloha mai kākou. My name is Kalani Miller, and I've been chasing waves across our beautiful pae ʻāina, our Hawaiian archipelago, for as long as I can remember. From the gentle rollers of Waikīkī where I first stood on a board, to the thundering power of the North Shore, I've been lucky enough to feel the pulse of the ocean in all its forms. But there's a place on the Big Island, a place of raw beauty and powerful spirit, that holds a unique spot in my heart and in the heart of every East Hawaiʻi surfer. That place is Honoliʻi.
Before the sun cracks the horizon, casting a soft pink glow on Mauna Kea, there's a sound every Hilo surfer knows. It's the low rumble of the Pacific meeting the mouth of the Honoliʻi stream. It's more than just waves. It's the pule (prayer) of the paka (park), a call to come home.
To understand Honoliʻi is to understand the Hilo surf scene itself. On the rugged, windward side of the Big Island, where jagged lava cliffs meet the open ocean, consistent, quality surf spots are a rare and precious gift. This is where the ancient tradition of heʻe nalu (wave sliding) connects us to the very soul of the water.
More Than Just Another Travel Guide
This isn't just another travel guide. We're not going to look at the waves from the cliff. We're paddling out together. I'll introduce you to the lineup, break down each peak from "The Point" to "Privates," explain the unwritten rules of respect that govern these waters, and share the incredible story of the community that brought this sacred place back from the brink. This is your insider's guide to surfing Honoliʻi with aloha.
🌊 The Surf Breaks
Three main peaks: The Point (expert), Mids (intermediate), and Privates (intermediate+), plus the inside rivermouth for beginners.
🏝️ Location & Access
Just north of downtown Hilo via Nahala Street, with steep concrete stairs down to the beach and limited parking.
🤙 The Culture
Deep respect for local hierarchy, ancient Hawaiian surfing traditions, and a community that saved this spot from neglect.
⚠️ Safety First
Strong currents from stream outflow, shallow reef bottom, and variable water quality require respect and knowledge.
Setting the Scene: The Vibe of the Paka
Getting to Honoliʻi is the first part of the experience, a little adventure in itself. Just a couple miles north of downtown Hilo, you'll drive past the historic Alae Cemetery and turn right off Highway 19 (the Hawaiʻi Belt Road) onto Nahala Street, followed by a quick left onto Kahoa Street. Kahoa Street is where you need to pay attention. It's a narrow road that feels more like a one-way street, handling two-way traffic with the patience and aloha of our local community.
My advice? If you see an open parking spot along the shoulder, grab it. On a day with good swell, parking is a treasured commodity, and you don't want to be the one causing a traffic jam trying to turn around. A word to the wise: this is a beloved local spot, but like anywhere, don't leave valuables visible in your car. It's just smart practice to avoid temptation.
.D-fGXgg__1l8nva.webp)
Once you've found your spot, you'll make your way to the entrance and begin the descent. The iconic steep concrete staircase, with its yellow-painted handrail, winds down the lush cliffside. It's a bit of a workout, especially on the way back up with a heavy longboard, but it's also what makes arriving at the bottom feel like you've entered another world.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Explore every aspect of Honoli'i - from the breaks to the culture to staying safe in these legendary waters.
ℹ️ Quick Info
- Location: North Hilo
- Best Season: Winter swells
- Skill Level: All levels
- Bottom: Reef & rocks
- Hazards: Currents, reef
- Lifeguard: Daily presence
🏄♂️ The Breaks
- The Inside Beginner
- Mids Intermediate
- Privates Intermediate+
- The Point Expert
🗺️ Explore Honoli'i
🎒 What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water & snacks
- Respect & humility
- Camera (waterproof)
The Beach Experience
The park opens up before you, a vibrant mix of textures and colors. The beach isn't fine white sand. It's a dynamic mix of smooth black pebbles, polished sea glass, coral rubble, and dark, gritty volcanic sand that sparkles in the sun.
North Side
The life-giving Honoliʻi Stream empties into the ocean, creating a large, deep freshwater pond perfect for keiki.
Beach Area
Dynamic mix of black pebbles, sea glass, coral rubble, and sparkling volcanic sand creates a unique shoreline.
South Side
Sprawling, well-manicured lawn dotted with coconut palms and picnic tables - perfect for watching the action.
But Honoliʻi is more than its physical features. It's a living, breathing community hub. On any given day, you'll see ʻohana (families) spread out on blankets, sharing a potluck picnic. You'll see fishermen casting their nets into the stream mouth, a practice as old as the place itself. And you'll see the spectators, a mix of locals and visitors, lining the road above or sitting on the benches below, creating a natural amphitheater where every great ride is met with cheers and every wipeout with a collective groan.
