The Ultimate Family Day
A Parent's Playbook for the Perfect Onekahakaha Experience
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerHilo's Premier Family Destination
Onekahakaha consistently earns recognition from local families as the premier destination for a beach day in Hilo, and once you visit, it's easy to understand why. The park was designed from the ground up with families in mind, offering a comprehensive range of amenities and activities that can easily fill an entire day of safe, fun, and memorable experiences.
Let me be absolutely clear as a longtime Hilo resident and parent: Onekahakaha represents the gold standard for family-friendly beach parks in this area. While you might occasionally encounter conflicting information online suggesting otherwise, this contradicts decades of local experience, official county designations, and the park's entire reputation within our community.
The combination of lifeguards, calm protected waters, extensive facilities, and thoughtful design makes it unmatched for family recreation. This isn't just my opinion – it's the shared experience of countless local families who have made this park their go-to destination for generations.
The Playground Experience
For children who need a break from water activities or who want to burn off energy before or after swimming, the park features a playground that, while perhaps not the newest or most elaborate on the island, serves as a fantastic and much-appreciated amenity for families.
The playground equipment is situated on a large, well-maintained grassy area that provides plenty of safe space for children to run around freely, away from the water and parking areas. This thoughtful placement allows parents to relax while keeping an eye on both playground activities and any siblings who might be swimming in the nearby lagoon.
🎠 Age-Appropriate Equipment
Swings, slides, and climbing structures regularly maintained by county parks staff. Perfect for burning energy between beach activities.
🌿 Safe Grassy Area
Large, well-maintained grass provides safe surface for active play, frisbee, soccer, or simply running around freely.
👀 Clear Sightlines
Open space gives parents clear views to supervise multiple children engaged in different activities simultaneously.
🏖️ Strategic Location
Positioned away from water and parking areas but close enough to beach for easy transitions between activities.
👨👩👧👦 Family Essentials
- Lifeguards: Year-round
- Restrooms: 3 buildings
- Showers: Freshwater outdoor
- Pavilions: 8 covered areas
- BBQ Pits: Several available
🗺️ Explore This Guide
⏰ Perfect Day Timeline
8:00 AM - Arrival
Best parking & calm water
9:00 AM - Swimming
Protected lagoon exploration
11:00 AM - Tide Pools
Marine life discovery
12:30 PM - Lunch
Pavilion picnic time
🎒 Family Packing List
- Snorkel gear & floaties
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Picnic lunch & snacks
- Beach toys & games
- First aid kit
Picnic & Pavilion Logistics
Onekahakaha truly shines when it comes to accommodating family picnics and group gatherings. The park offers some of the best picnic facilities you'll find at any Hawaii beach, with options ranging from intimate family meals to large celebrations and community events.
The park features expansive, well-maintained grassy areas perfect for spreading out blankets or setting up portable chairs and tables. These open spaces are strategically located to provide both sun and shade options throughout the day, allowing families to choose their preferred comfort level.
Covered Pavilions for Special Events
For larger gatherings, birthday parties, family reunions, or protection from Hilo's frequent light showers, Onekahakaha offers eight covered pavilions of various sizes. These structures range from smaller pavilions perfect for extended family gatherings to a larger stage pavilion that can accommodate significant community events.
🏛️ Eight Pavilions Available
Various sizes from intimate family gatherings to large community events. Solid roofs with open sides for airflow.
🔌 Built-in Amenities
Tables, benches, and electrical outlets in larger pavilions. Perfect for events requiring sound systems or powered equipment.
🌧️ Weather Protection
Excellent protection from both sun and rain while maintaining outdoor atmosphere. Essential for Hilo's variable weather.
📅 Advance Reservations
Check with County Parks & Recreation for permits. Popular dates book up well in advance, especially holidays.
BBQ and Grilling Options
For those who want to barbecue, the park provides several BBQ pits and grills available for public use on a first-come, first-served basis. These facilities are popular with local families who often spend entire days at the park, grilling fresh fish, local-style plate lunches, and traditional Hawaiian foods.
The grills are cleaned regularly, though it's always wise to bring your own cleaning supplies and charcoal or propane as needed. The picnic tables are positioned strategically under natural shade from ironwood and coconut trees, providing relief from the tropical sun while still allowing easy access to beach and water activities.
BBQ Success Tips
What to Bring
- • Charcoal or propane
- • Grill cleaning supplies
- • Cooler with ice
- • Aluminum foil
Local Favorites
- • Fresh local fish
- • Kalua pig
- • Teriyaki chicken
- • Grilled vegetables
Facilities Check-Up: Convenience Matters
When you're managing a family beach day, convenient and well-maintained facilities can make the difference between a stressful outing and a relaxing vacation memory. Onekahakaha delivers exceptionally well in this regard, with comprehensive amenities that address all the practical needs of beach-going families.
Restroom Facilities
The park features three separate restroom buildings strategically positioned throughout the grounds to minimize walking distances from any area of the park. These facilities are generally well-maintained and cleaned regularly by county staff, though like any public restrooms, conditions can vary depending on recent usage and cleaning schedules.
The restrooms include family-friendly features like changing tables in some buildings and accessible stalls that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. The buildings are constructed to withstand the harsh marine environment, with corrosion-resistant materials and good ventilation.
Outdoor Shower Facilities
One of the most appreciated amenities for families is the availability of outdoor freshwater showers for rinsing off sand, salt water, and sunscreen after beach activities. These showers are positioned conveniently near the main swimming area and parking lots, making it easy to clean up before getting back in the car.
Three Restroom Buildings
Strategically positioned to minimize walking distances. Include changing tables and accessible stalls.
Freshwater Showers
Outdoor facilities near parking and swimming areas. Essential for rinsing sand and salt before leaving.
Additional Amenities
Drinking water fountains, trash/recycling receptacles, and well-maintained grounds throughout.
The outdoor showers are particularly valuable for families with young children, who seem to attract sand like magnets and can make car interiors uncomfortable if not properly rinsed. The showers also help protect car upholstery and reduce the amount of sand and salt that gets tracked into hotel rooms or vacation rentals.
