Visitor Guide

Ocean Safety & Conditions

Typical Conditions

As mentioned, the bay is usually a calm and welcoming place to swim and snorkel, particularly during the summer months. Waves are typically under 3 feet, and the current is often minimal because of the protective rock breakwater.

Seasonal Variations

It is important to know that conditions can change, especially in the winter. From roughly November through March, the Hawaiian Islands can receive large northwest swells. When these swells wrap around the island, the surf at Richardson's can become much larger and more powerful, and strong currents can form in the channel leading out of the bay.

The Lifeguard Question

You may find conflicting information online about whether lifeguards are on duty at Richardson's. Some sources say yes, others say no. Here's the most reliable information I can give you: The official Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation Department lists "Lifeguards" as an amenity for Richardson Ocean Park. Their hours are generally posted as being from morning until late afternoon.

However, your safety is paramount. Staffing can change, so you should never assume a lifeguard is present. My best advice is to always check with the lifeguard at their tower about the day's specific currents and conditions before you enter the water. They have the most up-to-date knowledge. If you arrive and no lifeguard is visible, you must exercise extreme caution and be fully aware that you are swimming at your own risk.

The Legacy of the Land: A History of Richardson Ocean Park

The story of how this park came to be is not one of a simple land deal—it is a powerful local tale of tragedy, kindness, and gratitude.

A Story of Gratitude, Not a Transaction

In the early 1920s, this land was the home of the Malo family. A terrible tragedy struck when the entire family was afflicted with typhoid fever. Desperate, one of the family members, Elena, walked five miles to the home of George Richardson, who was then the County of Hawaiʻi's Chief Detective and a friend of the family. Richardson immediately acted, rushing the family to the hospital in Hilo by boat. Tragically, two of the Malo children died, but the rest of the family recovered, thanks in large part to Richardson's help.

Deeply indebted and grateful, David Malo told Richardson to consider the land his own and build a home there. The land was transferred not for profit, but as a gift of aloha. Records show deeds were transferred for nominal amounts like $50 and even just $1, with the condition that the Richardsons would help educate the Malo's son, Peter.

The House Built with Hawaiian Wisdom

George and Elsa Richardson built their beautiful Craftsman-style home on the property in 1926. But the home's most remarkable feature came from the wisdom of David Malo himself. Drawing on his deep, lifelong knowledge of this coastline, Malo advised the Richardsons on the home's design. He recommended they build it with large doors at the front and back, creating a corridor. This was not for the view, but for survival. Malo knew that this coastline was vulnerable to tsunamis, and he reasoned that the massive doors would allow the powerful waves to flow through the house, rather than smashing against it and carrying it away.

His foresight was proven correct. During the devastating 1946 tsunami that ravaged Hilo, the Richardson house was flooded, but the main structure remained standing, saved by this ingenious design rooted in traditional Hawaiian knowledge.

From Private Estate to Public Treasure

The Richardson family eventually sold the property in 1959. After passing through a few hands, the County of Hawaiʻi wisely acquired the 5.5-acre estate in 1972 for $1.17 million. This act ensured that this historically and culturally significant piece of land, born from a story of kindness, would be preserved as a public park for all people to enjoy for generations to come.

Your Complete Visitor's Guide

Now that you know the stories and secrets of Richardson's, here is the practical information you'll need to plan your visit.

Park Facilities & Amenities

The park is well-equipped for a comfortable day out. You will find clean restrooms and cold freshwater outdoor showers, which are perfect for rinsing off the salt after a swim. There are several picnic tables and BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with large, shady grass lawns perfect for laying out a blanket. Thanks to the recent renovations, the park now features excellent ADA-compliant paved walkways and accessible parking, making it much easier for visitors with mobility challenges to navigate.

Navigating the Park: Parking & Finding Your Spot

I have to be direct about this: the parking lot is small and it fills up very quickly, especially on weekends, holidays, and sunny summer days.

Park Rules & Responsible Tourism (Mālama ʻĀina)

To ensure the park remains a beautiful and safe place for everyone, please respect the county park rules. The main ones to remember are: no dogs are allowed in the park, no alcohol is permitted, and no open fires are allowed (you must use the provided BBQ grills). Camping is also not permitted at Richardson's.

More importantly, I ask that you visit with a spirit of mālama ʻāina—caring for the land.

Expanding Your Hawaiian Adventure

For the Thrill-Seekers

Richardson's offers an incredible natural adventure, a chance to connect with the calm rhythm of the ocean. But if your Hawaiian vacation calls for a different kind of thrill, with your heart pounding for another reason, I always recommend a trip to Oʻahu to visit Coral Crater Adventure Park. They offer everything from epic zipline courses that send you flying through the jungle canopy to rugged ATV trails and a full-on adventure tower with climbing walls and a 50-foot freefall. It's the perfect high-adrenaline complement to a day of peaceful Hilo snorkeling.

For the History Buffs

The story of Richardson's is a beautiful piece of local history, a tale of gratitude and community that lives on in the park today. To experience a site that tells a story of global significance, a visit to Pearl Harbor on Oʻahu is a must. The tours of the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offer a profound and moving look into a pivotal moment in world history. It's a place to honor the past and the incredible sacrifices made there, and it provides a powerful historical counterpoint to the living culture you'll find at Richardson's.

Why Richardson's is More Than a Beach

As you've seen, Richardson Ocean Park is so much more than just a pretty spot to swim. It is a rare place where history, culture, community, and nature converge in a beautiful and powerful way. It is where you can snorkel over a vibrant reef in the morning, learn about ancient Hawaiian fishing traditions in the afternoon, and watch a honu bask peacefully on the black sand as the sun begins to set. It is where our local keiki learn to sail canoes and connect with their heritage, and where the spirit of old Hawaiʻi lives on.

When you visit Richardson's, you're not just a tourist—you are a guest in our home, a witness to our living culture. Please, treat it with the love and respect it deserves. Take only memories, leave only footprints, and carry the spirit of mālama ʻāina with you. In doing so, you help us protect this treasure for generations to come.

Mahalo nui loa.