About

Located four miles north of Downtown Hilo on the windward coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Honolii Beach Park is the most popular surfing beach in East Hawaii.

Honolii.org is an unofficial website operated by a local amateur photographer.

Location

The Break

Honolii is a left-hand point break that works year-round. The main wave breaks over a boulder-strewn bottom directly offshore. Three distinct sections define the break:

• Point: The northern end, best for point break aficionados seeking longer, peeling walls
• Mids: The central beach area with mixed conditions and forgiving waves
• Privates: The southern section, more technical and less crowded

During large winter swells, waves break further out from Point on Second Reef and the main bay is closed out. During those large swells, experienced surfers can paddle south from Honolii past Lau Hue Point to Tombstones, a powerful break that demands expert technique and local knowledge.

Conditions

Winter (November–March): larger waves, strong rip currents, cold freshwater from Honolii Stream creates variable conditions. Swell from North Pacific systems delivers frequent overhead+ waves. Water temps around 75°F.

Summer (May–September): Calmer, beginner-to-intermediate friendly conditions. Smaller waves and warmer water (80°F+) make summer ideal for learning or paddling out without heavy commitment. South swells occasionally bring workable waves mid-summer.

Year-Round: Honolii works consistently thanks to its exposed northeast-facing orientation. Watch the forecast—winter swells can turn gnarly fast.

Hazards & Safety

The stream mouth generates strong currents and rip conditions, especially during heavy rain or winter swells. Heavy rain upslope turns the water brown and produces high bacteria concentrations. The boulder-strewn floor creates hazards for wipeouts. Cold freshwater creates variable temperatures.

Access & Amenities

Honolii Beach Park is open to the public with no entrance fee. Parking is on the road above the beach park–it can be busy, so please drive with aloha. Hawaii County lifeguards staff the beach daily 9:30am–4:45pm. Facilities include restrooms, a rocky black sand beach, swimming in the mouth of the stream, and a grassy picnic area. The beach remains one of the few in Hawaiʻi where beach fires are permitted—a practice supported by the local stewardship organization, Honolii Paka.