7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches

7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Secret Sunrise at Richardson Ocean Park Black Sand Beach at 5 AM

Just a short hop from Hilo lies Richardson Ocean Park, a spot where the black sands make for a striking scene, especially when the day breaks. If you get there around 5 AM, the sunrise can be quite a show, with the sky lighting up in all sorts of colors – good if you appreciate that sort of thing. The beach itself is known for its gentle waters and lots of sea life. You might see turtles hanging around, but keep your distance if you do. With the lava rocks around and the overall peaceful vibe, Richardson Ocean Park feels like one of Hilo’s better kept secrets, offering a decent escape into nature. When you are exploring around Hilo, it's worth considering checking this place out along with the other less obvious attractions.

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1. 7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Secret Sunrise at Richardson Ocean Park Black Sand Beach at 5 AM
2. 7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Secret Waterfall Behind the Wailuku River State Park Parking Lot
3. 7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Underground Swimming Pool Inside Pahoa Lava Cave
4. 7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Secluded Kaakepa Beach Access Through Local Farm Roads
5. 7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Coconut Island Full Moon Night Swimming at Low Tide
6. 7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Local Fishing Spot at Honolii Point Ancient Lava Tubes

7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Secret Waterfall Behind the Wailuku River State Park Parking Lot

Away from the more publicized Rainbow Falls, inside Wailuku River State Park, there’s this so-called Secret Waterfall tucked away behind the parking area. It’s not like it's Fort Knox to get to, just a short walk through some pretty dense green stuff and you're there. If you're the type who finds the main attractions a bit too much, this spot could be more your speed. You get the waterfall thing, the sound of water falling, the whole nature vibe, but without the selfie sticks usually pointed at Rainbow Falls. Local stories suggest the area has been significant for a long time, and you can see why people might have considered it special with the rainforest feel and hidden location. The park itself isn't bare bones; they've got basic facilities like toilets and drinking water, which is functional. Keep an eye on the weather though, this area can get seriously wet suddenly, and they do shut things down when it does.

7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Underground Swimming Pool Inside Pahoa Lava Cave

Moving on from waterfalls and sunrises, let's talk about swimming in a cave. Out near Pahoa, and seemingly off the radar for most visitors, there’s an underground pool inside a lava tube. Apparently, it got fixed up after some lava flows messed things around a few years back, which wiped out some of the usual ocean swimming spots. It’s quite a different experience than your average pool, being inside this rock formation created by old lava. You get light filtering in from openings above, which is supposedly makes it look quite something, depending on the light that day.

The whole area around Pahoa and the Puna district is geologically active, to put it mildly. It's built on and around these lava tubes, some of which early Hawaiians used for shelter and storage way back when. You are essentially walking above a network of tunnels all over the place. Thurston Lava Tube is well-known in the Volcanoes National Park, and Kaumana Caves are massive, though much of it is closed off. This underground swimming pool seems to be another one of these lava features, repurposed for something unexpected. If you're heading out to explore the black sand beaches in Pahoa – which are indeed black due to all the volcanic activity – this cave pool could be an add-on if you’re looking for something unusual beyond just another beach or waterfall.
Nestled in Pahoa is this lava cave anomaly that's been converted into a subterranean swimming hole. Post the 2018 lava flows, which reshaped much of the coastline, this spot apparently got some attention and repairs. These lava tubes, and there are networks of them all over this island, are essentially geological afterthoughts – the remnants of lava flows that cooled on the outside while still molten rock coursed through the inside. Think of it as nature’s plumbing, except on a grand scale.

This particular cave pool in Pahoa, sourced they say from natural springs, is intriguing from a purely geological standpoint. The water, due to mineral content, is supposedly quite buoyant. I'm curious about the actual mineral composition and how it compares to other spring water in volcanic regions; that’s data worth looking into. The cave environment itself is described as having stalactites and stalagmites – formations caused by mineral deposits over millennia. These formations aren't just pretty; they are physical records of water interaction with the cave's mineral structure.

The acoustics inside lava tubes are also notable. Sound waves behave predictably in enclosed spaces, and I'd wager the cave's irregular shape and rock composition creates some unusual echo effects. One would need to conduct acoustic measurements to fully characterize the soundscape within.

While the allure of swimming in a lava cave is undeniable, a pragmatic approach is essential. These are natural formations, not man-made pools. Water levels can shift, and the cave floor is unlikely to be uniformly level or non-slip. The geological activity in this region is ongoing and dynamic. Access to these sites isn't always

7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Secluded Kaakepa Beach Access Through Local Farm Roads

Finding Kaakepa Beach means venturing off the main roads and onto local farm routes, which might deter some, but it’s part of what keeps this place rather peaceful. Expect unpaved paths; this isn’t a spot that caters to everyone, and that’s likely its appeal for those wanting to avoid the usual crowds. Once you arrive, the views are quite something, with Mokuaeae Island and the Kilauea Lighthouse in sight. It’s a reminder that Hawaii still has corners where nature dominates, and this beach certainly feels like one of those. If you appreciate a bit of solitude and don’t mind navigating a bit to get there, Kaakepa Beach presents itself as a worthwhile location to experience a more tranquil side of Hilo’s coastal offerings. Beyond this beach, the Hilo area has a collection of less publicized natural attractions, such as the lava tubes and those distinctive black sand beaches that are products of the island’s volcanic origins. These less frequented spots give a sense of Hawaii beyond the typical tourist trails, rewarding those who seek out the quieter, more natural experiences.

7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Coconut Island Full Moon Night Swimming at Low Tide

Coconut Island, officially Moku Ola, presents a different kind of experience in Hilo, particularly when the moon is full and the tide is out. It’s not the kind of place you’d necessarily hear about in every tourist brochure, which is perhaps part of the appeal. You can walk over from Liliuokalani Gardens – it’s more of a stroll than a trek – which makes it quite accessible, despite feeling somewhat separate.

Swimming here at night during a full moon, especially when the water’s receded, is touted as something special. The idea is the shallow water and moonlight create a sort of natural lagoon feeling. Whether it lives up to the hype is subjective, but it certainly sounds more intriguing than another daytime beach visit. Exploring the tide pools that emerge at low tide could be interesting, if you're into that sort of thing. Expect the usual marine bits and pieces you find in such places.

The island itself is set up for casual use with picnic spots and sandy patches. It's functional, not overly manicured. And while it's mentioned as a spot for cliff jumping, with a tower of sorts, assess that for yourself – safety isn’t always a given at these types of spots. Sea turtles are supposedly around, which some people find interesting, but maintaining a respectful distance should be standard practice. Overall, Coconut Island seems pitched at those looking for a relaxed, less conventional Hilo experience, a step away from the standard sightseeing routes.
Coconut Island, or Moku Ola, presents itself as a somewhat unexpected offshore outcrop accessible by a pedestrian bridge – a rather engineered connection to what is essentially a detached geological formation. The lunar cycle dictates tidal ranges, and during low tide, the extent of the exposed intertidal zone around Moku Ola expands. This presents a unique opportunity, especially at night under a full moon, to observe the nocturnal activity of marine organisms. There's talk of bioluminescence in these waters. Needs verification, but the idea of observing dinoflagellates reacting to movement in the water column does pique interest. The full moon naturally amplifies the visual aspect of night swimming. Reflected moonlight provides a level of ambient illumination, useful for navigating, but one should also be mindful of potential glare and its effect on visual acuity underwater. Moku Ola, as a volcanic formation, is itself a geological artifact. The island

7 Hidden Gems in Hilo From Ancient Lava Tubes to Secret Black Sand Beaches - Local Fishing Spot at Honolii Point Ancient Lava Tubes

Honolii Point presents itself as a destination for those keen on fishing when in Hilo. Local anglers and visitors are often found here, hoping to catch snapper and jacks from its shores. Expect a coastline with rocks and persistent waves, conditions that might be appealing if you’re looking to fish but worth being aware of. Beyond the fishing, the area is not far from ancient lava tubes, like the ones at Kaumana. These tubes offer a glimpse into the volcanic makeup of this part of Hawaii. Venturing into these natural tunnels can be a change of pace from the coastal activities at Honolii, providing another angle on Hilo’s outdoor attractions for those interested in seeing more than just the usual tourist locations.
### Surprising Facts about Local Fishing Spot at Honolii Point Ancient Lava Tubes

Switching gears from beaches and waterfalls, consider something a bit different in Hilo – the local fishing scene at Honolii Point. It's not just about casting a line; this location is fundamentally tied to the island's volcanic geology.