Leleiwi Beach Park

Leleiwi Beach Park has a sliver of black sand and a selection of freshwater pools. Leleiwi has a rocky shoreline and tall palm trees surround shallow ocean pools fed by fresh water springs. This is also a good place for snorkeling and surfing. Restrooms and drinking water. Just to the north of Leleiwi proper, there is a small bay where 3 small pavilions line up along the highway. If you get to the 3 pavilions that go out toward the sea, you went too far. The water here can be very dangerous. The terrain under water is just as breathtaking. Deep canyons and cliffs that drop off into the blue. There are arches, caves, cliffs and canyons. Once you get in the water; it is freezing until you get out over the reef due to fresh water streams. Once you get over the ledge, head right past two large coral heads and look down. After the third one, you will find a lava arch to swim through, and, if you take a 90 degree right, you will find two more. Water Entry / Exit - Climb over the low rock wall onto the lava point. Enter the water to the right on the low shelf. Watch your step on the slippery lava rock, and be careful of the waves when entering the water. You may have to time your entry to right after the wave hits the lava shelf. Do not attempt to enter in high surf. Diving Route - Expect to see over a dozen sea turtles here. The drop off is close to shore - the reef stretches from about 6 to 18 meter. There is a nice sea arch about 50 meters from shore that you can swim through. Lots of smaller fish and good coral. Entry and exit via lava shelf on the water - watch for the tides and sea swells - exiting is a bit tricky, just time it with the incoming sets. Directions: Beginning at the intersection of Kanoelehua Ave and Kalanianaole Ave at South Hilo Bay, heat East toward Leleiwi Point on Kalanianaole Ave. Travel 3.3 miles to the entrance below.