Lehia Beach Park probably isn't the beach park for everyone. Lying beyond a gate at the far end of Kapoho Coast Road past the line of maintained beaches and parks in the Hilo area, Lehia has a bit of a lawless feel to it.
Lehia Beach Park is known as a locals' beach, and it feels that way. The dirt and gravel road in can be extremely muddy, there are no amenities aside from a single outhouse and a few trash cans, the parking area is unpaved, and you'll often see people hanging out drinking or setting up barbecues beside their cars in the parking area.
The shore is rocky with no sandy areas for laying out, however there are plenty of trees, and the area beyond the parking lot opens to trails past several large ponds on the way to Leleiwi Point.
While trails aren't marked, it's simple enough to make your way across the landscape. You'll likely be walking through the ponds, which are affected by the tide. About a third of a mile past the parking area, large ponds beside the crashing waves offer peaceful places to hang out.
While this is a county beach park and theoretically has the same rules, you'll find plenty of people walking dogs here (off leash) and setting up barbecues. It's definitely a place to escape the crowds of the other beach parks, though visitors should be prepared for much more a locals spot than one set up for tourists.
No lifeguards, though swimming conditions are less than ideal here anyway. Open 7am-9pm, at least on paper. No water or picnic benches available.
Comments
Sign In and share them.