Carlsmith Beach
The beach is located on the east coast of the central Hawaiian island in the Hilo district and is the coastal area of the Carlsmith Beach Park. It's an almost 5 km long coastline consisting of several lagoons that are protected from waves and sea currents by a coral reef and short mountains out of lava fossils. There's no typical beach sand here - the coast is covered in emerald grass lawn where one can comfortably lay a towel and sunbathe, or alternatively find a spot in the palm trees' shadows.
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Beach description
The sea bottom here is uneven: some spots are comfortable and sandy, but it's mostly rough and porous due to the nearby reef. So please bring special shoes to wear, or descend into water from the special ladders and pontoons.
The water here is cooler than on the rest of the coast due to the fresh water springs. But it's relatively safe to swim here, and there's a high chance that you'll encounter giant green turtles and other exotic sea inhabitants. The water is quite calm and very transparent, diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will definitely like it. Surfing, boarding and other extreme sports enthusiasts traditionally come to the beach during winter. Lifeguards guarantee safety of the visitors and can perform first aid whenever needed.
The beach is equipped with toilets, showers, changing rooms and picnic tables. There's a parking lot, but it's not very big to fit everyone.
When is the best time to go?
To lay off on the beaches of the mainland, it is best to come in the summer, when a sufficiently warm temperature is settled for swimming. Places like Florida or the Hawaiian Islands are comfortable all year round.