Reed's Bay Beach Park, Hilo

On weekends, Reed's Bay Beach Park is packed with local families having huge gatherings on the grass by the water- there is a little bit of coral here but not sand. It's fun for kids to play to their heart's content all day long! There are boats, SUPs, and kayaks going by all day. 

On weekdays, it's a quieter area. Lay out under a tree on the far end, or take a dip in the water, which is turquoise from a distance but murky up close.
There are restrooms and showers.
Just a short walk south on Banyan Drive and Banyan Way will bring you to Big Island Coffee Roasters (if you drive, use the gravel parking lot to the right and below the store since the one directly in front is usually full), a popular, modern coffee shop with blue tiles and attractive decor. Try their Popover pastries- they are eggy and not sweet, and very nice to have for breakfast. 
Sakura Sushi is near there too, with good shrimp tempura rolls. Le Yellow Sub is a food truck with yummy Vietnamese food. You can get takeout and have a picnic at Reeds Bay Beach Park. 
After, walk along Banyan Drive past gorgeous rows of banyan trees to Coconut Island and then Lilioukalani Gardens. Have a meal at Hilo Bay Cafe, or Hula Hula's which is in the Grand Naniloa Hotel.

Directions

Reed's Bay Beach Park is located at 277 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720. There is a large parking lot and you can also park along Banyan Drive.
Big Island Coffee Roasters, 76 Kalanianaole St, Hilo. Open daily 6:30-5. Use the gravel parking lot to the right and below the store, since the one in front is usually full.

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