Ahalanui Beach Park

NileGuide Expert tip:

Don't leave your valuables in the car.

Description:

• Located 30 miles outside of Hilo town along the Puna coast, Ahalanui County Park is one of those places that you could spend all day at sunbathing on the lawn or the lava rock cliffs, submerging yourself in the warm water, and having lunch at a picnic table under trees or a roof.
  
  The main attraction is the large geothermal hot pond. Surrounded by towering coconut trees and jungle foliage, the remote pool is heated by underlying volcanic activity to a comfortable 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and is surrounded by a man-made lava rock wall. At the ocean end of the pond is a small gate made of metal bars where the ocean washes in and out, keeping the pond clean. Above the gate is a walkway that is horizontal to the cliffs lining the ocean perfect for a view of the coast or sunbathing. If you are facing the ocean, a walk over large lava boulders will take you to a lesser known surf break known as "Secrets." Definitely not for any surfers who are not experts, Secrets is another site you see and you may catch someone putting on a show for you in the dangerous and shallow waves.
  
  A lifeguard is usually on duty during the day at Ahalanui, but if you come at night, you are on your own and make sure you bring a flashlight because it is pitch dark. The occasional local may decide to go topless, but the pond is not locally known as an official nude beach. Picnic tables are also on site, both under the trees and in covered pavilions, and portable toilets and showers are also available.
  
  If you park in the lot on the pond side of the road, your car is pretty safe but bring anything of real value to the pond with you. There is a larger parking lot on the inland side of the road, and if you park here make sure you leave nothing of value.
  
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