Calm Water, Rough Edges

Hilo Highlights

Carlsmith Beach Park was probably one of the most peaceful places we snorkeled in Hilo. The water was so calm and serene, which is almost funny considering you’re surrounded by these lava rocks. It’s such a weirdly beautiful marriage of opposites. The lava surrounding you is dark, jagged, sharp and rough, while the water inside feels calm and protected from everything outside of it.

Getting in/out of the water is the biggest downside. You have to carefully walk and climb over the lava rock and some of it is sharp, so water shoes are an absolute must. Seriously, take your time because those lava rocks are not your friend if you lose your footing.

Once you’re in, everything changes. The water is calm, there are tons of fish swimming below you, and you can just float around and completely lose track of time. This is one of those places where you think you’re going to stop by for an hour and suddenly half the day is gone.

After a busy day of exploring Hilo or putting miles on your legs hiking around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, getting into that water feels like hitting a reset button – it quiets your mind and lets your body relax. There isn’t anything you need to do once you’re there, and that’s exactly what I loved about it.

Kevin and I snorkeled out to this little island in the middle and climbed up onto it for a while. We just hung out there, the two of us, surrounded by water with nowhere we needed to be and absolutely no reason to rush back.

Then we found a sea turtle. We got to swim along and watch it underwater while keeping our distance and following Hawaii’s wildlife rules. It’s pretty incredible seeing one in its own environment and realizing you’re the visitor in its home.

Between the fish, the turtle, the calm water, and our little island in the middle, we could have easily spent hours here. It was one of those unexpectedly simple moments from our trip that ended up being one of Mai favorites.

If you’ve spent the day hiking, driving, sightseeing and trying to squeeze everything into your Hawaii itinerary, come here when you’re ready to stop moving for a while. Put on your water shoes, carefully make your way over the lava rock, get into the water and just float.

You might lose a couple hours and I don’t think you’ll care.

Just watch your ass getting back out.