Richardsons (Keaukaha)

Richardsons (Keaukaha) is an exposed reef break at Richardson Ocean Park on the Hilo coastline, known for fairly consistent surf that can work throughout the year. It offers both left and right-hand waves, with a shallow, rocky/reef bottom that creates punchy rides over the reef. Wind and swell guidance points to southwest winds as the most favorable setup, helping groom the waves, while conditions are often described as most responsive to east–southeast swell. Typical sea temperatures are warm, but local freshwater spring runoff can make parts of the water cooler than expected, so staying protected matters even in summer. Safety is the top priority at this spot. The reef is described as deceptively dangerous, with large underwater reef heads and scattered hazards including rocks and sea urchins (plus occasional shark presence). Currents can become an issue during larger swells, and designated swimming areas should be avoided by surfers. For planning, weekends are frequently busy both for parking and overall crowd levels. Arriving early helps with access, and conditions should be checked—high surf warnings may close the beach. When available, lifeguard coverage at the park is reported, and in emergencies the nearest major facility is Hilo Medical Center.