New skate ramp in Hilo Bayfront Park to provide a safe, temporary venue

Three years ago, Hawaiʻi County purchased a 2.8-acre property on Piʻilani Street for a new Hilo Skatepark. But with designs still not finished, Oasis Skateboards owner Dan Madsen has come up with a temporary solution.

Madsen is working with the countyʻs Department of Parks and Recreation to install a skate ramp he is donating at Hilo Bayfront Park to provide local skaters with a safe, public place to practice and learn essential ramp skate tricks such as drop-in, pumping, tail stalls and axle stalls.

Clayton Honma, director of Parks and Recreation, said Madsen approached the county with his idea. Madsen would donate a 4-foot tall, 16-foot wide and 60-foot long skate ramp that was gifted to him for his property and the county would install it at one of its parks.

“We have identified Hilo Bayfront Park as a suitable area for the skate ramp, and we have been going through the planning process to host it there,” Honma said.

Parks and Recreation has applied for a special management area minor permit through the Planning Department, which is required for most construction, grading or land use changes near the coastline to ensure compliance with coastal protection policies.

The Windward Planning Commission may discuss the application as part of the planning director’s report during the next meeting on Thursday, March 5.

“I’m happy the county was open to the idea since the design process for the Hilo Skatepark has been much slower than we thought it would be,” Madsen said. “They realize that there are many skaters in Hilo who just want a safe place to go where they won’t be kicked out.”

Parks and Recreation’s maintenance division is currently preparing the area where the ramp will be placed. A concrete path will be added to connect the Hilo Bayfront Trails path to the ramp area, ensuring the new park amenity is accessible and the park continues to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

To assist with the ramp’s longevity, the Hawaiʻi County Council granted the Grassroots Community Development Group Hawaiʻi contingency funds to purchase the highly weather-resistent material, Skatelite, which is designed to withstand rain, snow and extreme heat.

Madsen has been a longtime participant in the Hilo Skateplaza Coalition that has been dedicated to getting a skatepark built for the Hilo community since 2007. However, the idea to donate a ramp to the county did not come to him until August of 2025 when he realized the ramp would get much better use in a public space.

“I’m excited to tell people that this is actually happening,” Madsen said. “I think having any win is important and I’m glad the County was able to work with us and help make something happen for Hilo’s skate community.”

The public ramp also comes at critical time since Oasis Skateboards has temporarily closed and is moving from its longtime home at 215 Hualani Street in Hilo after 10 years.

While Oasis has been known for its colorful skateboard decks, wheels, bearings and merchandise, one of the most beloved aspects of the shop was the mini ramp that became a hub for the skate community in Hilo.

“Before our lease was up in January, we decided it was time for a change,” Madsen said. “We have always loved our building and the space, but the location could be much better. We want to be where there is more energy and potential for community interaction, so we are currently looking for a perfect spot for us in downtown Hilo.”

While Oasis has been known for its colorful skateboard decks, wheels, bearings and merchandise, one of the most beloved aspects of the shop was the mini ramp that became a hub for the skate community in Hilo.

In 2023, Hawaiʻi County cleared the land it purchased near the corner of Manono Street and Piʻilani Street, across from the Hoʻolulu Complex, for the future Hilo Skatepark. The county and its consultants have been in the design and planning phase since early 2025.

Consultants for the Hilo Skatepark are continuing to develop designs for site development and infrastructure, the outdoor skating elements, and the covered skate rink facility, according to Parks and Recreation.

“Once we have a conceptual layout of the covered skating rink, that will allow us to finalize the designs for the park infrastructure and the outdoor skatepark,” Honma said. “For now, we are happy to be collaborating with Dan to create this new opportunity for skateboarders in Hilo.”

While Oasis Skateboards has closed its physical store, its online shop is still active. Madsen is also planning to participate in pop-up markets and events. However, he is still deciding what to do with the mini ramp.

Oasis Skateboards will continue to post updates on the store as well as the future skate ramp in Bayfront Park on its Instagram and Facebook pages.

Visit the Parks and Recreation website for more information on other parks projects.