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Samuel Spencer Beach Park

Big Island Beaches | Kona Snorkeling | Kona Diving

Spencer Beach is popular with local families because of its reef-protected, gently sloping white-sand beach, and it's safe for swimming year-round. Calm, protected bay ideal for families and snorkelers.  Snorkel with the sea turtles here!  Close to large shady trees are bar-b-que grills, picnic tables,  camping facilities, bathrooms and showers, abandoned tennis courts, and a large covered pavilion with electrical outlets. You can walk from here to the Pu'ukohola and Mailekini heiaus at the Pu'ukohala Heiau National Historic Site.

Directions: Entry road off Hwy. 270, uphill from Kawaihae Harbor, PHONE: 808/961-8311.  Spencer Beach is located on the Kona side of the Big Island.

Want to snorkel with the sea turtles?  Swim out from the north-end of the beach and head to the right (northwest) out towards the break-water.  As the water deepens, you will start to see coral heads appear on the sandy bottom, then you will be amidst the coral reef.  The turtles like to hang out around here - keep your eyes open for them!  See aerial photo below for more details.

Check out our Kona Snorkeling Section for more information on snorkeling Spencer and other great locations.

View map of Spencer Beach Park

Take a Virtual Tour of a Hawaiian Coral Reef

Lots of shaded areas to protect you from the sun.	Plenty of picnic tables, pavilions, and bar-b-que grills.
Hawaiian ruins (heiaus) are on the volcano slopes.	Puukohola Heiau on hill in background
Beautiful white sands and clear, calm waters	Ruins of Puukohola Heiau  - built by King Kamehameha I, 1790-1791.
View of the beach with Mauna Kea in the background	The temple was constructed to incur the favor of the war god Kuka'ilimoku.
Sunset view at Spencer Beach, Kawaihe Harbor in background.	As British sailor John Young looked on, the temple was built and dedicated.