Samuel Spencer Beach Park, Kohala Coast
Get out and enjoy the calm waters and white sand of the Kohala coast! The Big Island has many great tour providers that can show you the best kayaking and snorkeling spots near Spencer Beach and throughout Kona. 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 where you can often view humpback whales in the winter months.
Recently, black-fin reef sharks have been spotted in the shallow waters immediately in front of the heiau - don’t worry, the little black-tip sharks are harmless and very enjoyable to watch.
Spencer Beach has been one of my favorite Kona beaches ever since I was a child. I always enjoyed the very calm waters lapping up gently onto the white sand beach. And if you wanted to swim, you could venture out safely with the shallow waters gently dropping off onto a sandy bottom - almost never rough waters at Spencer Beach. If you are interested in camping, the northern edge of Spencer Beach allows camping (with permit) and is conveniently located adjacent the beach and the bathroom facilities and parking lot.
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. |
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 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 Mauna Kea Volcano |
 The temple was constructed by the Ancient Hawaiians |
 Snorkel with the turtles |
 Sea Turtle at Spencer Beach |
Spencer Beach Park, Kohala Coast
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