Your Perfect Day at Spencer Beach
A Deep Dive into Activities at ʻŌhaiʻula
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerWhile the history is profound, Spencer Beach Park today is a place of joy, relaxation, and fun. As a local, I can tell you it's one of the most reliable spots on the island for a perfect beach day, whether you're looking to explore underwater worlds or simply build sandcastles with your keiki.
Snorkeling Spencer Beach Park: An Underwater Paradise for Everyone
Spencer Beach is, without a doubt, one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island for beginners and families. The reason is simple: it's incredibly safe and protected. A long offshore reef, combined with the breakwater of the nearby Kawaihae Harbor, shields the bay from the open ocean, resulting in calm, clear, and shallow water almost year-round.
The best snorkeling is found along the southern side of the beach. I recommend entering from the easy sandy shoreline and making your way towards the rocky point. The underwater landscape there is dotted with coral formations that provide a habitat for a vibrant array of marine life.
Marine Life to Spot
🐢 Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles)
The true stars of the show here are the honu. You'll frequently see them gliding gracefully through the shallows or even resting on the warm sand. These gentle giants are herbivores, feeding on the seaweed that grows on the rocks. Remember, they are protected animals. It's a magical experience to swim near them, but always give them plenty of space and never touch them.
🐠 Colorful Reef Fish
The reef is like a bustling underwater city. Keep an eye out for schools of brilliant Yellow Tang, distinctive Raccoon Butterflyfish with their black-and-white masks, and the official state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. You might also spot the Achilles Tang with its bright orange teardrop, Bluestripe Snapper, and long-nosed Longnose Butterflyfish.
🐙 Other Creatures
Look closely in the crevices of the reef and you might find a shy octopus or a moray eel peeking out. On lucky days, snorkelers have even reported seeing majestic manta rays glide through the bay.
Kalani's Safety Tip: I always tell people to go in the morning when the water is like glass. And remember, shuffle your feet as you enter—it's the local way to let any resting creatures know you're coming. Most importantly, please use only reef-safe sunscreen to protect our delicate coral ecosystems. The chemicals in regular sunscreen are incredibly damaging to the coral. While the waters are generally safe, be mindful of sharp coral and the occasional jellyfish.
Spencer Beach Park Camping: Your Complete Guide to Sleeping Under the Stars
There's nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of gentle waves, and Spencer Beach Park is one of the best and safest places on the island for beachfront camping. However, getting a spot requires some planning, and the process can be a little confusing. Here's everything you need to know.
Booking Your Permit
Camping here is managed by the County of Hawaiʻi, not the State. This is a key distinction that trips up many visitors. Permits are absolutely required and can be obtained online through the official County of Hawaiʻi Camping Reservation portal. You must be at least 18 years old to get a permit. I strongly advise booking as far in advance as possible. The campsites are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are extremely popular with local families, especially on weekends, holidays, and during the summer months.
Campsite Rules & Logistics
The Gate
The park security gate is locked at 8:00 PM sharp and reopens at 7:00 AM. This is the most important rule for campers: there is no re-entry after 8 PM except for a documented emergency. Plan your dinner and supply runs accordingly.
Tent Size
Tents must be freestanding and are limited to a maximum size of 10'x10'. Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Prohibited Items
Alcohol and smoking are prohibited throughout the park. Check-out time is 12 noon. You must have your site cleaned and all gear removed by then.
Pavilion
The large pavilion is for day use only; camping in or under it is not allowed.
What to Bring (The Local's Checklist)
Beyond the standard camping gear, here are a few items I never go beach camping without:
- Sand Stakes: Regular tent stakes are useless in soft sand. Invest in proper sand stakes; they will save you a world of frustration when the wind picks up.
- Dustpan and Brush: A small, simple set is a game-changer for keeping your tent from turning into a sandbox.
- Sun Shelter: The Hawaiian sun is intense. A pop-up sun shelter or a large beach umbrella is essential for creating a shady spot to relax during the day.
- Essentials for Comfort: Pack effective mosquito repellent, high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and more fresh water than you think you'll need for drinking and cooking.
Kalani's Camping Pro-Tip: The wind can sometimes surprise you here, especially in the afternoons. I always try to find a spot with a bit of a natural windbreak from the kiawe trees. And don't forget to look up after the sun goes down—the stargazing on the Kohala Coast, away from the town lights, is absolutely breathtaking.
The Ultimate Family Beach Day: Why Spencer is Perfect for Keiki
As a father, I'm always on the lookout for beaches that are fun but also low-stress. Spencer Beach Park is my top recommendation for families with young children on the Big Island. It has a trifecta of features that make it unbeatable for keiki.
Calm, Safe Waters
The gentle slope of the sandy bottom and the protection from the offshore reef create a natural, shallow wading pool with minimal waves. It's the perfect environment for toddlers to splash around and for young kids to build their confidence in the water.
Abundant Shade
Unlike many of Hawaiʻi's beautiful but sun-blasted beaches, Spencer has a generous number of large kiawe and palm trees bordering the sand, as well as large grassy lawns. This means you can always find a shady retreat from the intense midday sun.
Excellent Facilities
The convenience of having clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and a lifeguard on duty right by the beach cannot be overstated when you have little ones in tow. Add in the playground, the open fields for running around, and the basketball and volleyball courts for older kids, and you have a destination that truly caters to the entire family.
Beyond the Sand: Hiking and Fishing
If you feel like stretching your legs, Spencer Beach offers more than just sunbathing.
Hiking into History
The park serves as an access point for two incredible historical trails. A very short, easy walk from the main beach area will take you directly to the visitor center for the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. The park also connects to a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. This "trail by the sea" is a 175-mile network of ancient pathways that once circled the entire island. Walking along this trail, you're literally following in the footsteps of ancient Hawaiians.
Fishing from Shore
The park is a popular spot for local fishermen, who find shady spots under the kiawe trees to cast their lines. The waters here can yield a variety of catches, including different types of trevally like ʻomilu, pāpio, and the larger ulua, as well as barracuda and other reef fish. For visitors, it's a wonderful way to connect with the fishing traditions that have sustained people in this ahupuaʻa for centuries.
Plan Your Perfect Visit
Get practical tips for visiting Spencer Beach Park, including directions, amenities, and the best times to visit.
🏖️ Activity Guide
- Snorkeling: Beginner-friendly
- Camping: Permit required
- Swimming: Year-round
- Hiking: Historic trails
- Fishing: Shore fishing
⚠️ Safety Tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only
- Don't touch marine life
- Shuffle feet when entering water
- Stay hydrated
- Respect quiet hours when camping
🏪 Gear & Supplies
Snorkel gear and beach supplies available for rent in nearby Kawaihae or the Waikoloa area.
- • Snorkel sets
- • Beach umbrellas
- • Coolers
- • Camping gear
