Spencer Beach Park was named after Samuel M. Spencer, a former Hawaii County Board Supervisor chairman responsible for developing north Kohala Coast. Spencer Beach Park is one of only a few white sand beaches found on the Big Island, making it one of the most popular beaches on the island. Soft and smooth sand with low waves and shallow shores make it a family friendly beach. You can camp on the beach as well.
Spencer Beach Camping Permit
A camping permit for Spencer Beach can be secured through the Department of Parks and Recreation and can also be done in advance by U.S. postal mail or online. You must be at least 18 years old to file for a permit. When you are camping, you must have your permit accessible in case authorities request to see it. All permits are approved first-come, first-served. Camping permits cost a few dollars per day per person.
Camping Rules and Regulations
Campers are allowed to stay up to two weeks, except from June 1 to Aug. 31, when campers are only allowed to camp for one week. Pets and alcohol are prohibited with the exception of service animals. You have to bring your own drinking water. Wood for fuel must be limited to dead material on the grounds. Check-in is at noon and it is advised to keep quiet between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Spencer Beach gate is locked at 11 p.m. Permanent camping facilities are also prohibited. All tents must be freestanding and all campers must camp in designated areas only.
Spencer Beach Facilities
Spencer Beach is the only beach that allows camping in Kona. A security guard is provided, and a lifeguard is on the beach during daylight hours. Facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions and tables, barbecue grills, electrical outlets, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. Many shaded grassy areas can also be found. Parking is available on site, but note that some rental car insurance might not apply when entering this area (check with your rental car company for details).
Spencer Beach Weather
The weather on the Big Island of Hawaii is pleasant year-round. Summer average high and low temperatures are between 85 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high and low for the winter is 78 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Normally, the temperature difference between day and night is not significant. Humidity tends to be high.
Spencer Beach Activities and Attractions
This Big Island white sand beach is one of only a few found on this island. It is naturally reef-protected with a gentle slope and small or few waves, so it is safe for swimming all year-round. Snorkeling is a popular activity, and it's possible to see green sea turtles while underwater. If you swim from the north end and head northwest toward the break water, where the water begins to deepen and coral heads begin to appear, you have a good chance of seeing turtles. Other water activities include scuba diving and swimming. This beach park location is also home of the Pu'ukohola Heiau, Hawaii's most famous and largest Haiau (temple). Take a short walk north to the Mailekini Heiau, a smaller Heiau located on Pelekane Beach, which is considered a sacred location.
Member Comments