Spencer Beach Park

Spencer Beach Park is a protected by a fringing reef that makes this a perfect year-round beach if you have small children or don't like big waves. Access to the beach is easy using paths from the parking area and public rest rooms. The white sand slopes gently into the water and there are plenty of trees for shade.

Part of Spencer Park’s attraction is the history that surrounds it. Pu'ukohola Heiau, Hawaii's most famous and largest heiau is located here. Stop at the National Park Service station to learn more about the history of this place and the role it played in King Kamehakameha’s rise to power. It is quite possible that the King himself enjoyed relaxing on this beach. Another small heiau as well as an information shack and nice trails to the coast are all at the same location. The history of these ancient temples built by King Kamehameha is fascinating. The heiaus are located midway between the park and the harbor. In the late afternoon, the heiau is great place to watch an ocean sunset.

From this area you can see the four largest mountains from one spot: Hualalai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains. The park is idyllic with tropical birds living in the trees on the grounds.

White sand and clean facilities make this a popular beach for locals and tourists. This is one of the nicer beach parks where camping is allowed. Snorkeling and shore diving are good to the south and sea turtles are often spotted here. Overall this is a really terrific spot to sun, fish, catch up on some reading or just kick back and coast.

There are cooking and camping facilities and a large covered pavilion with electric hookups. Other facilities include tennis courts and showers. This park is popular with local families because of its safe swimming and convenient amenities including weekend lifeguard services.