Spencer Beach Park
A serene beach park with soft sand, shaded picnic spots, and family-friendly waters on Hawaii's Big Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, find parking easily
Spencer Beach Park
Best Time
Avoid crowds, find parking easily
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene beach park with soft sand, shaded picnic spots, and family-friendly waters on Hawaii's Big Island.
"Great beach and park with clean water, sand, and excellent facilities for a relaxing day."
🚗 Free Parking & Easy Access
Plenty of free parking available, accessible by any car. Great for day trips from Kona!
🚿 Clean Facilities On-Site
Restrooms and outdoor showers are available for convenience. Some users noted temporary closures for maintenance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shaded Picnic Paradise
Throughout the park
Enjoy a relaxing day with ample shade from trees and covered pavilions, perfect for picnics and gatherings.
Gentle Waters for All Ages
Main beach area
The sandy beach and relatively calm waters make it ideal for swimming and playing, suitable for families.
Coastal Views & Wildlife
Shoreline
Spot local wildlife like Honu (sea turtles) and enjoy scenic coastal walks with driftwood.
Sunset Spectacles
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Facilities & Permits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking & Easy Access
Plenty of free parking available, accessible by any car. Great for day trips from Kona!
🚿 Clean Facilities On-Site
Restrooms and outdoor showers are available for convenience. Some users noted temporary closures for maintenance.
🐢 Respect the Honu
Keep a safe distance if you spot sea turtles (Honu) on the beach. Admire them from afar!
🏕️ Camping Requires Permits
Overnight camping is permitted but requires booking a permit in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking & Easy Access
Plenty of free parking available, accessible by any car. Great for day trips from Kona!
🚿 Clean Facilities On-Site
Restrooms and outdoor showers are available for convenience. Some users noted temporary closures for maintenance.
🐢 Respect the Honu
Keep a safe distance if you spot sea turtles (Honu) on the beach. Admire them from afar!
🏕️ Camping Requires Permits
Overnight camping is permitted but requires booking a permit in advance.
🌊 Water Conditions Vary
Waves can be strong; not always ideal for snorkeling. Check conditions before swimming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spencer Beach Park is widely appreciated for its beautiful sandy shores, ample shaded picnic areas, and convenient facilities like restrooms and showers. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, especially on weekdays, and the free parking makes it easily accessible. While not the prime spot for snorkeling due to wave conditions, it's a great location for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying coastal views.
"05/03/2025 (Sat)
When we visited, it seemed like there was a big group event going on — the place was super crowded, with long lines for parking and several staff helping direct traffic. But when we stopped by on another day, it was calm and peaceful, so I think it’s usually a pretty quiet spot.
The beach has soft white sand and feels like a great place to relax. There were several clean private shower rooms and proper restrooms. I also saw a basketball court and what looked like options for boating, though I’m not sure if a permit is needed for those.
There are plenty of picnic areas, including big covered tables (pavilion). Down a set of stairs, some local kids were fishing, and there was a shower nearby too. There’s a decent amount of shade, so it’s pretty comfortable.😊✨
The waves were fairly strong and the water didn’t look very clear, so it might not be ideal for snorkeling. I also noticed a few tents in the designated camping area. It looks like overnight camping is allowed, but you probably need a permit for that."
Yulily
"Great Beach to just chill, have a picnic or a swim.. Camping is allowed as well.. (FYI) The restrooms were out of order when I visited in early September, not sure if it was for maintenance or what? But other than that its a very nice place"
Derek Johnson
"This park is pretty epic. Very pretty has lots of space for grass spots to hang, picnic tables, sand beaches, basketball courts you name it. Lot of cool stuff to do and a great spot to pull in on a kayak or canoe."
Jerome Cooper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spencer Beach Park is about a 40-minute drive north of Kona on the Big Island. It's easily accessible by car and has plenty of free parking available, making it a convenient stop on a northern route exploration.
Yes, the park is easily accessible by any type of car, and the parking lot is spacious.
While exploring the northern route, consider Spencer Beach Park for a relaxing break. Other popular stops include Hawi and Pololu Valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Spencer Beach Park and its facilities, including parking, is free for everyone.
Yes, overnight camping is allowed at Spencer Beach Park, but you will need to purchase a permit in advance.
The picnic tables and pavilions are available for public use and do not require a separate fee. However, during large events, they might be occupied by group reservations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Spencer Beach Park is great for swimming, picnicking, relaxing on the sandy beach, and enjoying coastal walks. Some visitors have also noted opportunities for boating and fishing.
While there are some small snorkeling spots, the water conditions can be wavy and not always clear, making it not the best spot for snorkeling compared to other locations on the island.
Yes, the park is equipped with clean restrooms and outdoor showers for visitors.
Absolutely! The sandy beach and relatively calm waters are great for children, and the shaded picnic areas offer a comfortable spot for families to relax.
Yes, it's possible to spot Honu (sea turtles) at Spencer Beach Park. Remember to observe them from a respectful distance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Spencer Beach Park is primarily a recreational area, and dining options are limited within the park itself. You'll find more restaurants in nearby Waikoloa or further south towards Kona.
Yes, Spencer Beach Park is an excellent spot for picnics, with numerous picnic tables, including covered pavilions, and charcoal grills available.
📸 📸 Photography
Spencer Beach Park offers beautiful scenery for photography, including sandy beaches, coastal walks with driftwood, and stunning sunsets. Keep an eye out for Honu for unique wildlife shots. 
The best time for sunset photography is in the late afternoon, leading up to and just after the sun dips below the horizon, offering vibrant colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the free parking and easy access, making it stress-free to load and unload gear. While snorkeling might not be the main draw, the overall relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty provide a wonderful setting for family bonding and creating lasting memories.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Kona
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Day at Spencer Beach Park: What to Expect
While the beach is beautiful, the water conditions can vary. Some visitors note that the waves can be fairly strong, and the water clarity might not be ideal for snorkeling. However, it remains a great place for swimming and enjoying the shoreline. The park also features a basketball court and is known to be a good spot for whale watching during the winter months.
For those looking to extend their stay, overnight camping is permitted, but it requires obtaining a permit in advance. The park's accessibility, free parking, and family-friendly environment make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking a relaxing beach experience.
Exploring the Coastline Near Spencer Beach Park
For those who enjoy coastal walks, the path between Spencer Beach Park and Mauʻumae Beach is noteworthy. This trail features sun-bleached driftwood and rugged volcanic shorelines, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a great opportunity for photography and appreciating the raw beauty of Hawaii's coast.
It's also worth noting that the area near Spencer Beach Park has experienced some fire damage in the past. While the park itself is generally unaffected, visitors might see remnants of this in the surrounding landscape. The community's resilience and the ongoing efforts to preserve these natural areas are a testament to the spirit of the Big Island.
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