3. Kahalu’u Beach Park
Located on Kahalu’u Bay just south of Kona, this beach is known as the top snorkeling beach on the Kona Coast. The exceptionally calm water is a result of the expansive coral reefs that surround the beach, making this an equally good beach for families with children.
Amenities at Kahalu’u Beach include showers, restrooms, and picnic tables, as well as a pavilion and some shaded areas along the shore, and lifeguards are on duty. The beach is also conveniently located within walking distance of local restaurants and shops.
Tourists hoping to explore the reefs can rent snorkeling equipment at the Kahalu’u Bay Education Center, a non-profit that provides educational programs and conservation efforts. They can also offer information about the myriad of ocean life that can be spotted in the reef, including octopus, sea urchins, and endangered sea turtles.
4. Spencer Beach
Spencer Beach is an ideal choice for families, offering plenty of shady areas and soft sand in addition to the calm, reef-protected waters. Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park also has good facilities, including a large covered pavilion with tables, new restrooms, outdoor showers, and a camping area. There is also a lifeguard on duty, and the reef that keeps strong ocean currents at bay is an excellent snorkeling and SCUBA diving spot.
The park is also a good starting point for hikes along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Tourists will enjoy scenic views of the bay along the path and can visit a temple built in 1791 by Kamehameha I at the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Hikers who continue along the path will find themselves at Anaehoomalu Bay.
