Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Spencer Beach County Park
Spencer Beach County Park is our next stop on the Big Island Snorkeling Tour. This spot is a favorite with families and locals, and is one of the more popular camping spots. It has a very nice beach with a very gentle entrance into the water and decent snorkeling.
The park's full name is Samuel M. Spencer Beach County Park, or in local talk - 'Ohai'ula Beach. The park is located just south of the Puukhola Heiau National Historic Site. In fact, you can walk there from the beach. The Heiau site is the most significant Hawaiian temple still standing on any of Hawaiian islands. It is worth checking out as a side trip.
When we were there last the park was undergoing big construction improvements, scheduled through February of 2008.
Site Snorkeling Details - Spencer Beach County Park
Big Island Snorkeling
The reason this site is so nice for locals and families is thanks to all the trees, shade, facilities and passive waters. The reef protects the beach from big waves and currents.
We have seen plenty of turtles in the area and some nice reef on the right hand side, but we found the underwater visibility to be pretty cloudy both times we have been there.
The park has restrooms, barbeques, picnic tables, showers, water, camping and plenty of shade.
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Driving Directions - Spencer Beach County Park
Big Island Snorkeling
Take highway 19 (Queen Kaahumanu Hwy) north out of Kona. Follow it through all of the resort areas until you come to the junction with highway 270 (Akoni Pule Hwy) and veer left onto 270 continuing to head basically north. After you pass the 2 mile marker, watch on your left for the access road to the beach. If you reach the 3 mile marker you've missed it.
Go to the next Big Island spot - Mau'umae Beach
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