Spencer Beach Park Reopens with Exciting Upgrades and Amenities (updated 2023)

One of the most popular camping beach parks on the Big Island, Spencer Beach Park is one of the best places to camp right next to the ocean. After extensive upgrades and amenities that were done on site, the beach park is again a popular spot to go for a fun beach day, camping, hiking or exploring the coastline and historic areas of West Hawaii.

For visitors and locals looking for a fantastic beach camping experience will enjoy spending a night or a few days to camp with full amenities on site. Spencer beach park is a busy spot for beach day fun or camp on the Big Island.

** If you want to camp at the park, make sure to reserve early because their calendar schedules and full throughout the year and popular holidays.

Where is Spencer beach park located?

Spencer Beach Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, specifically along the Kohala Coast on the west side of the Big Island. Spencer Beach Park is located approximately 30-35 miles north of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The drive from Kona to Spencer Beach Park typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions and your specific starting point in Kona.The park is easily accessible by car and is known for its beautiful sandy beach, palm trees, and recreational facilities, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii.

How to get to Spencer Beach park in West Hawaii

To get to Spencer Beach Park in West Hawaii, you can follow these directions:

By Car: If you are driving from Kailua-Kona, head north on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Highway 19). Continue on this highway until you reach Kawaihae Road (Highway 270). Turn left onto Kawaihae Road and drive for about 3.5 miles.

After driving 3.5 miles on Kawaihae Road, you will see the entrance to Spencer Beach Park on your left-hand side. Look for the sign indicating the park entrance.

Parking is available at the park. Follow the signs to the designated parking area.

Public Transportation: If you prefer to use public transportation, you can check if there are any local bus services that operate in the area. It’s advisable to consult the local transportation authority or check online for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes to Spencer Beach Park.

Amenities at Spencer Beach park

At Spencer Beach Park, you will find a range of amenities to enhance your visit and make this a fantastic family friendly visit.

These include the following:

Pavilion you can reserve for large gatherings and events

Shower and restroom facilities

Picnic areas and grill stations

Camping facilities

Lifeguard on duty

Hiking trails to historic sites close by

Plenty of Parking spaces.

Gorgeous sandy beach and entry area to ocean, relatively shallow

Things to do around Spencer Beach Park

Photography fun: Take stunning photos of yourself against the backdrop of breathtaking views, including mesmerizing sunsets. Keep an eye out for the occasional appearance of sea turtles near the shoreline—they make fantastic subjects for photography!

Beach time: Soak up the sun at Spencer Beach, known for its excellent sunbathing opportunities. Remember to protect your skin by generously applying sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Water Activities: Take advantage of the tranquil waters at Spencer Beach Park for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so exercise extreme caution when entering the water. Some areas may have strong currents, so it’s advisable to stay close to the shore.

Snorkeling fun: Snorkelers will delight in the shallow reef at the beach, perfect for those seeking a snorkeling experience without venturing into deeper waters. Encounter an array of vibrant tropical fish and graceful sea turtles among the shallow reefs.

Explore Pu’ukohola Heiau National Monument: Located next to Spencer’s Beach Park, you can easily explore the visitors center and the many monuments of this historic heiau that was built to secure the first king’s Kamehameha’s destiny to rule the entire Hawaiian chain. The historic route takes you through some of the major monuments, villages and other historical areas to explore on a paved trail with magnificent views around the various sites and coastline areas of the national park grounds.

Fishing fun: Spencer Beach is a popular fishing spot along the coastline to find a shady spot under kiawe trees and enjoy the great views. This is a fun fishing area for day time to night time casting and catching local fish from the coastline areas around the park.

Whale-Watching: During winter, Spencer Beach Park becomes an exceptional spot for whale-watching. Witness the majestic humpback whales as they migrate to Hawaii for mating and giving birth. In the summer months, catch glimpses of their playful activities along the coastline as they journey northward to Alaska.

Camping at Spencer Beach Park: Indulge in the well-maintained camping grounds at Spencer Beach, offering the opportunity to camp beneath the stars and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Hiking trails: there are coastal trails you can take to historical sites close by like Pu’uhokola Heiau and the Ala Kahakai National Historic trail. These two fantastic trails are relatively easy on paved or dirt paths that explore the coastline areas from Spencers to Mauna Kea resort area.

Ala Kahakai Trail: this historic coastal trail used to circumvent the entire island and the trail experience at Spencer’s takes you through some gorgeous coastline areas that are fun to follow along with forested areas to explore.

                

Birdwatching: Experience the vibrant avian life at Spencer Beach Park during the serene hours of early morning or late afternoon. Witness the park teeming with diverse bird species, and keep an eye out for the majestic pueo, the Hawaiian owl, as it gracefully surveys the fields in search of prey.

Enjoy those sunset moments: Find any spot on the beach or coastline areas or even do a wonderful walk through the trails and you will be rewarded with satisfying sunsets and views that makes this a fantastic experience at Spencers.

Camping details and reservations at Spencer Beach Park

To book a campsite at Spencer Beach Park, follow these steps:

Check Availability: Contact the park authorities or visit their official website to check the availability of campsites at Spencer Beach Park. Some parks may require reservations well in advance, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

Make a Reservation: Once you have confirmed the availability of campsites, make a reservation. Obtain the necessary contact information, such as phone number or email address, from the park’s website or by contacting the park office directly.

Provide Details: When making a reservation, be prepared to provide the following details:

Payment: Inquire about the payment process and any associated fees or deposits required to secure your campsite. Some parks may require full payment at the time of booking, while others may require a deposit with the remaining balance due upon arrival.

Confirmation: After making the reservation and completing the payment, you should receive a confirmation either via email or in a written format. Keep this confirmation with you for reference during your stay.

Arrival and Check-In: On the day of your arrival, make sure to check the park’s check-in procedures. Arrive at the designated check-in time and present your confirmation details to the park staff. They will guide you to your assigned campsite and provide any additional information or rules specific to the park.

Check out the official website booking site here for more details and information.

Gate closes at 8pm and reopens at 7am.  No entry or exit after 8pm. 

Tips to camping in Hawaii

Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of waste and respecting the environment. Be mindful of quiet hours and be considerate of other campers.

When camping in Hawaii, consider the following tips for a successful and enjoyable experience:

Make Reservations: Many campgrounds in Hawaii require advance reservations. Check availability and book your campsite in advance to secure your spot.

Pack Essential Gear: Bring a sturdy tent, sleeping bags, camping stove, cooking utensils, and other necessary camping gear. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.

Prepare for Weather Conditions: Hawaii’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack appropriate clothing layers to accommodate changing temperatures and conditions. Additionally, bring rain gear and waterproof your tent to stay dry during potential showers.

Respect Local Customs and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the campground you’re staying at. Be mindful of noise levels, campfire restrictions, and any specific guidelines for the area.

Protect Against Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes can be present in certain areas of Hawaii. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider bringing a mosquito net for extra protection.

Be Aware of Wildlife: Hawaii is home to unique wildlife, including endangered species. Respect their habitat and keep a safe distance. Do not feed or approach any wildlife you encounter.

Stay Hydrated: Hawaii’s climate can be hot and humid. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and replenishing fluids regularly.

Plan Activities and Explore: Take advantage of the outdoor activities Hawaii has to offer. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the islands.

Check for Permits and Restrictions: Some areas in Hawaii may require permits for certain activities, such as fishing or hiking. Research and obtain any necessary permits before engaging in such activities.

No camping the pavilions allowed.   Pavilion permits are available for Day use only and needs to be purchased separately.

By following these tips, you can have a memorable and responsible camping experience in the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii.

Check out these other posts on visiting the Big Island

Best restaurants in Kailua Kona

Best beaches in Kona

Things to do in Kona

Things to do in Waikoloa

Waimea, Hawaii

Anaeho’o-malu Bay

Kona International Airport

Conclusion on visiting Spencer Beach Park

Visiting Spencer Beach Park for a memorable experience amidst the stunning Kohala Coast in West Hawaii. Make a reservation in advance for camping, enjoy the beach day, amenities, and water activities. Respect the park rules, practice Leave No Trace, and savor the tranquility of nature.

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