Spencer Beach Park
Kawaihae, HI
Ohaiula Beach fronts Spencer Beach Park just south of Kawaihae Harbor, a wide sandy cove that a breakwater and reef keep calmer than almost anywhere else on this stretch of coast. Families camp here on weekends, and the water stays shallow far enough out that it's an easy place to let kids wade without much worry.
The calmest, safest swimming water for kids on this whole coast, though camping crowds and the neighboring harbor traffic take away from a purely quiet beach day.
How we score beachesWalk the short coastal trail up toward Puukohola Heiau at sunset. The heiau glows against the evening light, and it's a five minute stroll from the sand.
A paved county lot sits right at the park and generally has room, though weekends and camping season narrow it fast.
A short, flat walk from the lot leads to picnic pavilions and the sand, with restrooms and showers on site.
Leashed dogs are allowed at Spencer Beach Park, the same rule that applies at most Hawaii County beach parks.
The breakwater and reef keep the water calm nearly year round, making this one of the more consistently swimmable family beaches on the Kohala Coast regardless of season.
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