Ohai'ula Beach at Spencer Beach Park

This popular beach park offers more than just beach fun. Glimpses of dolphin pods and the summit of Haleakala on the neighboring island of Maui are glorious on clear days while the winter months delight beachgoers with peeks of humpback whales. Those who enjoy ancient archeological sites will find that this beach is the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sun and surf after exploring neighboring Pu'u Kohola, Hawaii's largest luakini heiau or sacrificial war temple just a short walk away.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: The gorgeous white shoreline of Ohai'ula Beach is just a part of the larger well maintained and well appointed Spencer Beach Park.

Activities: Boogie boarding, snorkeling, swimming depending on ocean conditions. Sun bathing, picnics, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking tent camping, basketball and tennis courts

Lifeguard: Weekends and holidays between the hours of 930a-445p

Warnings: Winter months bring higher surf and stronger rip currents, rough and dangerous conditions. Windy conditions are prevalent in the winter months. Stinging Portuguese man-o-war jelly fish frequent in varying numbers 10 days after the full moon. Do not leave any valuables in your car at anytime. Open daily from 6a-9p gates close promptly at 9p. Kayaks and nudity is prohibited.

Amenities: Parking lot, BBQ, paved walkways, grassy lawns, handicapped parking area, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic pavilions, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, pay phone, showers.

Directions: Entrance is located along Queen Kaahumanu Highway just 1.6 miles south of Kawaihae Harbor. From Kona International Airport at Keahole, proceed north along Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for 28 miles. Turn left onto Akoni Pule Highway, turn left into the entrance to Pu'u Kohola National Historical Site. The entrance to the park will be past the heiau parking lot at the end of the road.

Although it is not the largest, nor the most glorious beach along the Kohala Coast, Ohai'ula Beach will certainly not disappoint families and avid beach lovers. White sands and warm crystal clear waters make it an intimate spot to spend a day of sun sand and surf. A long offshore reef and improvements at nearby Kawaihae harbor protect the beach from everything but the roughest conditions that other beaches in the area experience seasonally. The gentle underwater slope makes it a favorite of families with young children. The two rocky outcrops are where the snorkeling is best while the sandy shoreline is perfect for sunning and relaxation. Ohai'ula has an abundance of shade trees perfect to stave off the tropical heat and sun. Take along a picnic lunch and beverages since there are no snack shop available.

Those who frequent the Samuel Spencer Beach Park not only come for the beach, but come to enjoy the large oceanfront pavilion which is perfect for large family gatherings or a quiet picnic for two overlooking the surf. The park is home to the only public basketball and tennis courts along the Kohala Coast. The courts are free and open to the public during park hours. Still others enjoy the park's proximity to the largest war temple in the islands. Many find that a visit to the heiau the perfect addition to a perfect day at this lovely Kohala Coast beach.

Address:

62-3461 Kawaihae Road
Kamuela HI 96743
GPS: 20.024318 , -155.821922

http://oceansafety.ancl.hawaii.edu/v/2.0/index.asp?i=hawaii&shid=14&bch=spencer