Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam Beach)

Kamakahonu Beach is a small sandy spot located just west of the Kailua Pier in downtown Kailua-Kona. This is probably the best place to get onto the waters of Kailua Bay as there are rentals next to the beach and it has a protected cove with easy access to the bay.

This beach isn’t large and it’s usually bustling on sunny days so space can be tight. Not only is it very near the main part of the Kailua Waterfront, it’s in front of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (a Marriot hotel). Next to the beach a small shack has rentals of snorkel gear, SUPs, canoes, kayaks, boogie boards, and surfboards. They also offer lessons for first-timers and tours for those who want to be guided on an adventure.

Because Kamakahonu Beach is protected from waves, this is an excellent place for swimming and for families to play in the water. The snorkeling outside of the cove is actually pretty good and you can hug the shore all the way out to the point west of town. Just don’t swim around the pier and get in the way of the large boats.

Next to the beach you’ll see Ahu’ena Heiau, the personal home and temple of King Kamehameha the 1st, which is a National Historic Landmark.

If you can’t walk or bike here, the best car parking is along Alii Drive or in the large public lots off Kuakini Highway. There are no public parking spots at the beach.

Address

Kaahumanu Pl
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Park Name

Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark

Other Names

Kamehameha Beach, Marriott Beach, Plymouth Rock

Owner

Public

Fees

Free and paid parking lots nearby

Activities

Sunbathing, Swimming, Sightseeing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding

Amenities

Restrooms, Rentals, Restaurants, Hotels, Stores, Pier, Historic Structures