Kamakahonu Beach at a Glance
For a beach once inhabited by a king, Kamakahonu Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is surprisingly calm and unflustered. Locals have nicknamed it “Children’s Beach” because of the gentle waves and shallow water. It is one of the safest swimming beaches in Kona. Nearby is the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, a popular place among vacationing families.
Kamakahonu has a lot to offer for adults as well. It is an important historical site, having served as the final home of King Kamehameha the Great, who lived here from 1812 until his death in 1819. You can still find many of his old projects around; most of them are buildings and temples where he held office. His personal temple, the Ahuena Heiau, was built in the water and now sits a few yards off the shore.
Besides swimming, boating, snorkeling and fishing are also very popular activities here. Off the Kailua Pier, there are some good fishing spots. Also, you can rent canoes, paddle boats and fishing and snorkeling gear from the many beach shops on the shore.
Kamakahonu has many beach facilities, such as restrooms, showers and BBQ areas. It’s a good beach for a picnic since there are shaded picnic spots along the shore. There are also a few fancy restaurants and concessions in the area, offering a nice mix of local and international cuisine.
The name Kamakahonu means “the turtle eye” in the Hawaiian language. It is believed that the name originated from a rock, which was shaped like a turtle and which is now located under Kailua Pier.
Kamakahonu Beach in Bullet Points
- Good beach for families with small children and novice swimmers
- Calm and shallow waters
- Near Kailua Pier and Ahuena Heiau
- Historic location - King Kamehameha the Great used to live here
Kamakahonu Beach Facilities (top)
- Showers
- Restrooms
- BBQ areas
- Nearby restaurants and concessions
- Canoe and paddle boat rentals
- No lifeguards
Kamakahonu Beach Water Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Canoeing
- Boating
- Fishing
Kamakahonu Beach Driving Directions / Location
The beach is in Kailua-Kona where Palani Road turns into Alii Drive.
Address: Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
Kamakahonu Beach Map (top)
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Kamakahonu Beach Weather (top)
Now
72°F
Windchill:
72°F
Cloudy
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Location: Kailua Kona, HI, US
Wind: 15 mph N
Humidity: 73%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.01 in rising
Sunrise: 6:30 am
Sunset: 6:34 pm
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Thu
Hi: 80°F
Low: 69°F
Mostly Sunny
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Fri
Hi: 79°F
Low: 69°F
Scattered Showers
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Kamakahonu Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Kamakahonu Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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