Kamakahonu Beach

Kamakahonu Beach is a small Kailua-Kona cove beside Kailua Pier, with shallow calm-condition water, Ahu'ena Heiau nearby and deep Kamehameha history.

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Kamakahonu Beach, Big Island

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, sailing, snorkeling and fishing are also very popular Kona 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.

Key Features

Small protected cove beside Kailua Pier
Located in the Kailua-Kona waterfront area
Also nicknamed Children's Beach
Shallow nearshore water is common in calm conditions
Historic Kamakahonu area was Kamehameha I's final residence
Ahu'ena Heiau stands just off the shore nearby
Name means the turtle eye in Hawaiian
Harbor and pier activity are part of the setting
Beach can feel busy because it is small and central
Visitors should respect Ahu'ena Heiau and the surrounding historic shoreline

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should visitors allow?

Many visitors allow 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether they are stopping briefly from Kailua Pier or settling in for a slower beach break.

Why is Kamakahonu called Children's Beach?

The nickname comes from the beach's usually gentle, shallow shoreline, though adults should still watch children closely because conditions can change.

What makes this shoreline historically important?

Kamakahonu was part of Kamehameha I's final residence area, and nearby Ahu'ena Heiau remains one of Kailua-Kona's most important cultural landmarks.

When is the beach less crowded?

Mornings are often more comfortable because the beach is small and can feel busy later with hotel guests, pier activity and waterfront visitors.

What does Kamakahonu mean?

Kamakahonu means the turtle eye, a name linked to a turtle-shaped rock that is now said to be beneath Kailua Pier.