Kamakahonu Beach occupies a protected cove in downtown Kailua-Kona fronting the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, where King Kamehameha I established his final residence and ruled the unified Hawaiian Kingdom from 1812 until his death in 1819. The Hawaiian name translates to the turtle eye, referencing a turtle-shaped rock that once marked the shoreline before modern development. The beach stretches just 200 feet along calm waters protected by Kailua Pier to the north and lava rock breakwater to the south, creating lagoon conditions that earned the local nickname Children's Beach for inherently safe swimming. Ahuena Heiau rises on the northern point, a reconstructed temple where Kamehameha held secret councils with advisors and rededicated the site to Lono, god of agriculture and prosperity, during a devastating Kona famine. The compound was designated National Historic Landmark in 1962, preserving sacred ground where Hawaiian unification was governed and where the kapu system was abolished shortly after Kamehameha's passing. Modern Kamakahonu serves dual purpose as living historical site and practical family beach, where visitors swim in waters once reserved for royalty while the reconstructed heiau stands as reminder of Hawaii's transformation from independent kingdom to American territory. The intimate beach size and downtown location make Kamakahonu Kona's most accessible swimming spot, drawing local families, resort guests, and cruise ship passengers seeking calm water without driving to remote coastlines.
Swimming at Kamakahonu Beach ranks among Big Island's safest ocean experiences due to breakwater protection maintaining depths of 2-6 feet across the entire cove with sandy bottom ideal for wading and playing. The enclosed lagoon eliminates wave action even when winter swells close exposed beaches to swimming, creating year-round conditions suitable for toddlers, elderly swimmers, and ocean novices. No lifeguards patrol the beach as the protected environment presents minimal drowning risk compared to open coastline sites throughout Kona. Water clarity reaches 40-60 feet on calm days, allowing parents to observe children from shore as they practice beginning swimming skills in waist-deep water. Snorkeling succeeds along both rocky points and beneath Kailua Pier where reef fish congregate around lava formations and pier pilings in 8-12 feet of water. Yellow tangs, saddle wrasses, manini, spotted tobies, Moorish idols, Christmas wrasses, and sharpnose mullet feed in the protected cove, with occasional green sea turtles swimming through the channel. The sandy entry and gentle depth gradient make Kamakahonu ideal for first-time snorkelers learning to clear masks and breathe through tubes without dangerous currents or confusing navigation. Avoid swimming past the heiau or in the center channel where boat traffic navigates between pier and open ocean, maintaining safe distance from vessels ferrying divers, snorkel tours, and fishing charters. Stand-up paddleboarding thrives in the flat water conditions, with Kona Boys beach shack renting boards, kayaks, and Hobie Cats at reasonable hourly rates for exploring the protected bay.
Access Kamakahonu Beach from Ali Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona, parking in the municipal lot at the corner of Ali Drive and Palani Road then walking five minutes downhill to the waterfront. The beach fronts the King Kamehameha Hotel with access through hotel grounds or via public walkway along the seawall connecting to Kailua Pier. No beach parking exists, though short-term metered spaces line Ali Drive near the pier filling quickly during morning hours when cruise ships dock. Arrive before 8am for parking or visit after 4pm when day visitors depart and spaces open. Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and covered pavilions with picnic tables operate at the beach, maintained by county parks department with daily cleaning. Kona Boys beach shack rents snorkel gear for reasonable rates, eliminating need to transport equipment from accommodations. Shade trees line the back shore providing refuge from midday sun intensity, supplemented by hotel coconut palms creating tropical ambiance. The beach sits 100 yards from Kailua Pier where charter boats depart for manta ray night snorkels, Kealakekua Bay tours, and deep sea fishing expeditions. Watch for outrigger canoe clubs launching from the beach during early morning and late afternoon training sessions, giving paddlers space as they navigate the protected waters. The downtown location means restaurants, shops, and services operate within two blocks walking distance, making Kamakahonu practical for families needing amenities beyond basic beach facilities. Ahuena Heiau remains visible from the beach though entry is prohibited, with interpretive signs explaining historical significance and reconstruction process completed in the 1970s.
Dining concentrates along Ali Drive within walking distance of Kamakahonu Beach. Huggos Restaurant operates since 1969 serving oceanfront seafood including macadamia crusted fish, teriyaki steak, and daily fresh catch delivered by local fishermen, with open-air lanai positioned inches above crashing waves. Huggos On The Rocks offers casual lunch, sunset cocktails, and pupus with happy hour from 3-5pm daily featuring discounted Mai Tais and appetizers. Island Lava Java specializes in breakfast with Tex-Mex scrambles, lilikoi French toast, and salmon Benedict accompanied by 100 percent Kona coffee, served on covered outdoor patio overlooking Kailua seawall. Kona Inn Restaurant honors 1920s plantation heritage serving fresh seafood, classic Hawaiian dishes, and tropical cocktails with panoramic Kailua Bay views from historic waterfront building. Kamakahonu Beach represents unique intersection of Hawaiian history and modern tourism, where sacred ground that witnessed kingdom governance now welcomes families teaching children to swim in waters once restricted to royalty. The protected cove and downtown accessibility make Kamakahonu essential Kona beach for visitors seeking safe swimming without rental cars or remote drives, while the heiau provides cultural education connecting modern Hawaii to its independent past. Unlike resort beaches requiring property access or distant wilderness beaches demanding off-road vehicles, Kamakahonu offers authentic Hawaiian beach experience in walkable downtown location where history, culture, and recreation converge on single protected shoreline.
