Kamakahonu (King Kam)

Kamakahonu, also known as ‘King Kam,’ is a small beach located in downtown Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. This is our premier snorkeling spot for families with children or beginner snorkelers trying to learn how to snorkel. Snorkeling here is very easy because of the shallow water, and you can see a lot of marine life.

This beach is located directly in front of Hotel Kona Hawaiian Village, and the Kona Historical Society operates it under the management of The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. It is considered one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots for families or beginner snorkelers. The beach is located on Front Street, just across from the King Kam Hotel and down the street from historic downtown Kailua-Kona. Just a note about the beach was made in Hawaiian history. The beach was named after an ancient prophet of Hawaii.

The beach is immaculate with clear water and abundant marine life. The beach has a wide range of marine life to see, including many different varieties of fish, turtles, manta rays, and algae. Snorkeling is very easy at Kamakahonu because your snorkel gear can keep you very close to the surface of the water.

This is an excellent place for beginner snorkelers or surfers as it has an undertow that can take you several yards out to sea, which can be an exciting and fun experience. This beach is also the surfing spot for surfers and other water sports such as kiteboarding and paddleboarding.

This beach is loaded with marine life. The sea bottom can be covered with many different types of fish and turtles that are very difficult to see in other spots. The best way to view marine life here is by snorkeling. It is very safe here as there are lifeguards on the beach.

A lot of the marine life seen at this beach is bottom-dwelling creatures that are easy to see when snorkeling. Some of the best places to view these creatures are on the shore and along the reef. In addition, you will find a lot of exciting sea horses, duckweed, starfish, coral, and colorful algae in this area.

A lot of the coral is damaged and often covered in encrusting algae, but this leftover alga has made fantastic homes for many colorful sea life. You see an abundance of turtles here and dolphins, large schools of fish, beautiful corals, and sea anemones. Some of the larger species commonly seen here are eagle rays , manta rays , mother and baby sharks, or nurse sharks.
Children can play on the beach and enjoy the sheltered waters here. In addition, the beach is very shallow and protected for snorkeling with young children.

The best place to snorkel here is along the reef, located 100 meters offshore. At this distance, you will see a large variety of marine life. When swimming along the reef, you should watch out for the rip currents that may pull you out to sea. Next, you can swim through the pass and go around the lava point towards Kailua Bay. This will take you directly across from King Kam Beach. Again, your guides will make sure to keep you safe while you learn the skill of snorkeling.

If you are interested in booking a snorkeling tour at this location, please let us know in the contact form. We look forward to snorkeling with you!