Captain Cook Monument Kaʻawaloa
Historic monument in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii, offering world-class snorkeling and a challenging hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Captain Cook Monument Kaʻawaloa
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic monument in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii, offering world-class snorkeling and a challenging hike.
"Snorkeling here felt like being in a giant aquarium — the marine life is abundant and diverse."
🥾 Hike Smart
The hike down is easy, but the return is steep. Bring lots of water and wear sturdy shoes!
🐠 Snorkel Gear Essential
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience. The marine life is incredible!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Captain Cook Monument
Kealakekua Bay
A white obelisk marking the historic site where Captain Cook met his end in 1779.
Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay
Crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life, offering an aquarium-like snorkeling experience.
The Hike to the Monument
Trail to Kealakekua Bay
A steep but rewarding hike offering stunning views of the bay and surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Monument
Prepare for an Undeveloped Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Hike Smart
The hike down is easy, but the return is steep. Bring lots of water and wear sturdy shoes!
🐠 Snorkel Gear Essential
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience. The marine life is incredible!
☀️ Sun Protection
A hat and sunglasses are a must for the sunny hike. Use reef-safe sunscreen.
🐿️ Beware of Mongoose!
These clever critters will steal your snacks! Keep food sealed and secured.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Hike Smart
The hike down is easy, but the return is steep. Bring lots of water and wear sturdy shoes!
🐠 Snorkel Gear Essential
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience. The marine life is incredible!
☀️ Sun Protection
A hat and sunglasses are a must for the sunny hike. Use reef-safe sunscreen.
🐿️ Beware of Mongoose!
These clever critters will steal your snacks! Keep food sealed and secured.
🛥️ Boat Tours Available
Consider a boat tour for easier access and guided snorkeling.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No facilities on site, so stay hydrated, especially on the hike back up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, describing it as an aquarium-like experience with abundant marine life. The historical significance of the Captain Cook Monument is also a major draw. However, the steep hike back up and the lack of facilities are noted challenges, along with the persistent mongoose that are eager to steal food.
"05/08/2025 (Thu)
We chose to reach the Captain Cook Monument by hiking down the trail rather than joining a boat tour, since it's said that landing on the shore is not allowed for those arriving by sea. (We’ve shared more about the hike itself in our post on the Captain Cook Monument Trail, so we’ll skip those details here.)
Once we arrived, we were amazed by how clear and inviting the water was. Even from the shore, you could easily spot schools of fish swimming close to the shallows. The water temperature was pleasantly cool, and as a snorkeling spot alone, it’s truly hard to beat. Swimming here felt like being in a giant aquarium — you can explore both shallow and deeper areas depending on your comfort level, and the marine life is abundant and diverse. While many tour boats were anchored offshore, they don't approach too close to the monument itself, so the area never felt crowded.
🐟🐠🐡
One thing to be aware of, however, is that the site is completely undeveloped. There are no lifeguards, no restrooms, no food stalls, and not even trash bins. Be sure to bring plenty of water, reef-safe sunscreen, and definitely wear water shoes, as the shoreline is rocky and uneven.
🐟🐠🐡
Also, watch out for the local mongoose population. These clever little animals will go after any food they can smell. We’d been warned to keep our backpacks zipped, and although we thought we were careful — even using zip-lock bags — we returned from the water after 20–30 minutes to find our backpack opened and our snacks completely gone.🤣 Mongoose here are quick and determined, so keep your bags sealed and secured, ideally off the ground.🎒
🐟🐠🐡
Despite that little surprise, the experience was nothing short of magical. The natural beauty of Kealakekua Bay, the calm waters, and the chance to swim among so many colorful fish made this one of the most memorable parts of our trip. It’s a place we’d love to return to — even with the demanding hike, it’s absolutely worth it.😊✨"
Yulily
"The best area for snorkeling should visit in the morning the water is clam . I recommend to buy tour. I don’t like to hike this place"
Kristina T.
"The hike down to the water was pretty easy but the hike back up was much harder! Be sure to bring a ton of water and snacks with you.
Once at the bottom, the snorkeling is great! Make sure to keep any food securely packed away because mongoose did steal my sandwiches lol."
Avila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Captain Cook Monument by hiking down a steep trail or by taking a boat tour. The hike is challenging, especially on the way back up. Boat tours offer a more direct route to Kealakekua Bay.
The hike down is generally considered easy, but the hike back up is quite steep and can be strenuous. It's recommended for those in good physical condition.
No, you cannot drive directly to the monument. Access is either via the hiking trail or by boat.
Parking is available at the trailhead for the hike down to the monument. Arrive early, as it can get busy.
Many tour operators offer boat trips to Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling and visiting the monument. Fair Wind Cruises is a popular option mentioned by visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to visit the Captain Cook Monument itself. However, boat tours will have their own pricing.
Kealakekua Bay is a marine life conservation district, and while there isn't a direct entrance fee to the bay, some activities like boat tours will incur costs.
The area is generally accessible during daylight hours. Boat tours operate on their own schedules.
Landing on the shore is generally not allowed for those arriving by sea, which is why the hike is a popular alternative for direct access.
Yes, kayaking to the monument is a great option for easier access to snorkeling spots. Some rentals are available.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The main activities are snorkeling in the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, exploring the marine life, and learning about the historical significance of the monument.
Snorkeling is excellent at Captain Cook Monument, with abundant and diverse marine life visible in the clear, calm waters. It's often described as swimming in a giant aquarium.
You can expect to see schools of colorful fish, coral reefs, and potentially other marine creatures in Kealakekua Bay.
No, the site is completely undeveloped. There are no lifeguards, restrooms, food stalls, or trash bins. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
It can get crowded, especially when tour boats are anchored offshore. However, the area is large enough that it doesn't always feel overly packed. Visiting in the morning or on weekdays can help avoid peak times.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the white obelisk against the blue bay, the vibrant underwater world while snorkeling, and the panoramic views from the hiking trail.
Be cautious with electronics. While many visitors bring phones and cameras, the environment is natural and exposed. Consider waterproof cases.
Absolutely! The clear waters make for fantastic underwater photography. Just be mindful of your equipment and the environment.
There are no specific restrictions on photography at the monument itself, but always be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
Mornings often offer calmer waters and softer light for photography. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful lighting, especially around sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the bay, the calm, clear waters are fantastic for supervised snorkeling. The abundance of fish is captivating for children. However, be extra vigilant with food, as mongoose are known to be bold and quick to snatch snacks. Pack light and secure all belongings.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own snorkel gear to save on rental fees. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water to avoid purchasing expensive items on tours or at potential concessions (which don't exist here).
💑 Couples
The stunning natural beauty of the bay and the historical significance of the monument provide a unique backdrop for memorable photos and shared experiences. Enjoy a peaceful snorkel together in the vibrant underwater world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Captain Cook's Arrival
His final landing in Hawaii was at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island. While initially met with curiosity, the relationship between Cook and the Hawaiians eventually deteriorated, leading to a confrontation where Captain Cook was killed in 1779. The monument at Kealakekua Bay stands as a stark reminder of this pivotal and tragic moment in history.
Discussions online often touch upon the complex legacy of Captain Cook, acknowledging his navigational achievements while also recognizing the impact of European colonization on indigenous cultures.
Snorkeling and Marine Life in Kealakekua Bay
The bay's protected status ensures a thriving ecosystem. Common sightings include colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins. The calm conditions, especially in the mornings, make it ideal for both novice and experienced snorkelers. Many tour boats anchor offshore, allowing visitors to enjoy the underwater world without feeling overly crowded.
When snorkeling, it's crucial to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral ecosystem. Visitors are also encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings and avoid touching or disturbing the marine life.
The Hike to the Monument: What to Expect
Hikers should be prepared for the elements. The trail is often exposed to the sun, making a hat and sunglasses essential. Bringing plenty of water is non-negotiable, as there are no facilities along the path. Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes or water shoes, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
Despite the exertion, the hike offers rewarding views of the bay and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the monument and the pristine snorkeling spot makes the effort worthwhile for many adventurers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit