snorkel captain cook monument at kealakekua bay

Read more about the state park on the official state park website. All Rights Reserved. The best parking is before you reach the trailhead on either side of the road. About 1/10th of a mile from the intersection, on the right, across the street from three large palm trees, is the trailhead. If you have your own boat and happen to see dolphins, please observe the following guidelines: You can find more information at the NOAA protect dolphins campaign. You cannot reach the monument by car but it is possible to either hike to the monument or to get there over water (either by kayak or with asnorkeling tour). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Getting out of the water is trickier. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. Snorkeling Captain Cook Monument by boat touris our favorite way to get there. The result is a virtual swimming pool, offering the best snorkel conditions any time of day throughout the year. The center of the bay is deep and you can often find a pod of spinner dolphins that use the bay as resting grounds (read more on how to behave around wild dolphins). Offshore from these shallows the coral reef gradually drops off again. Otherwise, the best place to enter is from the concrete wall that is just below the monument. This protection means that fishing and other consumptive uses are prohibited or severely limited so that all aquatic live can grow and reproduce. Visiting a coffee farm for a tour is a great way to learn more about (and taste!) Fortunately the other couple wanted the same itinerary as us, Captain Cook Monument snorkeling. You can just see the trail in the picture below, cutting from the center top to the left, and back down to the right. Dont touch it and be careful not to break it with your swim fins. The bays best diving however is on the (more protected) other side of the bay, in Kaawaloa Cove (near the monument). Ensure you find some of the best snorkeling sites in Hawaii on this sail and snorkel adventure leaving from Keauhou Bay Pier. There are a good number of fish here, but there are not many healthy shallow corals. Vibrant fringing reef with sea turtles and spinner dolphins, Marine reserve with a fringing reef and many fish, Reef drop off and sandy beds with sea turtles, Immersed volcanic crater with coral, reef fish and turtles, Localize and discover the best snorkeling spots in more than 50 destinations worldwide. The top of the coral shelf is about 20 feet deep before the drop off, the topography in this area is fantastic, and there are a lot of fish in good variety. The trips on the larger boats are often more relaxing and comfortable, and the smaller motor boats and inflatables are more adventurous and physically challenging. Exclusive tour permit to launch and land on both sides of the bay has a limit of 12 guests per guided tour. You may not be able to explore the entire area we are describing. The dry lava fields change into lush green forests and coffee plantations and there are many great snorkeling and diving spots along the coast, plenty of scenic stops, and also a fantastic national park. Kaleiopapa St, Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee. Fish are plentiful, colorful and swarm over a well-developed reef that slopes steeply from the shore into the nearby deep water, making it easy to see different kinds of reef in a relatively short time. Schools of colorful tropical fish play hide and seek among delicate filigree forests of pale purple, pink, and white coral architecture and dark fingers of pillow lava. In fact, Hidden Hawaii describes Kealakekua Bay as an outstanding snorkeling spot with technicolor coral reefs and an array of tropical fish species.. Cook monument is challenging and not particularly scenic. Kailua, HI 96740. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us. Please stay safe and treat the dolphins with aloha observe them from a distance. During a Kona coffee tour you are typically shown around the plantation to see the growing coffee in the field. This is best done with some shoes on your feet. Most of the companies offer a morning or afternoon trip. All of the rental companies have a private beach on Kealakekua Bay that you will be able to launch from. To get to the beginning of the path, take Highway 11 from Kailua-Kona and head south for about 12 miles. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws. These trips tend to cost a little more than the small motor boat or inflatable trips, and take more time. 3. Thank you for the wonderful memories! The main reason people make this hike is to reach the Kaawaloa Flats area without having to pay for renting a kayak a boat tour. The best snorkeling is on the northern (left on the picture) side of the bay. On the larger boats there is plenty of shade, comfortable seating, music, and great food. While effortlessly gliding through the refreshing waters, snorkelers often spot flame angelfish, butterflyfish, lizardfish, and other rarities. In this guide we explain how to get there, what to see and do, and more. FacilitiesThere are no facilities at Captain Cook. From the trailhead you need to hike 1.9 miles to the water entry point, and over that distance youll lose 1300 ft. (400 meters) in elevation. Note that you are not allowed to land your kayak at the Kaawaloa Flats (the piece of land on which the Captain Cook monument is located), which effectively means youd have to tie off your kayaks together while they float in the water and keep an eye on them while you are snorkeling. We got to see dolphins and snorkel with tons of tropical fish in a beautiful reef. Kealakekua Bay is one of the jewels of the south Kona district. We find that in front of the monument and to the right is a little more interesting than to the left. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and again, dont forget your snorkeling gear! Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes). Bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, comfortable and close-toed shoes, and, of course, snorkeling gear! After you are done snorkeling you have to make up for that elevation again. You will also need to find a safe place to launch your boat. This is the ideal place to take close-ups of a yellow longnose butterflyfish or a Hawaiian sergeant major (native to the area), even though the sea can be a bit rough due to the waves. The Captain Cook Monument is a 27 ft. tall white obelisk commemorating the explorer on the western shore of Kealakekua Bay. This explains why an MLCD is such a popular destination for snorkeling, diving and underwater photography. If you reached the Puuhonua, you would be pardoned and given a second chance at life. The following activities will give you a chance to explore the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay: Kealakekua bay is a 1-mile wide bay close to the town of Captain Cook on the Big Island. If you are taking a tour, we recommend going with the companies that can land at Captain Cook. Luckily there are other options. It now consists of a collection of rocks and, while not great for hanging out, it is reasonable for a quick swim and a good place for snorkeling. Parrotfish, triggerfish, wrasses, bluespotted groupers and shoals of yellow tang complete the picture. When visitor numbers are high, this is also the area where most of the tour guides moor their boats, so watch out for them. Take more water than you want to and dont forget your mosquito spray. We were able to find the dolphins and had a wonderful time. And depending on what type of adventure you want, and how in shape you are, it should be pretty easy to decide. Kailua, HI 96740, Click here to Book 4 days in advance to save $10, Click here to Learn more about snorkeling tours, Click here to Learn more about deluxe captain cook tour, Click here to Learn more about deluxe private charter, Click here to Learn more about night manta ray tour, Click here to Learn more about contact/directions, Click here to email CaptainCookSnorkelingCruises@gmail.com, Click here to view location Public Meeting Place: The bay hosts one of the most abundant coral reefs on the island and is located on the lush and tropical Kona coast. Also, the landing of too many kayaks at Captain Cook was causing damage to the reef. In this special place, thousands of ancient Hawaiians gathered for an annual celebration honoring their fertility god, Lono-i-ka-makahiki, during what is referred to as the makahiki festival. All the way around the little rocky point, under the steep cliffs, the reef gets less healthy and there are less fish. Set sail along the Kona You must be logged in to post a comment. Read more here. The best snorkeling spot, however, is on the opposite side of the bay from the parking area, in front of the Kaawaloa Flats (where the Captain Cook monument is located). The visibility snorkeling Captain Cook Monument is some of the clearest in all of the Hawaiian Islands; you can often see 100 feet. Directions to Captain Cook MonumentHike Trailhead. Make sure you explore the areas to the right and to the left of the monument (when facing the ocean) in turn, with a preference for the area to the left. Aloha Kayak Co. Get your ticket via Travelzoo and save $. In order to be a responsible snorkeler, be sure to respect the following rules when observing them: If you love snorkeling with sea turtle, Two Step is also an excellent snorkeling spot to encounter them on the Big Island. Added bonus: stellar snorkeling at two step, right next door! Geoff, the Captain, was friendly, knowledgeable, easy-going and, generally, a very kind human being. Two 15-Ft. Water Slides and Dive Platform. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. As the only underwater state park on Hawaiis Big Island, with no paved roads leading to its sparkling shore, this marine sanctuary boasts pristine water conditions. Species you may spot while snorkeling Captain Cook Monument, You can help us keep this page up-to-date by uploading your pictures to the photo gallery, or by sending us your comments via the contact form, Do not attempt to touch or ride sea turtles, Stay at a distance (6 to 10ft) from sea turtles, Avoid sudden movement and allow sea turtles plenty of space when they come up to the surface to breathe, Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District, Our top12 best snorkeling spots to see sea turtles, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see sharks, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see rays, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see starfish, Cration/Dveloppement twinbi | Agence web Paris. Kealakekua Bay is a piece of paradise, both on land and under water. Kaawaloa Cove, the spot with the best snorkeling at the bays northern boundary just north of the Captain Cook monument, can be accessed only by hiking in, or over the water. However, seeking out and trying to interact with the dolphins disturbs their natural behaviors and can interrupt much-needed rest periods. Many tours end with a (free) tasting of the coffee, very close to a showroom or visitor center where you can buy the local coffee if youd like to take some home. There are a few parking spaces on either side of the road near the path. At 3.7 miles (9 minutes by car) from the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park you can find one of our favorite places on the island to learn about the interesting cultural history of Hawaii: the Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park. Parking places are sparse here, which makes finding a spot difficult, especially during the hour before sunset. Body Glove cruises (departing from Kailua-Kona) organizes dinner cruises to the bay without the possibility of snorkeling. Sea turtles are a very familiar sight on many snorkeling spots in Hawaii, including Captain Cook Monument. In the protective embrace of a dark lava shoreline, an underwater world of magic and mystery is revealed. It makes for a much more relaxing experience. There is no parking anywhere near the best snorkeling waters though, so you have to jump through some proverbial hoops to get to where you want to be. The best option is generally to climb up the little ladders that the tour guides set up for their clients. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. If you are on an organized tour, drinks and snacks are generally included in the price (ask your tour guide for details). Also be aware that the state may start requiring permits to hike down to snorkel. Learn about the last battle stand at the Kuamoo Battlefield and view the Royal Holua Slide, the best and largest of its kind in the state! You can find a well-written account of these faithful events in an article on the Coffeetimes website called the demise of Captain Cook. From the monument, the only option is to take to the water from the concrete platform that runs along the shore. The following things are popular activities in the area: Manini Beach, halfway the eastern shore of the bay, is a GREAT place to see the sun set. We have hiked down this nearly two mile trail a few times, and it was fun. The small beach in the park next to the pavilion is known as Napoopoo Beach and was stripped of its sand by hurricane Iniki (back in 1992). The monument is the location where Captain Cook was killed by the local Hawaiians. Schools of colorful tropical fish play hide and seek among delicate filigree forests of pale purple, pink and white coral architecture and dark fingers of pillow lava. In fact, Hidden Hawaii describes Kealakekua Bay as an outstanding snorkeling spot with technicolor coral reefs and an array of tropical fish species.. Return to Big Island Snorkelingmain page, Copyright 2006-2022 Galen Piehl & Nicole Atkins The main things to do here are all water-related. In the protective embrace of a dark lava shoreline, an underwater world of magic and mystery is revealed. Sail to one of the best snorkeling spots on the island past the scenic Kona coastline with a spacious 50 foot trimaran from Keauhou to Kealakekua Bay. We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There are many great coffee farms close to Kealakekua bay, see our BIG list of Kona coffee farms to pick a favorite. Oh, did I mention we also had to carry all of our snorkel gear, lunch and plenty of water down and back up that hill? Abundant coral growth and marine life can be seen in waters of about 5 feet deep. Otherwise, climb up on the platform the best you can and take care not to hurt yourself. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. Use online promo code CAPTAINCOOKCRUISES when checking out. Move towards the deepest areas (14-26ft/4-8m), with a deep blue color, to see if you can catch sight of a green sea turtle resting on the seabed or swim along with a shoal of raccoon butterflyfish. Soon after arriving at the Captain Cook monument, turn right at the Napoopoo Road sign. You can see a good number of fish while snorkeling Captain Cook Monument in good variety. This Heiau is a well-preserved ancient temple in the park dedicated to the Hawaiian god Lono, but with a dark history: it was built as a place of human sacrifice. South of Kona the landscape becomes greener and the skies more cloudy. Kealakekua Bay hosts unique marine life not found anywhere else in Hawaii. There were illegal vendors renting kayaks at the Napoopoo Pier and a drug problem creating a seedy vibe that was not inviting. Up in the corner of the bay there is a rocky or sandy bottom in the shallows where we often see big schools of fish. Inside of Kealakekua Bay, the Captain Cook Monument stands tall as a way to commemorate the site in which the celebrated circumnavigator, Captain James Cook, perished in 1779. Note:This page is a sample from our popularBig Island Snorkeling Guide eBook available here. You will see that much of the shallow corals here were killed by the bleaching events in 2014 and 2015. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. Use the Table of Contents to jump ahead to the topic of your interest: An in-depth description of the (pre-contact) cultural history of Kealakekua Bay is not within the scope of our visitor guide, but if you are interesting in brushing up your your knowledge, you should definitely have a look at this 1992 resource study on historical sites on Hawaii island. Gradually, they have allowed more permits, and now you have two options for kayaking to Captain Cook to snorkel. this famous coffee. If you are staying somewhere that has a free kayak for your use, your vessel still needs a permit for use on Kealakekua Bay. You can either bring your own gear or to join a diving tour that handles all logistics for you, see our scuba diving guide for more information. We highly recommend snorkeling Captain Cook Monument. The monument was worth seeing and our guide made it so much more interesting! The most accessible part of it is on the north-eastern edge of the bay where you can find Nopoopoo Beach Park with a parking area, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, showers, and a water fountain. You dont need to move too far away from the shore since the water soon gets deeper. Our guide Geoff was the best! In general, visibility is excellent and the sea is calm, with almost no current. Count on spending at least one hour for a quick exploration of the park (preferably 2 or 3 hours), and another one or two hours to check out one of our other favorite snorkeling spots: Honaunau Bay (a.k.a. There are 3 ways to get close to this best snorkeling area: The hike down into Kealakekua bay to the Capt. A MLCD is a part of the ocean with an especially abundant reef habitat, where the fish population is given special protection against human interference. 1. MLCDs are thus home to a great variety of species, and the fish in these districts are fairly tame, often showing little fear of humans. Adding to the magic of Kealakekua Bay is its cultural and historical significance. But, you have to be in good shape for a serious climb. You can read more about both below: There are 11 Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs) in the state of Hawaii (5 of which are on the Big Island), and the 315 acre Kealakekua Bay MLCD is the largest of them all. You can combine all these things (and more) into a road-trip by following for example our 12-mile Coffee Country scenic drive. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. Tour operators are familiar with the best areas in the bay to see fish and corals, and some companies also include lunch in the price of the tour. Don't be fooled because the hike seems easy going down. We begin in Keauhou Bay, where Hawaiis longest-reigning monarch King Kamehameha III was born, and we will share with you stories of old Hawaii as we travel towards Kealakekua Bay. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. You are not required to get your own permit when renting a kayak if the vessel possesses a valid permit for transiting the bay. We may receive a small part of the sale, at no cost to you. It was also great to have only one other couple on board. Boat movement should be from the rear of the animal. The Npopoo area (at the dock, where youll most likely park your car) is generally shallow with little coral, but snorkeling gets better going south a few 100 feet (meters) toward the southern tip of Manini Beach Point. So, if you rent a kayak you will be getting in and out of it on the water and will need to tie it to yourself while you snorkel. See the state park website linked to above. Dolphins are very smart and playful mammals and it can seem like great fun for both parties to play with dolphins. The coral shelf begins in a couple feet of water right next to shore. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. Image source: @TioLuz on instagram. It is hot and tough coming back up. The small rocky beach (no sand) is located in front of Napoopoo park at the end of Manini Beach Rd, 0.4 miles from the Kealakekua Bay State Park. Kayaking to Captain Cook across Kealakekua Bayhas a long and controversial history. Pristine water and beautiful fish! If you swim away from the shore, you will soon come to the colorful, varied and well-preserved coral beds (7-16ft/2-5m), hosting red pencil urchins. Going north from the Npopoo area (the bays northeastern side), the waters below the pali (cliff) are good for snorkeling during calm water conditions. This structure was built in 1878 and is a white obelisk located at the Kaawaloa Flats, in the western portion of the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. The Coffee Shack overlooks Kealakekua Bay and serves great lunch and of course Kona coffee. The easiest way to enter the water for snorkeling Captain Cook Monument is from a boat if you came on one; though entering from a kayak can be a struggle, but will be necessary if you rent your own (read more below). New: the Love Oahu website with 40+ pages of planning tips. To reach the spot free of charge, you need to go down a very steep path (a 500-meter descent) with few amenities for visitors, below the main road. This is about a 1200 foot swim from the monument. All of Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine life conservation district, helping to preserve the health of the reef and the populations of fish for snorkeling Captain Cook Monument. See also: 1: An Overview of Maui 2: An Overview of Kauai 3: An overview of Lnai 4: An overview of Molokai 5: An Overview of Oahu, Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter Read our Blog. Kaleiopapa St, Mantas are attracted by bright lights, so our flashlights attract these gentle giants to us after sunset. Only these three companies, listed on the state park website, are allowed to use Napoopoo Pier for launching and can land at Ka'awaloa Flats on the Captain Cook side. Explore our unique snorkeling destination historic Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument! This is the lush and tropical Kona Coffee country, and a great place for a road trip! If you are interested in learning more about our MLCDs you can do so on the official DNLR website. Affiliate Disclosure: You are supporting our snorkeling habit by buying products or clicking ads on the websites we link to on this page. Boat tours are the easiest way to go snorkeling at Kealakekua bay. Tours leaving from Keauhou Bay, Honokohau Harbor or Kailua-Kona Pier, by canoe or by boat, are organized by many local guides. The exit is trickier unless the ladder is there. This happened in a conflict that could probably have easily been avoided with more knowledge of the Hawaiian culture. Geoff was great. You can also find the Hikiau Heiau in this park. This region is definitely worth a visit! From Kailua Kona drive south on either Highway 11 (Hawaii Belt Rd) or Ali'i Drive (which becomes Mamalahoa Bypass). The snorkeling is along the shore to the left and right of the white obelisk of the monument. We had a wonderful time! Join us aboard our 34 vessel at beautiful Keauhou Bay. The local ecosystem in Kealakekua Bay is suffering under its own popularity, and the Division of State Parks now issues mandatory permits for people seeking to take a vessel on the waters of the bay to prevent further damage to the shoreline and coral reef. The state has permitted three tour companies to lead trips across the bay. The water is calmer and there is more sea life in the mornings, so that is the best time to go. High up above the cliffs over the bay is the trailhead for the Ka'awaloa Trail. Take Napo'opo'o Road from here. There is a large lawn and a point that extends into the bay from which you have a great view of the setting sun. Note that there is no lifeguard on duty. The west coast of the Big Island is one of the archipelagos richest in coral. And the trail is quite rocky and gets slippery when it is wet. The most important thing you can do is respecting the resting behaviors of the spinner dolphins during their peak resting period between ~10.00 and ~14.00. After 12 or 13 miles respectively, you will come to an intersection between Highway 11, Mamalahoa Bypass, and Napo'opo'o Road (160). 1. You can read more about this park on our website. The signpost is hard to spot. 1992 resource study on historical sites on Hawaii island, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, click here to go to our instagram account, BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours and Tastings on the Big Island, Important note on how to behave around the. The easiest way to visit Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling or diving is as part of one of the many snorkel tours to the Captain Cook Monument. Interested? Chat with the captain about the days adventures then sit back and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the Kona coast, cliffs, lava tubes and sea caves. Join us on an amazing Kona Manta Ray encounter. While it is possible to obtain your own permit, it is a non-trivial process that takes a few weeks to complete (contact the State Parks office in Hilo at (808) 961-9540 for more information). Nowadays this well-known explorer is remembered through one of the major landmarks on the south Kona coast: the 27 ft. tall Captain Cook monument. And surprisingly the land around it is British soil. Combine this difficult hike with a couple hours of snorkeling in the middle, and you have two very worn out people. The trailhead for the hike to the monument is only a few hundred feed after this intersection, while you need to follow Npopoo Road another 4.5 miles (7 km) to its end to get to the eastern shoreline of the bay. By continuing, you consent to our use of Cookies. It takes 45 minutes to go down, and an hour to go back up again. Turn back at this point. Past the rocky point, about 600 feet from the monument, it gets really deep and more exposed, so dont go there. Public Meeting Place: Kayaking from the boat landing to the statue takes between 15 and 25 minutes (one way). Directly in front of the monument, the drop off is sudden, but if you keep swimming to the right, the coral shelf gets a little wider. Be aware that if you come on a boat tour, they may limit the area you are allowed to snorkel. It was perfect and fun! 78-7130 Keauhou Harbor Tours operators that follow the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii (more info) guidelines are e.g. As of June 2019 it is mandatory for the permitted vessels to have the State Parks issued decals affixed to both sides of kayak bows so please also check for that to ensure that you support only permitted businesses. This can be done either by joining a guided Kayak tour or by renting a kayak yourself. If the winds or swell are out of the south or west, it may be too rough to snorkel here. The Captain Cook Monument is on the rocky north shore ofKealakekua Baysouth of Kona, inaccessible directly by car.

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