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Captain Cook Monument
Captain James Cook was the British naval explorer who first brought Europeans to the Hawaiian Islands in 1778. Upon his return a year later, the Hawaiians killed him at the picturesque Kealakekua Bay. A century after he first reached the island, a 27-foot (8-meter) tall monument was erected in his honor. Today the monument is a popular destination for history fans and adventurers alike.
Situated in a remote bay, the monument isn’t easy to reach. The spire stands alone against a rocky cliff, and must be reached by hiking or by sea. Get up early and rent a kayak, the most popular method for reaching the monument. Those who arrive early enough have the chance to see dolphins playing in water nearby, or the iconic Hawaiian sea turtles that the area is known for. You can rent a kayak on the Hawaii Belt Road prior to the turnoff to the bay.
Chartered boats are also available in the area and offer a relaxing alternative to kayaking. Many of these tour operators include lunch in the program. Jump off the boat to experience the excellent snorkeling opportunities. Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary and so fishing is prohibited.
Trek across the rugged landscape to reach the monument by land. The 4.25-mile (7-kilometer) hike takes you through stunning scenery. Reaching the monument is a rewarding experience. Be sure to bring your swimming costume because after this hike you’ll want to cool off in the water.
Kealakekua Bay is located approximately 30 minutes by car from Kailua-Kona. Parking is available at Napo’opo’o Beach, from where you can choose to travel on foot or by boat to reach the monument. There is no fee to visit the Captain Cook Monument.
Want to make your time spent at Captain Cook Monument even more unforgettable? Don't miss the chance to try some of these activities:
- Afternoon Captain Cook Snorkel Express
- Deluxe Capt. Cook AM Snorkel & Dolphin Watch
- Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument Snorkel & Sail
- South Kona Snorkeling Adventure
For more things to do, have a look at our Captain Cook things to do page.
Guide to Exploring around Captain Cook Monument
Best Lodging Options Near Captain Cook Monument
Per night/room
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Manago Hotel
82-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HISituated in Captain Cook, this hotel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Kona Coffee Living History Farm and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Captain Cook Monument. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Kealakekua Bay are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Oceanfront 3br, Breathtaking Views 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Home
82-6017 Manini Beach Rd, Captain Cook, HISituated in Captain Cook, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Kapahukapu Manini Beach and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away.
Rainbow Plantation B&B
81-6327 B Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua, HISituated near the airport, this guesthouse is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Kona Coffee Living History Farm and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Captain Cook Monument. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and H.N. Greenwell Store Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Gingerhill Farm Retreat
81-6467 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HISituated by the ocean, this farm stay is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Kealakekua Bay. Captain Cook Monument and Kona Le'a Plantation are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Mermaid Dreams
81-1031 Keopuka Mauka Road, Kealakekua, HISituated near the beach, this romantic bed & breakfast is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Greenwell Farms and within 3 mi (5 km) of Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument. Kapahukapu Manini Beach and Painted Church are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Per night/room
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Ka'awaloa Plantation Bed & Breakfast
82-5990 Napoopoo Road, Captain Cook, HISituated near the beach, this bed & breakfast is within 3 mi (5 km) of Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, and Kealakekua Bay. Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative and H.N. Greenwell Store Museum are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Ka'awa Loa Plantation Guesthouse and Retreat
82-5990 Napoopoo Road, Captain Cook, HISituated near the airport, this boutique bed & breakfast is within 3 mi (5 km) of Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, and Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum and Greenwell Farms are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Per night/room
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Kona Palace in Captain Cook
82-5815 Napoopoo Rd., Captain Cook, HISituated in the historical district, this bed & breakfast is within 3 mi (5 km) of Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative, Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, and Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Kealakekua Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).