Captain Cook Monument
Been here? Tap to stamp
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
Big Island Captain Cook
Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District on the Kona coast. The Captain Cook Monument stands at Kaʻawaloa, across the bay from Nāpōʻopoʻo. Captain James Cook was killed here in 1779.
Plan water access and land access separately. State Parks lists the Kaʻawaloa Trail and authorized guided kayak tours as ways to reach the land by the monument. A vessel transit permit alone does not allow landing there. Check current park notices before choosing a route.
State Parks requires a valid transit permit for every vessel in Kealakekua Bay, including boats and kayaks. Individuals may transit in a permitted vessel. If renting a kayak, you do not obtain a separate permit, but must confirm with its owner that the vessel has a valid permit. A transit permit does not authorize landing at Kaʻawaloa. Do not launch from Nāpōʻopoʻo wharf without separate DLNR written approval.
State Parks lists two ways to reach the land at Kaʻawaloa, where the Captain Cook Monument stands: hike the historic Kaʻawaloa Trail or join an authorized guided kayak tour. Check the current State Parks instructions and authorized operator list before arranging your visit. Do not treat an ordinary kayak rental as permission to land by the monument.
Confirm a boat tour’s departure harbor, destination, duration, swimming requirements and inclusions before booking. Do not assume meals, a second snorkel stop or a shore landing are included. DLNR warns that high surf and kona storms can make the bay dangerous; Nāpōʻopoʻo Beach has no lifeguards. Check conditions and choose a shore-only visit when a water activity does not suit your group.
For the Kaʻawaloa Trail, plan for the return climb as well as the descent. Carry drinking water and choose another way to visit if the hike does not suit your group. Confirm current trail access and the route with State Parks before setting out.
