Kealakekua Bay

The Basics

Kealakekua Bay is one of the most popular day trips from Kailua-Kona. Most visitors arrive by tour for snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin watching, or learning about the site’s historical significance over a Hawaiian-style meal. The protected waters are often ideal for swimming, often alongside dolphins, tropical fish, and a range of other marine life. Don’t overlook the Captain Cook Monument, a white obelisk commemorating Captain James Cook, who was killed in a skirmish with Native Hawaiians in February 1779.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Kealakekua Bay is a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

• A small park near the beach offers a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a water fountain.

• Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.

• No lifeguards are on duty in the bay, so swim at your own risk.

• Most snorkeling tours include all necessary snorkel gear.

How to Get There

Kealakekua Bay sits on the Big Island’s western Kona Coast, within the protected Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. If you don’t have a rental car to drive there yourself, the easiest way to visit is through an organized tour from Kailua-Kona.

When to Get There

Since much of the appeal of Kealakekua Bay lies in its turquoise waters, plan to visit on a warm, sunny day. For the best chance to spot spinner dolphins near the shore, opt for an evening cruise along the Kona Coast.

Kayaking to Kealakekua Bay

Due to the growing popularity of Kealakekua Bay (and the risk that popularity poses to the underwater ecosystem), kayakers wishing to land boats along the shoreline have to get a permit ahead of time. Most guided kayak tours and kayak rentals already include the necessary permits, but it’s a good idea to check.

Ways to explore

Kealakekua Bay is one of the most popular day trips from Kailua-Kona. Most visitors arrive by tour for snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin watching, or learning about the site’s historical significance over a Hawaiian-style, ship-side meal. The protected waters are usually ideal for swimming, often alongside dolphins, tropical fish, and a range of other marine life.

For some, the Captain Cook Monument—a white obelisk commemorating Captain James Cook, who was killed in a skirmish with locals in February 1779—is synonymous with Kealakekua Bay. Most visitors will arrive on a boat tour, though intrepid hikers are welcome to head to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park to trek the 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) trail down to the monument.

Accessibility

Many visitors will reach the bay via boat tour; for those on foot, the trail down to the Captain Cook Monument is challenging, with a 1,300-foot (400-meter) incline.

Age limits

Up to parental discretion

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, and any necessary gear for hiking, swimming, or snorkeling

What to wear

Boat shoes, hat for shade, sunglasses

Not allowed

Alcoholic beverages, ATVs, unpermitted kayaking and canoeing

Amenities

Restrooms (at the Napoʻopoʻo section of the historical site), showers, a picnic pavilion, grills, and water fountains

Address

Kealakekua Bay is about 30 minutes south of Kailua-Kona. You can visit the south end (Napo’opo’o Beach) by car, but the northern section with the Captain Cook Monument—which includes the best snorkeling—is only accessible by hiking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour.

Driving

To reach Kealakekua Bay by car, take Highway 11 south from Kailua-Kona for about 12–13 miles (19–20 kilometers) until you reach the Napo’opo’o Road turn-off (near mile-marker 111). Turn right onto Napo’opo’o Road and follow it for about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) as it winds down toward the coast until you reach Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

Public transportation

Take the Hele-On Bus from Kailua-Kona heading toward Captain Cook. Get off at the Captain Cook intersection and walk down Napo’opo’o Road, which, unfortunately, is about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) downhill.

Best times to visit

Mornings are best for good weather and water visibility, while afternoons are better for smaller crowds. Early morning usually offers calmer waters and better visibility for snorkeling, while late afternoon visits mean fewer tour boats in the bay.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. For kayaking or snorkeling tours, ask about avoiding times when larger boats bring visitors to the bay.

Best months to visit

April through October is considered the dry season, which usually means calmer ocean conditions and better visibility for snorkeling. September–October is great for that shoulder-season vibe, too.

Special events

Events aren’t what the area is known for, but the Makahiki season, the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival, runs through February—the same month Captain Cook met his untimely end.