Things to do nearCaptain James Cook Monument
The Captain James Cook Monument marks the exact shoreline in Captain Cook, Hawaii where the famed British explorer met his end, drawing history enthusiasts and snorkelers alike to one of the coast's most dramatic coves.
Kealakekua Bay, where the Captain James Cook Monument stands, holds a layered significance that goes well beyond the famous name attached to it. The bay was a sacred place for Native Hawaiians long before European contact, serving as a center of religious ceremony and a sheltered fishing ground for the communities of the Kona coast. When Cook and his crew aboard the Resolution and Discovery arrived in January 1779, they were received with great ceremony, their arrival coinciding with the Makahiki festival season. Relations deteriorated during a subsequent visit, and a dispute over a stolen cutter escalated into a violent confrontation on the morning of February 14, 1779, leaving Cook dead on the lava shoreline.
The white granite obelisk erected by the crew of a later British vessel marks that spot and remains, technically, a small piece of land under British jurisdiction maintained by the UK government. Today the bay is a protected marine sanctuary, and the waters around the Captain James Cook Monument teem with spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and an extraordinary density of reef fish. Snorkeling here ranks among the finest experiences on the island, with visibility often exceeding sixty feet over healthy coral formations.
The surrounding hillsides hold the ruins of Hikiau Heiau, a Hawaiian temple platform where Cook himself once participated in a ceremony, adding further historical texture to the visit. The combination of natural beauty, marine life, and genuine historical resonance makes the Captain James Cook Monument a place that rewards visitors who take the time to arrive thoughtfully and linger.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Captain James Cook Monument
Visit by kayak from the north end of the bay for the most direct and scenic approach, as the monument is not reachable by road.
Arrive in the early morning when the water is calmest and the bay's coral reef is most active with fish and sea turtles.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a snorkel mask, as the waters immediately surrounding the monument are among the clearest and most biodiverse on the Big Island.
Wear sturdy water shoes, since the lava shelf where the monument stands is uneven and can be slippery near the waterline.
Hike the Napoopoo Trail from the top of the ridge if you prefer reaching the site on foot, and carry more water than you think you will need for the steep return climb.
Top tours & experiences near Captain James Cook Monument
Snorkel Kealakekua & Honaunau Bays From Kona
Snorkel two Kona favorites in one 4-hour trip
Morning Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Paddle calm Kealakekua Bay at dawn and snorkel pristine reefs with a certified local guide.
Guided Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Kealakekua Bay
Paddle and snorkel Kealakekua Bay with a certified guide—check in at 11:30am
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Cruise From Kailua-Kona
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay with gear, snacks, and drinks included
Captain Cook Monument Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
Discover vibrant reefs and marine life on a small-group guided snorkel adventure with snacks and gear included
Kona Coast Helicopter Tour & Kona Joe Coffee Visit
Fly the Kona coast and land at Kona Joe’s Coffee for a roastery tour
Kona Coast Historical Dinner Cruise
Dine on Hawaiian cuisine as a historian brings the Kona Coast to life at sunset
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay on a Private Kona Charter
Charter a Kona boat to snorkel Captain Cook Monument
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
Cruise from Kailua-Kona to snorkel Captain Cook Monument with drinks and gear included
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Monument Tour
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay on a slower-paced trip for new snorkelers
Whale and Dolphin Watch, Sea Caves & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel
Ride a Zodiac to coral reefs and sea caves, with chances to spot dolphins and whales in Kealakekua Bay.
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Dolphin & Whale Watch Cruise
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay with dolphin watch and BBQ lunch on board
Kealakekua Bay Guided Reef Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay with a naturalist captain and lunch included
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Monument Tour
Ride the Kona coast to snorkel Kealakekua Bay by the Captain Cook Monument
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Sail
Sail the Kona Coast and snorkel Kealakekua Bay with gear, breakfast, and lunch included
Afternoon Sailing & Snorkeling Tour in Kailua-Kona
Sail the Kona Coast and snorkel Kealakekua Bay’s marine sanctuary
Sail & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary
Morning catamaran sail and snorkel in Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary
51' Luxury Sailing Catamaran Charter in Kailua-Kona
Customize a private Kona yacht day with snorkeling and seasonal wildlife
Private 4-Hour Snorkel Charter in Kailua-Kona
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay on a private charter with food, drinks, and gear included
3-Hour Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour From Kailua-Kona
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay and explore sea caves on a 3-hour raft tour
3-Stop South Kona Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel 3 South Kona sites, including Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay
4-Hour Kona Morning Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay on a small-group morning raft tour
4-Hour Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Cruise From Kona
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay and cruise the Kona Coast from Honokohau Harbor
Snorkel Pu&39;uhonua O Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay
Snorkel two Kona Coast bays on a covered boat with snacks and lunch
3.5-Hour Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour From Kona
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay and cruise the Kona coastline in 3.5 hours
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour From Kailua-Kona
Ride a fast Zodiac to Kealakekua Bay to snorkel and explore sea caves
Morning Guided Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Kealakekua Bay
Paddle to Captain Cook Monument, then snorkel with quality gear included
Private Kona Coast Snorkeling Charter
Private Kona coast snorkel charter with guided stops and a catered meal
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Reef & Dolphin Cruise
Cruise to Kealakekua Bay to snorkel the reef and spot spinner dolphins