Captain Cook Monument at a Glance
On January 17, 1779, Captain James Cook and his crew docked
on Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, amidst a religious
local festival. The Hawaiians, thinking they were returning
gods, gave them a warm welcome and held feasts in their
honor. After a while, they realized Cook and his men were
mere mortals and killed him on the very spot where they
arrived. Today, a monument stands on Kealakekua to recall
the day Cook set foot on Hawaii and made it known to the
world.
The Captain Cook Monument is a major landmark on the Kona
Coast. Rising up against the sky, the tall white spire strikes
a beautiful contrast against its natural surroundings—the
rugged ground, the high cliffs, and the rich vegetation
in the distance. A plaque rests on the base of the structure,
telling the story of his arrival and death on the islands.
The monument faces the bay to the east and is a popular
meeting place for tourists. From here, you can reach several
entry points into the water and go swimming, diving, or
snorkeling. The bay is home to one of the best underwater
scenes on the island, with colorful reefs and a large marine
ecosystem thriving in its depths.
Captain Cook Monument can only be reached on foot or via
water. Kayaking is a great way to reach the area, as it
takes you on a long, scenic route along the bay. There is
also a snorkel cruise to Kealakekua, a four-hour trip that
takes you around the coast and stops at the best reef spots.
Captain Cook Monument in Bullet Points
Captain Cook Monument Location
Address: Puuhonua Beach Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Captain Cook Monument Map (top)
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Captain Cook Weather (top)
Now
78°F
Windchill:
78°F
Fair
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Location: Captain Cook, HI, US
Wind: 22 mph N
Humidity: 54%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 29.96 in falling
Sunrise: 6:29 am
Sunset: 6:35 pm
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Fri
Hi: 79°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy
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Sat
Hi: 80°F
Low: 70°F
Partly Cloudy
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Captain Cook Monument Photos (click to enlarge)
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Captain Cook Monument Reviews and Comments
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