Kealakekua Bay, Big Island

Few other spots have as much historical meaning as Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island’s Kona Coast. This is where Captain James Cook (the British explorer who discovered the Hawaiian Islands in 1778) docked during his second voyage to the Hawaiian Islands in January 1779, and where he was tragically killed a month later in a conflict between his crew and the Hawaiians. In 1878, a 27-foot white obelisk was erected in his honor near the location where he was killed.

But for most visitors, the real treasures are the coral reefs that slope beautifully from the shore into the water. The coral reef is biologically significant, and the bay has been declared a Marine Life Conservation District in 1969. The reef is home to a large variety of fish and other sea creatures, many of which swarm close to shore. Needless to say, Kealakekua Bay is a favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers.

At the northern coastline is a sheer cliff (Pali-kapu-o-Keoua). On the cliff's face, many lava tube openings are visible, some of which are ancient Hawaiian burial caves. Within the bay, the Napo'opo'o area is shallow and has little coral, but the diving conditions improve farther out. The area between the Napo'opo'o landing and the southern tip of Manini Beach Point is the most beautiful in this area, featuring caves, crevices, ledges and spectacular corals in waters up to about 30 feet (9 m) deep.
 
On the bay’s northeastern side below the cliffs, the snorkeling conditions are good on calm days. There water here is about 5 feet (1.5 m) deep and is home to many corals and a variety of marine animals.

The best diving can be done in Ka'awaloa Cove (near the Cook Monument) where depths range from about 5 to 120 feet (1.5 to 36.5 m). Here, the diversity of coral and fish is exceptional, and the fish are quite tame.
 
Kayaking is also a popular activity. The bay stretches out for miles, and the water is calm and clear for most of the year. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the curious spinner dolphins that visit the bay occasionally. A more common sight is the green sea turtle, a regular visitor at many Big Island beaches.

To add to its historic charm, Kealakekua Bay maintains a mystic atmosphere that leaves visitors enthralled. Access to the beach is only via water or a long, rough footpath, which keeps it quiet and uncrowded on most days. Kealakekua Bay is about one mile (1.6 km) wide.

The bay was settled over a thousand years ago and there are many archaeological and historical sites in the surrounding area, such as heiaus (Hawaiian temples). The bay was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 as the Kealakekua Bay Historical District.

Since this is a Marine Life Conservation District, the following activities are prohibited:

To fish for, take, or injure marine life (including eggs).
To take or alter any sand, coral, or other geological feature or specimen.
To engage or attempt to engage in fish feeding.
Note: anchoring of boats is prohibited in Subzone A. In Subzone B, anchors may only be dropped onto sand or in such a way as to avoid damage to coral.

Kealakekua Bay in Bullet Points

• Captain Cook Monument is located here
• Excellent snorkeling and diving location
• Marine Life Conservation District

Kealakekua Bay Facilities (top)

• Showers and restrooms (at Napo'opo'o Beach Park)
• No lifeguards

Kealakekua Bay Water Activities

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Kayaking
• Boating

Kealakekua Bay Driving Directions / Location

Kealakekua Bay is located about 30 minutes south of Kailua-Kona. The only access by car is to Napo'opo'o Beach, which is located on the bay's eastern shoreline. From Kailua-Kona, take Hwy 11 south to the Napo'opo'o turn-off (about 18 miles), then turn right and drive 4 miles to the bay. Ka'awaloa Cove, at the bay's northern end, can be accessed only by boat, and a number of dive tours operate in the area.

Address: Manini Beach Rd., Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704

Kealakekua Bay Map (top)

Kealakekua Bay Weather (top)

Now 76°F Windchill: 76°F Partly Cloudy

Location: Captain Cook, HI, US Wind: 9 mph W Humidity: 64% Visibility: 0.1 mi Pressure: 30.04 in rising Sunrise: 6:34 am Sunset: 5:33 pm

Sat Hi: 80°F Low: 70°F Sunny

Sun Hi: 81°F Low: 69°F Mostly Sunny

Kealakekua Bay Photos (click to enlarge) (top)

Kealakekua Bay Reviews and Comments (top)

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Kelly

Posted 608 days ago

My favorite way to get to Kealakekua Bay is on the Fair Wind II, a double-decker catamaran that has been visiting the bay for snorkel expeditions for over thirty years. The crew is fantastic, helpful and friendly, and the experience of being on the bay on the boat, with the barbeque and water slide and all the folks just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery, is something everyone should be able to do!

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Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any on the beach). Please click here to read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.