Napo'opo'o Beach Park, Big Island
A quaint historical charm surrounds the rugged landscape of Napo'opo'o Beach Park, a cultural gem on the Big Island's west shore, located at the southern end of Kealakekua Bay. This is where Captain James Cook first set foot on the Big Island of Hawaii on January 17, 1779 and where the first Christian service was held by his crew.
Just across the bay is the exact spot where he was killed less than a month later (today a 27-foot white obelisk is standing near the spot where he was killed, which can be seen from Napo'opo'o Beach Park). Every step on this peaceful beach is a walk through time, and every stone has a story to tell.
One of the highlights of this beach is the Hikiau Heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple site), a temple dedicated to the harvest god Lono. When Cook arrived here in 1779, the natives initially thought he and the other sailors were gods sent by Lono and that the large ships were newly formed islands. The heiau is accessible via a trail located behind the beach.
The shoreline is rocky, but walkable. Snorkeling at Napo'opo'o is good when the water is calm and clear. Like most beaches in the area, there is some interesting marine wildlife to observe, including green sea turtles. If you're lucky, you might spot some of them resting on the shore.
Napo'opo'o is also a popular spot for picnics and barbecues. There's plenty of shade in this 6-acre (24,281 sq. m) beach park, and you can find grills and tables throughout the park.
Napo'opo'o Beach Park Overview
- Shoreline is rocky - there is only a narrow strip of sand at the water's edge
- Popular beach park among visitors and local residents alike, despite its rocky shoreline
- Good snorkeling and diving when the ocean is calm
- Historic site nearby (Hikiau Heiau)
Location: Manini Beach Rd., Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704 Directions: From Kailua-Kona, take Highway 11 south. At Captain Cook (near Kealakekua Bay), turn right onto State Highway 160 (Napo'opo'o Road). Turn right onto Manini Beach Road.
