Big Island Town Guide

Captain Cook

Captain Cook is a South Kona town above Kealakekua Bay, known for Kona coffee farms, hillside views, small shops and access to nearby historic and coastal sites.

Plan Your Visit
Captain Cook

Captain Cook, Big Island

The small town of Captain Cook is located in the land division of Kealakekua on the Big Island's west shore. It is named after Captain Cook, the circumnavigator who landed here in January 1779 and was killed a month later.

Captain Cook has a few cozy B&Bs and small shops, including kayak rentals, a gas station and grocery store. It is the last of the "big" towns in this area (further south are just small villages and scattered houses) and the gateway to attractions in this part of the island. Snorkeling, fishing, sailing, sightseeing and scuba diving are the main activities in this area.

If you are in here in March, visit the yearly Kona Stampede Rodeo at the Honaunau Rodeo Grounds, located at the road leading down to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. It's a nice event where you can watch local cowboys in action.

Key Features

South Kona town above Kealakekua Bay
Located along the Mamalahoa Highway area
Known for Kona coffee farms and hillside views
Named for Captain James Cook
Near Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
Close to Honaunau and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Small shops, cafes and farm stops are found around the town area
Good base for South Kona sightseeing, coffee country and coastal history
Population: 3,253 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96704

Featured selection

Vacation rentals in Captain Cook / Kealakekua

Explore Captain Cook / Kealakekua rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the town called Captain Cook?

The town name refers to Captain James Cook, the British explorer who died at nearby Kealakekua Bay in 1779. The name became attached to the upland South Kona community above the bay.

How is Captain Cook connected with Kona coffee?

The town is in the Kona coffee belt, where elevation, volcanic soil, sunny mornings and afternoon cloud cover help shape coffee-growing conditions on the slopes above the coast.

What is the relationship between Captain Cook and Kealakekua Bay?

Captain Cook is the upland town, while Kealakekua Bay is below along the coast. Many visitors use the town area as a waypoint before heading toward bay overlooks, tours or nearby historic sites.

What makes South Kona different from resort areas farther north?

South Kona has more hillside farms, older roads, coffee country scenery and smaller communities. It feels less resort-focused than the Kohala Coast or central Kailua-Kona areas.

What nearby history adds context to Captain Cook?

Kealakekua Bay, the Captain Cook Monument and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park all reflect how important this part of Kona was in Hawaiian history and early European contact.