Along the dramatic South Kona coastline of Hawaii Island stands one of the Big Island’s most recognizable landmarks: the Captain Cook Monument. Rising 27 feet above the northern shore of Kealakekua Bay, the white obelisk commemorates British explorer Captain James Cook, who died here on February 14, 1779. The monument was erected in 1874, but the history of Kealakekua Bay stretches back centuries before Cook’s arrival.
Today, this historic destination is also surrounded by some of the most spectacular snorkeling waters in Hawaii.
Snorkeling Below the Captain Cook Monument
The waters surrounding the monument are part of the Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District, which has been protected since 1969. These protections have helped preserve healthy coral gardens and an impressive variety of marine life.
Visibility can frequently reach 60 to 80 feet, creating exceptional conditions for seeing colorful tropical fish and other marine species beneath the surface.
For visitors, getting to the monument is part of the adventure. There is no convenient road leading directly to this isolated section of coastline. Visitors can hike, kayak under appropriate conditions and regulations, or arrive comfortably by boat.
Sea Paradise offers daily morning and afternoon snorkel tours departing from historic Keauhou Bay. Guests travel along the Kona Coast aboard the Hoku Nui, Sea Paradise’s spacious 50-foot catamaran, before entering the clear waters near the monument.
The Hoku Nui offers a much different experience than traveling aboard a small rigid inflatable boat. Its size, stability and spacious deck allow guests to relax and enjoy the coastline while Sea Paradise’s experienced crew helps prepare everyone for their snorkeling adventure.
More Than a Snorkeling Destination
A visit to the Captain Cook Monument brings together Hawaiian history, marine conservation and the natural beauty of the Kona Coast.
Guests aren’t simply traveling somewhere to snorkel. They are visiting one of the most historically significant bays in Hawaii while exploring a thriving marine ecosystem.
After more than 40 years of taking guests onto Kona waters, Sea Paradise continues to introduce visitors to this extraordinary destination from the comfort of the Hoku Nui.
When choosing a Captain Cook snorkeling adventure, remember that boats and experiences are not all the same. Look for the Hoku Nui and Sea Paradise name, and don’t be misled by imitators.
For travelers searching for an unforgettable combination of history, scenery and snorkeling on the Big Island, the waters surrounding the Captain Cook Monument deserve a place near the top of the list.
