The World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay is one of the best snorkeling sites on Hawaii’s Big Island. The water sits inside a 315-acre Marine Life Conservation District protected since 1969, visibility frequently exceeds 60–80 feet, and the reef begins in just a few feet of water at the shoreline. There is no road access, so most snorkelers arrive by boat.
Sea Paradise Hawaii has run snorkel tours to the monument from Keauhou Bay since 1985, decades before newer competitors were founded. Our Morning and Afternoon Snorkel Tours both sail there aboard the Hoku Nui, a 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran spaciously designed for 49 guests. Here is what to know before you go.
Why Is the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay So Good for Snorkeling?
Protection, clarity and a shallow reef make the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay an exceptional snorkel site. Kealakekua Bay has been a 315-acre Marine Life Conservation District since 1969, and more than five decades of protection have allowed a dense reef community to thrive.
The coral shelf begins in just a few feet of water right at the shoreline, which is why first-time snorkelers do well here. Visibility frequently exceeds 60–80 feet.
In the water, snorkelers may see yellow tang, Moorish idols, parrotfish, moray eels, octopus, occasional non-aggressive whitetip reef sharks and humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Hawaii’s state fish. From the boat, guests may see Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), spinner dolphins and spotted eagle rays. Between December and April, humpback whales may be spotted during the sail. Wild animals keep their own schedule, so no sighting is ever guaranteed.
All snorkelers must know how to swim; non-swimmers may not enter the water. Swimming and water safety: For the safety of all guests, the captain and crew may reserve the right to remove a guest from the water, if they determine the guest’s swimming ability or current conditions pose a safety risk. All guests must follow Captain and crew instructions while participating in water activities.
Sea Paradise Hawaii is certified by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, and we provide reef-safe sunscreen on every tour to help keep this reef healthy.
Can You Drive to the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay?
No. The World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay sits at the base of steep volcanic cliffs with no road or beach access. Visitors reach it one of three ways: by boat, by kayak, or on a steep trail from Highway 11 that takes about 2.5 hours.
A boat is the simplest option, particularly for families and anyone who wants their energy for the water rather than the hike. Every Sea Paradise snorkel tour departs Keauhou Bay and follows the Kona Coast to the monument.
Many Kona snorkel tours make this trip on small rafts, inflatable boats or kayaks. The Hoku Nui is a 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran that gives guests a stable, comfortable platform for the trip, with shaded seating, two freshwater showers, two spacious restrooms/changing rooms and two wide staircases for easier water entry. For more on the bay itself, see our Kealakekua Bay guide.
What Is the History of the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay?
The World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay is a 27-foot white obelisk erected in 1874. Its inscription records that Captain James Cook, the British explorer, “died on this spot, February 14th, 1779, aged 50 years.”
The bay’s story runs far deeper than Cook’s arrival. Kealakekua Bay was an important center of Hawaiian life long before 1779, and that history is part of what makes a visit here more than a swim over a pretty reef. Read the full story of the obelisk and the site in our Captain Cook Monument guide.
Which Sea Paradise Tours Snorkel the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay?
Two tours snorkel the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. The Morning Snorkel Tour departs Keauhou Bay at 8:30 AM for about 4.5 hours, and the Afternoon Snorkel Tour departs at 2:00 PM for about 3 hours. Both sail aboard the Hoku Nui with all snorkel gear provided. The Morning Snorkel Tour includes a tropical breakfast buffet, a deli-style lunch buffet and a marine naturalist reef briefing. Conditions permitting, it adds a second stop at the Red Hill Area, a volcanic headland reachable only by boat, with underwater lava arches and tubes at snorkeling depth. The Red Hill Area suits experienced snorkelers and is not available on every departure. The Afternoon Snorkel Tour is the shorter option, with light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. On both tours, local brews, wine and handcrafted cocktails are available for purchase after snorkeling.
Check in at the end of the Keauhou Bay finger pier, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, 15 minutes before departure. Look for our crew in blue shirts. To book, visit either tour page or call (808) 322-2500.
Questions Guests Ask
Can beginners snorkel at the Captain Cook Monument?
Yes. The reef at the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay begins in just a few feet of water at the shoreline, so beginner snorkelers are welcome. All snorkelers must know how to swim; non-swimmers may not enter the water.
Can you drive to the Captain Cook Monument?
No. The World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay has no road or beach access. You can reach it by boat, by kayak, or on a steep trail from Highway 11 that takes about 2.5 hours. Sea Paradise Hawaii’s Morning and Afternoon Snorkel Tours both sail there from Keauhou Bay.
What sea life might I see at the Captain Cook Monument?
At the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay, snorkelers may see yellow tang, Moorish idols, parrotfish, moray eels, octopus, occasional whitetip reef sharks and humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Hawaii’s state fish. Hawaiian green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and spotted eagle rays may be seen from the boat.
Is food included on the snorkel tours?
Yes. The Morning Snorkel Tour to the World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay includes a tropical breakfast buffet and a deli-style lunch buffet. The Afternoon Snorkel Tour includes light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Local brews, wine and handcrafted cocktails are available for purchase after snorkeling on both tours.
