Home
Map
Browse Map
Explore away
Explore Map Collection
Check out our basemaps
Print a Map
Plus
Generate a high-quality PDF
Field Guide
Field Guide
Discover local flora, fauna, geology, and more
Local Flora & Fauna
Learn the ecology of your area
Local Geology
Learn the geologic formation at your feet
Get Started
or
Sign In
Welcome
Sign up to start exploring the one-of-a-kind Natural Atlas Topo map
Continue with Apple
Or
Sign up with Email
Already have an account?
Sign In
MAP
Topo
Waterfalls
Rock Formations
Campgrounds
Trails
Boat Launches
National Parks
State Parks
Scenic Spots
Measure
You must upgrade to measure routes
Start Free Trial
0 ft
Max
0 ft
Copyright
© Natural Atlas
| Roads, Buildings
© OSM Contributors
|
Data Sources
Topo
Ecoregions
Public Lands
...
BASEMAPS
Default Weather
Temperature
Smoke
...
WEATHER
Cooks Monument Snorkel Spot
The Ka’awaloa Flats (in Front of the Captain Cook Monument) Are One of the Best Places in the Entire State for Snorkeling
Snorkeling Spot
on
Pacific Ocean
in
Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District
on
Hawai‘ian Islands
in
Honaunau-Napoopoo
,
HI
Fish are plentiful, colorful and swarm over a well-developed reef that slopes steeply from the shore into the nearby deep water, making it easy to see different kinds of reef in a relatively short time.
Official Website
Print Map
Generate High-Quality PDF
Get Driving Directions
Navigate Here
There is no parking anywhere near the best snorkeling waters but there are 3 ways to get close to this best snorkeling area:
By
hiking
down to the monument, by paddling out with a
kayak
, or by joining a
boat tour
.
The hike down into Kealakekua bay to the Capt. Cook monument is challenging and not particularly scenic. If you are interested in making the hike you should have a look at the great description on the
BigIslandHikes website
for further planning.
Kayaking from the boat landing to the statue takes between 15 and 25 minutes (one way). Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and again, don’t forget your snorkeling gear!
Note that you are required to have a permit for your kayak. Some rental companies can have such permits so make sure to ask for the permits before agreeing to rent a kayak from a vendor.
The easiest but most expensive way to visit Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling or diving is as part of one of the many snorkel tours to the Captain Cook Monument. Tour operators are familiar with the best areas in the bay to see fish and corals, and some companies also include lunch in the price of the tour. The cruises generally take between 3 hours and half a day and provide snorkeling gear, snacks and refreshments, as well as cultural, natural and historical information relevant to Kealakekua bay.
Taxonomy
Classified As
Snorkeling Spot
Waterbody
Pacific Ocean
Ocean
Ecology
Hawai’i Tropical Dry Forests
Ecoregion
Search
Search the outdoors
Map
Plans
Field Guide
Community
My Profile
My Trips
0
My Field Notes
0
Notifications
More