Can you walk to Kealakekua Bay to snorkel? (+Snorkeling Map)
Are you wondering how to get to Kealakekua bay to snorkel? You’re in the right place.
Kealeakeau Bay is a 315 acre state park in South Kona, that’s home to the Captain Cook monument, and an ancient Hawaiian temple site (Hikiau Heiau). When it comes to snorkeling, the most abundant coral reefs are located around the Captain Cook monument.
Unfortunately, you cannot walk to the Captain Cook monument, since it’s tucked in a secluded bay. If you want to snorkel here, you can either hike the Captain Cook monument trail, or go on a snorkeling tour.
The only part of Kealakekua bay that’s accessible by walking is Napoopoo Park, which is where the Hikiau Heiau (ancient temple site) can be seen.
This article will cover how to get to Kealakekua bay to snorkel by the Captain Cook monument, and see the ancient temple site at Napoopoo Park.
For your convenience, I’ve included a snorkeling map pinning both of these locations.
Can you walk to Kealakekua bay for snorkeling?
No, you unfortunately can’t walk to Kealakekua bay, but you can hike there. The best snorkeling at Kealakekua bay is around the Captain Cook monument. To get here, you can either hike the Captain Cook monument trail, or go on a snorkeling tour.
The Captain Cook monument trail is a 3.9 mile round trip trail, where you’ll have to hike down the mountain and back up. This is a moderately difficult trail, so it’s not ideal if you’re carrying heavy snorkeling gear with you.
See our article on hiking the Captain Cook monument trail for directions, and full details on the hike.
If you want to snorkel, I’d recommend going on a snorkeling tour, or visiting Two Step Beach instead.
Which part of Kealakekua bay can you walk to?
The only part of Kealakekua bay you can walk to is Nāpo’opo’o Park, on the east side of the bay. This is where the Hikiau Heiau , the remnants of a sacred ancient Hawaiian temple site is located.
To get here, you’ll continue driving south on Nāpo’opo’o road, down a hill until you reach the parking lot for Kealakekua bay state park.
I visited this side of the park, and there were restrooms, picnic tables, and a rocky beach with strong waves. I saw locals fishing here, but I wouldn’t recommend it for snorkeling.
If you’re looking to snorkel, Two Step Beach by the Place of Refuge (Pu’uhonua National Park) is a much better alternative.
Where is the Captain Cook monument located?
The Captain Cook monument is located at Kaawaloa Cove, a secluded bay on the northern side of Kealakekua bay.
There’s a small set of stairs leading up to the monument, and excellent snorkeling areas around it. Some of the best snorkeling is to the far right of the monument, where you’ll see the “Welcome to Kealakekua bay state park” sign.
On the other hand, the Hikiau Heiau is located at Nāpo’opo’o Park, on the east side of the bay.
Where do you park to get to Kealakekua bay?
If you’re hiking the Captain Monument Trail (Ka’Awaloa Trail), you’ll park along the side of Napoopoo Road (by telephone pole #4). There’s a small dirt area, across the street from the trailhead, with around a dozen spaces.
Just make sure to avoid parking by the “No parking signs”, or in front of resident’s homes.
What are the best alternatives to Kealakekua bay?
Two Step Beach is an excellent snorkeling beach, right by Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge).
It’s around a 20 minute drive from Kealakekua bay, and there’s a small parking lot right by the beach.
It’s just a short 5 minute walk out to this beach from the Place of Refuge’s parking lot as well, if you’re visiting both places.
How difficult is the Kealakekua bay hike?
The Kealakekua bay hike is moderately difficult because there’s an elevation gain of 1300 feet.
The hike starts on the top of a hill, with the first part of the trail being through tall grasses, and the second half being over an open volcanic area with lava rocks.
The hardest part of the hike was climbing back up the mountain, since it’s nearly 2 miles uphill.
Additionally, the hike is mostly unshaded, and over loose lava rocks, so you have to slow down to avoid rolling your ankle along the way.
There are no restroom facilities throughout the hike, or by the monument.
Is hiking to Kealakekua bay worth it?
If you enjoy hiking, hiking to Kealakekua bay is a great way to save money on a tour. But for the average person looking to snorkel, I wouldn’t recommend it.
It’s a very long trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, so you’ll spend the majority of time hiking to get there.
An easier option would be snorkeling at Kahaluʻu Beach Park or Two Step Beach (Honaunau Bay). See our article on the best Big Island snorkeling spots for a full list of alternatives.
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Map
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling FAQs
Can you kayak to Kealakekua bay and snorkel there?
No, you cannot kayak to Kealakekua bay and snorkel by the Captain Cook monument, unless you’re on a guided tour.
You can rent kayaks to transit the waters of Kealakekua bay, but you’re prohibited from landing there, outside of a tour.
Can you swim in Kealakekua Bay?
Yes, you can swim in Kealakekua Bay, as long as you’ve hiked there or gone on a tour. Around the Captain Cook monument, there’s crystal clear waters, abundant coral reefs, and a variety of tropical fish.
There’s excellent snorkeling right by the shore, and as you swim out, the water gets as deep as 120 feet!
Are there turtles at Kealakekua Bay?
Yes, Kealakekua Bay is home to green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and other diverse marine life, since it’s a protected marine sanctuary. However, the green sea turtles and dolphins are more likely to be seen far from shore, and on boat tours.
If you want to spot green sea turtles in Kona, the best place by far is the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical park.
This is a historic park right by Costco, with ancient fishponds filled with dozens of sea turtles. Just remember to stay at a viewing distance of 10 feet, to abide by the Endangered Species Act and Hawaii’s laws.