How To Snorkel At Kealakekua Bay Without A Tour (2024)
Wondering how to visit Kealakekua Bay without a tour? This article’s for you.
Kealakekua Bay is not only one of the top snorkeling destinations on the Big Island, but is also extremely historically significant.
It’s home to the Captain Cook Monument, which marks the site where the first westerner that landed on the land of Hawaii (Captain James Cook) was killed.
If you want to go snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, you can hike there, and go snorkeling for free.
But, this trail is roughly 3.9 miles out-and-back, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
So is hiking to Kealakekua Bay worth it? And what are the cheapest alternatives to snorkeling tours?
Here is everything you need to know about snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay without a tour.
How do you snorkel at Kealakekua Bay without a tour?
The only option to get to Kealakekua Bay without a tour is to hike the historic Ka’Awaloa trail.
If you rent a vessel to get there yourself (kayak, paddleboard, etc.), you’re unfortunately prohibited from landing on the monument and snorkeling there.
But, you’re allowed to snorkel there for as long as you want if you hike there yourself.
Once you’ve hiked there, you can snorkel right by the Captain Cook Monument.
The cove by the monument has crystal clear waters filled with coral and tropical fish.
When I visited, I saw people on boat tours, kayak rentals, and a few families that hiked there. But, there were still plenty of secluded areas that were great for snorkeling!
Is hiking to Kealakekua Bay worth it?
For those traveling on a budget, hiking to Kealakekua Bay can definitely be worth it.
Most snorkeling tours begin around $80 per person, whereas it’s entirely free to hike.
But, keep in mind that the hike is relatively strenuous, and can take 1-2 hours to hike roundtrip.
It’s a 3.9 mile round trip hike, with no restrooms on the trail or by the monument.
I highly recommend beginning the hike early in the morning, so you have plenty of time to take breaks while hiking.
If you struggle with mobility issues or are traveling with young kids, it may be a better option to snorkel at Kahalu’u Beach Park or Two Step Beach in Kona.
See our article on the top Big Island snorkeling spots for a list of the best alternatives.
Where do you park to hike to Kealakekua Bay?
Parking for the Captain Monument Trail is on the side of Napoopoo Rd, across the street from the trailhead.
There’s a small patch of dirt with around 18 parking spaces, and plenty of available spaces when I visited.
Just remember to avoid parking by the “No parking” signs so you won’t receive a ticket.
Can you kayak to Kealakekua Bay?
You can kayak through the waters of Kealakekua Bay, so long as the rental company has a valid permit for their kayaks.
However, you cannot land on the park unless you’re on a guided kayaking tour according to the division of State Parks.
What are the cheapest ways to get to Kealakekua Bay?
If you want to skip the hike, the cheapest ways to get there guided kayak or boat tours.
Renting a kayak is technically the cheapest option, but landing on the site and snorkeling there is unfortunately prohibited, outside of tours.
If you want to spot dolphins and see the monument from a distance, kayak rentals are a great budget–friendly alternative.
You’ll still be able to see the Captain Cook Monument, Hikiau Heiau (ancient temple sites), and potentially spinner dolphins.
Ehu & Kai adventures offers 5 hour kayak and paddle board rentals, starting at around $50-60.
If you want to snorkel there, the cheapest snorkeling tour starts at around $80 per person, while the rest of the tours are around $110.
Kealakekua Bay FAQs
How difficult is the hike to Kealakekua Bay?
The Captain Monument Trail is a roughly 3.9 mile down and back trail. I hiked the trail on an overcast day, and it was much more strenuous than I had expected.
The first half of the trail is through tall grassy areas on a dirt path. The second half of the trail is through an open volcanic area with trees and a rocky path.
There were herds of feral goats hanging out by the trees, and occasionally standing in the way of the trail on my way down!
You may also get to see wild pigs, and mongoose while hiking the trail. These animals are mostly harmless to humans as long as you don’t disturb them.
Most of the trail is over loose lava rocks, and there are numbered stakes throughout the trail to gauge how far you’ve hiked.
It took me around 1.5 hours to hike the trail at my fastest pace without taking breaks.
I recommend arriving early to give yourself time to take breaks, as the hike back up is entirely uphill.
You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes, bug spray, and pack snacks and lots of water.
When’s the best time to visit Kealakekua Bay?
The best time to visit is early in the morning, or mid afternoon when the spinner dolphins are most active.
If you’re hiking there, I recommend arriving in the morning so you won’t run out of daylight on your way back up from the mountain.
Additionally, make sure to check the weather beforehand. When raining, the trail can be very muddy and slippery, since it’s made of dirt and lava rocks.
Where is the Captain Cook monument located?
The Captain Cook monument is located at the center of Kealakekua Bay (Ka’awaloa Cove).
To be able to land on this site, you’ll need to either hike there or go on a snorkeling tour.
Once you see the “No launching or landing any vessels” sign, turn left and continue walking a few hundred feet to see the Captain Cook Monument.
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