United States
Kayaking on the Pacific & snorkeling at Captain Cook Inlet
Get ready for an early morning paddle on the ocean in a traditional kayak, and spend the day at Captain Cook Inlet - one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
Conquer the Pacific Ocean with a traditional kayak
A local senior organization in Kona organises kayaking trips in the early morning. Set your alarm at 5.30 if you want to see sunrise on the Pacific. Paddle your way into the ocean and watch the magic of sunrise, the soft warmth of the Hawaiian sun. Beware: this is not an easy boatride. Traditional kayaks are heavy, and the paddles are vertical and one-sided only. Choose your kayak-partner wisely.
Snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook (also known as Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park) has a spectacular coral reef that encompasses one of the best snorkeling locations in all of Hawaii. Since the bay is a protected area, you’ll be able to spot abundant wildlife swimming among a colorful, well-developed reef. Captain Cook Monument, which was built by the Hawaiians to honor Captain Cook, is located on the far end of Kealakekua Bay . There are a few ways to reach this prime snorkeling location, but we chose to hike. The hike is about 6.1 kilometers with a 400m elevation gain. Descending is easy, ascending in the late afternoon with the Hawaiian sun not so much. Kealakekua Bay is an important historic location because it is where Captain James Cook landed for the first time on the island of Hawaii. One year later, on February 14, 1779, the same James Cook was killed here during his 3rd visit to the Hawaiian islands.
