HAWAII BUCKET LIST: CAPTAIN COOK MONUMENT SNORKELING

Are you looking to explore an incredible reef that is in shallow waters, perfect for the entire family including beginner snorkelers– be sure to check out Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay!

Right outside of Kona, this reef is home to hundreds of tropical fish and marine creatures, and a must visit if you are looking to experience the best of the Big Island’s snorkeling!

The Beautiful and Diverse Sea Life of Captain Cook Monument

If you are looking to snorkel Captain Cook Monument, you are probably curious about what species of marine life you may see as well as ins and outs of snorkeling the reef. Our recommendation, above all else, is to book your snorkel around Captain Cook aboard an accredited local tour boat!

A guided tour is the best way to experience the waters as the captain, who knows the bay inside and out, will do their best to drop you in the areas of the reef with the most activity; all while giving you every piece of equipment you would need to have a successful time in the water. With that, booking a snorkeling tour of Captain Cook Monument includes much more than just your time around the reef. On the boat trip out you may get the chance to see spinner dolphins or whales jumping out of the water– as well as underwater sea caves and lava tubes.

The Historical Significance of Captain Cook Monument

The area of Kealakekua Bay is very sacred and important to Hawaiian history. Neighbor to the Place of Refuge, Captain Cook Monument symbolizes many contentious moments in contemporary Hawaiian culture. 

Originally erected to commemorate the British colonizer Captain James Cook, a contentious character within the story of modern Hawaii; the coral that congregates just offshore of the monument, is now the major attraction. 

Captain Cook Monument Snorkeling is Perfect for Families

There are multiple reasons why Captain Cook Monument is the most popular spot on the Big Island to go snorkeling. Beyond the parrotfish, sea turtles, and dolphins, this reef is perfect for families who are new to snorkeling. The coral, which serves as a home to aquatic plant and animal life, is in shallower waters, which of themselves, are less wavy than the open ocean.

With minimal ebbs and flows produced in the sheltered bay, it is the perfect place for anyone learning to snorkel, to get used to using the mask and equipment. Even better, when you book a snorkeling tour with a local company, they will provide you with the mask, fins, and snorkel as well as have guides available to help you get the hang of everything and even pool noodles on occasion to help you float!

A Captain Cook Monument Snorkel Trip is a Great Way to Learn About Marine Conservation

Arguably, one of the most interesting and important aspects to snorkeling Captain Cook is having the capacity to learn about the “Aina”. Roughly translating to, the land and all that lives within, respecting the aina is an important tenant to living and visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

With so much natural beauty in Kealakekua Bay, it is of the utmost importance that people adhere to that unspoken rule of conduct.