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Introduction to Kealakekua Bay
Big Island of Hawaii
An introduction to Kealakekua Bay, a state historic
park and marine life sanctuary located on the west
coast of Hawaii Island, a few miles south of
the resort town of Kailua-Kona. Kealakekua Bay is one
of the best snorkeling, scuba diving,
and kayaking destinations in Hawaii. Attractions in
or near Kealakekua Bay include the Captain
Cook Monument, the Hikiau Heiau, and
Napoopoo Beach Park.
Photo Credit: Big Island Visitors Bureau
Kealakekua Bay is the home of the
4-acre Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
and the Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District.
It is also the place where British
Captain James Cook was killed on February 14, 1779.
The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs that run
into the water. The bottom of the bay
is covered with coral and it slopes steeply
away from the shore to a depth of more then 30
meters within a relatively short distance,
making it a great spot for scuba diving.
Kealakekua Bay is also a wonderful spot for kayaking,
snorkeling.
Captain Cook Monument
Hikiau Heiau
Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District
Kealakekua Bay was declared a 315 acre State of Hawaii
Marine Life Conservation District in 1969.
The district covers the area from the high water
mark on the shore line to the area inside
an imaginary line drawn from Cook Point on one
side of the bay to Manini Beach Point on the other side
of the Bay.
Napoopoo Beach
Kealakekua paddlers usually launch their kayaks at
Napoopoo Beach, a rocky beach on the south
end of Kealakekua Bay.a
Snorkeling tours to Kealakekua Bay
Snorkeling tours to Kealakekua Bay
typically depart from Keauhou Bay.
Companies offering those tours include:
Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Cruises
SeaQuest Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Adventures
For Kealakekua Bay scuba diving information see:
Old Wharf Scuba Diving Site at Kealakekua Bay
FACILITIES AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Facilities at Kealakekua Bay State Park include restrooms,
a picnic pavilion, trash cans, and drinking water
Kealakekua Bay is located about twelve miles
south of the resort town of Kailua-Kona on the
west coast of Hawaii Island
Access from Highway 160 is via Beach Road.
Access from Highway 11 is via Lower Government
Road at Captain Cook. It typically takes
about 30 or 40 minutes to drive to Kealakekua
Bay from Kailua-Kona.
See also:
Other Big Island State Parks
Other Big Island Marine Life Districts
All Attractions on the Big Island
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Related Links
Hawaii Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
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