KEALAKEKUA BAY:
17 MILES SOUTH OF KONA, GPS Coordinate: 19.4782° N, 155.9259° W
Kealakekua Bay (also know as “Captain Cook” bay) is an underwater marine sanctuary where you often can find dolphins and sea turtles. To get here you have to drive approximately 17 miles south of Kona along Highway 11.
The best snorkeling in Kealakekua bay is around the Captain Cook monument, but getting there is difficult. The easiest (but expensive, ~$100) option is to book a snorkeling cruise.
The center of the bay is deep, however you can often find a pod of spinner dolphins playing around here. There are plenty of good spots for snorkeling in the bay, but the best snorkeling spot is on the opposite side of the bay from the parking area, close to the captain Cook monument.
The local ecosystem in Kealakekua Bay has recently suffered greatly under its own popularity.
Go on a snorkeling tour or rent snorkel gear and DIY.
Rent a kayak and paddle the ~1 mile distance over water to the other side of the bay.
Kealakekua bay is a 1-mile wide bay.
The best snorkeling is on the north (left on the above picture) side of the bay. Image credit: google maps
1. BOAT TOURS TO KEALAKEKUA BAY.
There are several tour operators that will take you on a snorkeling cruise to visit the bay.
These cruises take between 3-hours and half a day and often provide snorkeling gear, snacks and refreshments, as well as cultural, natural and historical information relevant to Kealakekua bay.
Two operators that follow the Hawaii Ecotourism Association guidelines are Fair-Wind cruises (departing from Keauhou Bay) and Body Glove cruises (departing from Kailua bay in Kailua-Kona).
2. RENT A KAYAK.
You are NOT required to get your own permit when renting a kayak if the outfit you rent possesses a valid permit for transiting the bay.
TIP: There will be people offering kayak rentals on the side of Hwy 11 - Please ask for their permit.
Three leading companies with issued permits by the Division of State Parks to lead guided commercial Kayak Tours to the Captain Cook Monument are:
Kayaking from the boat landing to the monument takes between 15 and 25 minutes (one way).
Take plenty of water, sunscreen, and don’t forget your snorkeling gear!
For additional information on how to obtain a permit contact the State Parks office in Hilo at (808) 974-6200.