Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Visit the area where Captain Cook made contact with the native Hawaii islanders.

The Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is located on the west side of the big island. This historical site is where Captain Cook landed the British ships (Discovery and Resolution) on January 17, 1779. He and his fellow sailors observed the locals and traded with them for about a month until Cook's unfortunate death. Kealakekua Bay is the largest sheltered natural bay in Hawaii's big island and has a deep-rooted cultural heritage. Please be respectful of posted signs and keep the area free of waste so that others can appreciate the site for years to come.

Visitors to this historical park can see the Hikiau Heiau religious site and the Captain Cook monument. Do not stand on the Hikiau Heiau. It is a stacked rock platform and has sacred significance to the native Hawaiians. Choose between a guided kayak tour or a hike from the Ka’awaloa Trail to reach the Ka’awaloa Flats to see Cook's monument. A pod of dolphins frequents this bay, so keep your distance and do not disturb them if you are kayaking here. Enjoy visiting this historical park the next time you travel to the big island.