HOPS BIG ISLAND

Words: Chantal Peterson

Image: Lauren Gerstle

Captain Cook Monument, Big Island

If you are looking for an alternative to being shuffled about en masse at the mercy of a benevolent tour guide but still want to experience one of the Big Island’s hot tourism wonders – then read carefully, for herein lies the map to a lesser known treasure.

The destination itself, located just 20 miles south of Kailua-Kona, is a well known snorkeling, kayaking and diving spot, and is home to the Captain Cook monument commemorating the “discovery” of the islands in 1779. The vibrant reef is beautiful - with 100 ft. visibility in crystal clear waters you can see a wide variety of tropical aquatic species and diverse underwater landscape. Immediately in front of the monument the coral reef forms a large shelf, extending out in less than 15 feet of water. The water gets deeper as you head south of the monument.

Tourists frequent this spot, generally arriving on boats which depart from the opposite side of the Kealakekua Bay, or with organized kayaking groups. Other tourists rent kayaks and make their way across the bay independently.

However, should you prefer a more independent, adventurous and physically demanding route to this epic snorkeling spot, you can choose to hike there. The trail is an unmarked, lesser-known gem, maintained by a local hiking enthusiast with his industrial weed whacker. The hike is difficult, but not extremely long. It drops approximately 1,300 feet in about 1.4 miles. On the trail you must watch your footing because of the slick remains of cut guinea grass, followed thereafter by somewhat loose lava rock covering the trail. The hike out is quite steep and it is not recommended in the mid-day heat; regardless of the time of day, bring lots of water and wear good shoes.

How to get there:
 Take Highway 11 South from Kailua-Kona until the Kealakekua turn-off (Hwy 160) at the 110.5 mile marker. Turn right and continue for 200 yards. You will see three tall palm trees on your left hand side. The unmarked trail head is directly across from those three trees, on your right hand side. You can park along the road, as there are a few spots cleared along the side of the road, presumably for this purpose. The trailhead is a small, 6 ft wide clearing just off of the paved road.

Enjoy the beauty of this natural treasure – use your body to get you there and save money at the same time. Do not forget an underwater camera!

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