I can't comment on the snorkeling or the kayaking. This review is for all you thrifty folks who want to see the monument and beautiful Kealakekua Bay on the cheap. You think maybe you'll take the hiking trail that you've read about in numerous guide books - "hey, it's free, I'll get a little exercise, and experience the natural Hawaii!".... more

We rented a kayak 2 weeks ago and paddled out to the Captain Cook monument for snorkeling. It is tricky getting the kayaks in and out of the water when you arrive at the monument so be sure you wear footwear that can help you walk on rocks. The snorkeling here is the absolute best we saw on two islands.... more

Stopped there for two hours snorkeling from a boat. The coral and fish were amazing and the location is very beautiful. I would go back and repeat the experience each and every time I visit Hawaii more

We used a local outfitter on the bay (http://www.ehuandkai.com) we happened upon their card as we made a pit stop on the way. "Enter the bay at Kai's private cove - no need to load a kayak on your car. Just walk into the ocean - Kai will help you launch your kayak." We didn't like the thought of strapping... more

We waited until a few days on the island to do this trip. We picked a week day hoping for a bit more seclusion. We considered several rental options and in the end settled on Ehu & Kai (they are right on the water so you don't have to unload/load a kayak on to your car). They also provide life... more

I agree with the Kirkland review regarding the danger of kayaking Kealakekua Bay to Captain Cook Monument and snorkeling there. I am a relatively expereinced kayaker. My wife and I rented a kayak and launched from the opposite shore from the monument. We kayaked the 1 mile across the bay to the shore on the left side of the monument... more

My husband and I rented a kayak at Napo' opo' o Beach to go snorkeling at the Captain Cook Monument. Paddling over was fun, but getting out to snorkel and launching the kayak to paddle back was a bit difficult. If you choose to kayak, it is IMPERATIVE that you beach the kayak on the left side of the monument.... more

We snorkeled here with Sea Quest tours. Breathtakingly beautiful does not start to describe this place. We were not allowed to actually go to the monument itself, we had to stay in the water a way back out of respect for the spirituality of the spot. There was some local person who had set up "camp" there - he was... more