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Visitor Information

Visiting Kealakekua? Read below for how to have a successful trip.

What is Kealakekua Bay?

Kealakekua is a sacred gem on the island of Hawai’i, boasting a rich history that weaves together breathtaking natural landscapes, deep-rooted mo’olelo (stories), and vibrant cultural traditions. This paradise, home to stunning marine life, pristine coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, welcomes both locals and visitors. However, its profound beauty has drawn considerable attention, leading, at times, to the desecration of its pristine environment. To safeguard this precious place, there are important guidelines and restrictions in place, ensuring Kealakekua remains preserved for future generations.

  • Education
  • Preservation
  • Community Outreach
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Check out the Department of Land & Natural Resources MLCD Zone map here.

  Guidelines  

How To Respect Kealakekua

As an organization, Ho’āla Kealakekua Nui is devoted to protect, restore, and educate of the importance of Kealakekua, for generations to come. Here are a few ways you can join us in our commitment.

  • Know the MLCD. Kealakekua is a Marine Life Conservation District with two zones and different rules in each. Learn what that means for your visit.
  • Read the conditions. Earthquakes, rockslides, flooding, and high surf are part of life here. Check weather and ocean conditions before you come.
  • The ocean is the source of all life. Reef-safe sunscreen, distance from wildlife, nothing touching the reef, and everything you brought in leaves with you.
  • These sites are living. House and cultural sites are still cared for today. Leave stones where they lie and stay on the trail.
  • Everyone is a tourist somewhere. Be the visitor you would want in your own home. Ask, learn, and know your intention for coming.

  Restrictions  

What To Do & Not Do

When you visit Kealakekua, we ask that you mālama pono, to care for this place with intention and integrity. This bay is a living cultural landscape, not just a destination. The practices below help protect the ecosystem, honor the community, and ensure Kealakekua remains healthy for for the future.

  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen and give honu, naiʻa, and monk seals room. Watching from a distance keeps them wild and keeps you safe.
  • Check weather and ocean conditions before you come. High surf, rockslides, and flash flooding are part of life in this bay and change fast.
  • Never touch, stand on, or kick the reef. A few seconds of contact can undo what took decades of slow growth to build.
  • Do not stack stones or build piles, altars, or shelters. Leave every stone and site exactly as you found it.
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Pictured above is Captain Cook monument, in Ka'awaloa, Hawai'i.

Captain Cook Monument

The Captain Cook monument can be accessed by a variety of ways, one of the most popular being hiking or kayaking. We recommend that you start early in the day and return before the midday heat. Please be aware that there are no bathroom facilities available at Kaʻawaloa. We recommend exploring alternative options or planning your visit accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this beautiful location.

The most important thing we ask: please pack out everything that you bring in!

We do advise you bring along these things for your trip:

  • At least 64oz. water / person
  • Reef-safe mineral-based sunscreen
  • Closed-toe hiking shoes
  • High-energy snacks

We’re preparing more detailed information to guide our visitors on where they can explore and areas that are off-limits, underscoring the critical importance of respecting this treasured place. Additionally, a special section on ‘Pono Behavior’ will be introduced to educate visitors on the principles of responsible and respectful conduct within Kealakekua’s culturally and ecologically sensitive environment. Stay tuned to learn how you can contribute to preserving the beauty and integrity of this unique destination.