One of my uncles told us that we had to visit the Captain Cook Memorial while in Hawaii and when we read that it was at one of the best snorkelling spots in Hawaii, it was added to the list of things to do. You can either use a tour boat, or kayak or the steep walk down.
We knew it was a long walk (about 7 km return) to Kealakekua Bay and after parking beside the road we headed down the dirt/occasional rocky track with a variety of footwear carrying snorkel gear, lunch, etc.
There is private property either side of the trail through bamboo, mango and tamarind trees, and a variety of bushes that provide some shade and under one mango tree, while we rested, we watched a couple of young wild pigs rooting around on private property. Further on, almost all the vegetation disappears and reveals an expanse of volcanic rock (basalt) but towards the bottom, the trail winds between rebuilt rock walls and large trees before opening up to reveal a wide rocky bay and a large white monument surrounded by a chain fence. There were a few tourist boats with their guests snorkelling, kayaking, and swimming with noodles, being watched by operators on long-boards, while other tour operators prepared lunch on their smoking BBQs. It did not take long for the first cat and mongoose to sneak out of the bushes looking for handouts.
After taking a few photos of the monument and plaques, we dressed for snorkelling, and picked our way into the clear, cool ocean, being mindful to avoid the long black spikes of the numerous sea urchins clinging to every fissures in the lava field. The volcanic rock shelf dropped away quickly to reveal numerous varieties, sizes and shapes of unfamiliar brightly coloured tropical fish, swimming close to the bottom.
We snorkelled for about an hour before stopping for lunch, packed up and after taking several photos of us amongst the twisted trees, headed back up the trail to the car. After spotting several goats moving around under the bushes, I understood why there was almost no undergrowth towards the bottom of the trail.
We were thankful for the occasional bit of shade back on the way up and stopped a couple of times under the larger trees to keep cool.
While the others went on the Captain Cook walk, Heather, Justin and I stayed at the condo, and I looked after the kids.
A Mantis provided some entertainment
Max and I played Scrabble (in a manner of speaking)
Skyla played us tunes on the Ukelele
After everyone returned, Marc played tennis with the kids.
Snorkeling the crystal clear water at Kealakekua Bay was one of the highlights of our trip and well worth the walk down. Just be aware it is important to avoid the numerous sea urchin as their spikes easily penetrate skin and snap off.
Snorkeling the crystal clear water at Kealakekua Bay was one of the highlights of our trip and well worth the walk down. Just be aware it is important to avoid the numerous sea urchin as their spikes easily penetrate skin and snap off.
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