Hey there! Welcome back to Adventures in Aviators and our series on snorkeling in Hawaii. If you’re new to this channel and love nature, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video with your friends. In this episode, we’re going to talk about Captain Cook Monument on the Big Island of Hawaii. We’ll be ranking it in five different categories: location, water access, wildlife, water traffic, and facilities. Captain Cook Monument is a popular snorkeling site located close to Kona, making it easily accessible for visitors. However, reaching the snorkel area requires a hike of almost 2 miles over rocky terrain. Despite the lack of facilities, it is highly recommended for its beautiful snorkeling and wildlife sightings. Be sure to come prepared with sunscreen, water, shade, and food. Get ready to experience the breathtaking underwater world of Captain Cook Monument!
Overview of Captain Cook Monument
The Captain Cook Monument, located on the West side of the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the more popular snorkeling sites in the Kona area. It is easily accessible, being only about ten minutes south of Kona. The location of Captain Cook Monument makes it convenient for visitors staying in the nearby resorts or towns. However, it is important to note that the hike to the snorkel area can be quite demanding, requiring a trek of almost 2 miles over rocky terrain. Despite the challenging hike, Captain Cook Monument is highly recommended for its beautiful snorkeling and wildlife sightings.
Getting to Captain Cook Monument
To get to Captain Cook Monument, you will need to drive south on highway 11 past Kealakekua. At the intersection of the Bypass and highway 11, you will continue straight south on the popo Road. There are a few shoulder parking spots available, no more than 50 feet south of the intersection, where you can park your car for the hike down to Captain Cook Monument. It is important to note that this is not just a casual walk to another beach. The hike is nearly 2 miles long and involves traversing over 1,200 feet of rocky terrain. Therefore, it is recommended to wear proper shoes or boots for the hike.
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Water Access at Captain Cook Monument
The water access at Captain Cook Monument is decent, with a spot where you can jump in and swim. It is advisable to jump into the water as diving straight down is not recommended. The spot where you can jump in is relatively safe, with about six to seven feet of water. However, it is important to exercise caution as the conditions can change, especially with the presence of surge and waves. The water access at Captain Cook Monument receives a rating of 3 out of 5 manta rays.
Wildlife at Captain Cook Monument
One of the best parts about snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument is the abundant wildlife. The area is teeming with a variety of tropical fish, providing snorkelers with incredible diversity. Additionally, there is a good chance of encountering larger marine creatures such as dolphins, rays, and even sharks. These larger animals can often be seen near the drop-off, where the water gets deeper. It is important to give these creatures plenty of space and observe them from afar. Due to the exceptional wildlife opportunities, Captain Cook Monument receives a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 manta rays.
Water Traffic at Captain Cook Monument
The popularity of Captain Cook Monument as a snorkeling destination means that there can be a fair amount of water traffic. Snorkelers, tour groups, boats, and kayakers are common sights in the area. Be mindful of other people in the water and exercise caution to avoid any accidents. It is advisable to be aware of the kayaks and boats that might be present, especially if you plan to venture further out into the water. Considering the potential congestion caused by water traffic, Captain Cook Monument receives a rating of 2 out of 5 manta rays.
Facilities at Captain Cook Monument
It is important to note that there are no facilities at Captain Cook Monument. Visitors should come prepared with everything they might need, including sunscreen, water, shade, and food. The lack of facilities adds to the rustic and natural feel of the site but also means that visitors should plan ahead and ensure they have all necessary supplies. Despite the absence of facilities, Captain Cook Monument is still highly recommended for its stunning snorkeling opportunities and wildlife encounters. In terms of facilities, Captain Cook Monument receives a rating of 1 out of 5 manta rays.
Recommendations for Visitors
When preparing for a visit to Captain Cook Monument, it is crucial to pack essential items and make necessary arrangements. Here are some recommendations for visitors:
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays while also preserving the health of the coral reefs.
- Carry ample amounts of water to stay hydrated throughout your snorkeling adventure. The hike and snorkeling activities can be physically demanding, and it is important to stay hydrated.
- Bring some form of shade, such as a beach umbrella or a wide-brimmed hat, to protect yourself from the intense Hawaiian sun.
- Pack snacks or a light meal, as there are no food options available at Captain Cook Monument. It is advisable to bring enough food to keep you energized during your time there.
- Take caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when encountering wildlife. Give marine creatures plenty of space and do not try to touch or disturb them.
Overall, Captain Cook Monument is an exceptional snorkeling destination that offers a diverse range of tropical fish, the opportunity to see dolphins, rays, and sharks, and a chance to explore the beautiful underwater world in Hawaii. It is important to plan accordingly and come prepared to fully enjoy the experience at Captain Cook Monument.