captain cook monument trail & snorkeling

The monument to Captain James Cook (1728-1779) is a white obelisk about 8 m high, on the northwest coast of Kealakekua Bay. It was erected in 1878 by the British, in memory of their compatriot killed by the Hawaiians in this same bay, in 1779, after having discovered the Hawaiian archipelago one year earlier. The monument can be reached by the sea (the obelisk is really on the water's edge) or by a small path called the "Captain Cook Monument Trail". Count 2h30 for the round trip, downhill on the way, the difference in altitude is 300 meters for a 6.4 km round trip trail. But the effort is fully deserved, on the one hand thanks to the beautiful views of the bay from the path but also by the excellent spot of palms-masque-tuba which is next to the monument. The access to the water is not easy because the area is full of sea urchins (proof of the cleanliness of the water), so bring your shoes and don't hesitate to follow those who get into the water before you. Once you have passed this test, the rest is pure happiness. As the site is not accessible by car, it has preserved its cleanliness and calm, and the coral has established itself without danger, attracting fish and turtles. It is up to you to leave the site as you found it. On the way back, take breaks during the ascent to look at the bay, dolphins regularly visit it at the beginning of the day, especially in its center because the water is deeper there.