Located in the State Historical Park on the Kona coast, the Captain Cook monument is 27 feet tall. Its foothold is carved into the concrete wall. You can swim within feet of the monument, but the visibility of the area is best in the clear waters along the shore.
The snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument is the clearest in the Hawaiian Islands, as it is along the shore. Visibility is best in the mornings and the afternoons, but even in the middle of the day, you will be able to see the monument, and you may be able to swim within feet of it.
The most important thing to remember when snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument is that you need to take a lot of water. You should also take a hat, sunglasses, a bathing suit, a towel, and a waterproof camera. You’ll also want to bring a lot of sunscreen, as the area can get very hot during the afternoon.
The best way to get to the monument is by kayak. Kayak companies provide a ladder for entry into the water, and they offer a tour whose main goal is to get you as close to the monument as possible. This is not a snorkeling trip, but you can see some interesting things from the water, such as parrotfish and eels swimming from rock to rock.
While you are in the water, you may notice a lot of critters, such as parrotfish, pencil urchins with red rounded spines, and pillow stars clinging to rocks. You may also see lots of fish cleaning up the algae in the reef.
The best time to go snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument is in the morning, as it is the most pleasant, but you will have to be prepared for some boat traffic. If you don’t have a boat, you can always hike to the monument. You can make the hike in about 15 to 25 minutes.
Another option is to take an organized tour. While these tours may be more expensive, they can offer more variety and include a snack and drinks. Most tours have a minimum age, so you may want to check out the details before you go. If you have younger children, you might want to check out the “kids go free” options. If you’re pregnant, you may not want to take a snorkeling tour.
The snorkeling at the Captain Cook Monument is a feast for the eyes. The water is clear, the visibility is the best in the islands, and there are interesting creatures lurking in the depths. While the monument is the star of the show, there are many other interesting things to see in the water. You may even see a sea cave.
Aside from the snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument, you can also explore lava tubes, as well as other interesting underwater critters. There are a number of companies that offer tours to this amazing snorkeling site. You should find one that has a snorkeling tour that is the best fit for you.