Captain James Cook Monument, Hawaii

Hop aboard a comfortable catamaran that has a bathroom and shade at the harbor in Kailua-Kona. Glide across the water, admiring the lush coastline on the way to the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakeukua Bay. Snack on chips and granola bars while sipping on juice and water as you make your way to the Captain Cook Reef. Savor a delicious lunch of gourmet sandwiches and fresh fruit. Select the option that includes swimming and snorkeling to explore the world beneath the waves with the included mask, fins, and life jacket. Search for marine life like boxfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, and Hawaiian sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters. Snap pictures of the Captain Cook Monument that marks that spot where Captain Cook met his end. Return to the harbor in Kailua-Kona with unforgettable memories at the end of your tour.

Step aboard and step back in time. Hop aboard a sunset dinner cruise in Kona for an enchanting Hawaiian history lesson from the experts. This family adventure departs from the Kailua Pier and is narrated by a local historian tour guide, who will reveal secrets, tell stories, and share legends related to the numerous landmarks along the 12 miles of magnificent Kona coastline. Unwind while you admire Captain Cook’s Monument at Historical Kealakekua Bay (only accessible by boat or hiking) with a complimentary cocktail from a fully stocked, premium bar. Begin your delicious dinner starting with an appetizer of Mauna Loa Big Island Macadamia Nuts (Vegan/GF). Enjoy a Starter: Mauna Loa Big Island Macadamia nuts (Vegan/GF) and salad of local baby spinach, Rincon farms strawberries, Big Island feta cheese, and Candied Macadamia nuts with served with a house-made Waimea Strawberry Vinaigrette (GF). For your main course: Kona Coffee braised short rib with creamy mashed potatoes featuring a Kona Coffee Red Eye Demi-Glace; Island Baked Coconut dinner rolls served with butter (vegetarian) and island-baked coconut dinner rolls served with butter (vegetarian). Your dessert is a chocolate torte with strawberry coulis (vegetarian/GF). Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales throughout the evening. Enjoy live music from some of the Big Island's best entertainers performing slack-key Hawaiian Style music. Catch the sunset on the water and make sure to look for the famous Green Flash, a fleeting glimmer of intense emerald light that appears on the horizon just after sunset. Other highlights include the Ahu’ena Heiau, the Holua Slide, and the famous Kuamo’o Battlefield, just to name a few.

Embark on an unforgettable day at sea from Keauhou Bay to Captain Cook's Monument on a guided Catamaran tour. Enjoy scenic views of the Kona coast as you sail and indulge in tasty light snacks and tropical fruit juice. Or indulge in a custom made cocktail from our onboard bar ( purchase required). Meet your guide at the Keauhou Bay Pier. Hop aboard, relax and enjoy the ride. Cruise past rock formations, stop at beautiful coves, and soak in the views. Set sail along the beautiful Kona coast on a trip from Keauhou Bay, marvel at the ancient Kealakekua Bay, and see the Captain Cook Monument. Splash into the clear waters to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe onboard. Spot the colorful fish underneath the water, and take photos with your marine camera of the dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy site briefings and snorkeling tips from the crew members. Life jackets, floatation noodles, viewfinder boards, masks, fins, and snorkels are provided. Energize yourself with fruits and tropical juice. Purchase a cocktail on board to sip and relax in the nets with as the ocean breeze washes over you. The crew will help you enter and exit the water if needed. Fish identification cards are available for purchase along with SeaParadise merchandise on the vessel. Lifeguards will be in the water to assist you during your snorkeling adventure.

Discover the natural beauty and history of Kealakekua Bay on this eco-friendly snorkeling adventure. This stunning 315-acre marine sanctuary boasts protected waters, making it the best place in Hawaii for snorkelers of all levels of experience. Jump in the turquoise waters and marvel at the tropical fish, colorful coral, and marine life. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even catch a glimpse of playful Hawaiian spinner dolphins. After a full hour of snorkeling, let your friendly captain and crew transport you and your small group to the historic Captain Cook's Monument. Hear about the dramatic history of this location as you gaze toward the cove where the white stone monument stands.  On your way back, enjoy snacks and beverages while you ride up the coast learning about local legends and history.   Maneuver into the sea caves at the base of Hualalai, hugging the coast and detailing the culturally significant and geologically fascinating features along the way. Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even herds of thousands of goats. Afterwards, you’ll head back to the dock, having seen some of the most stunning natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer.

Embark on a snorkeling adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay. Snorkel in a sea cave, encounter wild dolphins and whales, and explore the sea caves, lava tubes, and coves of the coastline. Meet your guide and board a Zodiac RIB navy seal speed boat. Snorkel in the coral reef at the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay. Snorkel in a sea cave, weather permitting. Wind and swells may cancel this part of the tour. Visit sea caves, lava tubes, coves, and other coastline topography. Encounter wild dolphins and whales, although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Enjoy pineapple and water on board. Snorkel gear and flotation devices are included.

The Hoku Nui sets sail from Keauhou Bay at 8:30 am. Keep a watchful eye out for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Humpback Whales (seasonal Dec-April), and other marine life while you sail down the beautiful Kona Coast. As you enjoy your tropical style continental breakfast, entering Historic Kealakekua Bay, you will observe the World Famous Captain Cook Monument (sail time approx. 50 min.) Your snorkeling adventure will begin in the pristine waters and the vibrant reef of the Marine Sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay. Your captain will select the best snorkeling sites in Kealakekua Bay, as the friendly and professional crew members provide site briefings and historical facts. The crew members will provide snorkel tips and basic instructions to guests of all ages and experience levels. Life jackets, floatation noodles, and viewfinder boards ( available upon request),as well as masks, fins, and snorkels are provided aboard the Hoku Nui. The crew members will help you enter and exit the water if needed and fish identification cards are available for purchase as well. They will have lunch ready when you have snorkeled up an appetite. Snorkel time is approximately 45min at each location. Make sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the colorful schools of fish, pods of spinner dolphins that are also commonly spotted in the bay, and the landscaped ledges of ancient lava flows. You will then have a moment for another breath taking view of the bay while you enjoy a sumptuous lunch with beverages. Exiting the bay, you set sail for “Red Hill” (weather permitting) or another snorkel site along the Kona coast. The Red Hill area is home to unique underwater lava formations such as archways and lava tubes, and more snorkeling with schools of vibrant sea life. As your snorkel adventure comes to an end, you will set sail back to Keauhou Bay arriving by 1 pm (approx.), with majestic memories of your Sea Paradise trip that will last a lifetime.

Embark on an unforgettable ocean adventure with Dolphin Discoveries' Captain Cook Snorkel Tour in Kona, Hawaii. This 3.5-hour tour takes you to the stunning Kealakekua Bay, renowned for its vibrant reefs and diverse marine life. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride, where you may spot playful dolphins or breaching whales. Upon arrival at Kealakekua Bay, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel in one of Hawaii's most beautiful spots. Swim alongside colorful parrotfish, pufferfish, sunfish, and triggerfish, and keep an eye out for the occasional sea turtle (Honu). The bay's crystal-clear waters offer incredible visibility, making it a snorkeler's paradise. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable captain will share fascinating insights into the historical and cultural significance of the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay. Learn about the area's rich history, from its sacred status among Native Hawaiians to the events surrounding Captain Cook's arrival and subsequent demise. The tour includes all necessary snorkeling gear, as well as water, juice, fruit, and light snacks to keep you refreshed. Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or a first-timer, the expert crew will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. The tour concludes with a return to Keauhou Bay, leaving you with lasting memories of your Hawaiian adventure. We offer several different times slots to fit your schedule. The times shown indicate the check in time. Tour duration includes time to checkin and receive gear. Snorkel participants must be confortable swimming.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Kailua-Kona coastline and the awe-inspiring majesty of the Hualalai volcano from a unique vantage point – high above in the skies during a door-on or door-off helicopter tour. Take off over the ancient Hawaiian Kaloko Fish Ponds, a living testament to the island's rich history. Then, glide over the shimmering waters of Kailua Bay, surrounded by the lively energy of Ali’i Drive below. Watch the pristine white sands of Magic Sands Beach unfold beneath you, while the lush, verdant landscapes of Kona Coffee farms offer a vibrant contrast to the coastline. Heading south, travel back through time as you soar over the Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve, where the historic Captain Cook Monument. A slow, reverent circle above the sacred Hawaiian Place of Refuge provides a poignant moment of reflection on Hawai’i’s storied past. Climbing from the coast, encounter the geological wonders of Ka’upulehu Crater and the towering presence of Hualalai Volcano. See the rugged volcanic formations give way to the lush ecosystem of the Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, where the island’s unique flora and fauna thrive. Finally, take in the golden sands of Anaehoomalu Bay and the turquoise waters of Kiholo Bay, including the unspoiled beauty of Makalawena Beach.

Explore the pristine waters of the Kona Coast as you sail from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, home to the Captain Cook Monument and a vibrant marine sanctuary teeming with tropical fish and stunning coral structures. Lounge on the netted trampolines suspended over the ocean, or relax in the shaded, open-air cabin, enjoying the soothing tropical breezes while watching for dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seasonal whales. Begin with a light continental breakfast featuring 100% Kona coffee, tropical fruits, and pastries as you set sail along the picturesque Kona coast. Upon reaching your snorkel destination, learn about Captain Cook's journey to Hawai'i. Then, jump into the marine sanctuary's waters and use the snorkeling gear and swim noodles provided to explore its underwater wonders. Later, return to the boat and enjoy your pre-selected lunch, and ice-cold beverages. In addition to complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, you can also purchase beer, wine, or cocktails from the bar. As you sail back to Kona, view unique landmarks along the coast.

Take flight on an exclusive, 45 minute private helicopter journey along the renowned Kona Coast, featuring a 20-minute landing at a local coffee farm to experience a mini coffee tasting. The flight begins over the ancient Kaloko Fish Ponds, gliding along the famous serene waters of Kailua Bay that are bordered by the vibrant Alii Drive. Then, soar over the silky white sands of Magic Sands Beach before marveling at the underwater wonders of Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve, home to the historic Captain Cook Monument. Departing from the coast, traverse along the lush Kona Coffee farms where you gracefully touch down at a local coffee farm. Overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Kona Coast, the beautiful surroundings offer the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable proposal or romantic celebration. Savor the rich flavors of Kona grown coffee on its own or add on Hawaiian chocolates and leis to elevate the romantic experience. After your custom coffee experience, the adventure continues with a breathtaking view of the unique geological formations of Ka’upulehu Crater and the awe-inspiring Hualalai Volcano. Coasting past the volcanic formations reveals the lush expanse of the Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, home to the island’s ecosystem of flora and fauna. After exploring the diverse greenery, the tour concludes with a pass over the peaceful turquoise waters of Kiholo Bay, unveiling a glimpse of the secluded beauty of Makalawena Beach. This once in a lifetime flight along the Kona Coast offers a taste of everything that makes Hawai’i special from its volcanic past to its stunning present.