Exploring the History and Waters of Kealakekua Bay

A place of both dramatic historic events and unparalleled scenery, beautiful and now peaceful Kealakekua Bay (Pathway of the Gods) opens beneath steep, beetling cliffs on the ancient surfing beach along the shoreline of Napo'opo'o Village. The site of arguably the most important event in the history of Polynesia, home to pods of frolicking dolphins, hosting the greatest density of hammerhead sharks anywhere in the Pacific Ocean and providing some truly breathtaking snorkeling, Kealakekua Bay is one of the most truly magical spots in the State of Hawai'i.

Across the bay from Napo'opo'o stands the solitary white obelisk that marks the lonely Captain Cook Monument rising among the ruins of Ka'awaloa Village. High along the cliff walls can be seen numerous burial caves of the iwi (bones) of Ali'i, and in the late afternoon light, a greyish streak is visible on the northwest wall. Local legend has it that a canon-ball fired by Cook to impress the Hawai'ians left this streak as it smeared and bounced along the cliff. Close in along the beach, historic Hikiau (Moving Current) Heiau stands through the ages, witness to the tsunami of enormous changes that swept through Hawai'i with the coming of Cook and the Europeans, which began right here at Kealakekua Bay.

Perhaps the most sought-after snorkeling area in Hawai'i, visitors frequently kayak from Napo'opo'o to the monument to enjoy the Class Triple-A waters and abundant sea life. However, the monument is also accessible by hiking a trail down from the highway; this hike takes 4-6 hours round trip and drinking water is not available anywhere along the journey.

Written, filmed, directed and produced by Donald B. MacGowan.

For more information on visiting and exploring the Big Island of Hawaii, visit: www.tourguidehawaii.com, www.lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com and www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com.

Category:

Travel & Events

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[Catleya3]

I love you Dr Blizzardo!

[DrBlizzardo]

Well...thank you very much...nicest thing anybody has said to me all day!

[DrBlizzardo]

Thank you!

[spamstoper3]

nice

[IKAIKAYETI]

born and raised

[ZooBreakout1991]

i think i just saw my house ;p, but seriously, check out my video of manini its one of the 2 breaks in that bay.

[ChapdawG09]

so the oblisk doesn't mark the spot he was killed? can you provide a link that talks about the actual spot he was killed?

[Kalehuamakan0e]

My mom is the caretaker of Hikiau Heiau, and before her was our Aunty Iolani Luahine, which both was born there in the fishing village of Napo'opo'o. It's a ohana heiau all the way back when it was built by ohana's in one night's time, from sunset to sunrise, back in the eleven hundreths.. Hikiau being our ohana =).. Mahalo nui for sharing such info. We also have a shop there right next to Hikiau Heiau, where we sell our art's and craft items.

[2amandnosleep]

we went snorkeling there on new year's eve 99/100. magical! although lots of rude 'tourists' laying out on the monument. i was in AWE of how the cliffside continued down into the water, so deep down i couldn't see anymore. We took our daughter here in 2006, but did not snorkel, just walked around on the opposite 'shore' that is covered in lava.we also spent new year's eve 99/00 on that shore.one of the best nights of my life! a local guy was calling out to the dolphins, truly magical!Best bay!

[SkaterChick47]

My family and I went there once, when we went kayaking it was really fun! I hope to visit Hawaii again! x]]