Kealakekua HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kealakekua, Hawaii.
1. Kealakekua Bay
PREMIER SNORKELING SPOT
Kealakekua Bay is home to a spectacular coral reef and one of the best snorkeling spots in the entire state of Hawaii. The bay is the site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners with the arrival of Captain Cook in 1779. Visitors can enjoy clear waters with abundant marine life while also experiencing a location of significant historical importance.
2. Captain Cook Monument
HISTORIC MARITIME LANDMARK
The Captain Cook Monument stands across Kealakekua Bay, commemorating the spot where Captain James Cook met his fate in 1779. The monument can be viewed from a distance at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park or accessed via boat tour, kayak, or a challenging hike. Many visitors combine a trip to the monument with snorkeling in the pristine waters surrounding it.
3. Hikiau Heiau
SACRED HAWAIIAN TEMPLE
Hikiau Heiau is a traditional Hawaiian religious site standing on the shore of Nāpōʻopoʻo in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. The large stacked rock platform once supported various ceremonial structures and has been restored several times after damage from tsunamis and high surf. It remains a sacred site to the Hawaiian people, and visitors are asked to observe respectfully without walking onto the heiau.
4. Parrots in Paradise Sanctuary
COLORFUL BIRD HAVEN
Parrots in Paradise Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to interact with colorful exotic birds in Kealakekua. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued and surrendered parrots while educating visitors about these intelligent creatures. Guests can take photos with the birds and even hold some of them during their guided experience.
5. Kona Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Kona Historical Society preserves and shares the cultural heritage of the Kona district through exhibits, programs, and historic sites. Visitors can explore the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum and participate in traditional Portuguese bread baking at the stone oven. The society offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's multicultural past, including its coffee farming history.
6. Nāpōʻopoʻo Beach
HISTORIC COASTAL VILLAGE
Nāpōʻopoʻo Beach features boulders deposited by storm surf that cover what was once sandy shores used for loading cattle and offloading goods. A concrete wharf built in 1912 stands as a reminder of the 1920s when the steamer Humuʻula docked twice weekly with mail, news, and cargo. Today, visitors can explore this historic section of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, though launching from the wharf is prohibited.
7. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
WORKING COFFEE PLANTATION
The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is the only living history coffee farm in the nation, located just minutes from Kealakekua. Visitors can explore the historic Japanese farmhouse and experience daily life on a 1920s-1940s coffee farm through hands-on activities and demonstrations. The farm offers insight into the significant contributions of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii's coffee industry while providing opportunities to sample authentic Kona coffee.
8. Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
PLACE OF REFUGE
Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park preserves an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge where those who broke kapu (sacred laws) could seek sanctuary and absolution. The 180-acre park features reconstructed temples, royal grounds, and wooden ki'i (carved images) surrounding the pu'uhonua. Visitors can walk the self-guided tour to learn about Hawaiian culture while enjoying the park's beautiful coastal setting just south of Kealakekua.
9. The Coffee Shack
PANORAMIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Coffee Shack is a beloved restaurant perched on the slopes of Mauna Loa with breathtaking 180-degree views of Kealakekua Bay. Known for its fresh breakfast and lunch offerings, including homemade breads and tropical fruit, the restaurant has been serving locals and tourists for over 30 years. Diners can enjoy their meals on the lanai while watching for spinner dolphins in the bay below.
10. Kealakekua Bay Kayak Tours
MARINE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Kealakekua Bay Kayak Tours offers guided paddling adventures across the historic waters of Kealakekua Bay to the Captain Cook Monument. Participants can experience some of Hawaii's best snorkeling at the protected marine life conservation district while learning about the bay's cultural and historical significance. Tours typically include kayaking equipment, snorkel gear, and knowledgeable guides who share insights about the area's unique ecosystem and history.
11. Big Island Bees
ORGANIC HONEY FARM
Big Island Bees is an organic honey farm and museum located near Kealakekua that offers free tours of its beekeeping operation. Visitors can observe live beehives through a glass-walled demonstration hive and learn about the honey-making process from flower to bottle. The farm store sells a variety of single-floral honeys, including rare Kiawe, Wilelaiki, and Macadamia Nut varieties, along with beeswax products and honey-based body care items.
12. Kona Wild Dolphin Adventure
MARINE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
Kona Wild Dolphin Adventure offers a 2.5-hour excursion to encounter spinner dolphins in their natural habitat around Kealakekua Bay. Participants can snorkel in sea caves and along the vibrant Captain Cook reef, home to colorful tropical fish and coral formations. The tour combines wildlife viewing with education about marine conservation and the cultural significance of dolphins in Hawaiian traditions.
13. Greenwell Farms
HISTORIC COFFEE ESTATE
Greenwell Farms is one of Kona's oldest and most renowned coffee producers, offering free tours of their working coffee plantation. Visitors can follow the journey of coffee from tree to cup, learning about cultivation, processing, and roasting techniques that have been refined since the farm's establishment in 1850. The farm's retail store provides opportunities to sample and purchase various grades of authentic Kona coffee and related products.
14. Annie's Island Fresh Burgers
FARM-TO-TABLE LOCAL FAVORITE
Annie's Island Fresh Burgers serves locally-sourced, handcrafted burgers made from Big Island grass-fed beef just minutes from Kealakekua. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability by growing many of their own ingredients and sourcing others from nearby farms. Their creative menu features tropical twists on classic burger combinations, along with vegetarian options and house-made sauces that have earned them a devoted following among locals and visitors alike.
15. Kealakekua Ranch Center
LOCAL SHOPPING HUB
Kealakekua Ranch Center serves as the primary shopping destination for the Kealakekua and Captain Cook communities. The center houses essential services including a supermarket, pharmacy, post office, and several local eateries and specialty shops. Visitors can find authentic Hawaiian gifts, locally made products, and everyday necessities while experiencing the genuine atmosphere of a community gathering place away from more touristy areas.