Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (Napo’opo’o Beach)

Napo’opo’o Beach is located at the sound end of Kealakekua Bay in the South Kona region. Napo’opo’o Beach was stripped of its sand by Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and it never came back. What’s left is a narrow rocky beach that’s not good for much other than getting into the water – luckily the water is excellent here.

The bay is a popular place for sea kayaking and it’s a major destination for boat cruises, for watching spinner dolphins, and for prime snorkeling. Most of this activity happens on the north side of the bay near the Captain Cook Monument, but the snorkeling near Napo’opo’o Beach is good too.

The bright white obelisk known as the Captain Cook Monument is visible across Kealakekua Bay from Napo’opo’o Beach. You can kayak to the monument, but you can’t land the kayak there. If you want to go on a guided sea kayaking tour, it has to be with one of three approved touring companies (see this state park page for the current list). Kayaks can be rented in the area for self-guided travel too, just make sure the crafts have an approved sticker and don’t get out at the monument.

Hikiau Heiau, an historic Hawaiian temple, is right next to Napo’opo’o Beach. Visitors can no longer enter and walk around on this massive structure, but it’s easy to see it from outside. Napo’opo’o Beach and Hikiau Heiau are part of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

Getting to Napo’opo’o Beach is fairly straightforward. From the town of Captain Cook turn south onto Napoopoo Road (Highway 160) and follow it downhill to a T intersection with Puuhonua Road. Turn right and continue about 500 feet to the parking lot near the restrooms and a covered picnic area (across from the home at address 82-6049).

Address

82-6049 Napoopoo Rd
Captain Cook, HI 96704

Phone

808-961-9540

Park Name

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Napo'opo'o Beach Park

Other Names

Kekua

Owner

State

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Picnicking, Wildlife Watching, Kayaking

Amenities

Historical Structures, Restrooms, Showers, Covered Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Spinner Dolphins, Interpretive Signs, Grass Lawn