Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

What to expect

Most people arrive at Nāpōʻopoʻo, where the road meets the bay. Storm surf has replaced the old sand with boulders, and a concrete wharf rebuilt in 1912 juts out beside Hikiau Heiau on its stacked-rock platform. Across the water, the Captain Cook monument stands at Kaʻawaloa Flats. You can reach it only on foot via the historic Kaʻawaloa Trail from the uplands, or with one of the permitted guided kayak tours. The bay itself is a 315-acre Marine Life Conservation District established in 1969, split into a northern Subzone A and a southern Subzone B.

Know before you go

Hours and fees

The park is open daily, 7 a.m.–8 p.m., with no entrance fee.

Kayaks

Every kayak, paddleboard, or other vessel needs a State Parks permit to transit the bay, and permitted vessels may not land at Kaʻawaloa Flat or launch from Nāpōʻopoʻo wharf. If you rent, confirm the vessel has a valid permit. HTA advises against recreational kayaking here because of its impact on marine life.

Facilities

The only restrooms are in the Nāpōʻopoʻo section. The Kaʻawaloa Trail has none, so pack out all your trash.

Marine rules

In the conservation district, you can’t take or injure marine life (limited fishing is allowed only in Subzone B), take sand or coral, or feed fish. Anchoring is banned in Subzone A.

Sacred site

Hikiau Heiau is still sacred to Hawaiians, and State Parks asks visitors not to go onto it.

Dolphins

If spinner dolphins are in the bay, federal law prohibits swimming with them or approaching within 50 yards.