Captain Cook is a community in Hawaii County, Hawaii, in the United States. It is actually located in the land division of Kealakekua and is so named because the post office for the area was located in the Captain Cook Coffee Co. during the early 1900s. The town and surrounding villages host various holiday accommodations and lodging, ranging from condo rentals and other vacation rentals.

Most of Captain Cook lies between the 800- and 2,000-foot (610 m) elevation, which makes it ideal as a coffee growing region. It sits on the top of an ancient fault which created the famous Kealakekua Bay. Prior to the 1960s, most of Captain Cook was part of the vast Kealakekua Ranch, founded in the 1850s by English immigrant Henry Nicholas Greenwell. Some accommodation, vacation rental and condo rental options have beautiful views of Kealakekua Bay.

The Captain Cook Monument is a major landmark on the Kona Coast. Rising up against the sky, the tall white spire strikes a beautiful contrast against its natural surroundings – the rugged ground, the high cliffs and the lush surrounding vegetation. A plaque rests on the base of the structure, telling the story of his arrival and death in Hawaii. The Captain Cook Monument is on the north shore of the Bay and there is a shelf of coral all along shore to the left and right where the snorkeling is fantastic. This monument is only approachable by rugged foot trail or by water. The best way to reach this austere and beautiful spot is by kayak. Launch your kayak from the Kealakekua wharf and paddle across the bay. The water is clear and calm and the snorkeling and scuba diving at Captain Cook are unforgettable experiences. If you are looking for a more relaxing way to reach Captain Cook, try the Hawaii Snorkel Cruise to Kealakekua. Alternatively, avid hikers can get to the monument but the trail is uneven, steep, rock-strewn and may feel long. The hike takes about 2-4 hours round-trip (4.25 miles - 6.8 km).

Locally owned accommodations and vacation rentals should have more information on when the best time it to visit the monument and best ways to get there.

Kealakekua Bay encompasses 315 acres and measures 1.5 miles in length and one mile in width. It is the largest sheltered natural bay on the island of Hawaii. The spectacular marine sanctuary at Kealakekua Bay offers an abundance of colorful tropical fish, a variety of beautiful coral reefs and visibility often to 100 feet. The calm, protected waters and sunny skies of Kealakekua Bay provide superior snorkeling and diving year round, with the water temperature averaging 76 degrees.

A pod of Hawaiian Spinner dolphins frequents Kealakekua Bay. The bay serves are a place for them to rest, feed, and a nursery for mothers and their calves. Due to the calm water conditions, extensive coral reef, and thriving underwater life, Kealakekua Bay offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in Hawaii.

Captain Cook and Kealakekua offer many beautiful accommodation and vacation rental options and visitors will not be disappointment.