Division of State Parks

Ka‘awaloa (Kealakekua Bay) Permits

In order to access the land at or visit Ka’awaloa Flat (the location of the Captain Cook Monument), visitors have only two options:

1. Hike from the uplands via the historic Ka’awaloa Trail.
2. Take a guided kayak tour through one of the three permitted commercial vendors listed on this page.

Transiting the bay by individuals is allowed so long as the vessel has a valid permit (both private and commercial rental vessels). Permitted vessels are prohibited from landing at Ka’awaloa flat, or launching from Napo’opo’o wharf. Visitors do NOT need to acquire their own permits when renting a kayak, but must confirm from the vessel owner that the vessel they rent possesses a valid permit for transiting the bay. 

To apply for a vessel permit to transit Kealakekua Bay, please download the appropriate (commercial or non-commercial) application below, fill it out, save it to your computer and then email completed application to: KBSHP.VESSEL.SUP@hawaii.gov

Non-commercial Permit Application

Non-commercial Application Form Instructions

Commercial Permit Application

Commercial Application Form Instructions

These permits only apply to vessels transiting the water and do not authorize any business operation related to soliciting for customers, renting equipment or otherwise promoting a business within the boundaries of Kealakekua Bay SHP.

In January of 2013, DLNR initiated management activity to improve the quality and sustainability of this heavily visited and significant cultural and natural resource by regulating the use of a variety of vessels in the water and on land at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

A primary issues for the change in management strategy has been the proliferation and use of unpermitted kayak rentals being conducted at the historic Napo’opo’o wharf and the subsequent impacts to the adjacent community and the user’s experience and safety, and impacts to cultural resources and subsequent reduction in quality of the resources at Ka’awaloa Flats.

There are currently 3 authorized kayak tour companies that may launch from the Napo’opo’o wharf and land at Ka’awaloa – with strict requirements that include site stewardship and the management, containment and subsequent removal of any human waste while at Ka’awaloa Flat.

In the meantime, the Division of State Parks will continue to engage in planning and identify strategies to better manage this significant cultural resource.