Division of State Parks

Description

Site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners with the arrival of Captain Cook in 1779. Viewing of Hikiau Heiau, a traditional religious site, and the Captain Cook monument at a distance across Kealakekua Bay. (4.0 acres)

Visiting Ka’awaloa Flats

In order to access the land at Ka’awaloa Flats (the location of the Captain Cook Monument), visitors have 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 (see list below).

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 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. 

Authorized Kayak Tour Companies

The Following Vendors Have Been Issued Permits by the Division of State Parks to Lead Guided Commercial Kayak Tours to the Captain Cook Monument at Ka’awaloa, Kealakekua Bay:

Kealakekua Bay Permits

All vessels are required to obtain a permit from State Parks before transiting the waters of Kealakekua Bay. Vessels including but not limited to kayaks, boats, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and inflatables. Please see the forms and instructions below for the applications and conditions of use.

*Effective June 1, 2019, Commercial permitted kayaks are required to have State Parks issued decals affixed to both sides of kayak bows. The Commercial Kayak Permit Decal Instructions form should accompany Commercial Permit Applications if applicable.

VESSEL SPECIAL USE PERMIT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS

The 2021 Vessel Special Use Access application instructions and form(s) are listed below. Make sure the application you submit is current and that all pertinent information is filled-in legibly.  Please allow up to 14 days for your application to be processed. Any missing information or required documents will result in a delay of processing the application. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.

To apply for a vessel permit to transit the waters of Kealakekua Bay:

1. Download the appropriate application form (Commercial or Non-Commercial) to your computer by clicking the link below.
2. Fill it out.
3. Save the form on your computer.
4. E-mail the completed application form to: [email protected]

MAP:  Kealakekua Marine Life Conservation District Overview

MAP:  Regulated Areas Within Kealakeakua Bay

PERMITS:  2021 Non-Commercial Application Instructions

PERMITS:  2021 Non-Commercial Application

PERMITS:  2021 Commercial Application Instructions

PERMITS:  2021 Commercial Application

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 State Historical Park.

Master Plan Improvements Environmental Impact Statement

Click the link below to download and view a copy of the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Master Plan Improvements at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Clicking the link will start a download of the EIS document. Please check your downloads folder to open the file.

 Click Here —> Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park Final Environmental Impact Statement