What to know about parking at Captain Cook hike trailhead on the Big Island of Hawaii

ALOHA!

The Captain Cook hike is a great scenic hike down to the popular Kealakekua Bay snorkeling spot on the Kona coast!

Whether you’re doing this hike to go snorkeling, or you’re doing this hike just for the views, it’s a worthy Big Island hike!

Below is what the parking situation was like when I went!

 

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How to get to the start of the Captain Cook Monument Trail

So if you put into Google Maps “captain cook monument trail,” it looks as though this hike starts right off a main road.

Does it actually start off the side of the road?!

Yes, it does! Google Maps has the correct starting point.

 

So then…

Is there parking around here?!

There is some unofficial parking near the start of the hiking trail.

If you look at the map, you’ll see that trailhead is right near the main intersection.

 

 

And you could very reasonably be coming from all 4 directions as there are activities in all directions that you could be coming from!

But for demonstration here (aka picture sequence) let’s say you’re coming from the intersection side. (You could also be coming from the non-intersection side, which would be around the bend if you choose that route to get from the popular Two Step snorkeling beach or the Puuhonua O Honaunau national historical park.)

 

So once you make that final turn or go straight through the intersection to get near the start of the trail…

 

 

You will immediately see a wide shoulder area on the left side.

There’s a good chance there will be cars parked there too.

 

 

And this is the parking area for the Captain Cook hike!

So this is where you will look for a spot to park. Parking is limited.

 

 

Be sure to pay attention to the no parking signs.

 

 

 

Where’s the start of the trail?

The trailhead is just past the parking area, and across the street from the parking area, so you’ll cross the road in order to get there.

 

 

It’s right next to a group of bamboo trees.

 

 

And there’s a sign for the Kaawaoloa Trail – and that’s the Captain Cook Monument Trail.

 

 

And off you go hiking on the Captain Cook Monument Trail to get to Kealakekua Bay!

 

 

And maybe some snorkeling at the bay too!

 

 

HAPPY HIKING THE CAPTAIN COOK TRAIL!