This was an amazing day trip to take, and we were extremely happy to stop here. We ended up getting…read morehere with only about 20 minutes before closing, so we didn't get to read everything we wanted, but I was very happy to see everything! The statues and the shelters are super interesting to see. I love the location; it's absolutely gorgeous and mesmerizing. We took so many pictures! Remember this is a sacred place, and above all, be respectful!

This park is beautiful and sacred. You can learn indigenous Hawaiian history & culture here and…read moreexperience serenity in this very special place. I especially enjoyed walking on the lava rocks to the protected areas where I saw fish everywhere! The water is clear and perfect. This park is large and I recommend that you have at least two hours here to soak it all in. There are hiking trails and picnic areas too. There are clean bathrooms, water fountain & a small gift shop as well. Note: For visitors concerned with accessibility, it may be a little tough to access the beach areas as the terrain is sandy, rocky & uneven. I did read that beach wheelchairs are available at the visitor center though. Mahalo.

The park is small, but the waves are amazing! It's so strong, when we arrive, husband is so excited…read moreto walk to the ocean side, and a huge wave come, hit him, he got all wet from to to toe. Hahaha.

Lots of historical significance and locals fishing ... plus one stunning sunset ... were the…read morehighlights of our visit to this free state park. Kealakekua Bay was home to thousands on January 17, 1779 when Captain James Cook "discovered" people living on the Big Island of Hawaii and made contact here. This was one year after a brief Jan. 1778 visit to Waimea on Kauai. At Kealakekua, Cook and his crew were initially welcomed with gifts and special treatment; however, on February 14, 1779, the captain was killed at this site while attempting to kidnap Hawaiian King Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao. A 27-foot white obelisk was placed in 1874 on the shore in memory of the British explorer. Today, the Captain Cook Monument can be accessed via a 1.9-mile (one-way) hike from the uplands via the historic Ka'awaloa Trail. Otherwise, joining a kayaking tour is the only other option to see the memorial. Don't emphasize seeing it up close too much because there are plenty of other areas of significance and beauty in the park. Near the small parking lot at Napo'opo'o Beach is Hikiau Heiau. This sacred luakini (human sacrifice) temple is dedicated to the Hawaiian god, Lono and associated with funeral rites. Originally, the black volcanic rock structure built by King Kalani'opu'u was over 250-feet long, 100-feet wide, and 16-feet tall. A small stone platform on top is believed to have been the location of the lele (altar). It is now a protected religious site and visitors are expected to treat it as such. The park is relatively compact ... and so were parts of the road taken to get there. We followed Google maps which led us on an "off-road trail" for a few miles on the way there and then a paved road on the way out. The driving experience kind of added some excitement to the adventure. On-site is a picnic pavilion, restrooms, water fountains, trash cans, and one scenic viewpoint of waves crashing into the rocky shore (very little sand) ... and the stunning Hawaiian sunset. Since the bay is a Marine Life Conservation District many people enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking here to see the coral, tropical fish, and spinner dolphins (Nai'a) in the sheltered wonderful waters. The small parking lot of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park was full when we arrived as many locals were fishing along the shore as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. The people were also VERY friendly and helped us get a spot for the vehicle ... and place in our hearts to take in the beauty of this famous historical site on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

My husband and I were married in Hawaii, and we've been back three times since. This has always…read morebeen our fav beach. My husband snorkeled with dolphins there. It's just a magical little place! Make sure you arrive early to secure a parking spot and a great spot on the beach.

This beautiful beach is well hidden and parking is very limited. We arrived about 10:00 and that…read moreseems to be a good time if you are not one of the first to arrive earlier in the day. Cars who have been here for a few hours will start to leave and spots open up. There is no fee to enter and the showers are nicely sun warmed. But do note that these black sands are HOT and either wear sandals or remain in the shade of the trees. Your feet can burn quickly. There are random picnic tables in the shade for anyone to use but bring a sun umbrella and sand chairs if you have them for sitting on the beach. Bring snorkel gear and watch for the turtles and fish who enjoy the shoreline reef. But also be aware that the tide is strong and you can be swept along and scraped by the reef and rocks by surprise. The underwater view is lively and fish abundant so take your time and float with open eyes. There are camp sites for those who wish to do so. And watch for dolphins who rest near shore during the day. It is a lovely beach that is worth visiting.

Great beach! It has shade and some good views. Definitely a good place to bring the family as it is…read moresomewhat protected. Parking is expensive kind of a bummer. The area itself didn't have much amenities, but definitely have palm trees and shade, which was nice in the afternoon. Happy to make it on our first day

You NEED water shoes if you are coming here to snorkel. Do not treat this as optional, or you will…read morenot enjoy your visit. The entry in and out of the snorkel zone is very rocky, slippery, and has sea urchins so it protects your feet. Tons of fish, kind staff, free sunscreen, no complaints. Very beginner friendly as well. Lifeguards present. I recommend!

Very pretty spot in Captain Cook with lovely gardens and a number of display areas. Good views out…read moretoward the ocean with plenty of spots to sit and rest.

Gorgeous Gardens that are peaceful and beautifully taken care of. The presence of the monks and…read morewhat they have built there is amazing. It is a must stop!

Amazing snorkeling! Free parking within walking distance…read more Our son loved the tide pools. You'll see so much ocean life here. Not too busy either when we went, this was a very family friendly spot!

Snorkel spot. Get it done. No sand, no beach just lava rock and reefs with lots of fish and sea…read moreurchins. Proceed with caution but once in the water it's pretty amazing down there. Watch for the signs that tell you where to get in and out of. There is actually a slimy step to use. Coming out I accidentally slipped and cut my finger on the slimy rock. Scared me as I thought I might have touched a sea urchin. Parking is interesting but we were lucky and found a spot on the street. You are greeted with signs that say Pharmaceuticals detected in the water please use restroom before entering water. Ewww yuck! That kind of freaked me out.

This is a NPS managed site that protects the ancient fish traps and fish catch ponds. centuries old…read more, all by hand to catch fish that come in on the tides to feed. One Way traps. A marvel to imagine

Great location to visit not too many tourists and the beach is nice. The hike is not the easiest on…read moreunimproved path with a lot of lava rocks and it very exposed to the sun. Need to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Came during the gov shut down so the parking lot, visitor center, and restrooms were all closed but at the turn around you can fit ~10 cars along the shoulder.

My kids enjoyed this park very much. We were visiting Kona side and we try to visit at least one…read moreplayground on our trip. It's a drive to get here from where we are staying but so worth it for the kids. Must visit if you are looking for a kid friendly activity that is also free.

Amazing park! Multi-storey wooden castle with orb weaving spiders and feral kittens if you're…read morelucky. Fantastic view of the upper canoppy on a steep, terraced hill side. Can't believe someone left a one star??????????

We are sitting and watching the surf and the bay. Very…read morepeaceful. No rain, Grey skies An hour so far, doing nothing is doing something.

I passed by the Bay on my way back to Hilo from Kona. It has a beautiful view. There is free…read moreparking but the lot is a bit small so depending when you go it could be full. I didn't snorkel but lots of people were. I was on a time restraint so I didn't stay too long. I just checked out the views and left. Can't wait to come back and see more of this amazing Bay.........