Captain Cook Monument
The British established the Captain Cook monument in memory of the site where Cook was killed.
Kealakekua Bay is traditionally a sacred site for the ancient Hawaiians. The name translates to “the pathway of the God,” where, it was said, the Hawaiian fertility god, Lono-i-ka-makahiki, lived.
When Captain Cook made his second landing in Hawaii, he arrived at a very sacred place during a very sacred time. When he arrived, the Hawaiian people were celebrating the makahiki festival, an annual joyful tribute to Lono-i-ka-makahiki.
One of the symbols of Lono-i-ka-makahiki was white kapa banners flown on crossbars. This symbol resembled the sails and mast of Captain Cook’s ships. Captain Cook’s officers estimated 2,500 to 3,500 canoes and more than 10,000 people were there to meet the god Lono-i-ka-makahiki…Captain Cook.
Kealakekua Bay and the Village Kowroaa, 1779 ink wash and watercolor by John Webber [Public domain via Wikimedia Commons]
The Hawaiians treated Cook like a god, lavishing him with gifts and hosting opulent and sacred ceremonies in his honor. In return, Cook gave tours of his ships and presented his Hawaiian host with a flute and violin concert and a display of fireworks that both fascinated and terrified the Hawaiians.
After two weeks of festivities, Cook left Kealakekua Bay and encountered a fierce winter storm on his search for a Northwest passage. He returned to Kealakekua Bay to repair the vessels but found the bay nearly deserted. The makahiki festival was finished, and a kapu was put on the bay.
The natives who remained did not understand how such a great god could have sustained such damage in his own domain. Their respect for Cook diminished, and wanting coveted metals in exchange for all of the Hawaiians’ supplies had given the English sailors; the Hawaiians helped themselves to metals and the Discovery’s cutter. Cook took a nine-marine party and went ashore to take Chief Kalaniopuu hostage until the cutter was returned. However, for various reasons, the plan failed, and Captain Cook and four marines died in a skirmish near the monument’s location on Feb. 14, 1779.
Fair Wind Snorkel Tours to Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay
The British established the Captain Cook monument in memory of the site where Cook was killed.
The best way to access the magic of Kealakekua Bay is aboard a Fair Wind Snorkel Tour. Enjoy the luxuries of a custom-designed vessel with the convenience of onboard restrooms, fresh water showers, and a fully equipped galley for tasty lunches and offering of exotic drinks, soft drinks, and famous 100% Kona coffee. A Fair Wind Snorkel Tour also provides snorkel gear and an assortment of floatation devices for unmatched intimate encounters with the bay’s abundant and unique marine life.
Morning Kealakekua
Snorkel Tour
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4.5-hr Cruise
Check-in time 8:30 AM
Returns 1:30 PM
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ALL
YEAR
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LOW
DIFFICULTY
Includes:
Additional Options:
- No-host bar
- SNUBA
- Adult 13 years+Starting at $159 +tax & fees
- Child 4 – 12 yearsStarting at $99 +tax & fees
- Toddler 0 – 3 yearsStarting at $39 +tax & fees