Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District

USA / Hawaii / Captain Cook /
 bay, place with historical importance, marine park
Legitimately famous as the site of Captain Cook's death at the hands of native Hawai'ians, Kealakekua Bay is perhaps better known from the song "Little Grass Shack," which famously identifies the Bay as the place "where the humuhumunukunukuapua'a go swimmin' by."

The North side of the Bay, near Cook's monument, is one of the best snorkeling spots in the state of Hawai'i. Although it's possible to hike down to the spot, most people choose to rent kayaks and paddle approximately 1 mile from the parking lot at the foot of Napo'opo'o road across the bay.

A school of spinner dolphins often rests in the bay during the day. DO NOT APPROACH THE DOLPHINS. It is a violation of Federal and State law and visibly stresses the dolphins.

Also, the sheer cliff face overlooking the bay was once the burial place of native Hawaiian royalty. A child would be given the bones of the deceased royalty to place in one of the many volcanic holes in the cliff and the child would then be lowered by a rope down the cliff face. Once the bones were buried, the rope was cut, sending the child to his or her death and keeping the location of the burial a secret. It was considered an honor to be chosen for this task.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kealakekua_Bay
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   19°28'35"N   155°55'38"W

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This article was last modified 1 year ago