Kealakekua and Captain Hook

South Kona is home to the towns of Kealakekua and Captain Cook, which offer comfortable living, water sports, entertainment, lots of fresh produce, the primary medical facility of West Hawaii in Kona Community Hospital, and the Konawaena community schools.  This is also the area where the world-renowned Kona coffee is grown and processed.

Kealakekua Bay is a significant piece of history in the area because it commemorates where Captain James Cook first caught sight of Hawaii.  Captain James Cook is a particular historical figure as he was the first westerner to land on the island of Hawaii in 1778 on Kauai.  Not long after Cook landed, unfortunately, he was killed in a fight with Native Hawaiians right in the same area where he landed: Kealakekua Bay.  This is the reason for the memorial monument in his name.

Besides Captain Cook, the area holds other historical monuments as well.  When visiting Kealakekua Bay, be sure to visit the sacred temple called “Hikiau heiau,” which was built in honor of Lono, the Hawaiian god.  In the center of Captain Cook is also the historic Manago Hotel, a local landmark that features an ono restaurant. 

The small town of Captain Cook is a typical island town.  The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, home to only a handful of bed and breakfasts, small boutiques, and a grocery store.  Stock up on fresh local produce, handcrafted art from local artists, and more at the friendly farmers’ market in Captain Cook.  The small town of Kealakekua is very close to Captain Cook and very similar in culture but directly overlooks Kealakekua Bay.

The town of Captain Cook is built around the enjoyment of the outdoors, which makes it the perfect location for sightseeing and fun activities.  Expect moderate tropical weather with temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and typical tropical rainfall.  The beautiful coastal weather is great for everything from snorkeling to kayaking, sailing and fishing.  You’ll always be surrounded by stunning views of the ocean and lush rainforest.  Of course, being a beach town, Captain Cook offers water sport gear shops so that you can head to the beach ready for adventure.

Also near Captain Cook is the city of refuge at Honaunau.  Located at Honaunau Bay, Puuhonua o Honaunau immerses you in Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once the home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.  Kapu, or sacred laws, were of utmost importance to Hawaiian culture and the breaking of kapu had its consequences, including death.  If one were to break kapu, their only chance for survival was to evade his pursuers and make it to a puuhonua, or a sacred place of refuge.  Once there, a ceremony of absolution would take place and the one who broke kapu would be able to return to society.  Hundreds of years old yet beautifully restored, Puuhonua o Honaunau remains one of Hawaii's most sacred historic places.

Living in Captain Cook is comfortable and laid-back, in the “old Hawaiian style”, but with easy access to Kona and its activities, so the towns offer the best of both worlds.

Captain Cook and Kealakekua Listings