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
Find your own paradise and build your dream island style home! This property features unobstructed ocean & sweeping coastline views. You will find the natural beauty at ...
Listing courtesy of Knutson & Associates.
Graced with expansive ocean views, Lot 31, 81-6654 Mapele Pl offers the discerning Buyer an ideal location to build in Hokulia. Located at a lower elevation in the 1,26...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Island Properties - Kona.
Located about 35 miles south of Kona, this parcel of vacant land is just over a quarter acre. No trees to clear, with unobstructed blue sky and blue ocean views. Adjo...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Island Properties - Keauhou.
Located about 35 miles south of Kona, this parcel of vacant land is just under a quarter acre. No trees to clear, with unobstructed blue sky and blue ocean views. Adj...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Island Properties - Keauhou.
Unique location and opportunity to buy a studio style off grid fixer upper beach house, just minutes walk to a Sandy Beach Park and Bay! Wonderful having a lanai that loo...
Listing courtesy of Pacific Ocean Realty LLC.
Lot 145 is an exceptional 1.59 acre home site situated on a cul-de-sac with excellent ocean views. Elevation 720 feet. All of the utilities are stubbed to the edge of the...
Listing courtesy of COMPASS.
82-958 AKA ALA ST is a great opportunity for investors, extended families or buyers looking to subsidize their mortgage. This single family home offer three separate liv...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Island Properties - Kona.
At Ki'ilae Farms, the opportunity for a comfortable South Kona lifestyle is finally available for discriminating buyers. If you've always wanted to live away from the hea...
Listing courtesy of Livingston Realty.
Build your dream home and enjoy sweeping ocean views from the highly desirable neighborhood of McCoy Plantation in Capt Cook. This 1-acre lot is located at the top of the...
Listing courtesy of eXp Realty.
Come see this cute 3 bedroom home located in one of the most coveted subdivisions in South Kona, Cooks Landing. Single story home with a 2 car, pass through garage, loca...
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Maui.