Kealakekua Bay Dinner Cruise: Kona Sunset Sail to Captain Cook Monument
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; brief walking to/from parking and pier is required
Overview
Set sail from Kailua‑Kona for a three‑hour sunset cruise to Kealakekua Bay where a local historian narrates Hawaiian stories, dinner is served and the Captain Cook Monument rises from the water. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seasonal whales and dramatic lava-cut coastline.
Kealakekua Bay Dinner Cruise: Kona Sunset Sail to Captain Cook Monument
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The boat slips quietly away from Kailua‑Kona as the sky begins to soften—platinum fading to honey—while the captain trims the sails and the first live ukulele notes thread through the dusk. For three hours, travelers follow Kona’s Gold Coast, a stretch of lava-born shore that throws cliffs, coves and reef into sharp relief, until the boat eases into the green hollow of Kealakekua Bay where a white obelisk marks Captain James Cook’s final anchorage.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early and park at Ilima Court
Free parking is available at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy; allow 30–40 minutes to walk to the Kailua Pier and check in.
Bring layered outerwear
Even warm evenings feel cooler out on the open ocean—carry a light jacket or windbreaker.
Call dietary requests 48 hours ahead
Gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian meals must be requested by phone 48 hours before the cruise.
Prepare for sea conditions
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding and choose a seat midship for the least motion.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Spinner dolphins
- Humpback whales (seasonal)
History
Kealakekua Bay marks the spot where Captain James Cook made contact with Hawaiians in the late 18th century and where he was killed in 1779; the obelisk memorializes that encounter.
Conservation
Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine life conservation district—visitors should avoid touching coral, follow no-landing rules and minimize noise and light pollution to protect marine species.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Light windbreaker
Blocks the evening ocean breeze and keeps you comfortable during the return at sunset.
Camera with zoom lens
A 70–200mm or similar helps capture dolphins, whales and the distant Captain Cook Monument.
Motion sickness medication
Useful for those who get seasick; take before boarding for best effect.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated matters, and many operators can refill bottles onboard.