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Napoopoo Beach Park Review

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Napoopoo Beach Park

Address: End of Napoopoo Rd., off Hwy. 11, Kealakekua Bay, HI | Map It
Phone: 808/961-8311

Category: Beaches
Location: South Kona

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Fodor's Review:

There's no real beach here, but don't let that deter you—this is a great spot and a historically significant one. It's where Captain James Cook landed in late 1778 to refurbish his ships; when he returned in 1779 he was killed in a skirmish with Hawaiians. A monument marks the spot on the north end of the bay. Kealakekua Bay is surrounded by high green cliffs, so the water's usually fairly calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming. Bring a mask along, as the snorkeling in the Kealakekua Bay Underwater Marine Reserve is superb. It's a great place to spot varied marine life, schools of colorful reef fish, corals, and more. This is also a great kayaking spot, and there are several shops in the villages of Honalo, Kainaliu, Kealakekua, and Captain Cook along Highway 11 that rent kayaks, in addition to snorkel gear. You can also take a snorkel, scuba, or glass-bottom boat tour from Keauhou Bay. An earthquake in October 2006 caused rocks and dirt from the surrounding cliff to fall into the bay. The beach is now open except for an off-limits area next to the cliff marked by orange buoys.

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