Captain James Cook Monument

"Awesome hike and amazing snorkelling just remember to wear your proper shoes! We saw goats, pigs and chickens on this hike, took about an hour to go down and 45 minutes to get back up. The snorkelling was amazing, huge schools of yellow Tang and other fish which would swim right up to you sooner even nibbled my toes! I would have given 5 stars if there was a ladder or better way to get in the water, we got rashed up pretty bad by the lava rocks."

"I had the opportunity to snorkel in several places in Hawaii, and I must say, this particular spot stood out as the best. Accessible through two routes, the first being a challenging hike and the second through guided tours, my recommendation is to opt for the unforgettable kayak journey to Captain Cook. Not only does this offer a unique experience of kayaking in the ocean, but it also leads to the ultimate snorkeling location. What made this adventure exceptional was the flexibility it provided. If you're fortunate, you might even witness a captivating dolphin show, as we did on both the kayak trip there and back. The beauty of this option is that there are fewer kayakers, allowing you to relish the serene ocean kayaking experience. While guided tours have their perks, such as providing snorkeling accessories and a set time limit, embarking on the hike independently requires you to bring your own necessary gear. However, the freedom and sense of accomplishment make it entirely worth it. This hidden gem will undoubtedly be a must-visit for me on my next trip. The combination of the challenging journey, breathtaking snorkeling, and the possibility of encountering dolphins makes it an unparalleled adventure in Hawaii."

"Relatively straightforward trail (roughly 2 miles each way, took about an hour each way ). There are goats along the trail who are pretty timid, so try not to scare them. Once you get to the beach, the water is pretty shallow but there is an abundance of sea life — just keep an eye out for sea urchins and pufferfish! Be very careful on the slippery lava rocks, I fell and scraped my knee pretty bad and that was not fun on the hike back (which is a gradual ascent). Bring proper shoes for this hike, I contemplated just wearing my usual sandals but was so glad I wore my trail runners. There’s quite a lot of loose rocks so be careful"

"Wonderful place to snorkel! Hike is challenging 3.8 Miles with 1,200ft gain. Bring plenty of water. It gets the most crowded between 10-3pm. Come earlier or later to see the most fish and have the place to yourself."