Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park marks the site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners, with the arrival of Captain Cook. A monument to Cook stands near where he was killed, with the ruins of the old village of Kaʻawaloa on the lava flats behind it. Hikiau Heiau, on the shore at Napoʻopoʻo, is still a sacred site, and visitors are asked not to go onto it. The beach at Napoʻopoʻo is covered by boulders the storm surf has piled over the old sand, and the restrooms are in that section of the park. To reach Kaʻawaloa Flats and the monument, hike down the historic Kaʻawaloa Trail, which has no restrooms, or go with a permitted guided kayak company. Every kayak, board, canoe or boat needs a State Parks permit to cross the bay. State Parks lists falling rocks, a dangerous shorebreak and strong currents, and camping is not allowed.
Kaʻawaloa Flats by the Kaʻawaloa Trail or a permitted guided kayak trip; every vessel needs a State Parks permit.
