The Kaʻawaloa Trail is the historic trail from the uplands down to Kaʻawaloa Flats, where the Captain Cook Monument stands. State Parks calls Kealakekua Bay the site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners, with Captain Cook's arrival. The monument stands near the place where Cook was killed, and the ruins of the ancient village of Kaʻawaloa lie on the lava flats behind it. Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District, and the Division of Aquatic Resources calls the variety of coral and fish in Kaʻawaloa Cove, near the monument, exceptional; dolphins are commonly seen inside the bay. Taking or injuring marine life (except as the district rules allow), taking sand, coral or rocks, and feeding fish are prohibited. There are no restrooms on the trail, so carry what you need and pack out your trash. Private and rental vessels crossing the bay need a valid permit and may not land at Kaʻawaloa Flat; besides the trail, the other way onto the Flats is a guided kayak trip with one of the permitted commercial vendors. State Parks lists falling rocks, dangerous shorebreak and strong current as hazards, and the bay turns dangerous in high surf and southern (kona) storms.
Hike down from the uplands, or join a guided kayak trip with a permitted commercial vendor; other vessels may not land at Kaʻawaloa Flat.