Things to Do in Captain Cook Hawaii – 11 Hidden Gems

Your trip to the Big Island should include the best things to do in Captain Cook Hawaii. This community near Kona is charming, scenic, and exciting – and it’s the perfect place to make memories during your Hawaii vacation. 

But many travelers haven’t even heard of Captain Cook, Hawaii. It’s small, and often forgotten in the shadow of Kailua-Kona. But with an interesting history and several fun activities, Captain Cook is worth discovering — and worth visiting. 

Let’s learn a bit about this small Hawaii community and the best things to do when you visit. 

The “Town” of Captain Cook, Hawaii

Captain Cook, Hawaii, is a “census-designated place” (so, technically not a town, but still officially recognized as a place) in the Kona district of Hawaii Island (AKA The Big Island). It has an area of approximately 13 square miles and a population of around 3,000 people. 

When I first started gathering info for this article about Captain Cook, Hawaii, I kept getting results about the person. Do you know about Captain James Cook? He was one of the earliest European explorers to visit the Hawaiian Islands. His encounters with Hawaiians brought forth trade, disease, and confusion, and on his third visit, he was killed at Kealakekua Bay, near the community that’s now known as Captain Cook, Hawaii. 

The area’s Hawaiian placename is Ka‘awaloa. The census-designated name of Captain Cook came to be because of the local post office: it was located within the office of Captain Cook Coffee Company. Legislation to officially change the name of the area to Ka‘awaloa stalled in the state Senate in 2022. 

If you visit Captain Cook today, you’ll discover a few restaurants, a supermarket, coffee plantations, and one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. Read on to discover the best things to do in this hidden gem Hawaiian town. 

Things to Do in Captain Cook, Hawaii

Now that you’ve learned a little about Captain Cook, Hawaii, it’s time for you to visit and see it all for yourself. Here’s the ultimate list of things to do:

1. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay

Just below the town of Captain Cook, nestled on a quiet shoreline, is one of Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling spots. Kealakekua Bay is known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. 

It’s also where Captain Cook was killed in 1779. About a century later, a memorial was raised at the site. Now the site memorializes the explorer and serves as a landmark over the popular snorkeling site. 

You can access Kealakekua Bay as part of a boat excursion or kayak to the site. Some visitors hike, though the return walk can be challenging.

2. Tour Kona Coffee Farms

The Kailua-Kona district is a prime area for coffee farming, and the history of Captain Cook, Hawaii, is intertwined with the rise of coffee farming in Hawaii. Today, you can learn about coffee growth at farms like Royal Kona Coffee Center, Hala Tree Coffee, and Rooster Farms. Some tours are free, and all include samples of incredibly fresh coffee (plus incredible views!). 

For an even more immersive experience, tour Kona Coffee Living History Farm, which has costumed demonstrators and historic machines. 

3. Eat at “Hawaii’s Oldest Restaurant”

For over a century, the Manago Restaurant has been an icon in Captain Cook. Today, it’s known as the oldest continually operating restaurant in all of Hawaii, and its simple charm outshines its longstanding status. 

Pork chops are the go-to for many repeat customers, but you’ll find a range of meats and sides on the menu. Manago Restaurant is connected to a hotel that’s recently closed. So while you can’t stay at Manago Hotel anymore, a bite at its restaurant is still a quaint— and historical — experience. 

Manago Restaurant also received the James Beard America’s Classic Award in 2023. 

4. Or Eat Ono Hawaiian food at Kaaloa’s Super J’s

When we help visitors plan their Hawaii vacation, we often get this request: eat some authentic Hawaiian food. But many visitors don’t even know what that means. Does that mean some spam on rice? Or perhaps a loco moco?

Most locals and kamaaina will tell you that no menu is authentically Hawaiian unless it has laulau and kalua pig. And one of the best places to try these decidedly Hawaiian staples is in Captain Cook, on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

If you’re visiting the area, or staying nearby in Kona, it’s worth the trip out to Kaaloa’s Super J’s to experience truly delicious Hawaiian food, friendly service, and a casual, small-town atmosphere. 

Don’t be shy about trying some new food while you’re traveling through Hawaii Island – and definitely don’t miss a stop at Kaaloa’s Super J’s. 

5. … Or Eat Pizza with a View

Is there anything to do in Captain Cook besides eat? Well, yes, but you also won’t go hungry here. Not if you like homey diner fare, authentic Hawaiian food, decent Mexican restaurants, or pizza.

We’ve been quite impressed with Black Rock Pizza in Captain Cook – both the ambiance and flavors are top-notch, and they also serve up cocktails and beer. 

When spending a day out exploring, we’ve gotten lunch at Super J’s, then came back through and got a pizza for dinner. You can dine in on their scenic patio, or take the pizza back to your hotel. 

They’ve got all the classic pizzas, but you can also try something unique here. Toppings include kalua pork, spicy Thai peanut chicken, and loco moco with gravy and a fried egg.

6. Book a Stay at a Hotel in Captain Cook, Hawaii

If you’re drawn to the quiet atmosphere and relaxed pace of a Hawaiian small town, you might enjoy booking accommodations in Captain Cook. The area is home to several laid-back Bed & Breakfasts that will satisfy your longing for a truly serene vacation. 

Ka’awa Loa Plantation is perched above the coast on a coffee farm, and Belle Vue Kona Bed & Breakfast features a whimsical garden and sweeping views. 

Need help choosing a Captain Cook B&B? Our team at Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you sort through the options and get a place that fits your vision. 

7. Visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Just south of Captain Cook is a National Historical Park that is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful ocean views and learn about Hawaiian history. 

A Puuhonua was a place of refuge for early Hawaiians. Here lived lawbreakers, defeated warriors, and endangered civilians. These sites are memorialized at Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, where history comes to life through demonstrations, preserved structures, and storytelling. 

There is also an array of wildlife at the park, including marine life and birds. You can’t access the water within Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, but there’s a snorkeling site just outside the sacred boundaries. 

8. Visit a Honey Farm

Kona may be known for its coffee plantations, but it’s not the only unique product farmed here. At Big Island Bees, honey is made fresh right in the tropical atmosphere of Hawaii Island. 

Book a paid tour to see the hard-working bees in action (tours include a honey tasting). It’s free to visit the museum and store, so it’s worth a stop here just to check out their offerings. 

9. Marvel at the Painted Church

St. Benedict Church in Captain Cook feels like a true hidden gem attraction, but it’s not really an “attraction” at all. It’s a working catholic church that holds mass 5 days a week. It’s also a historical artifact that dates back to Hawaii’s missionary days. 

But for us visitors, it’s an object of wonder. The sanctuary is painted with scenes from the Old and New Testaments – all original artwork from the early 1900s. 

The Painted Church in Captain Cook, Hawaii, is open to visitors 7 days a week. 

10. Unwind at Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary

Looking for a serene outdoor activity during your Big Island Vacation? Head south past Captain Cook and discover Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary. This botanical garden features 7 acres of manicured landscaping, and it’s a great stop if you’re headed toward Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau and the Painted Church. 

Adult admission is $12 and grants you access to a variety of gardens and spiritual shrines. 

11. Discover Even More Things to Do in Captain Cook, Hawaii

Still have time to spend in Captain Cook? The fun doesn’t end once you step out of the water at Kealakekua Bay or finish your last sip of fresh-grown coffee. Here are a few more attractions that make a trip to Captain Cook even more worth it:

• See the colorful Slippah Pole at the corner of Telephone Exchange Road. It’s Hawaii’s answer to the mainland’s “tree shoes” – unique roadside attractions that some tourists adore. 
• Stop by a roadside farm stand or banana bread stand to support local farmers and enjoy a tasty treat. 
• Enjoy a scenic drive along Hawaii Belt Road or Mamalahoa Bypass Road.

FAQs About Visiting Captain Cook Hawaii

Now that you know the best things to do in Captain Cook, you’re ready for your own Big Island adventure. Call Hawaii Aloha Travel for expert planning help, and read on for a few FAQs we get about Captain Cook. 

Q: How Far is Captain Cook From Kona
Captain Cook is about a 20-minute drive from the town of Kailua-Kona. 

Q: Can I stay in Captain Cook?

Yes, there are several bed & breakfasts in Captain Cook. This is a great way to enjoy a quiet retreat while still being close to the action and attractions of Kona town. 

Q: How can I find things to do in Captain Cook?

Many activities labeled as “south Kona” will be near or around Captain Cook. 

Q: Are there any good beaches in Captain Cook?
Captain Cook has a rocky shoreline at Napo’opo’o Beach Park and Kealakekua Bay that can be nice for snorkeling in calm conditions. Captain Cook isn’t the best town for finding sandy accessible beaches where you can relax for the day. 

Q: What else should I know about Captain Cook, Hawaii?
Captain Cook is a small Hawaiian town with a few small attractions, many coffee farms, and a local island spirit. When you visit, be sure to be respectful of the residents, the culture, and nature. 

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