Yes, there have been some changes at Kealakekua Bay, but you can still rent kayaks and snorkel the amazing reef in front of Captain Cook’s Monument.
Recent changes to rules pertaining to Kealakekua Bay have made it illegal to land kayaks without a permit on the coastline where Captain Cook’s Monument stands, however snorkeling from you kayak is allowed and makes the reef extremely accessible. If landing the kayak is more your game, we have included a link to the permit application below as well as all of the contact information you will need to to submit the application.
The State is currently limiting the landing permits to 10 per day, so be sure to plan in advance. It can take 3-5 days to get a permit however we have talked to many people that were able to get the permits approved the same day they applied.
Download your Kealakekua Bay landing permit here.
Online applications, once filled out and signed, may be either 1) emailed to Dean.H.Takebayashi@hawaii.gov, 2) mailed to the State Parks Hawai’i District Office, 3) faxed to (808) 974-6222. Please call the Hilo office at (808) 974-6206 if you need more information.
If you have any questions about kayak rentals or kayaking Kealakekua Bay please don’t hesitate email us at info@konaboys.com or give us a call at 808-328-1234.