The town of Captain Cook is located in the southern portion of the Kona coast where the best Hawaiian coffee, Kona, is produced. You can find out about growing and processing coffee at the Kuaiwi Farm. Samples—as well as a gift shop—are available there and at a number of other plantations in the area.
Captain Cook is also the site of Kealakekua Bay. This historic bay offers outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving. Shielded by cliffs, the waters are typically calm and rich with marine life.
Those comfortable in deep water can kayak or take a boat ride to the seaside memorial of Capt. James Cook, where you'll find even more snorkeling. Captain Cook was the British explorer who "discovered" the Hawaiian islands and was later killed in this spot.
In addition to coffee and water sports, plan a side trip or two to the Kona Historical Society Museum or Big Island Bees Honey Shop for some fun local souvenirs.
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