40 Top Fun Things to Do in Captain Cook, Hawaii

There are so many things to do in Captain Cook, Hawaii if you slow down to give this Kona “suburb” a chance.

I lived on the Big Island for a year, driving through Captain Cook almost every week, making stops and seeing what this area has to offer.

Take this list of things to do in Captain Cook, Hawaii to compose your ideal itinerary.

*Please note: I am combining Captain Cook and Kealakekua towns because they are extensions of each other and I consider them to be part of the same location.

➡️ Staying in Captain Cook? Check out this post on Where to Stay!

Beaches in Captain Cook, Hawaii

Everyone’s looking for a good beach on a Hawaiian vacation. Captain Cook offers a couple of locations but you won’t find much in the way of oceanshore access on this part of the island.

4. Ho’okena Beach Park

Ho’okena Beach Park is a favorite among locals who live more on the southern end of the Big Island as it’s the closest white sand beach for them. This secluded-like beach is a great spot for soaking in the Hawaiian sun. 

The shoreline offers a good mixture of shade and sun, depending on your preferred “oven setting”. Clear blue waters entice you to take a dip while spinner dolphins put on a show in the distance if you’re lucky. Locals will have their fishing lines set up on the rocky pier. 

After winding downhill from Hwy 11 you might find parking to be a little tricky. The parking lot has a very limited number of spots and gets tight when it’s full. If no spaces are available, you will have to find a spot back up the hill on the shoulder. My suggestion is to either get there as early in the morning as you can or wait until after noon when the a.m. crowd swaps for the p.m. crowd.

If you brought the gear, camping is available with reservations.

5. Two Step

It’s hard for me to classify Two Step as a beach since it is really more of a lava pad, but it has ocean access and people flock here to set up for the day to sunbathe and snorkel. There is a kiddie beach with a bit of white sand, but it’s only big enough for a few families so I wouldn’t count on snagging that spot.

Free parking options are either on the gravel shoulder by the beach or just outside the entrance to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau. If you’re already visiting the historical park, just leave your car and walk over to Two Step. There is also a private gravel parking lot across from the shore for $5.

Hiking in Captain Cook, Hawaii

Like beaching, hiking is also not a common thing to do in Captain Cook. But there are still a couple of options for stretching your legs and getting your heart pumping.

6. Captain Cook Monument

The hike down to the Captain Cook Monument is only 2 miles one way but it is STEEP! Next to the hike down to Waipio Valley, this is the most infamous hike on the Big Island. With very little shade on the trail, start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the most heat.

Once you reach the bottom you’ll see the monument marking the spot where Captain Cook died on Feb 14, 1779. Technically this little square of land is British soil. So you could boast you’ve traveled internationally without a passport or leaving the US. 😛

Take a dip in the refreshing Kealakekua Bay to cool off from the hike or, if you’ve packed snorkel gear, swim among the fishies.

7. 1871 Trail

Behind the main sites at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau through a nonchalant dirt road off the parking lot is a 1.5-mile loop trail that is an easy hike on a well maintained trail made with sand, gravel, and lava rocks. This ancient trail was rebuilt in 1871 and named Two Horse Trail to accommodate two horse wide traffic.

This trail contains archeological remains of temples, buildings, and a ramp to access the cliffs of Keanae’e, which Mark Twain referred to as a petrified Niagara, “It is very picturesque, and withal so natural that one might almost imagine it still flowed.”

The scenery is also worthwhile with Hawaiian flora, coastal views, and gated off lava tubes; you’ll also very likely run into some wild goats. 

The main trail ends at a gate, marking the edge of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park boundary. 

Technically the trail continues all the way to Ho’okena Beach, a little over 3-miles one way. However, the trail is not as well maintained, so some spots are a little tricky to follow.

You’ll need to have paid for parking at the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau park entrance to access this trail.

Kona Coffee

The most obvious thing to do in Captain Cook, Hawaii is to sample Kona coffee. This is the heart of the Kona Coffee Belt so you won’t be getting coffee any fresher than this! There are more than 900 Kona coffee farms on the Big Island, most being in this region, so there isn’t a lack of farms and shops to visit.

8. Kona Joe Coffee

Address: 79-7346 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: 7 days a week 8am-4:30pm

Kona Joe advertises instagrammable views and they aren’t lying. This manicured coffee farm and gift shop is a beautiful place to take one for the ‘gram. 

Their large gift shop offers plenty of Kona coffee roasts. But be careful and make sure not to get a Kona blend, which mixes Kona coffee with other coffees from around the world, making it NOT 100% Kona coffee.

Drink a cup of Kona Joe under the covered lanai while overlooking the expansive grassy hill, down to the trellised coffee orchard and further to the wide Pacific Ocean.

Take a free self-guided tour by watching a 5-min video and walking around the property. 

Or, pay for a tour to learn about the coffee making process from tree to roast with some coffee and chocolate sampling involved. Allow about 45minutes for the tour with light walking and you get a souvenir mug! Upgrade your tour to roast your own beans to bring back home with you!

9. Greenwell Farms

Address: 81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: 7 days a week 8:30am-5pm

Greenwell Farms is probably the most well-known stop for getting the Kona coffee farm experience. With free samples and free tours, how could one resist?

Under their open-air, covered patio gift shop is a long row of their many Kona coffee roasts and flavors. Sample and compare until you discover your favorite or get a caffeine rush, whichever comes first.

They give free tours throughout the day and are around 30 minutes long. You’ll be guided through the working farm to see the different stages of processing coffee. Walk amongst the coffee trees, their peppercorn garden, and nursery greenhouses. 

10. The Coffee Shack

Address: 83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy Box 510, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Thurs-Tues 7am-3:30pm; Wed closed

The Coffee Shack is a hit with tourists, and it’s all because of their epic view over Kealakekua Bay. Be prepared for tight, full parking spots and long waits. 

Enjoy full plate meals for breakfast or lunch and hopefully snag the few coveted tables by the railing for the best bay view.

If sit-down dining is full, take your coffee to-go. You can sit on the rock wall and enjoy the same view from the outside and overlook their coffee trees growing down the hill.

11. Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm

Address: 82 Anoi Pl, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-5:30pm; Sun closed

Personally, my favorite stop for Kona coffee is Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm. If you aren’t looking for it you might miss it and you definitely don’t want to do that!

Down the tucked-in driveway, a lodge-like building welcomes you. With open doors it beckons you to bypass Bill at the front counter, past the shelves of hand-thrown pottery, and out to the back porch which opens up to a vast, heavenly view of Kealakekua Bay.

Have a seat on the porch swing and forget about any worries you had. Bill will make you the best cup of Kona coffee you’ll try on the island. And unlike the Coffee Shack where you’ll be competing with others for the view, you’ll most likely have it all to yourself.

His little 2-acre plot below the shop is full of coffee trees and various other fruit trees. Ask to take a tour around the grounds and Bill will undoubtedly let you pick what you want. 

He also whips up a mean lunch plate. Everyday has a new menu item but I have yet to have anything that’s not delicious.

12. Bay View Farm

Address: 83-5249 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun closed

On Painted Church Road, just down the street from the Painted Church, is an out-of-nowhere round coffee shop. 

Sample a few roasts while enjoying the deck overlooking their property with coffee trees, coffee processing buildings, and ocean view. Their small gift shop has a few Hawaiian souvenirs among their coffee-themed items.

13. Menehune Coffee Company

Address: 84-5227 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Tues-Sun 6am-3pm; Mon closed

Along Hwy 11 you’ll see sun-faded signs encouraging you to stop at Menehune Coffee Company, but oddly doesn’t make it clear where it’s actually located as their storefront sign doesn’t draw the eye. Once you do find it, choose to either have a sit-down meal or order your coffee to go.

The indoor dining room is cozy with wood floors and red walls, giving off an air of nostalgia even if you’ve never been before. 

If you choose to sit down for breakfast or lunch, they serve good sized plates, a lot of ingredients made from scratch. If you are just in need of a caffeine fix you can order your coffee at the cashier.

14. Royal Kona Coffee Center

Address: 83-5427 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat-Sun closed

Colorful flags draw your eyes to the large maroon Royal Kona Coffee Center; it’s an easy stop along the highway with ample parking.

It feels like an old booming museum of yore that used to have charm and excitement but has long been forgotten. 

Sample a row of coffees from the property as well as some neighboring island coffee. As you’re sipping the brews, read all about the coffee process on plaques along the deck railing while overlooking the red property buildings. 

Meander through the sparse gift shop and you’ll find a room with lots of old black and white pictures, a documentary video on loop, and some pieces of old coffee mill equipment.

Wander down through the property and maybe get to walk through their private lava tube.

15. Da Kine Coffee

Address: 82-6127 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704

If you are looking for a regular coffee shop sans coffee farm, Da Kine in Captain Cook town has your back. 

Order from their artsy, chalk menu any coffee drink order you can think of, it’s probably up there. If you’re feeling peckish, they also serve up pretty acai bowls and other cafe-type foods.

Find a seat at one of their limited small tables or take your order to-go. 

16. Cafe Florian

Address: 81-6637 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-2pm; Sat 7am-1:30pm; Sun closed

Another traditional coffee cafe is Cafe Florian. Their Karma Su Kona coffee is roasted in house; you can see the roaster in the back corner of the dining room.

They serve their coffee in all imaginable forms. Double up on your caffeine intake with the Red Eye, a shot of espresso in your fresh brew.

Order breakfast or lunch made with freshly baked ingredients.

Their back porch has a decent ocean view with some neighborhood rooftops in the foreground and the Kona Outrigger in the background.

17. Kona Coffee Living History Farm Museum

Address: 82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Tues & Fri 10am-2pm; Mon, Wed-Thur, Sat-Sun closed

Step back in time at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm Museum, the only living coffee farm museum in the country. Take a self-guided tour around a 1920’s coffee farm originally homestead by the Uchida family, Japanese immigrants. 

Explore original buildings from 100 years ago, meet with guides who will explain how life was lived on the homestead, and watch live demos on how coffee was processed back in the day.

Captain Cook, Hawaii Sites

18. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Address: State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726
Hours: 7 days a week 8:30am-4:30pm
Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle

One of the most iconic sites on the Big Island is Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, or the City of Refuge. This sacred place allowed ancient Hawaiian fugitives to seek sanctuary and forgiveness from a death sentence as long as they made here before getting caught.

Upon entry, watch a 20min video on the history of the ancient village, thought to be about 600yrs old, then wander around the grounds seeing fascinating recreated hales and tiki statues.

Some of the best tide pooling on the island can be found out among the lava rocks, which makes sense since it’s adjacent to Two Step, a popular spot for snorkelers.

19. The Painted Church

Address: 84-5140 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Tues-Thurs 9:30am-3:30pm; Fri-Mon closed
Entrance Fee: FREE

St Benedict Catholic Church, better known as The Painted Church, is renowned for its hand-painted interior, painted by one man back in the 1890s. From the outside, the little white chapel appears nonchalant, but upon entry you are surrounded by colorful imagery of Bible stories and Hawaiian themed ornamentations.

It’s easy to slip into a pensive mood while observing the art and soaking in the reverence of the sanctuary.

This is one of my favorite free stops on the Big Island and is a must!

20. Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary

Address:  83-5401 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Tues-Sat 9am-4pm; Sun-Mon closed
Entrance Fee: $10

Down the road from the Painted Church is the Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary. Religions from around the world are represented and incorporated into the art of the gardens: Buddhist, Hindu, Baha’i, Islam, Hawaiian, Christian, Taoist, Jewish and Native American.

Placards explain the shrines, god statues, medicine wheel, prayer labyrinth, and other religious icons you’ll see. 

The 7-acre grounds are gorgeous and peaceful. Wide lawns with an aisle of palm trees, the world’s first “galaxy” maze, fruit trees, flowering vines, and a lava tube viewing with petroglyphs (very faint and hard to see). 

The greenhouse-esque gift shop is filled with fine arts and crafts from Hawaiian artists. You’ll also find Kona Lisa, a Kona coffee company to sample.

21. Hikiau Heiau

Address: 82-6044 Puuhonua Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: 7 days a week 5am-8pm
Entrance Fee: FREE

Down at the bottom of Napo’opo’o Rd is Hikiau Heiau. This 250ft X 100ft heiau was built by King Kalani’opu’u and was the site of many human sacrifices. 

This is also where Captain James Cook first landed in 1778 during the Hawaiians’ Makahiki Festival and they thought he was their returning god, Lono. They then threw a feast in his honor. When Captain Cook finally took his leave, his ship’s mast broke a few days into sailing and he had to return to the island.

The Hawaiian’s were confused because if he really was a god, he wouldn’t have had issues, so distrust emerged. An altercation happened between Captain Cook, his men, and the Hawaiians over a stolen boat and the hostaging of King Kalani’opu’u. Captain Cook was killed, struck with a blow to the head and then stabbed.

From the concrete dock by the water you can see the white Captain Cook monument across the bay, marking the spot where he was killed.

Shopping in Captain Cook, Hawaii

Boutique shops are scattered throughout Captain Cook. There are some clusters that allow for parking and walking to neighboring shops, the most convenient being downtown Kealakekua. But prepare to drive in-between shops.

23. Antiques

A surprising find of things to do in Captain Cook/Kealakekua Hawaii is antique shopping. Spread out over 2 miles on Hwy 11 are a few antique stores. Each store offers a unique collection of items, and if you are a treasure hunter you might be impulsed to shop them all. 

They all have an eclectic collection of knick-knacks and such, but I will list item types that stood out to me.

Deja Vu
Extensive Hawaiian shirt collection 
Address: 79-7401 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun closed

Pacific Triangle’s Antique & Collections
Furniture and household items
Address: 79-7500 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750 

Discovery Antiques
Figurines and children’s memorabilia
Address: 81-6593 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm; Sun closed

Mayme’s Attic
Homegoods
Address: 81-6586 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-4pm; Tue, Thurs, Sat-Sun closed

24. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores on the Big Island unfortunately are not as up to par as the mainland. So while you might find some good pricing on items, you’re gonna have to hunt through a lot of junk first. 

However, they are handy if you are in a pinch because you unexpectedly need a sweater or need some cheap beach gear for the day.

Treasure Island Thrift Store
Address: 79-7493 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm; Sun closed

King’s Daughters Ministry Thrift Store
Address: 79-7401 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun closed

25. The Original Donkey Ball Factory

Address: 79-7411 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm-4pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4pm; Mon closed

Chocolate anyone? The Original Donkey Ball Factory makes chocolate covered macadamia nuts in all flavors and names.

Their walls are lined with a seemingly endless abundance of options like Crusty Balls (toffee), Salty Balls (Hawaiian sea salt), and Flaky Balls (coconut).  A window lets you see the kitchen in action.

Besides all their chocolate varieties, they also have their own Kona coffee for sale.

26. da Bead Shop

Address: 79-7407 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 10am-3pm

Da Bead Shop is a quaint bead shop, a rarity these days, in the Kealakekua shopping strip. While they don’t have an extensive collection, they do sell all your beading necessities and also offer jewelry making classes.

If you aren’t a jeweler yourself they sell unique, handmade pieces you won’t find in other gift shops.

27. Kona Gold Trading Company

Address: 81-6592 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat-Sun closed

This tiny shop specializes in rum cake. They only have a few flavors but no one else on the Big Island sells this dessert that I know of, especially in a travelable packaging. 

Sample Macadamia Nut, Lilikoi, Pineapple, and Espresso then decide which one(s) to bring home. 

Peek into their small kitchen where the cakes are baked and peruse their small gift shop with their Kona coffee and other Hawaiian souvenirs.

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28. Kona Chips

Address: 82-6155 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat 9am-12pm; Sun closed

Some consider Kona Chips to be the best potato chips they’ve ever had. And how often do you get to visit a potato chip store? Their chips are made daily, so you won’t be getting a bag of chips fresher than these.

Attached to the Manago Hotel is the little chip shop where you can buy seemingly overpriced potato chips. But if you’re a potato connoisseur you’ll want to shovel your money. 

Regular and Furikake are their main flavors that you’ll see around the island. In-shop they have onion garlic, bbq, and chocolate drizzle. 

Their small shop is also full of other snack items like nuts, gummy candies, and “Ugly Cookies” made with their potato chips.

Captain Cook Farmers Markets

One of the best Hawaiian experiences is shopping at a farmers market or fruit stand for locally grown, tropical produce. You’ll often find fruits and veggies you’ve never heard of, so this is your opportunity to take your taste buds on an adventure!

29. Cook’s Bounty Fruit Stand

Address: 82-6087 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: 7 days a week 9am-6pm

One of my favorite fruit stands on the Big Island is Cook’s Bounty. They always have a plethora of fruits, especially lilikoi (Hawaiian passionfruit). 

Pull off on the highway shoulder and take a look at what’s on the tables for the day. You might even get a free sample of an exotic fruit. 

Their lilikoi butter is amazing on toast and pancakes. It makes for a great souvenir to bring home.

30. Pure Kona Green Market

Address: 82-6160 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Sun 9am-2pm

On Sundays you can meander through the quaint farmers market. Local arts and craft vendors along with farmers and food booths will tempt you with their handmade goods.

Eating in Captain Cook, Hawaii

There isn’t a lack of restaurants in Captain Cook, too many to count so don’t worry about going hungry in the area. I won’t overwhelm you with options, just give you some highlights.

31. Shaka Tacoz

Address: 82-6167 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm

A food truck with sit down dining, Shaka Tacos boasts the Big Island’s best tacos and is a favorite among locals. Their colorful tacos appeal to the eyes and their unique sauces set them apart.

Indoor dining is spacious, or if you’re lucky, there is bar seating on the back deck with a view overlooking the ocean and sunset.

32. Black Rock Pizza

Address: 82-6127 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd #3, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-8pm

Craving some pizza pie? Black Rock Pizza serves loaded pizzas with rotating local beers on tap.

Their artisanal dough and sauces are made daily and they even make their own vegan cheese! 

Their pizza combos are a bit out of the box like Chokelicious Breakfast All Day, B.R.P.’s Loco Moco, and Mexican. For lunch they do calzones. And if you’re too hungry to wait for pizza, order an appetizer of fresh garlic breadsticks or pepperoni rolls.

Any hipster will be comfortable in their interior design of brick walls, hardwood flooring and plumbing pipe framing. Take in sunset views over the ocean on their outdoor dining covered deck.

33. Happy Heart Kona

Address: 79-7491 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd STE A, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Tues-Fri 8am-3pm; Sat-Mon closed

This cute, colorful little bakery makes their goodies in their small kitchen you see behind the counter. One of their signature items are homemade poptarts, which can come in gluten free. 

Inside has a couple of tables but it gets roasty with all the baking going on, so I suggest sitting outside in their walled off patio, which helps keep the highway noise down a little.

34. Gypsea Gelato

Address: 79-7491 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Mon-Tues 10am-7pm; Wed-Thur 8am-7pm; Fri-Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 8am-7pm

Immediately next door to Happy Heart Kona is Gypsea Gelato. If someone in your party is craving an iced treat rather than a baked treat, both can be made happy.

Can’t decide on a flavor? You are allowed two flavors in one bowl (three if you order the large). Most of their ingredients are locally sourced, so you know you’ll be getting the freshest gelato around.

35. Honaunau Poke Shop

Address: 83-5308 A, Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm; Fri-Sun 9am-6pm

A shiny Honaunau Poke Shop sign lures you from the highway to a wall full of poke flavors. You might feel overwhelmed choosing from over 20 flavors of poke and more than 15 sides.

How much poke are you looking for? 1 or 2 scoops? Or a plate big enough to share with 4 scoops? Perhaps turn your poke into nachos!

Their lanai seating is spacious but the highway is so close and loud that it’s not the most ideal ambience. You might want to consider bringing your poke bowl elsewhere to enjoy.

36. Kaaloa’s Super J’s

Address: 83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm; Sun closed

This is THE place to get some authentic Hawaiian lau lau. This dish is pulled pork and butterfish wrapped in edible taro leaves and then non-edible ti leaves and steamed for hours. It’s a delicious, rich meaty dish and at Super J’s you can taste the love that’s cooked into it!

They also make a signature purple sweet potato haupia pie. If you’re lucky, sometimes they serve a banana cream pie that’s out of this world (and this is coming from a non-banana cream pie fan!).

Two long, family-style tables are available for eating inside. The room can get hot with all the cooking and feel a bit cramped. Benches outside give you fresh air to eat off your lap. 

Or, take them to-go, but don’t go too far as they are best eaten warm.

Super J’s can sell out some days, so you might be gambling if you wait too late in the day.

37. Kiloa Gifts 

Address: 82-6039 Napoopoo Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Hours: Tues-Sat 12pm-5:30pm; Sun closed

Down Napo’opo’o Rd after many bends is a small shack that hugs the asphalt. Here they offer a few souvenir gifts, but what you’re really stopping for is the shave ice.

Choose up to 3 flavors to coat your bowl of ice the size of your head. The ice texture is so soft in your mouth it’s almost creamy.

They are still working on a sitting area so you’ll have to enjoy your iced treat at your car but the price and taste are right and a great break for cooling off in the Kona sun.

38. Randy’s Huli Chicken

Address: 79-7552 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Thurs-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat-Wed closed

Only open two days a week, you’ll find it hard to resist not stopping when you see the large tent with bbq smoke spilling out! This is a hoppin’ scene and has a loyal following with the locals. 

Choose from chicken, ribs, or a whole plate. Eat it at the picnic table with a partial ocean view or take it to-go.

39. Rebel Kitchen

Address: 79-7399 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-5pm; Sun-Tues closed

Casual dining with lattice walls letting in fresh air. If you’re into sauces, Rebel Kitchen whisks up their own ketchup, mustard, and fire sauce. 

Order fusioned dishes like the Lomo Saltado (Peruvian), Jerk Chicken Sandwich (Jamaican), or Cuban Rolls, just to name a few. Sandwiches and burgers are served on housemade bread and produce is sourced locally.  

40. Kaya’s Kawanui Inc

Address: 79-7300 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hours: 7 days a week 7:30am-7:30pm

Part coffee cafe, part fine arts and craft shop, Kaya’s Kawanui Inc is an unassuming cafe that hides in plain sight. But inside their cozy shop they serve organic 100% Kona coffee along with sandwiches and salads made from local produce. They even have their own kombucha on tap.

Before or after you’ve eaten, shop along the shelves for handmade jewelry, soaps, art and clothing.

Epilogue

As you can see, there are a plethora of things to do in Captain Cook, Hawaii. For the coffee fanatics this is where a majority of your Kona coffee is grown. For the history buffs, an ancient Hawaiian village and Captain Cook’s landing and death spot are open for visiting. And for the shopaholic, antiques galore are awaiting purchase.

Take pieces of this list to create an itinerary that best fits your traveling desires and tell me in the comments where you decide to explore. 

For a list of things to do in other area of Big Island, check these out:
29 Things to Do in Hawi and the Kohala Coast
How to Spend a Day in Kona