Hiking to Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument

by SJ
(Palo Alto, CA)

Best spot for seeing fish during a snorkel on this island, anywhere... probably. Getting there by land is an adventure in itself. Most books tell you it can't be done. One guide book says to reach this pristine spot, count coconut trees to find the trailhead, walk on rolling rocks sprinkled throughout overgrown vegetation taller than yourself, locate the monument, treat the area with respect and jump in.Four of us did this hike and it was an amazing adventure for an avid hiker/snorkeler. You can't bring enough water and gatorade and snacks for this trip, you can't.

The guide book says it's a moderate hike. No way, the rocks move under your feet the whole way down an hour long decent. On the way up, you're out of energy so be careful and bring calories to replenish your snorkeled weakened legs. Great thrill if you're into hiking and snorkeling off the beaten path. By the way, I was running 10Ks monthly at the time so I was pretty fit and this hike still kicked my butt!