Kealakekua, Hawaii County, Hawaii
The first mention of the name "Big Island" brings to mind the Kealakekua, the historic Hawaiian city where Captain Cook died in a bloody skirmish against the god-worshipping Hawaiian natives. It also reminds people of snorkeling -- one of the best diversions within the Kealakekua Bay. Practically all tourists flock to the Bay to get a view of Captain Cook's monument and whirling dolphins, but there is much to be had than the mere proof of this bloody British conquest. The Kealakekua Bay is a well-preserved marine ecosystem where hundreds of warm-weather fish species, dolphins, and sea turtles thrive amid the crystalline waters and the mild weather. Where it used to be a hostile place for the foreign discoverers, now it's just an inviting tourist spot for warm-weather enthusiasts and snorkelers.
Kealakekua is also a diverse city opening a great chance for future growth in the tourism industry. A large percentage of Kealakekua's population was made up of white Americans and Asians. This makes for a diverse Hawaiian culture that offers opportunities not only for tourism, but also for agriculture, whaling, logging, the military, and education. As of last year, Kealakekua's population census reported a figure of 1,734 people.
Yoga workshops and spas are scattered around the bay area where Captain Cook's monument stands. Tourists agree that the hour-long trip around the Bay is unforgettable, since one can spot the looming kiawe trees, national parks, volcanoes, and the snorkelers diving about. Basically,
cars are not allowed within the bay area but one can choose between a guided tour of hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking around the Bay. The entire Kealakekua Bay is a collection of both the historic and the fantastic: from the Kaawaloa Cove to Mauna Kea to the Hikiau Heiau -- all of which no tourist will want to miss.
Kealakekua's History
Kealakekua has one of the most interesting histories among all the places in Hawaii. Most people remember Kealakekua as the battleground where the much worshipped human "god" Captain Cook was killed. In fact, near this very place the monument of Captain Cook was set up by the British, as a reminder of that fateful stormy day when the captain died in the hands of the Hawaiian natives.
Captain Cook's second landing in the Kealakekua Bay was historic. It was at this time when the natives were celebrating a feast dedicated to the "Lono-i-ka-makahiki" god, whom Captain Cook personifies. The Hawaiians decorated the festivities with symbols of white banners called kapa, resembling the masts and sails of Captain Cook's ship. The occasion was punctuated by gift-giving, ceremonies, and fireworks. This struck awe and fear to the native Hawaiians, which numbered up to 10,000 in all.
It took weeks before the makahiki feasts ended. Within this period, Captain Cook left Kealakekua Bay and sailed for the Northwest passage. A storm brought a degree of ruin to his ship and he decided to set sail back to Kealakekua Bay for repairs. This confused the Hawaiian natives and thought the captain was powerless to stop the storm from ravaging his ship. They lost their respect and stole his metals and cutter in exchange for the gifts they had given him at the makahiki feast. It was one of the captain's most priced possession -- he had to take hostage the Chief Kalaniopuu until the cutter gets returned. The Hawaiian natives were fierce fighters and killed the captain along with other marines in a battle that took place on Feb. 14, 1779.
Kealakekua's Attractions
There are slews of sights to see and things to do at Kealakekua. The unbeatably warm weather allows for various sightseeing activities such as hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, and kayaking. If you're into snorkeling and diving, you could book for a catamaran trip that sails down the length of Kealakekua Bay, the site of the historical monument of Captain Cook. You can also rent kayak equipment. If you choose the latter, it won't be difficult to find kayak equipment suppliers in the area.
If you decide to ride on horseback, you can travel down a dirtroad where some tourists normally hike. It's called the Napo'opo'o Road, a very popular track, which is almost always filled with hikers. As you and your four-legged companion traipse down the Napo'opo'o Road, you can find various native Hawaiian trees such as tamerine, ekoa, kiawe, mango, and coffee trees along the way. You would be guided by a dog that knows its way around the vicinity.
However, probably the best way to get a full experience of the Kealakekua Bay is via sea kayaks and snorkeling. If you wish to paddle, you would be accompanied by other kayakers and the trip can only take less than an hour. The area surrounding Captain Cook's monument is the best place to snorkel since you can find coral heads where timid moray eels flock. This is easily recognizable as the white obelisk that can be seen a mile away from Kealakekua Bay. If you're lucky, you may even spot spinner dolphins, which are arguably fantastic sights: they leap out of the clear water and spin in a vertically showy fashion, surprising the divers along the way.
Kealakekua's Economy
The economic status of Kealakekua is comparably high. The rate of unemployment is 3.80%, a low figure in contrast to the average rate of the other states in the US. Its last recorded job growth rate is 4.47%, but the future growth rate of employment is predicted to be at a much higher figure, which is 17.26%, compared to only 9.06% on other American states. The Hawaiian state taxes per capita are considered as the highest in the country because the government services are rendered on state and not on municipal level. At Kealakekua, however, the sales taxes are far lower than the average sales tax rate in the US, a 4% rate compared to 6%, respectively. The town still follows the Hawaiian trend for a high income tax rate, which is 10%, compared to only its half in the mainland. Overall, the town of Kealakekua has a higher COL than the other states, with an average rate of 66%. There is one exception, which is the housing costs, which is double the rate of the average housing cost in the other US counties. The average home expense in this Hawaiian city is $529,400.
According to statistics, there are far more physicians in Kealakekua than in other United States counties. The people enjoy better health, because the air and water are cleaner than the US mainland. The Superfund statistics also declare that the town of Kealakekua is far less polluted than anywhere in the United States, with a rating of 99% on cleanliness, as opposed to the US' 71%, respectively. Although there are more cars, there is less traffic jam and more people who carpool to save fuel. People also favor more work-at-home jobs here than anywhere in the US.
Kealakekua Statistics:
Population: 1,645Households: 639
Median resident age: 42.4 years
Median household income: $38,026
Median house value: $206,000
Land area: 7.5 square miles
Elevation: 1550 feet
Latitude: 19°31'N
Longitude: 155°55'W
Zip code: 96750
County: Hawaii
