Discover Captain Cook

A botanical highlight is the collection at the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden: it includes native, rare, endangered, and useful Hawaiian plants. Those interested in nature and cultural history will find topics here that go beyond a simple display of plants.

Plant Life and Cultural Landscape

The management plan for 2026–2030 describes the garden’s landscape as a 13.6-hectare biocultural site with archaeological sites and living cultural traditions. The term “biocultural” takes on a concrete meaning here: botanical diversity exists alongside traces of the past and cultural life in the present. This makes the garden a fitting starting point for anyone interested in Hawaiian plants as well as the interplay between landscape and tradition.

The other topics also offer different historical and cultural perspectives. The Kona Coffee Living History Farm tells the story of Kona’s coffee pioneers in the early 20th century. The visitor experience includes the original farmhouse from the 1920s. Here, a historical account of pioneers meets a specific building from a particular decade: one places the story in its historical period, while the other gives it a tangible architectural connection.

History, Church Art, and Beekeeping

Saint Benedict’s Church was built between 1899 and 1902 by Belgian priest Father John Berchmans Velghe. Inside are murals depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The church is also significant for its role in the American folk art movement of the period. The building’s history, its religious imagery, and art history thus offer different ways to explore the same subject. Anyone interested in church art can consider the murals alongside the building’s construction period and its significance in the folk art movement.

Big Island Bees operates a museum about bees and honey. It displays antique and modern beekeeping tools, and the museum is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want to plan your visit in advance, check the visiting hours beforehand. Big Island Bees also offers an educational exploration of bees, beekeeping, and honey led by a beekeeper. It includes a demonstration of an opened beehive from a protected viewing area. Since tour times may change, it’s worth checking the schedule in advance. Big Island Bees’ honeys are raw and known for their intense and unique flavor profiles.

A Route to Kaawaloa Flats

Nearby, the historic Kaawaloa Trail leads from higher ground to Kaawaloa Flats and provides access to the area. It is one of two ways to reach the flats. This offers a different focus from the historical and cultural topics: the emphasis is on a trail with a clearly named destination. If you’re considering it for your plans, check current trail conditions, as they can change.

When looking for a vacation rental in Captain Cook, the experiences you’re seeking can be a helpful starting point. First, consider whether botanical diversity, coffee history, beekeeping, or a trip to Kaawaloa Flats interests you most. These priorities can help guide your trip planning; you can then choose accommodation to suit your own daily plans.

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