The state yesterday closed Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument area on the Big Island to boaters, swimmers, hikers and sightseers, citing a continuing threat of landslides following Sunday's earthquakes.

"Rocks are still falling down the pali, and the area will stay closed until the threat is over," said Department of Land and Natural Resources spokesman Deborah Ward.

While water quality in the bay was reported as good yesterday, state officials worried that rocks could endanger those swimming or walking in the area, she said.

Most of the rocks were landing at the edge of the bay, and an initial underwater survey indicated that there had been only limited damage to the reef, she said. Another marine inspection was scheduled for tomorrow.

Also yesterday, the state closed three Big Island hiking trails until they could be inspected for earthquake damage, officials said.

The three hiking trails put off-limits yesterday were the Muliwai trail through Waipi'o Valley, the Puakea section of the Ala Kahakai coastal trail, and the Pololu trail in North Kohala, where a widening crack was discovered in the area leading to the parking lot, Ward said.

The three areas will remain off-limits "until we can verify the safe condition of these wilderness trails," said Peter Young, chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Meanwhile, DLNR officials continued assessing damage reports from across the island, Ward said.

"A state geologist is heading to the Big Island to conduct the investigation," she said.

There were new reports of damage yesterday along the Kohala Ditch, the site of the birthplace of King Kamehameha in North Kohala and along the historic Kuakini Wall, which runs throughout much of the Kona district.

More inspections by land and air are expected today and tomorrow, Ward said.

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.