Private Kohala Coast History And Local Market Tour

Your Kohala Coast adventure begins at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — an ancient coastal sanctuary that offers one of the most authentic and moving windows into traditional Native Hawaiian life on the entire island. Established by Congress in 1978 to preserve and protect Hawaii's rich cultural heritage, this remarkable park stretches along the sun-drenched Kona coastline and encompasses some of the most significant archaeological sites in the Pacific.

Follow the coastal trail to discover the massive Kaloko Fishpond — a favorite of King Kamehameha I — enclosed by a seawall built entirely from water-worn lava rock without a single drop of mortar. Along the shoreline of Honokōhau Beach, watch for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) basking in the sun — one of the most reliable turtle viewing spots on the Big Island. Your guide will also point out ancient petroglyphs carved into the lava rock depicting daily Hawaiian life.

From Kaloko-Honokōhau, your tour continues to the fascinating King's Trail Petroglyph Walk, accessed through the King's Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort. This ancient pathway — formally known as the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — once stretched 175 miles along the Kohala Coast, linking communities, temples, and sacred sites across the island, serving as the royal route traveled by Hawaiian ali'i for centuries.

Follow the marked boardwalk through ancient lava flows to reach one of the largest petroglyph fields on the Big Island, home to thousands of carvings etched into the lava between 1400 and 1800 AD. Discover images of honu (turtles), canoes, people, and sacred puka holes — created at a child's birth as a spiritual offering. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse the upscale King's Shops and local art galleries.

Leaving the ancient petroglyphs behind, your tour journeys north to the profoundly sacred Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. Towering over the Kohala coastline, this massive stone temple represents one of the most pivotal landmarks in Hawaiian history. Hand-built between 1790 and 1791 by King Kamehameha the Great, the temple was dedicated to the war god Kūkāʻilimoku to fulfill a prophecy that would ultimately unite the Hawaiian Islands. Your expert guide will share the remarkable story of how thousands of people formed a human chain stretching over twenty miles to pass water-worn lava stones hand-to-hand from Pololū Valley — with strict instructions that not a single stone could be dropped. As you look across the sacred grounds toward the ocean, learn about the ancient rituals practiced here and keep an eye out for black-tipped reef sharks swimming near the submerged ruins of the Hale o Kapuni Heiau — the ancient shark temple now resting beneath Pelekane Bay.

From the sacred grounds of Puʻukoholā Heiau, your tour shifts from ancient history to local agriculture as you arrive at the beloved Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company — affectionately known as the "Nut House" — nestled in the hills above Kawaihae Harbor. Founded in 1993 and committed to 100% locally grown Hawaiian macadamia nuts, this iconic stop offers a fascinating look at how macadamia nuts are cracked, dried, and packaged through factory viewing windows. Help yourself to complimentary tastings of 14 unique island-inspired flavors — from Kona coffee glaze and honey to chili pepper, soy sauce, and chocolate-dipped varieties. Did you know it takes 300 pounds per square inch of pressure to crack a single macadamia nut — making it the hardest nut in the world to crack? Browse the gift shop for locally made coffees, macadamia nut ice cream, and Hawaiian souvenirs before heading to your final stop.

Conclude your Kohala Coast adventure at a vibrant local Farmer's Market—the perfect final stop to connect with the heart and soul of the Big Island's thriving agricultural community. Leaving the rich flavors of the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company behind, you will wander through colorful stalls overflowing with fresh tropical fruits including rambutan, starfruit, and locally grown papayas, alongside fragrant bunches of tropical flowers, farm-fresh vegetables, and artisanal Hawaiian products. Sample and shop for locally produced Kona coffee, Big Island honey, handcrafted macadamia nut treats, and unique homemade jams and preserves. Chat with local farmers and artisans who have been cultivating this land for generations—each with their own fascinating story of life on the Big Island—and pick up one-of-a-kind handcrafted souvenirs to wrap up an unforgettable day of culture, history, and island flavor.

From ancient fishponds and sacred temples to macadamia nut tastings and fresh island produce, this is the Big Island at its most authentic and unforgettable. Sit back and relax as your comfortable vehicle makes its way back to Kona, dropping you off at your hotel or the original pickup location — the perfect end to an extraordinary day along the Kohala Coast.