Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour

4.4 (20 reviews) 2 days Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

20 reviews

4.4

south island jungle coastal journey tour map — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the southern half of Hawaii’s Big Island with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through lava landscapes, black sand beaches, coffee country, and scenic coastal communities.

There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, stories, Hawaiian history, and local insight as you drive.

Follow turn-by-turn directions to highlights including Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Ka Lae (South Point), Kaʻū coffee country, and optional stops at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing the Big Island to life through authentic stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local insight. Choose the stops that interest you, skip others, and customize the journey around your schedule.

Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Shaka Guide Apps

What is included

Included

Included: Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations
Included: Three designated starting areas: Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo
Included: Access to the South Island Epic Coastal Journey in the Shaka Guide app
Included: Offline map and audio after download
Included: Flexible itinerary with optional stops and side trips
Included: Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
Included: Tour access does not expire
Included: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle

Not included

Not included: In-person tour guide
Not included: Transportation or rental vehicle
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Personal expenses

Itinerary

Day 1 · South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

Kailua-Kona

Passing by

We will bypass Kailua Town and head straight for South Point on the Hawai'i Belt Road.

Along the way, you'll hear about the area's rich history and drive through this amazing agricultural region known for its world-famous Kona Coffee.
Stop 2

one hour

Ka Lae translates in Hawaiian to ‘the point,’ and is the southernmost point of land in the United States.

The area has a desolate beauty all on its own with wind-bent trees and cliffs that feel like the end of the world.

You can visit an ancient fishing heiau, look for migrating whales, watch local fishermen, or cheer on the brave souls taking the 40-foot plunge off the cliff.
Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree

5 min

This area is a small village called Waiohinu where Mark Twain, while he was here, planted a monkeypod tree.

This little town still exists and is home to a second-generation descendant of the monkey pod planted by the famous author.

A hurricane claimed the original tree in 1956, and today’s tree sprouted from its roots.
Punalu'u Bake Shop

20 min

At this point, you might need a bite to refuel, and where better than a bakery that specializes in Hawaiian sweet bread--the Punalu'u Bakeshop!

Make sure you stop by to try some of its famous sweets and treats.

In Hawaiian, Punalu'u means “the volcanic ashes."

It’s the southernmost community in the US with a post office.

There are only around a thousand people living here, and it’s a nice quiet rural town.
Whittington Beach Park

30 min

Whittington is a peaceful little rest area with picnic tables and excellent views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
Stop 6

30 min

Punalu'u is well-known in Hawaiian culture and legends. It is known as a “Wahi Pana”, or sacred place, and was seen as an oasis in the Ka’u desert.

Punalu'u Beach is famous not only for its black sand but also for its sea turtles.

Green sea turtles are usually all over the place here, sleeping on the beach and swimming next to you in the ocean.
Ka'u Coffee Mill

15 min

Take a short detour to Pahala Town to check out the Ka'u Coffee Mill and get some free samples of this delicious coffee and macadamia nuts at their gift shop.
Stop 8

10 min

Drive a short loop to see some neat lava tree molds.

Lava trees form when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest and completely surrounds moist trees.

The tree burns up on the inside as the lava cools on the outside, resulting in a lava shell left in the shape of the tree.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

3 hours Admission not included

Optional stop: Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and its dramatic volcanic landscapes at your own pace. A separate National Park Service entrance pass is required and is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
Volcano

30 min

Volcano Village is the perfect place for a quick stop. You can gas up, stop at some of the cute boutiques or grab a snack at the Kilauea General Store.

If you’re hungry for dinner, there are also some sit-down restaurants you can try.
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

15 min

Moriyasu Akatsuka started the orchid gardens here in 1974 after running a family orchid nursery in Japan.

If you stop at the gardens, you can walk through their greenhouses and view all of the different types of beautiful orchids they raise and ship out to customers across the globe.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

30 min

At the retail store, visitors can taste test the farm's many assorted flavors. They also sell delicious dairy-free macadamia nut ice cream by the scoop.

You can also watch a video of the macadamia nut candy being made and walk around their beautiful grounds.
Stop 13

one hour Admission not included

Optional stop: Visit Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens near Hilo. Admission, if you choose to visit, is paid separately directly to the zoo and varies by visitor eligibility.
Imiloa Astronomy Center

30 min Admission not included

Optional stop: Visit ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo to explore exhibits connecting Hawaiian culture, navigation, and modern astronomy. Admission is purchased separately directly from ʻImiloa.
Maunakea Visitor Information Station

one hour

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world--when measured from the ocean floor to its summit.

Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak, and the Hawaiian people go to it in search of ancient spiritual connections.

The visitor center, located 9,000 feet above sea level, is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky.

Day 2 · South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

one hour Admission not included

Enjoy this "must see" attraction and the only living history coffee farm in Hawaii

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Using your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)

2. Open the app and sign in/create your account

3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases

4. Tap on Redeem Purchases

5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)

6. Tap on Redeem Purchases

7. Download your tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
The tour has designated starting areas in Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo. Choose the starting point that best fits your trip in the Shaka Guide app.
Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you begin. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
Plan approximately 10–12 hours for a full-day experience. The itinerary is flexible, and travelers who want to spend more time at optional stops can continue the tour over multiple days.
Stops and side trips are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer, or customize the route around your interests and available time.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an optional stop and requires a separate National Park Service entrance pass. Park admission is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
Admission, parking, tours, or other fees charged by optional third-party attractions are not included and are paid directly to the attraction if you choose to visit.
The tour’s recommended Maunakea stop is the Visitor Information Station. Driving to the summit is not required and may be subject to separate vehicle, weather, and access restrictions.
Road and stop access can change due to weather, storms, maintenance, or local conditions. Follow posted closures and signage and skip any location that is inaccessible during your visit.
Wildlife sightings, including sea turtles at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, are not guaranteed. Never approach, touch, or feed wildlife.
Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some beaches, trails, coastal areas, and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Bring water, sun protection, and a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for this full-day route.