Home Activities USA Big Island of Hawaii Big Island Kona Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour

Activity Big Island of Hawaii, USA

Big Island Kona Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.2 (6 reviews) 2 days Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

6 reviews

4.2

Know exactly where to go as we make our way around Kailua-Kona — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Big Island Kona Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

A fun bite-sized loop tour that begins in North Kona and takes you down south to Puuhonua and back!

Hear cool stories about King Kamehameha, Captain Cook, and the sacred rituals of ancient Hawaii.

Shaka Guide is your local guide with turn-by-turn directions, information on what to do & see, and a ton of fun stories.

Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads.

Why you need it:

✅ You don't need service because you can download the tours & use them offline

✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up

✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!)

✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

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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: Take the tour when you want
Included: Tours NEVER expire
Included: Offline map of the entire island
Included: Freedom to explore at your own pace
Included: Tour Start is Customizable
Included: Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Included: Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Included: Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Included: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Included: Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included

Not included: Meals & Refreshments
Not included: Private Transportation

Itinerary

Day 1 · Kona Big Kahuna Driving Tour - Start in

Kiholo Bay

5 min

Begin your day with a sweeping view of Kiholo Bay from the scenic viewpoint along the road.
Stop 2

30 min

This pristine white sand beach along the Kona Coast is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling or kayaking--making it great for the whole family!
Lava Tube Cave

Passing by

The Huehue lava tube is an enormous and ancient lava tube formed from Hualalai Volcano.

Have a look for it on your left-hand side as you’re driving down Mamalahoa Highway.

Please note: This lava tube used to be accessible to the public but has been closed off to visitors for safety reasons. So drive-by only.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

45 min

Check out goat pens constructed out of stones, fishponds and fish traps, petroglyphs, altars, and even a heiau!
Kailua-Kona

10 min

We will pass through Kailua-Kona on Ali’i Drive.

You are welcome to stop here now to grab a bite to eat, walk around this quaint seaside town, or pick up snacks for the road. Or, feel free to return at another time.
Magic Sands Beach Park

5 min

The beach is also known as “La’aloa,” White Sands, or Disappearing Sands, and it got the name from the sand that is pulled off from the beach during the winter or early spring, leaving the lava rock exposed.
Stop 7

30 min

Have you ever seen a church on the beach? Well, here you can! Look out for a small white church perched right on the beach.

This beach is also a popular surf spot and also a great place to snorkel.

In fact, the rock structure to the right of the church is a one-of-a-kind heiau or temple thought to be dedicated to surfing.
Kamehameha III Birthplace

15 min

Take a walk to learn a bit about Hawaii’s history and the story of one of its most famous kings, Kamehameha III.

The walking area has historical signs and markers along the way explaining how Kona has been home to important royal sites since the 1600s.
Stop 9

10 min

Pull over for a look at an ancient battlefield and burial ground.

While you’re stopped, we’ll tell you the story of this historic spot.
Stop 10

20 min

Big Island Bees makes honey from all sorts of flowers that are grown on the island.

With over 2,500 hives and 125 million bees, they know their stuff.

Stop by to walk through the museum, look at the shop (which has body care products, too!), and sample some of their locally-produced honey -- for free!
Kealakekua Bay

15 min

Kealakekua Bay is a marine life conservation district. Because the water here is usually calm, underwater life thrives making it a great spot for snorkeling.

While you’re there, look out in the distance for a white structure -- that’s the Captain Cook monument commemorating the death of the British sea captain and first European to discover the islands.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

30 min Admission not included

Within the park are several historical landmarks like the grounds where the ali’i (royalty) lived within the Pu'uhonua.
Stop 13

Passing by

Two Step Beach got its name from the lava rock steps you can use to enter the bay. You can access the beach on Honaunau Beach Road, just before the entrance to the Pu'uhonua.
St Benedict’s Painted Church

15 min

This historic church was built in 1899 by Father John Velghe of Belgium.

Unlike the typical stained glass windows that you’ll find in churches, this religious site is completely painted on the inside.
Kealakekua

30 min

At this point in the tour, you might be feeling a little hungry.

As we drive back along South Kona Belt Road, we’ll mention some great lunch options along the route between Honaunau and Kealakekua.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm

45 min Admission not included

Kona coffee is one of the most renowned java in the world. Here’s your chance to learn about the famous brew and what it takes to fill a mug.

At this living history museum, you can take a self-guided tour through the orchard, farmhouse, and coffee mill.
Stop 17

45 min

Another great spot to learn about coffee and its importance to this region of Big Island is the Greenwell Farm and Museum. This is a multi-faceted agribusiness using modern farming practices.

In addition to growing their own coffee plants, they also buy and process coffee beans from over 300 farmers in the Kona District.
Aloha Theatre

10 min

As you drive down the road, you’ll see the Aloha Theatre -- a historic site that was once the place to go in the 1930s for live shows and entertainment.

Fortunately, the community has helped to preserve it, and today they still have live performances.
Kailua-Kona

20 min

Once you arrive back in Kailua Town, we suggest you hang out for a bit. Stop for a bite to eat overlooking the ocean.
Waikoloa

Passing by

After a full day of exploring, we'll enjoy a leisurely drive back to Waikoloa with more fascinating stories to keep you entertained.

When we reach Waikoloa, you'll have the option of visiting a few cultural sites with ancient petrogylphs or rock drawings.

Day 2 · Kona Big Kahuna Driving Tour - Start in

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

45 min Admission not included

Check out goat pens constructed out of stones, fishponds and fish traps, petroglyphs, altars, and even a heiau!

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

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You can start the tour in Waikoloa or Kailua-Kona.
The drive from Kailua heading south to the Pu'uhonua and back only has narration in one (counterclockwise) direction.
In addition to shopping at Big Island Bees and sampling their honey, you can also pay to take a guided tour. Check their website for current hours and pricing.
The Painted Church has free admission but donations are welcome. It's open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park costs $20 per car, and $10 per motorcycle - valid for 7 days.
The self-guided tour of Kona Coffee Living History Farm costs $20 for adults and $10 for children. Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 am-2 pm.
Visitors must pay to park at Kahalu'u Beach.
Pack snorkel and swim gear! You can visit Kealakekua Bay and Two-Steps — two great snorkel spots.
The tour takes about 4-6 hours. Our recommended start time is before 9 a.m.
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting