Kona Big Kahuna Tour Itinerary

The Kona Big Kahuna Tour is a half-day loop tour that can begin in either Waikoloa or Kailua Kona.

The tour features stunning beaches and historical and culturals sites as you make your way south along the coast all the way to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

You then return inland through beautiful Kona Coffee Country, where you'll have a chance to tour a coffee farm and try some local grindz.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about King Kamehameha, Captain Cook, and the sacred rituals and battles of ancient Hawai'i.

You’ll stop at amazing snorkel spots, scenic viewpoints, a national historical park, an ancient battlefield, a bee farm, and much more!

Our Kona Big Kahuna Tour has over 80 narration points so you can expect to spend about 5-6 hours exploring.

Note: If you'd like to spend more time at the beaches or parks, consider taking this tour over two days. Drive from Kona down to Pu'uhonua and back on Day One. Then drive from Kona to Waikoloa and back on Day Two. There are plenty of things to do and see along the way to keep you busy exploring!

Kona Big Kahuna Itinerary

MORNING

Get an early start to beat the crowds and visit all the attractions before they close. We recommend starting before 9:00 a.m.

Check Out the View of Kiholo Bay

Approximate time: 5 minutes

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

Visit Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)

Visit the white sands of Kua Bay in Kona | Photo by dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wiki Commons

Approximate time: 30 minutes - 1 hour

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

Summertime is the best time to swim or snorkel at Manini'owali. That's when the water is the most calm. You might get lucky and spot a sea turtle paddling nearby!

If you visit during the winter, be warned that the waters here get rough and are best left to experienced surfers.

As you look around you’ll notice large black rocks, these lava rocks provide a deep contrast to the soft sand under your toes.

Just another example of the Big Island’s unique geology right in front of your eyes!

This beach tends to get crowded so weekdays and mornings are the best time to visit.

Look for Huehue Lava Tube

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.

Hike to the Beach at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau Bay Park | Photo by dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wiki Commons

Approximate time: 45 minutes

The tour will guide you to the park through the back entrance which can be accessed through Honokohau Harbor. Here you can see an ancient fishpond and a traditional thatched Hawaiian building.

The cultural significance of this park lies in the way it has preserved the ancient Hawaiian methods of utilizing the land, the stones, and the sea.

There are goat pens made out of stones, fishponds and fish traps, petroglyphs, altars, and even a heiau or temple!

See if you can spot any turtles that frequent this beach.

Note: Once you find parking at the harbor, look for the park gate and follow the trail towards the water.

Drive Through Kailua-Kona

Approximate time: 10 - 30 minutes

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.

Note: Finding parking in Kailua-Kona can be a real challenge. You can pay for a couple hours of parking at the King Kamehameha Hotel, the Kona Plaza, or the Kona Marketplace. There is also street parking--if you are lucky enough to score a spot!

Pull Over for a View of Magic Sands Beach

Approximate time: 5 minutes

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.

If you’re pressed for time, feel free to keep driving down the road. There are plenty more beaches ahead.

Please note: There’s usually a strong, potentially dangerous shorebreak here.

Kahalu'u Beach

beach with people Image from Flickr by Jason

Approximate time: 30-45 minutes (depending if you’re snorkeling)

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.

Go for a Short History Walk at Kamehameha III’s Birthplace

Approximate time: 15 minutes

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.

Learn about Kuamo'o Battlefield

Approximate time: 10 minutes (pull over and listen to the story of this site)

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.

From your car, if you look over the lava field here, you will notice the terraced piles of rocks.

These are the burial mounds of the fallen warriors, still visible today.

Try Local Honey at Big Island Bees

Approximate time: 20 minutes-1 hour (depending if you do the guided tour)

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!

You can also do a guided tour of the facility.

Find the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay

Approximate time: 15 minutes (plan to spend more if you’re snorkeling or kayaking)

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.

You can kayak there if you want to spend a few hours on the water. Be advised: There are no lifeguards on duty here.

Discover a Sacred Place of Refuge at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Learn about ancient Hawaii History in Pu'uhonua National Historical Park | Photo by Ken Lund, CC BY SA 2.0, via Wiki Commons

Approximate time: 30-45 minutes

In ancient times, Pu'uhonua was known as the city of refuge and offered a sanctuary to lawbreakers.

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

While you’re there try the park's guided audio tour and check out the carved tiki statues.

Please keep in mind that this is a very sacred spot for Hawaiians and should be treated with respect. There is a nominal entrance fee per vehicle.

Snorkel at Two Step Beach

Approximate time: 1+ hour (if you’re snorkeling, if not, skip this spot)

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.

This beach is usually crowded but worth a visit if you plan to snorkel. Otherwise, you can skip it.

Marvel at St. Benedict’s Painted Church

church with colorful interiors in big island hawaii

Approximate time: 15 minutes

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.

We highly recommend going inside for a peak! Pay close attention to the Hawaiian details -- have you ever seen palm trees painted in a church? -- and the vaulted ceilings. It’s truly a sight to see!

Note: The painted church is open from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays.

Grab Some Lunch in Honaunau or Kealakekua

Approximate time: 30 minutes

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. Try the:

Honaunau Poke Shop
South Kona Fruit Stand
South Kona Grindz
Kona Grill House
Manago Hotel Restaurant
Mahina Mele Market
Ka'aloa Super J’s (Best thing I ever ate), or
The Coffee Shack (amazing view).

Not hungry yet? No worries you can always find great places to eat back in Kailua-Kona as well!

Explore Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Approximate time: 45 minutes

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.

Here you will find costumed interpreters that bring the past to life by demonstrating traditional crafts, agricultural tasks, and the daily duties of people back then.

Outdoors, you’ll see the family donkeys and free-range chickens.

Note: The farm is only open on Tuesdays and Fridays. Check their website for current hours and prices.

Learn about Coffee at Greenwell Farm & Museum

Approximate time: 45 minutes

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.

They give free farm tours and samples of Kona coffee from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

Pass the Aloha Theatre

The historic Aloha Theatre opened in 1832 and is still operating today | Photo by W Nowicki, CC BY SA 3.0, via Wiki Commons

Approximate time: 10 minutes

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.

Back to Kailua-Kona

Approximate time: 20 minutes

We’ll guide you back to Kailua-Kona with some of our favorite activity recommendations -- did you know you can swim with mantas in Kona or the first Iron Man race was on the Big Island?

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

Watch as the sun sets and reminisce on all the cool sites you saw!

Or, feel free to continue the tour all the way to Waikoloa!

Wrap Up Your Day in Waikoloa

A stick figure drawn on a rock in the middle of a dirt road. Image from Flickr by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner

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.

And, of course, our adventure would not be complete without one last beach visit at Holoholokai Beach Park or a trip to Hapuna Beach. Why not wrap up your day by watching the sunset from one of these beautiful spots?

When you’re in Hawai'i, we ask that you act respectfully toward the locals, land, and wildlife.

Please pick up your trash; never touch any marine life, plants, or other animals; and avoid unsafe spots.

Hawaii’s natural resources are precious. It’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Kona Big Kahuna Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

Ready to take the Kona Big Kahuna Tour? Here's everything you need to know before you go.