After Waimea Town, you’ll embark on your drive across Saddle Road, a main thoroughfare on Big Island that connects Kona in the west with Hilo in the east. This is about a 50 minute drive and we’ll tell you stories the whole way.

There are three optional stops along this road:

1) a rest stop, which we’ll point on the tour;
2) a cinder cone where you can get acclimated to the altitude if you’re embarking on a journey to Mauna Kea; and
3) Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain.

If you’re not planning on visiting any of these places you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.

The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from base to summit. Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak and Hawaiian’s have many ancient spiritual connections to this special site. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawaii.

We do not recommend you drive past the visitor’s center to the summit, it is steep, four-wheeled drive only and not recommended for visitors. Visitors information station is plenty high to get a feel for mauna kea. If you’re visiting during the day you can stop at the visitor’s information station where they often have one of the solar telescopes to view the sun. But we really recommend is visiting in the evening when you can enjoy the center’s stargazing program from 8pm - 9pm. Call this number to get weather conditions on a recorded phone line:

The ‘Imiloa astronomy center is part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and is a gathering place that integrates science and Native Hawaiian culture. They have a visitor’s center, with wonderful exhibits, programs, and events. Since Hawaiian society was built on exploration and observation, Hawaiian cultural practices have become an important part of ‘Imiloa’s exhibits. (Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Just outside Hilo is the only rain forest zoo in the US, Panaewa Zoo. The zoo is free to enter and is open every day except Christmas and New Year's. This is a perfect spot to bring the kids! While you’re there look for the zoo’s stars, two Bengal tigers. The white one is named tzatziki and the orange one is named sriracha. 

As we approach Hilo you have the option to take a quick detour to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. At the farm visitors are invited to walk around and learn more about this Hawaiian delicacy. You can also watch the Macadamia Nut Candy being made, see their finished products, and taste test the farm’s many assorted flavors.

Please note: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm is currently closed due to Covid 19. 

Perfect for a quick stop, visit to refuel on gas, 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.

Volcano national park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, as well as glimpses of rare flora and fauna. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most largest shield volcano. Check out our audio driving tour of Volcanoes National Park, it will take you to all our favorite spots.

Please note: there is no food or drinks in the park and some spots are closed because of Covid 19 and the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

Approximate time: 30 minutes This is a brief stop that accompanies a mini 1.2 mile hike 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.

This 1.2 mile (1.9km) loop trail reveals a story of struggle and survival for some of Hawai‘i's rarest plants and animals. This "bird park" is a kīpuka created by the Keamoku flow from Mauna Loa. A kīpuka is an area of old-growth forest spared between lava flows. Kīpuka Puaulu became the Park's first Special Ecological Area in 1985. The main attractions for this easy hike are the stunning amount of birds in the area and the well-protected native rainforest. Even if you're not a bird expert, you'll enjoy hearing and seeing the diversity of the avian life in the kīpuka.

Google Maps: 19.437641, -155.303050

You can turn into 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. They also offer free tours at 10am, 12 noon, and 2pm daily. The tour lasts about 30 minutes. If you don’t need a midday pick-me-up, skip this spot as it’s a slight detour.

This spot is currently closed but offering curbside pick up and ordering because of Covid 19.

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. If you see them, be sure to keep your distance. These are protected animals and getting too close will result in a fine. 

Whittington is a peaceful little rest area with picnic tables and excellent views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. If you’re short on time, you might want to skip this spot and stay on the road towards Volcanoes National Park, plus there’s a black sand beach coming up next!

At this point, you might need a bite to refuel and where better than a bakery that specializes in Hawaiian sweet bread. “Punalu'u Bakeshop” Na’alehu means “the volcanic ashes” in Hawaiian. It’s the southernmost community in the US with a post office.

There are fewer than 900 people living here, and it’s a nice quiet rural town. There's a popular bakeshop in this area called “Punalu'u Bakeshop” and Shaka Restaurant and Bar, known as “the southernmost bar.”

At this point, you might need a bite to refuel and where better than a bakery that specializes in Hawaiian sweet bread. “Punalu'u Bakeshop” Na’alehu means “the volcanic ashes” in Hawaiian. It’s the southernmost community in the US with a post office.

There are fewer than 900 people living here, and it’s a nice quiet rural town. There's a popular bakeshop in this area called “Punalu'u Bakeshop” and Shaka Restaurant and Bar, known as “the southernmost bar.”

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 Mark Twain! A hurricane claimed the original tree in 1956, and today’s tree sprouted from its roots.

Ka Lae translates in Hawaiian to ‘the point’, and is the southernmost piece of land in the United States. The area has a desolate beauty all on its own with wind-bent trees, an intriguing green sand beach, and cliffs that feel like the end of the world. There are two major activities that you can do at South Point, a 40-foot cliff jump or a 2.5-mile trip hike to Hawaii’s only green sand beach.

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!

In ancient times, Pu'uhonua was known as the city of refuge, and offered a sanctuary to lawbreakers. Within the park are a number of historical landmarks like the grounds where the Ali’i (royalty) lived within the Pu'uhonua.

While you’re there try the guided audio tour of the park 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.

Two-step is immediately after the turn for Pu'uhonua park. The beach got its name for the lava rock steps you can use to enter the bay. This beach is usually crowded but worth a visit if you plan to snorkel. Otherwise you can skip it.

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

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 try some of their locally-produced honey -- for free! You can also do a guided tour of the facility.

Kona Coffee is some 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 coffee farm living 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.

Built in 1917 by a Japanese mail-order bride and her husband, the late Kinzo and Osame Manago, as a restaurant with futons for their customers to sleep on, this still has the feel of old Hawai‘i. The Manago Hotel endures as a piece of old Hawai‘i attracting visitors from around the world. Located in the heart of Captain Cook, the hotel sprawls along the makai (ocean) side of Highway 11 across from Arthur L. Greenwell Park. Large portraits of the late founders greet guests who enter the high-ceilinged lobby, along with dark wooden counters and cabinetry. At the helm of the Manago today is the couple’s grandson, Dwight, 62, who is often seen manning the front desk.

82-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy, 

Captain Cook, HI 96704 

(808) 323-2642 

https://www.managohotel.com/

Another great spot to learn about coffee and its importance to this region of Big Island is the Greenwell Farm and Museum is a multi-faceted agribusiness using modern farming practices. In addition to growing their own, they also buy and process coffee beans from over 300 farmers in the Kona district. They give free farm tours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

If you haven’t eaten at any of the previous stops on the tour, we’ll guide you to Sundried Specialties where you can try some ono poke, fresh from the ocean. If nothing else stop by to try their salted dried fish. It’s different but yummy!

As you drive down the road, you’ll see the Aloha Theatre -- a historic site that was once the place to go in the 1930’s for live shows and entertainment. Fortunately, the community has helped to preserve it and today they still have live performances. Nearby the theatre is a unique store that sells artisanal chocolate delicacies, including chocolate covered mac nuts in a variety of flavors.

Stop by this farm stand to try local goodies like chocolates, coffee and honey. While you’re there take a short garden stroll while you enjoy your snacks!