Hawaii

KOHALA COAST BACKCOUNTRY TOUR

DurationDuration 4-6 hrs
DirectionTour Directions 1
tour Tour Stops 11
$9.99

Description

Located on the northernmost tip of Big Island, the Kohala Coast features lush, green coastline and tree-line hills. With Shaka Guide, you’ll go on a short loop drive through this unique corner of the island stopping at historic sites, beaches and hikes along the way.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

•⁠ Hike the Pololu Trail
•⁠ Visit a massive ancient Hawaiian temple
•⁠ Explore the artsy town of Hawi
•⁠ Visit the Cowboy town of Waimea
•⁠ Stop at a statue of King Kamehameha

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Recommended Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Tour Starting Point(s): Waikoloa
Direction: Clockwise

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Tour Stops

Preview Audio

KAMEHAMEHA STATUE

Tour Route

Important Travel Info

Safety & Etiquette
Budgeting, Fees & Reservations
Time & Schedule
Suggested Packing List

If you plan on visiting Pololu Valley, please be respectful. If you get to the parking lot and there's no space, turn back around and try again another day or wait for a spot to open - don't park on the side of the road. Also, be sure to take out what you bring in and leave the trail better than you found it. 

In Hawaiian the word malama means “to take care” and the word aina means “land.” When you’re in Hawaii, we ask that you practice this and pick up your trash; respect the marine life, plants, and animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe. Hawaii’s natural resources are precious, it’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources for generations by respecting the aina when you visit.

$15.00 per person: Lunch

$5.00 per person: Local snack or cup of coffee 

Kohala Welcome Center is the only public restroom in Hawi Town. It’s open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This bite-size tour takes about a half day to complete, depending on how much time you spend at each spot.The tour is concentrated on the Kohala Coast, so the drive time is minimal, you’ll spend most of the time exploring the fun stops we’ve picked out for you. If you start early enough you’ll have plenty of time to hit the beach after or you could try our Kona Big Kahuna Loop tour. We don’t recommend combining this tour with the North Island Jungle Adventure Loop.

  • Very Important: Car Charger
  • Sneakers 
  • Hiking Clothes 
  • Jacket or Layers, temperatures vary drastically across the island 
  • Water Bottle 
  • Bug Spray 
  • Towel 
  • Bathing Suit 
  • Sandals 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sun Glasses and/or Hat 
  • Snacks 
  • Cash 
  • Phone Mount 
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Tour FAQs

The main starting point is near Waikoloa or in Kona town on Ali’i drive. You can also start the tour anywhere along the tour route. The only tour goes in one direction - counterclockwise: starting from Kona and going down along the coast to the Pu’uhonua Cultural Sights. Then it loops back around driving through coffee country where it ends where it started, in Kona town.

The Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour only takes about 2-3 hours depending on how long you spend at each stop. Remember this tour only drives around the northern tip of the island and starts and finishes in Waikaloa. 


If you find that you would like to explore more of the north side of the Big Island, like Hamakua and Waipio,  download our north loop tour.

This tour travels counterclockwise along the western coast of Big Island beginning in Kona. You’ll travel inland exploring picturesque valleys and historic sites before returning to Kona. Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour! 

  • Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
  • Lapakahi State Park
  • Hawi Town
  • Kamehameha I Statue
  • Pololu Valley Hike
  • Kohala Mt. Road Scenic Lookout
  • Waimea Town

For help planning your day check out our Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour suggested itinerary and here's everything you need to know before you go.



Bring enough clothing to handle all possible variations in weather. Expect sunshine and rain. 


What you might need:

  • Swimwear

  • Sunglasses

  • Rain Jacket

  • Hiking Shoes

  • Snacks

  • Water

Bring cash $$


How much you spend really depends on the size of your party, and the activities you would like to do. Our goal is to make your vacation as affordable as possible, so we will tell you about the activities along the way, and you can decide whether or not they interest you. That being said, here are a few things you may/will spend on:

  • Gas 

  • Food 

  • Water

  • Puukohola admission: free, $2/person for group tour of 10+

  • Souvenirs

  • Sunscreen

No, this tour can only be done in one direction.


Do you have other questions that we didn’t list here? 

Feel free to message us through the in-app chat box, Facebook Messenger, our emailor give us a call at 1-888-250-2261. We will be glad to help and answer your questions as soon as possible!


Mahalo,

Shaka Guide

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Customer Reviews

A must for tourists who want to learn about the history and experience the island on the go.

Almost perfect. A few small glitches in GPS locations and order of numbers -- but we love Shaka for our island yours!

We had a great time visiting the various locations highlighted in this app.

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