Tour stop
Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour
About The Tour
Located on the northernmost tip of Big Island, the Kohala Coast features lush, green coastline and tree-lined hills. 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
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
About the tour
Located on the northernmost tip of Big Island, the Kohala Coast features lush, green coastline and tree-lined hills. 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
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
STARTING POINTS
-WaikoloaRECOMMENDED START TIME: 10:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Preview Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour
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2. Intro to Pu'ukohola Heiau
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01:26
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3. Lapakahi State Historical Park
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03:01
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4. Hawi Town & Things to Do
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03:12
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5. Kamehameha Statue Intro
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01:46
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6. Pull Over for Kamehameha Rock
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00:59
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7. Pololu Valley Lookout
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04:46
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8. Kohala Mountain Road
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01:43
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9. Anna Ranch
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00:30
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10. Waimea Things to Do
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01:24
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11. Hapuna Beach
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00:50
Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Tour stop
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Tour stop
Statue of King Kamehameha I
Tour stop
Anna Ranch - Waimea
Tour stop
Kohala Mountain Scenic Lookout Point
Tour stop
Hawi Town
Tour stop
Kamehameha Rock
Meet the Creators
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Andrew Fowers
Writer/Editor
“I started this business because I believe that when you connect a story to a place, it transforms your journey. It allows you to step beyond being just a tourist and become an informed traveler, fully present in the moment. Our hope is that you come for the guide, but stay for the stories that bring these destination to life.” - Andrew Fowers
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Robin Montgomery
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” - John Muir.
Andrew Shults
Producer & Data Team Manager
Favorite Quote:
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” - Douglas Adams
Purchase Options
1.
Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour
$ 19.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride for your trip.
Important Update!
Aloha Shaka Guiders,
Due to the March 2026 storms, you may notice some changes along your tour—things like temporary road closures, limited access to certain stops, or areas that are still recovering. Our routes are designed to guide you safely, but conditions can shift, so a little flexibility goes a long way.
As you explore, we ask that you travel with care and respect—for the land, the communities, and the people who call these places home. If an area looks closed or impacted, please honor posted signs and avoid entering. These moments are part of the story of Hawai‘i too, and your kuleana (responsibility) as a visitor helps keep these places protected for everyone.
Mahalo for your understanding, and for exploring with aloha 💛
Amy (Your Shaka Friend in Oahu)
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour start from?
The Kohala Coast tour begins in Waikoloa and makes a clockwise loop around the north west coast of the Big Island. You'll end the tour near where you began!
2. How long will the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour take?
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.
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.
3. What should I bring on the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour?
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
What you might need:
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Rain Jacket
Hiking Shoes
Snacks
Water
4. How much money should I bring on the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour?
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
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
5. Can I join the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour en route?
Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
6. Can I take the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour in the opposite direction?
No, this tour can only be done in one direction.
7. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s like having a tour guide in your car, sharing stories and local insights as you drive. Unlike other navigation apps, we’ve planned the route for you, so instead of focusing on directions, you can focus on the experience. This means you can’t customize the route, but that’s kind of the point. You’re still in control though, you can skip stops, go at your own pace, and explore freely. It’s not just about getting there; it’s about enjoying the journey.
8. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.