Located at the very end of the road, the Pololu Valley lookout offers stunning views of the valley and coastline. If you’re up for it, there is a hike into the valley that is one of the highlights of this tour. The black sand beach at the bottom is totally worth the trek.

The hike is short at just under a mile round trip, but its steep elevation makes it a moderate hike so take it slow. We recommend you only go if you’re physically fit and wearing the right shoes for the walk.   

Our first stop gives you the chance to see a very culturally important heiau for both the legendary King Kamehameha, and Hawaii. If you’re not familiar with a heiau, it’s an ancient Hawaiian temple. This specific heiau was built by King Kamehameha as a way to fulfill the prophecy that he would one day unite the Hawaiian Islands. The heiau was dedicated to the war God, Ku.

On your visit you’ll learn more about this heiau and its significance in unifying the Kingdom of Hawaii. We recommend watching the five minute introduction video then walking the quarter-mile path to see the massive temple up close. While you’re there, you might see cultural practitioners. Feel free to ask them questions to learn more about this sacred spot.

Pro Tip! If you have the time and want to keep walking, there is a half-mile loop trail that takes you down to Spencer Beach Park. 

A visit to Lapakahi State Park will transport you back in time over 600 years ago when an ancient Hawaiian fishing village once stood on this spot. While you’re there take a self-guided walking tour of the park to learn about the sustainable fishing and farming practices used by Hawaiians.

The entire walk takes about 45 minutes if you go down to the beach -- don’t forget to pick up a brochure so you can understand what you’re seeing. This is a great place to dive deeper into the history of Hawaii and see how the people here once lived. 

As you enter the small town of Kapaau we’ll drive by a bronze statue of King Kamehameha. Don’t worry -- we’ll tell you where to stop. You can get out and take some pictures, or just drive by. On the way, you’ll learn about a shipwreck that almost prevented this statue from reaching Hawaii!

At this point in the tour, you might be ready for a snack. Hawi is the perfect place to stop if you’re looking for a quick bite, some tasty ice cream, or a cup of coffee to keep you fueled for the rest of your adventure. This quaint town is located on the northern tip of the island and features eateries, galleries and boutiques in the old, plantation-era buildings that line the streets.

This tour really showcases King Kamehameha’s ties to the region, and there’s another, subtle spot along the drive where you can learn about this famous Hawaiian figure and his legacy in Hawaii. On your way to Pololu Valley, you can pull over to the side of the road to see a rock that legend has it was lifted by Kamehameha himself! 

As you drive down the Kohala mountain road you will have the opportunity to pull over for a scenic lookout point. We highly recommend this stop which offers panoramic views ranging from Waimea to Kailua-Kona. If you happen to be here later in the evening, this is the perfect spot to watch the sunset! 

Waimea Town is an artsy farm town known for its quaint bed and breakfasts and cowboy history. Waimea also has lots of amazing restaurants, a theatre, art exhibits, historic ranches and an astronomy center. Might be a good place to stop to grab a bite before heading back to Kona. How much time you choose to spend here depends on your interests but here are a few activities that can keep you busy exploring this small town.

Learn about the first lady of racing, Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske at this historic site that’s dedicated to the rancher. The home is filled with stories seeing as it’s been in her family for five generations! 

Open 10AM - 2:30PM and closed Saturday-Monday and costs $10 per person.

The name of this park is Ulu la’au which means ‘circle of trees’ in Hawaiian. It’s a great place for a stroll or a picnic to relax next to a flowing stream

Here you’ll find two historic houses built in the 1800’s. The houses serve as the Parker Ranch headquarters and free self-guided tours are available weekdays from 8AM to 4PM. They’re packed with art, antiques, and other historic relics that help tell the story of the Parker Ranch. It’s a great way to experience what life was like on this iconic ranch throughout the years.