This white sand beach along the Kona Coast is perfect for the whole family. As you look around you’ll notice large black rock, 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.

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 recently been closed off to visitors. So drive-by only.

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!

There’s a short hike to the beach, and it’s one of the few hikes on this tour.

Note: The tour will guide you to a side entrance closest to the beach to avoid a long hot walk. Once at the beach find some shade and see if you can spot any turtles that frequent this beach. If you’re looking for a chance to stretch your legs jump out of the car and explore this quiet National Park.

We will pass through Kona Town on Ali’i Drive. You are welcome to stop here for a bite to eat, walk around this quaint seaside town, or grab snacks for the road. If you don’t feel like exploring Kona now, no worries, this tour ends in Kona Town and you can swing by for a late lunch or some dinner.

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 pretty strong, potentially dangerous shore break here.

Have you ever seen a church on the beach? Well, here you can! Look out for a small white church and you’ll see the beach right beside it. This beach is a popular surf spot and also a great place to snorkel.

Notice the rock structure to the right of the church. This is a one-of-a-kind heiau thought to be dedicated to surfing.

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 1600’s.

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.

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 and take a look around the shop (which has body care products too!). You can also do a guided tour of the facility. There’s a guided tour of Big Island Bees that runs from Monday-Friday that costs $25 for adults, $15 for youth (13-18) and $10 for children, expect to spend about an hour on the tour. The tour does require reservations, which you can find by clicking here.

Hours: 

10am - 3pm Monday to Friday
Tours available M-F at 10am and 1pm

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.

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 $20 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.

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!

Open Hours: 
Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday - 9:30am–3:30pm
Saturday-Sunday - During Church Services

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.

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.

The guided tour of Kona Coffee Living Museum costs $20 for adults and $10 for children. It's open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 am - 2 pm.

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.

Have you ever dreams of eating donkey balls? Probably not. But on Hawaii’s Big Island, it’s a must-have experience. Don’t worry, it’s not what you think. The Donkey Balls Factory and Store is a Big Island staple, paying homage to the destination’s go local, made fresh philosophy. Based on local legend, the crude-sounding store actually sells artisanal chocolates, made in-house from Guittard Chocolate.

Best of all, visitors to the store can watch the candy being made through the clear glass factory room, as well as enjoy free samples of numerous varieties at the counter (if you don’t see the kind you want to try, just ask!)