South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

Kailua-Kona - The tour will bypass Kailua Town and proceed directly to South Point via the Hawai’i Belt Road.

During the journey, travelers will learn about the area’s rich history and traverse this remarkable agricultural region, renowned for its world-famous Kona Coffee.

Keauhou Shopping Center - Prepare for a lengthy drive, especially if planning to visit South Point, the southernmost point of the United States.

Kalae - In Hawaiian, Ka Lae means ‘the point,’ marking the southernmost land in the United States.

The area boasts a unique, desolate beauty with wind-swept trees and cliffs that evoke a sense of being at the world’s edge.

Visitors can explore an ancient fishing heiau, spot migrating whales, watch local fishermen, or cheer on those daring enough to take the 40-foot leap off the cliff.

Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree - This small village, Waiohinu, is where Mark Twain planted a monkeypod tree during his visit.

The town still exists and is home to a second-generation descendant of the tree planted by the famous author.

A hurricane destroyed the original tree in 1956, and today’s tree grew from its roots.

Punalu’u Bake Shop - At this stage, a snack might be needed, and there’s no better place than the Punalu’u Bakeshop, known for its Hawaiian sweet bread!

Be sure to stop by and sample some of its renowned sweets and treats.

In Hawaiian, Punalu’u means “the volcanic ashes.”

It is the southernmost community in the US with a post office.

With a population of around a thousand, it is a peaceful rural town.

Whittington Beach Park - Whittington offers a tranquil rest area with picnic tables and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach - Punalu’u holds a significant place in Hawaiian culture and legends, known as a “Wahi Pana,” or sacred place, and was considered 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 often seen here, resting on the beach and swimming nearby in the ocean.

Ka’u Coffee Mill - Take a brief detour to Pahala Town to visit the Ka’u Coffee Mill and enjoy free samples of their delicious coffee and macadamia nuts at the gift shop.

Lava Tree Molds - A short drive will lead to fascinating lava tree molds.

Lava trees form when fast-moving lava flows through a forest, encasing moist trees.

The tree burns from the inside as the lava cools on the outside, leaving a lava shell in the tree’s shape.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park features dramatic volcanic landscapes and glimpses of rare flora and fauna.

The park includes two active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active shield volcano.

Volcano Village Lodge - Volcano Village is an ideal spot for a quick break. Visitors can refuel, explore charming boutiques, or grab a snack at the Kilauea General Store.

For those hungry for dinner, there are also some sit-down restaurants to try.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens - Moriyasu Akatsuka established the orchid gardens in 1974 after managing a family orchid nursery in Japan.

Visitors can stroll through the greenhouses and admire the various beautiful orchids they cultivate and ship worldwide.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center - At the retail store, guests can sample the farm’s diverse flavors. They also offer delicious dairy-free macadamia nut ice cream by the scoop.

Visitors can watch a video of macadamia nut candy production and explore the beautiful grounds.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens - Located just outside Hilo, Panaewa Zoo is the only rainforest zoo in the US.

It’s a fantastic place for families!

While there, look for the zoo’s stars—two Bengal tigers. The white one is named Tzatziki, and the orange one is named Sriracha.

Imiloa Astronomy Center - The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, part of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, serves as a gathering place that blends science and Native Hawaiian culture.

The visitor center offers wonderful exhibits, programs, and events.

Hawaiian society, built on exploration and observation, has made Hawaiian cultural practices an integral part of ‘Imiloa’s exhibits.

Mauna Kea Summit - Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the ocean floor to its summit.

Astronomers from around the globe study the universe from its peak, and the Hawaiian people seek ancient spiritual connections there.

The visitor center, situated 9,000 feet above sea level, is one of the clearest places on Earth for stargazing.

South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

Kona Coffee Living History Farm - This “must-see” attraction is the only living history coffee farm in Hawaii.

• Take the tour when you want
• Tours NEVER expire
• Offline map of the entire island
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Tour Start is Customizable
• Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
• Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

• Meals & Refreshments
• Entrance Fees
• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (per person)
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees

Come with us as we explore the fascinating volcanic landscape looping around the southern coast of the Big Island!

Shaka Guide is your perfect companion with turn-by-turn directions, information on what to do & see, and a truckload of interesting stories and Hawaiian legends of this amazing island!

Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads.

Why you need it:

✅ You don’t need service because you can download the tours & use them offline

✅ Much cheaper than a tour bus at only $19.99 for lifetime access

✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up

✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!)

✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way (and some corny joke’s that might make you laugh)

Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.

• Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
• Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
• Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
• Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
• Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
• The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
• What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.