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, participants will learn about the area’s rich history and travel through a remarkable agricultural region renowned for its world-famous Kona Coffee.

Keauhou Shopping Center - Prepare for a long 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, observe local fishermen, or cheer on those daring enough to leap 40 feet off the cliff.

Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree - Located in the small village of Waiohinu, where Mark Twain once planted a monkeypod tree.

This quaint town is home to a second-generation descendant of the tree planted by the famous author. The original tree was lost to a hurricane in 1956, but today’s tree grew from its roots.

Punalu’u Bake Shop - A perfect stop for a snack, this bakery specializes in Hawaiian sweet bread—Punalu’u Bakeshop!

Be sure to try 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 - Known in Hawaiian culture and legends as a “Wahi Pana” or sacred place, it was considered an oasis in the Ka’u desert.

Punalu’u Beach is famous for its black sand and sea turtles.

Green sea turtles are often seen resting on the beach and swimming nearby.

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 reveal 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 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, and Mauna Loa, the 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 dinner, there are several sit-down restaurants to try.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens - Established by Moriyasu Akatsuka in 1974 after managing a family orchid nursery in Japan.

Visitors can tour the greenhouses and admire the various beautiful orchids cultivated and shipped worldwide.

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

Visitors can watch a video on 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.

A great spot for families, the zoo features two Bengal tigers: Tzatziki, the white one, and Sriracha, the orange one.

Imiloa Astronomy Center - Part of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a hub that blends science and Native Hawaiian culture.

The visitor’s center offers excellent exhibits, programs, and events.

Hawaiian cultural practices, rooted in exploration and observation, are integral to ‘Imiloa’s exhibits.

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

Astronomers from around the globe study the universe from its summit, while Hawaiians seek ancient spiritual connections.

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
• Hotel pick-up and drop off

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.

• There’s limited cell service in the remote parts of the island. Be sure to download the tour before you start!
• If you begin in Kona, the tour will go counterclockwise. If you begin in Hilo, the tour will go clockwise.
• The tour is designed to explore the south and southwest part of the island during the day and end up at Mauna Kea in the evening. It has the same stories and stops no matter where you begin.
• If you want to visit Volcanoes National Park, we recommend budgeting 3-4 hours for this stop. To beat the crowds, it’s best to arrive before 10 a.m. or to come on a weekday.
• Ka’u Coffee Mill is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. They offer free 20-minute guided tours Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No reservations required.
• Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.
• Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Christmas, New Years and the first Thursday of each month. Requires an admission fee.
• Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station is open daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Pack clothes for hiking and swimming. You’ll have the option to do both on this tour.
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting

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