Items | Big Island: Self-Guided South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour
Big Island: Self-Guided South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour
(19) Reviews
Hawaii
About
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 wh...
Highlights
2 days
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 days
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
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
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
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)
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Meeting Points
Departure
Waikoloa Village
Return
Important Information
•
Wheelchair accessible
•
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
•
Service animals allowed
•
Public transportation options are available nearby
•
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
•
Specialized infant seats are available
•
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
•
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
•
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
Big Island: Self-Guided South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour
(19) Reviews
Hawaii
Select Date & Travelers
From
$20.00
Price varies by group size
About
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 wh...
Highlights
2 days
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 days
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
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
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
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)
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Meeting Points
Departure
Waikoloa Village
Return
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour
16 Stops
1
Kailua-Kona
We will bypass Kailua Town and head straight for South Point on the Hawai'i Belt Road.
Along the way, you'll hear about the area's rich history and drive through this amazing agricultural region known for its world-famous Kona Coffee.
2
Keauhou Shopping Center
You’re in for a long drive ahead, especially if you’re planning on making the trip to South Point to visit the most southern point of the United States.
10 minutes
3
Kalae
Ka Lae translates in Hawaiian to ‘the point,’ and is the southernmost point of land in the United States.
The area has a desolate beauty all on its own with wind-bent trees and cliffs that feel like the end of the world.
You can visit an ancient fishing heiau, look for migrating whales, watch local fishermen, or cheer on the brave souls taking the 40-foot plunge off the cliff.
4
Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree
This area is a small village called Waiohinu where Mark Twain, while he was here, planted a monkeypod tree.
This little town still exists and is home to a second-generation descendant of the monkey pod planted by the famous author.
A hurricane claimed the original tree in 1956, and today’s tree sprouted from its roots.
5 minutes
5
Punalu'u Bake Shop
At this point, you might need a bite to refuel, and where better than a bakery that specializes in Hawaiian sweet bread--the Punalu'u Bakeshop!
Make sure you stop by to try some of its famous sweets and treats.
In Hawaiian, Punalu'u means “the volcanic ashes."
It’s the southernmost community in the US with a post office.
There are only around a thousand people living here, and it’s a nice quiet rural town.
20 minutes
6
Whittington Beach Park
Whittington is a peaceful little rest area with picnic tables and excellent views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
30 minutes
7
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Punalu'u is well-known in Hawaiian culture and legends. It is known as a “Wahi Pana”, or sacred place, and was seen as 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 usually all over the place here, sleeping on the beach and swimming next to you in the ocean.
30 minutes
8
Ka'u Coffee Mill
Take a short detour to Pahala Town to check out the Ka'u Coffee Mill and get some free samples of this delicious coffee and macadamia nuts at their gift shop.
15 minutes
9
Lava Tree Molds
Drive a short loop to see some neat lava tree molds.
Lava trees form when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest and completely surrounds moist trees.
The tree burns up on the inside as the lava cools on the outside, resulting in a lava shell left in the shape of the tree.
10 minutes
10
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes as well as glimpses of rare flora and fauna.
The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's largest active shield volcano.
3 hours
11
Volcano Village Lodge
Volcano Village is the perfect place for a quick stop. You can gas up, stop at some of the cute boutiques or grab a snack at the Kilauea General Store.
If you’re hungry for dinner, there are also some sit-down restaurants you can try.
30 minutes
12
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Moriyasu Akatsuka started the orchid gardens here in 1974 after running a family orchid nursery in Japan.
If you stop at the gardens, you can walk through their greenhouses and view all of the different types of beautiful orchids they raise and ship out to customers across the globe.
15 minutes
13
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
At the retail store, visitors can taste test the farm's many assorted flavors. They also sell delicious dairy-free macadamia nut ice cream by the scoop.
You can also watch a video of the macadamia nut candy being made and walk around their beautiful grounds.
30 minutes
14
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
Just outside Hilo is the only rainforest zoo in the US, Panaewa Zoo.
This is a perfect spot to bring the kids!
While you’re there, look for the zoo’s stars--two Bengal tigers. The white one is named Tzatziki, and the orange one is named Sriracha.
1 hour
15
Imiloa Astronomy Center
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is part of the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and is a gathering place that integrates science and Native Hawaiian culture.
They have a visitor’s center with wonderful exhibits, programs and events.
Since Hawaiian society was built on exploration and observation, Hawaiian cultural practices have become an important part of ‘Imiloa’s exhibits.
30 minutes
16
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 world explore the universe from its peak, and the Hawaiian people go to it in search of ancient spiritual connections.
The visitor center, located 9,000 feet above sea level, is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky.