Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour

Day 1: South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

1. Kailua-Kona
   Pass by
   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. 1h
   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.
3. Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree
   5m
   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.
4. Punalu'u Bake Shop
   20m
   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.
5. Whittington Beach Park
   30m
   Whittington is a peaceful little rest area with picnic tables and excellent views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
6. 30m
   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.
7. Ka'u Coffee Mill
   15m
   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.
8. 10m
   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.
9. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Optional stop: Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and its dramatic volcanic landscapes at your own pace. A separate National Park Service entrance pass is required and is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
10. Volcano
    30m
    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.
11. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
    15m
    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.
12. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
    30m
    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.
13. 1h · Admission ticket not included
    Optional stop: Visit Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens near Hilo. Admission, if you choose to visit, is paid separately directly to the zoo and varies by visitor eligibility.
14. Imiloa Astronomy Center
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    Optional stop: Visit ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo to explore exhibits connecting Hawaiian culture, navigation, and modern astronomy. Admission is purchased separately directly from ʻImiloa.
15. Maunakea Visitor Information Station
    1h
    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.

Day 2: South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

1. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Enjoy this "must see" attraction and the only living history coffee farm in Hawaii

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
• The tour has designated starting areas in Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo. Choose the starting point that best fits your trip in the Shaka Guide app.
• Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
• Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you begin. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
• Plan approximately 10–12 hours for a full-day experience. The itinerary is flexible, and travelers who want to spend more time at optional stops can continue the tour over multiple days.
• Stops and side trips are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer, or customize the route around your interests and available time.
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an optional stop and requires a separate National Park Service entrance pass. Park admission is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
• Admission, parking, tours, or other fees charged by optional third-party attractions are not included and are paid directly to the attraction if you choose to visit.
• The tour’s recommended Maunakea stop is the Visitor Information Station. Driving to the summit is not required and may be subject to separate vehicle, weather, and access restrictions.
• Road and stop access can change due to weather, storms, maintenance, or local conditions. Follow posted closures and signage and skip any location that is inaccessible during your visit.
• Wildlife sightings, including sea turtles at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, are not guaranteed. Never approach, touch, or feed wildlife.
• Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some beaches, trails, coastal areas, and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.
• Bring water, sun protection, and a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for this full-day route.