Excursion Hawaii volcanoes national park kahuku tour at Kailua Kona

Explore the highly-restricted and preserved Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during this bespoke, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Kona, Bay View Coffee Farm, Scenic Viewpoint, Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook Monument

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Bay View Farm. This working, approximately 24-acre (about 9.7-hectare) Kona coffee farm is nestled deep in coffee country on the slopes of the Mauna Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay, and renowned for producing the best Kona coffee since 1984. During your guided tour, see coffee growing on the trees and learn about the various coffee-making steps and processes, all of which happen right here on the farm. Following your tour, enjoy a sample of 100% Kona coffee at a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, which stands on the only sliver of British land in the United States.

Painted Church, Frescoes & Murals, South Kona & Kau Districts, Lava Flows, Dry Forests

Next, re-board your coach and head for a brief stop at the famous Painted Church, whose interior walls and ceilings are covered in hand-painted frescoes and murals dating back to the late-19th and early-20th centuries. Your adventure continues with a drive through the South Kona and Kau Districts. Along the way, marvel at stunning views that alternate between stark lava flows and Hawaiian dry forest, and are visible through the huge picture windows of your vehicle.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Unit, Nature Trek, Cinder Cones, Trees, Lunch

Leaving the Painted Church, re-board your coach and transfer to the approximately 116,000-acre (about 46,943-hectare) Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your National Park Service-trained guide leads you on a trek along an historic trail, past cinder cones, lava tree moulds, and a hidden meadow with old growth native trees. Walk across the dramatic and surreal landscape of the Lava Flow of 1868, and climb atop the Puu o Lokuana cinder cone, complete with an historic cinder quarry and sweeping views of Kau. During your park visit, a stop is made for a deli-style boxed lunch.

Punaluu Black-Sand Beach, Coconut Palm Trees, Sea Turtles, Punaluu Bake Shop

After lunch, re-board your coach for the short drive to the picturesque Punaluu Black-Sand Beach. Lined with swaying coconut palm trees, this is one of the finest black-sand beaches on the island. Upon arrival, take a delightful stroll along the beach and look for honu (green Hawaiian sea turtles) feeding just offshore or basking on the sand. Following your beach visit, a final stop is made at the Punaluu Bake Shoppe, which is famous for its Hawaiian sweetbreads and other baked goods, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kona, Coffee Farm, Tour & Tasting, Scenic Viewpoint, Painted Church, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Nature Trek, Punaluu Black-Sand Beach, Bake Shop.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometers), at times over uneven, cobblestone, sandy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and five-10 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sun protection, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Closed-toe shoes are required. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. The driving time between the pier and Kahuku National Park is approximately two hours in each direction. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.