Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Attractions & Things to do

Join us to see the underwater beauty near Captain Cook's Monument and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park. Usually, at this time of day, the waters of the Kona coast are crystal clear and offer great visibility. View over 100 different varieties of tropical fish along with an occasional reef shark or sea turtle. These lively snorkeling spots are home to a variety of marine life.

Your Crew will teach you a little Hawaiian history along the way. As you cruise, you will enjoy spectacular views of Big Island's rugged coastline, along with views of sea caves and lava tubes. If you are lucky, you may spot a pod of dolphins or a whale, which can be found here year-round (humpback whale migration is seasonal!)
Duration: 5 hours.

Aloha! Welcome to a private shuttle service! While you can't always rely on Uber and Lyft outside the city limits, we've got you covered for an unforgettable adventure. Here we are your super easy choice for a planned shuttle service to explore the wonders of the western side of the island. As you step off your cruise ship onto the shores of the Big Island, we will be waiting for you on the Kailua pier.

Our journey begins with scenic drive on the coastline of Kona and a visit to a local coffee farm, where you'll indulge in a tasting and have the unique opportunity to take home some authentic 100% Kona coffee, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Next, we'll make a stop at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a national historic sacred site. You'll have the chance for photo opportunities and self-guided relaxation around the temples, and ocean breezes at this revered location.

Let's explore beyond the downtown areas and uncover the hidden gems that make the Big Island truly special.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours.

Shaka Guide is an audio tour app that gives you the benefits of a guided tour with the freedom to explore on your own terms. This Big Island Tour Bundle comes with five socially-distanced audio driving tours:

• South Island Epic Coastal Journey (8-10 hour tour)
• North Island Jungle Adventure Loop (8-10 hour tour)
• Kona Big Kahuna Loop (4-6 hour tour)
• Kohala Coast and Backcountry Tour (3-5 hour tour)
• Volcanoes National Park Tour (6-8 hour tour)

The app uses GPS to give you turn-by-turn navigation to historic sites, popular attractions, world-class beaches and scenic hikes.

All Shaka Guide Tours...
• Never expire - take them multiple times or buy in advance
• Work 100% offline - no data or wifi necessary
• Let you take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you

*Please use the link in your confirmation email to download the app*
*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*
Duration: 5 days.

Discover the history, beauty and culture of the Big Island on this half day tour of the Kona coast. See sacred Hawaiian temples and ancient petroglyphs at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and walk to Honokohau Beach to spot native wildlife. Admire scenic views of Kealakekua Bay, and go on a walking tour of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, considered a sacred site. You’ll also visit a bee farm and coffee plantation for tastings at both, plus lunch. Numbers are limited to 12 to ensure you enjoy a small-group experience.
Duration: 7 hours.

A fun bite-sized loop tour that begins in North Kona and takes you down south to Puuhonua and back!

Hear cool stories about King Kamehameha, Captain Cook, and the sacred rituals of ancient Hawaii.

Shaka Guide is your local guide with turn-by-turn directions, information on what to do & see, and a ton of fun stories.

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

✅ 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

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*
Duration: 2 days.

Step off your cruise and step back in time on this tour of historic Kona. On this cruise ship excursion, we share Kailua-Kona’s history to set the stage for your trip back in time to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park – an ancient Hawaiian village of refuge for kapu (law) breakers.

We show you a beautiful scenic view overlooking Kealakekua Bay – an underwater preserve and where a monument to Captain Cook stands. Here, he sailed in and was received as the god, Lono, yet he proved to be a mere mortal and was slain. Visit the Painted Church – the tiny church Belgian priests painted to be a grand cathedral. Experience history as rich as the brew at the Kona coffee factory we visit as well.
Duration: 4 hours.

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.*
Duration: 2 days.

Adventure down the Southern Kona Coast on our fleet of covered boats for everyone’s comfort. Snorkel the pristine Puʻuhonua O Honaunau (The Place of Refuge) and Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cooks Monument) on this 4.5 hour adventure. Our Captain and Crew will share the history and culturally significant sites as we journey the coastline, along with the geographically fascinating features of lava tubes and sea caves. Take advantage of our later start time and spend the day at two of the worlds magnificent bays. Lunch, sanitized snorkeling gear, flotation devices all included. An easy morning enjoying the very best of the Kona coast.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

On this 5-hour small-group tour you will visit one of the oldest and most historic coffee farms in Kona from the comfort of an 11 passenger Mercedes van. Travel to a must-see site, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, plus the Painted Church, a Catholic cathedral in the Hawaiian jungle. Overlook the Captain Cook Memorial and visit Turtle Lagoon where Honu's Hawaiian green sea turtles can be observed. Includes free photography.
Duration: 5 hours.

Ancient Hawaiians used Kona, on the island of Hawaii, as the main capital city during the reign of King Kamehameha the Great. The area is rich with Hawaiian folklore and stories. From land divisions, ancient fishponds, Heiau-temples, and royal palaces, we will take you on a journey through this historic area. Pickups at all locations in Kona and south, including Kona and Keauhou.

Duration: 8 hours.

This is a private guided tour. We treat everyone with the utmost aloha and give you the best experience of Hawaii Island while keeping you safe.
Duration: 2 days.

Join us for an unforgettable exploration that tantalizes the senses and leaves you with a greater appreciation for both cultural heritage and the renowned coffee of the region. Our immersive tour invites you to wander through the verdant coffee fields, where the story of Kona coffee unfolds from cultivation to the perfect cup. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers, we transition to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park, the City of Refuge, a sanctuary steeped in ancient Hawaiian history. Explore sacred temples, ancient dwellings, and the serene coastal landscape, where the past comes alive. From the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans to the echoes of the past, this tour promises an enriching blend of flavors and narratives, creating a memorable exploration of both Kona’s coffee heritage and the cultural significance that graces the national historic parks.
Duration: 4 hours.