Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour
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About This Tour in Big Island of Hawaii
Why Visit Big Island of Hawaii?
Big Island of Hawaii, USA offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Big Island of Hawaii provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Big Island of Hawaii
You can reach Big Island of Hawaii, USA by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.
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
What's Not Included
- Meals & Refreshments
- Entrance Fees
- Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (per person)
- ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
- Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
Cancellation Policy
Additional 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
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
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Customer Reviews
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour
We will bypass Kailua Town and head straight...
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.
You’re in for a long drive ahead, especially... 10 minutes
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.
Ka Lae translates in Hawaiian to ‘the point,’...
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.
This area is a small village called Waiohinu... 5 minutes
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.
At this point, you might need a bite... 20 minutes
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.
Whittington is a peaceful little rest area with... 30 minutes
Whittington is a peaceful little rest area with picnic tables and excellent views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
Punalu'u is well-known in Hawaiian culture and legends 30 minutes
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.
Take a short detour to Pahala Town to... 15 minutes
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.
Drive a short loop to see some neat lava tree molds 10 minutes
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.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes... 3 hours
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.
Volcano Village is the perfect place for a quick stop 30 minutes
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.
Moriyasu Akatsuka started the orchid gardens here in... 15 minutes
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.
At the retail store, visitors can taste test the farm's many assorted flavors 30 minutes
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.
Just outside Hilo is the only rainforest zoo in the US, Panaewa Zoo 1 hour
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.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is part of the... 30 minutes
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.
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the... 1 hour
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.
South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour
Enjoy this "must see" attraction and the only... 1 hour
Enjoy this "must see" attraction and the only living history coffee farm in Hawaii
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Discover more tours and activities in Big Island of Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
