Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

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(281 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

WANT TO SEE HAWAIIAN SEA TURTLES!

Cruise ship-friendly tour is approx 5 hr long. This is truly a wonderful experience showing all the highlights in and around Kailua-Kona. Explore historical cultural sights, our famous Kona coffee, scenic sights, and best of all our local wildlife!

Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ship's arrival & departure.

Available options

Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

Kailua Kona Pier : Tour pick up directly from the Kailua Kona Pier

MS REGATTA

Duration: 5 hours

What's included

Professional guide

Bottled water

Port pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tour departs from the Kailua Kona Pier. When you get off the ship tender, please look for the guide holding a sign that says "C Big Island Tours" written on it.

Along the volcanic slopes is a perfect climate for our famous Kona Coffee. Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee and the coffee beans are all hand-picked. Learn how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and packaged. Sample some of Kona’s finest coffee.

* We do not guarantee that the coffee farm will always be Greenwell Farms. Due to closed times, we sometimes have to stop by Bay View Farm

Stop 3

Going south towards South Kona and through Captain Cook Village, we will visit the famous nicknamed, “Painted Church”, due to its painted 3D depictions of the bible in the interior wooden walls all done with ordinary house paint.

Stop is made to purchase lunch at local vendor in this area. This lunch stop is not guaranteed to be open on some days and we will include another option to purchase.

Stop 5

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Visitor Center The National Historic Landmarked archaeological site is known as the Honokōhau Settlement. The park was established on November 10, 1978, for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture.

Stop 6

Honokohau Turtle Trail Walk ( 30 min) Easy but uneven ground. Next is a relaxing stroll down a trail ( 100 yards 10 min walk ) to a beautiful white sand beach and archeological site of a Hawaiian Fish Trap made with lava rock and Hawaiian Hut reconstructed. This area is also home to our local wildlife, including local birds and Hawaiian green sea turtles!

Lunch stop by local vendor, usually is Honaunau Poke Shop or other local vendor

What's not included

Lunch (stop is made to purchase at local vendor)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

154 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

127 reviews

5★

104

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If you are brining a car seat for infant, a seat must be purchased if infant will not be sitting in lap

Dress comfortable - It is usually hot and sunny

If your ship does not arrive due to weather- You will be fully refunded

Meeting point

When you get off the tender onto the Kona Pier please your guide will be holding a sign that says " C Big Island Tours"

Important notes

CHECK IN 15-20 min prior to departure time
• Dress comfortably - Sunny hot weather

CRUISE SHIP GUESTS -You will first need to take a tender from your ship to the Kailua-Kona Pier. At the pier look for your guide holding a sign that says "C Big Island Tours
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HOTEL GUESTS - The meeting location will be at the pier look for your guide holding a sign that says "C Big Island Tours

For parking, we recommend King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott Hotel 75-5660 Palani Road Kailua-Kona, HI. This is paid parking ($40 for day. This pricing is out of our control and is subject to change)

It is the guest's responsibility to park and meet us on the Kailua Kona Pier.
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** The painted church is still an active church and is closed on Sundays

WHEELCHAIR / WALKER or SCOOTER ? We must know 48 hr prior to the tour date if you are bringing a mobility device in order to accommodate. Otherwise, there is no refund for customers that arrive at check-in and we cannot accommodate .The mobility unit must not exceed 45 lbs. For various reasons, our guides cannot assist with mobility units. Guests must have someone with them to move the mobility device in and out of the vehicle. Our vehicles do not have a lift, so any mobility device must be collapsible to fit through the minibus doors which are 32” wide.

** The trail to the sea turtles is a dirt path and then sand. The mobility unit may not be able to go in this area.
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TRAVELING TOGETHER? If you are traveling with another group that has booked separately, please let us know before your tour date to ensure that you can be seated together in the same vehicle 1-800-901-0468.

About Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate ($30 per vehicle)

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free (but requires acclimatization)

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Nature/Cultural Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Beach Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($5 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.

Appetizer Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Main Course Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings

Kona Coffee

A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.

Drink Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Water sports Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic drives Traditional Hawaiian luaus Local markets

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Rent a car with full insurance coverage
• Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
• Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling

Getting there

By air

Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo

By bus

Hilo, Kona

Getting around

Public transport

The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kona Hilo Waimea

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Waipio Valley

60 km from Hilo • Half day

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Hapuna Beach State Park

30 km from Waimea • Half day

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival • April Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November Ironman World Championship • October

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites