Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Island of Hawaii: Our most recommended tours and activities

Big Island: Kona Half-Day Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

1. Big Island: Kona Half-Day Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Embark on a half-day boat tour of the Big Island's Kona Coast to enjoy ultimate scenic views and two gorgeous snorkel destinations. Round off your experience with lunch served on board along with a variety of drinks and snacks. Board a top-of-the-line rigid hull inflatable boat at the historic Keauhou Bay and head south for two snorkeling stops. Swim through the clear Hawaiian waters at Puʻuhonua O Honaunau, where you'll spot coral, all types of sea life, and perhaps a few turtles. Back on the boat, enjoy tropical fruit, chips, and cookies before continuing on to Kealakekua Bay for more snorkeling and the chance to observe more fish and a unique coral reef. When you are ready to re-board the boat, savor a delicious deli-style sandwich as well as more snacks and beverages for your lunch. Sit back as your knowledgeable captain and crew point out interesting geological features and keep you entertained with fun facts about the history of Kona Coast. On your way back toward Keauhou Bay, explore ancient lava tubes and sea caves that are unique to the Big Island.

Big Island: Coffee, Active Volcanoes, and Waterfalls Tour

2. Big Island: Coffee, Active Volcanoes, and Waterfalls Tour

Explore the Big Island of Hawaii and get a taste of some of the best the island has to offer. Try Kona coffee, visit Hawaii Volcano National Park, and visit Hilo and the Kona coast. Start your day with a cup of Kona coffee before heading out on the road. Learn Hawaiian history and visit a sacred sanctuary where ancient Hawaiians once roamed. Get a taste of the island with delicious Hawaiian baked goods. Head for the black sand beach of Punalu'u. Soak up the sun and look for turtles. Head to Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National park, home to active Kilauea volcano. Watch steam rise from the earth, and peer into the depths of a massive crater. Marvel at an amazing waterfall before heading back to Kona.

Hawaii: Big Island Self-Guided Driving Tour

3. Hawaii: Big Island Self-Guided Driving Tour

Experience Hawaii's Big Island at your own pace with a self-guided driving tour. Stops include Hulihe's Palace, Magic Beach, and the Lekeleke Burial Grounds. Your tour of the Big Island begins outside the quaint town of Kailua-Kona. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. As you drive, you’ll see the historic Hulihe’e Palace, once the vacation home of the island’s royalty. Continue south to Magic Beach, where the sand sometimes simply disappears. After that is Kahalu'u Beach, a perfect place for snorkelers, followed by the sacred Lekeleke Burial Grounds. Next, pass the remnants of Hikiau Heiau, an important religious site in ancient Hawaii. Past that is the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park for those looking to learn more about the island’s history. See the Honaunau Rodeo Arena and learn all about Hawaii’s cowboys. Next up is Pebble Beach, where you’ll get to know the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele. You’ll also have the option to check out the Kula Kai Caverns, left by ancient volcanic activity. Continuing on, reach the startling Punalu'u Beach, which features totally black sand. The route then passes an old sugar plantation, followed by the huge volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Pass by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore the island’s volcanoes up close. After that, drive through the picturesque town of Hilo. Then, cruise through the almost impossibly scenic Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. Find surfers catching waves next at Honoli'i Beach. After that is Onomea Bay, featuring a spectacular hiking trail with views that can’t be beaten. Then, admire the astonishing flora at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Continuing on, you’ll arrive at the surprising sight of the Honohina Hongwanji Mission, a historic Buddhist temple. Next pass the Laupahoehoe Train Museum before reaching Laupahoehoe Point, a spectacular ocean vista. Don’t forget to snap some photos. Anyone hankering for a snack will definitely want to stop at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers Market before continuing on to the cowboy town of Waimea. Up next are a pair of great beaches: Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the island and Beach 69 is beloved by locals, so take your pick. Then you’ll arrive at the Kings Highway Foot Trail, where you’ll have the chance to see the ancient Waikoloa Petroglyphs. After that are another few scenic overlooks, followed by the beautiful Kekaha Kai State Park. Your tour concludes here, just north of where it began.

Big Island | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

4. Big Island | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

The Island of Hawaii, often simply referred to as the Big Island due to its size, is famous for its incredible natural attractions, including massive volcanoes, black-sand beaches and lush valleys. Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Volcanoes National Park Chain of Craters Road Halema'uma'u Thurston Lava Tube Petroglyphs Devastation Trail Holei Sea Arch Waimea Hamakua Coast Hilo Coffee Coast Place of Refuge Akaka Falls Kona Waipio Valley Pololu Valley Kealakekua Bay Liliuokalani Gardens Hawi Kamehameha Statue Rainbow Falls Kohala Coast Includes: Volcanoes National Park The Big Island's most famous and popular place to visit. In the park there are many amazing formations created by eruptions spread over hundreds and thousands of years. There are two driving routes in the park and expect to spend minimum 2-3 hours exploring. Add the driving time to get there and back, means this is a full day outing. The drive to the park is scenic and it's strongly recommended to drive by going south from Kona using Hwy 11 to pass around the bottom of the island and then up the eastern side. The commentary provides an entertaining and informative description of volcanology and Hawaiian mythology along the way. From Hilo, its's just a 45 minute drive to the entrance. Island Circle Navigating around the entire island includes the tropical and green Hamakua Coast, dotted with sugar plantations towns and amazing rocky coast scenery. A long but manageable day, and make sure to allocate some time for exploring around Hilo. Kohala North Loop Driving from Kona to Hawi is an amazing journey with beaches, a surprisingly arid coast at times, views to Maui, black sand beaches from cliff viewpoints and driving over an old volcanic mountain makes for an excellent half day or longer of sightseeing. Follow the tour as it drives a loop itinerary that gives you a fantastic sample of old Hawaii, modern Hawaii, awesome beaches and huge ranches. Kona Coffee Coast Kailua-Kona is the active hub of the western side of Hawaii and features energetic shopping and dining choices, mixed with historic landmarks and fun beaches. Follow the road that heads south along the coast to tour through this vibrant area. But then, you'll quickly transition to areas of incredible Hawaiian cultural importance and sites that have been preserved for prosperity. Bring your snorkel gear as the audio tour points out places to see fish and turtles.

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Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Island of Hawaii

Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Island of Hawaii

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What people are saying about Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Island of Hawaii

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 29 reviews

Had a great snorkling day. Capt choose good reef locations, protected, calm clear waters. Capt provided good facemasks, snorkle, and fins. Ladder on boat made getting back into the boat easy. The boat had comfortable seating. Good adventure. Thanks Capt !!!

It’s a must thing to do whilst visiting Kona! Seriously awesome snorkeling spots, great staff, very organized and high light of our trip in Kona.

This was well worth it. As a solo traveler, I enjoy going at my own pace. I learned alot from the recordings. The gps is also on point.

The narration about the history of The island was great. We learned so much. The price was also a good deal.

We really enjoyed being able to go at our pace. Very informative and educational