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. You’ll then 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, you’ll 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.
Then you’ll 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, you’ll 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. You’ll then pass by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore the island’s volcanoes up close.
After that, you’ll drive through the picturesque town of Hilo. Then, cruise through the almost impossibly scenic Liliuokalani Park and Gardens.
Looking for surfers? You’ll find them catching waves next at Honoli'i Beach. After that is Onomea Bay, featuring a spectacular hiking trail with views that can’t be beat. 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.
You’ll then 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.
After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
Points of Interest along the Big Island Hawaii (South) Driving Tour :
- Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
- Kailua-Kona Park
- Hulihe’e Palace
- Magic Sands Beach
- Kahalu'u Beach/Snorkeling
- Kuamo'o Burial Grounds
- Captain Cook
- Hikiau Heiau Temple
- Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park
- Honaunau Rodeo Arena
- Pebbles Beach
- Kula Kai Caverns
- Punalu'u Beach
- Pahala
- Kilauea Active Volcano
- Mauna Loa Volcano
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Wood Valley Temple
Benefits Over Live Guides and Group Tours:
- This flexible, self-led tour works by sensing your location as you drive
- The in-depth audio narration plays as you drive
- Buy just one tour for the whole car, and use it as often as you’d like
- The audio tour is valid for one year after download, and you can use it as often as you want within that time.
- Once it’s downloaded, the tour works completely offline
- Tour your way: choose when to start, stop fast-forward, or rewind
- Ask for help from a real person anytime over call, chat, or email
