Kona Tour: Bee Farm, Kona Coffee, and National Historical Parks

This 7-hour tour on the Big Island of Hawaii offers a well-rounded experience of the South Kona coast, combining natural beauty, cultural sites, and delicious local flavors. Priced at $193.75 per person, the tour is suitable for those who want an in-depth, personalized exploration of the region. With hotel pickup and drop-off, a limit of only 12 travelers, and included lunch and tastings, it promises a comfortable, engaging day with plenty of opportunities for learning and sightseeing.

The tour’s highlights include viewing Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles at Honokohau Beach, visiting a local bee farm where honey is produced since 1972, and touring a Kona coffee plantation to understand the full process of coffee harvesting and roasting. The experience is led by a professional, knowledgeable guide, who makes the history and ecology of the Big Island accessible and interesting.

While this tour offers a well-curated mix of nature, culture, and food, it is important to note that many stops involve walking and standing, and the overall pace can be quite full, making it best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness. The group size is capped at 12 guests, ensuring a more personal and attentive experience.

Key Points

• 7-hour guided tour exploring South Kona’s natural, historical, and cultural sites
• Includes hotel pickup, lunch, honey, and Kona coffee tastings
• Limited to 12 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Honaunau, and Kealakekua Bay
• View Hawaiian sea turtles and monk seals at Honokohau Beach
• Tour includes stops at a bee farm and Kona coffee plantation

Discover the Historic Kaloko-Honokohau National Park

The tour begins with a visit to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, where petroglyph sites are scattered among black rocks along the shoreline. Your guide points out ancient carvings and explains the significance of the fishponds and seawalls built by early Hawaiian settlers. The beach area is a good spot to observe sea turtles surfacing for air or possibly see a Hawaiian monk seal, adding wildlife encounters to the cultural exploration.

This stop lasts about 40 minutes and offers a chance to walk along the trail, explore the sacred sites, and enjoy the scenic ocean views. Entry is free, and the focus is on understanding the historical importance of this coastal area.

Exploring Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Next, the tour visits Puuhonua o Honaunau, a seaside place of refuge where ancient Hawaiians who broke kapu (laws) could seek sanctuary. The guided walking tour lasts around an hour, during which the guide narrates stories of the site’s role as a safe haven for lawbreakers, and explains the significance of the sacred temples and ceremonial sites.

This stop offers a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian cultural practices and the importance of forgiveness and sanctuary in traditional society. It provides an evocative look into the island’s spiritual past, making it a meaningful part of the day.

Visiting a Kona Coffee Plantation in the Mountain Mists

The tour then heads uphill to Kona’s coffee belt, where lush coffee orchards spread across the mountain slopes. The Big Island Coffee Farm hosts this part of the day, with a guided tour of the harvesting, processing, and roasting of Kona coffee beans.

Here, visitors learn about the harvesting techniques, the processing methods, and how the beans are roasted to produce world-famous coffee. The farm also offers a tasting session of freshly brewed Kona coffee, often paired with a lunch overlooking Kealakekua Bay. The entire coffee experience lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes and highlights the craftsmanship behind this prized brew.

Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook’s Historic End

A brief stop at Kealakekua Bay offers scenic views and a chance to hear the story of Captain James Cook’s arrival and eventual demise at this site. While the tour doesn’t include snorkeling or water activities here, the views of the bay are spectacular, and the guide shares historical insights about the ancient village that existed before Cook’s arrival.

This stop is very quick, around 15 minutes, but enriches the understanding of Hawaii’s history and the significance of this bay in exploration history.

Honey Tasting at Big Island Bees

A highlight for many is the visit to Big Island Bees, a local honey producer operating since 1972. The group rides along the rugged coastline to reach the farm, where a beekeeping expert introduces the production process of organic honey.

Visitors see a protected hive with thousands of bees buzzing inside and get a honey tasting of raw, organic honey. The guide explains the vital role of bees in maintaining the ecosystem and shares insights into harvesting and bottling. This stop lasts about 1 hour and offers a sweet addition to the day’s learning.

Sacred Sites and the History of Hawaiian Law at Puuhonua o Honaunau

The guided walking tour at Puuhonua o Honaunau is a key cultural highlight, revealing how ancient Hawaiians found refuge from punishment here. The site of ancient temples, ceremonial grounds, and sacred carvings makes this a compelling stop to understand traditional Hawaiian beliefs and social practices.

The experience lasts about an hour, and the guide shares stories of law, forgiveness, and spiritual protection, providing context for Hawaii’s unique cultural landscape.

The Guided Narrative and Personal Touch of the Tour

Throughout the tour, a professional, certified guide leads with a wealth of knowledge about the region’s history, ecology, and culture. Review comments consistently praise guides like Dreu, Nick, and Kai for their friendly, informative, and engaging narration. Many mention that the guides go above and beyond to personalize the experience and share interesting stories and facts.

The small group size of 12 enhances interaction and allows for more tailored attention, which many find adds to the overall enjoyment.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour operates Monday to Friday, with pickup from Kona or Waikoloa hotels. It starts early, between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and runs for approximately 7 hours. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes and summer attire are recommended due to the walking involved. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as some stops require walking on uneven terrain.

The tour occurs in all weather conditions, and if canceled due to poor weather, participants are offered a reschedule or full refund. Children under 5 are not permitted, reflecting the physical nature of the stops.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour delivers a well-rounded sampling of Kona’s natural beauty, cultural sites, and local flavors. The limited group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the inclusion of lunch, honey, and coffee tastings adds value. It appeals most to those interested in history, ecology, and local food, especially if they enjoy engaging guides and scenic stops.

While the day can be physically demanding, its varied itinerary keeps it engaging and educational. It is less suitable for travelers seeking a purely relaxing or water-based activity but perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, curated look at South Kona.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, honey and coffee tastings, all taxes and fees, and a professional, certified guide.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, travelers should have moderate physical fitness and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain at stops like Kaloko-Honokohau and Puuhonua o Honaunau.

Can children participate?
Children under 5 years old are not allowed on this tour.

What weather conditions should I expect?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but cancellations due to poor weather are possible with full refunds or rescheduling.

How personalized is this tour?
With a maximum of 12 guests, the experience is more personal, and guides like Dreu and Kai are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

What are the main highlights?
Expect to see sea turtles and monk seals at Honokohau Beach, visit a Kona coffee plantation, explore petroglyphs and sacred sites, and taste local honey at Big Island Bees.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip hotel transport by minivan is part of the package, making logistics straightforward.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is free if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.