Kona: Cruise Ship Beach Excursion with Tastings

A 5-hour Kona cruise ship beach excursion offers a relaxed way to enjoy Hawaii’s stunning coastline with a mix of scenic drives, cultural sights, and tasty treats. Starting at Kailua Pier, this tour takes you north along the Kohala Coast to experience Hpuna Beach State Park, sample local-made macadamia nuts, and pass by Puukohol Heiau, a sacred Hawaiian temple built by King Kamehameha I. For those interested, there’s an optional stop at the Kona Brewing Company to enjoy a craft beer before returning to the pier.

This tour combines scenic views, cultural insights, and leisure time, making it suitable for travelers seeking a balanced, easy-going experience. The inclusion of Tommy Bahama beach chairs and an umbrella ensures comfort at the beach. The tour’s flexibility, like the option to choose a “reserve now & pay later” booking, makes it convenient for spontaneous plans. A key consideration is that the stop at Kona Brewing Company is optional, and travelers should be prepared for a short 5-10 minute walk from the drop-off point to the tender boats if they end at the brewery.

Key Points

• 5-hour guided tour departing from Kailua Pier with multiple stops along Kona’s coast
• Visit Hpuna Beach State Park with included entrance fees, complete with beach chairs and umbrellas
• Sample island-made macadamia nuts at a local favorite, with a demonstration of the processing
• Pass by Puukohol Heiau, a significant site built by King Kamehameha I in the late 1700s
• Enjoy a scenic drive past dramatic lava fields from Huallai and Mauna Loa
• Optional stop at Kona Brewing Company for a craft beer or light snack

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Starting Point at Kailua Pier and Transportation

This tour begins at Kailua Pier, where guests meet at the pier’s restroom area and hop into a black shuttle van labeled “Hawaii Island Time”. The journey includes a 1-hour bus/coach ride to the first stop, providing scenic views of the coast along the way. The transportation setup ensures a smooth and comfortable start to the day.

Exploring Puukohol Heiau and Hawaiian History

The Puukohol Heiau is a focal point of historical interest on this tour. Built by King Kamehameha I in the late 1700s, this sacred Hawaiian temple played a pivotal role in uniting the islands. The tour guides offer insights into its significance and the powerful history behind this site, giving visitors a meaningful glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past.

Sampling Macadamia Nuts at Hmukua Company

At the Hmukua Macadamia Nut Company, travelers get a chance to sample a variety of island-made macadamia nuts. The visit includes a quick look at how the nuts are processed and an opportunity to browse the gift shop. It’s a true taste of local flavors and a popular stop for those wanting to enjoy Hawaii’s agricultural pride.

Relaxing at Hpuna Beach State Park

Hpuna Beach State Park is renowned for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With entrance fees included, visitors spend around two hours here to swim, sunbathe, or simply unwind. The tour provides Tommy Bahama beach chairs and an umbrella, ensuring comfort while relaxing in this tropical paradise. The beach’s gentle waves and stunning scenery make it an ideal spot to soak up the Hawaiian sun.

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Scenic Drive and Lava Fields Views

After the beach, the tour returns toward Kona along a scenic route. Passengers enjoy views of dramatic lava fields from Huallai and Mauna Loa, some of which are less than 200 years old. These landscapes vividly illustrate the volcanic nature of the islands and provide excellent photo opportunities. The drive is a highlight for anyone interested in Hawaii’s volcanic origins.

Optional Stop at Kona Brewing Company

For those with extra time, the tour offers an optional stop at the Kona Brewing Company. This short 5-minute stop allows visitors to enjoy a local craft beer or light bites before heading back to the pier. It’s a relaxed way to experience local flavors and unwind before the final walk back to the tender boats.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Tips

The meeting point is near the restrooms on Kailua Pier, with guests advised to look for the black shuttle van. The tour is wheelchair accessible and features live guides in English, Polish, and Spanish. Travelers should bring essentials such as sunglasses, hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. It’s important to note that alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and guests might need to carry their chairs a short distance to the beach.

Tasting, Relaxation, and Cultural Highlights

This excursion balances relaxation and cultural exploration effectively. The macadamia nut tasting and passing by Puukohol Heiau provide authentic Hawaiian flavors and history. Meanwhile, the scenic drive past lava fields and along the coast keeps the journey visually engaging. The optional brewery stop adds a local culinary touch, rounding out the experience.

Suitability and Considerations

This tour suits travelers looking for a leisurely, scenic day rather than intense adventure. It is not recommended for people with nut allergies due to the macadamia nut tasting stops. The short walk from the Kona Brewing Company to the tender boats means guests should be prepared for a brief stroll if they choose that option.

Kona: A Relaxed Coastal Experience with Tasty Extras

This 5-hour cruise offers a well-rounded taste of Kona’s coastlines, history, and local flavors. The combination of scenic drives, cultural sights, and beach relaxation makes it ideal for those wanting a casual yet enriching Hawaii outing. The inclusion of beach chairs and umbrellas enhances comfort, and the flexible booking options add convenience.

While it might not satisfy adventure seekers seeking snorkeling or hiking, this tour provides a gentle immersion into Hawaii’s natural beauty and heritage. The optional brewery stop allows for a casual taste of local craft beers, rounding out a day designed for calm enjoyment and scenic appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided from Kailua Pier?
Yes, the tour departs from Kailua Pier with a black shuttle van labeled “Hawaii Island Time”.

How long is the beach stop at Hpuna Beach State Park?
There is approximately two hours allocated for enjoying the beach, swimming, or relaxing in the shade.

Can I join the optional Kona Brewing Company stop?
Yes, the stop at Kona Brewing is optional and lasts about 5 minutes; you can choose to stay or skip.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring for the day?
Guests should bring sunglasses, hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water for comfort and safety.

Are there any restrictions?
Guests with nut allergies should avoid this tour due to the macadamia nut tasting stops. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

This Kona: Cruise Ship Beach Excursion with Tastings offers a gentle yet engaging way to explore Hawaii’s coast, combining scenic views, cultural insights, and local flavors in a fun and comfortable setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby