Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

Explore Kona’s Wildlife, History, and Coffee for Just $139

This 5-hour Kona shore excursion offers an engaging mix of natural encounters, cultural insights, and culinary tastings on the Big Island. For $139 per person, you’ll visit iconic locations like Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, see green sea turtles, learn about Kona coffee production, and explore archaeological sites. The tour departs from Kailua Pier, making it convenient for cruise passengers, and includes port pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and bottled water.

While it covers a lot in half a day, keep in mind that turtle sightings depend on tide conditions, and lunch is at a local vendor, not included in the price. The tour is best suited for those interested in Hawaiian wildlife, history, and culture, with a moderate walk involved at some stops. This tour balances natural beauty with cultural learning, making it a solid choice for a well-rounded Kona experience.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 5 hours, ideal for cruise days
• Price: $139 per person, with most bookings 80 days in advance
• Highlights: Sea turtles, Kona coffee, archaeological sites, and painted church
• Stops include: Kailua Pier, Greenwell Farms, Painted Church, Honaunau, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
• Physical activity: Involves easy to moderate walks, including a 30-minute turtle trail walk
• Food: Lunch at local vendors, not included in the price
• Group size: Limited to 25 travelers for a more personal experience
• Weather: Tour is weather-dependent, with full refunds if canceled due to poor conditions

Picking Up at Kailua Pier and Starting Your Kona Adventure

The tour begins at Kailua Kona Pier, where a guide holding a “C Big Island Tours” sign awaits cruise passengers. This convenient port pickup ensures a smooth start, especially for those arriving on cruise ships. After gathering, the vehicle departs promptly for a full day of sightseeing and activities.

The small group size of up to 25 travelers helps keep the experience intimate, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction. The professional guide leads the way, sharing insights on Kona’s natural and cultural history throughout the day.

Visiting Greenwell Farms: Kona Coffee in a Volcanic Setting

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to Greenwell Farms, situated on the volcanic slopes of Kona. This farm is renowned for hand-picking Kona coffee beans, a practice unique to Hawaii in the U.S. The guide explains how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and processed, giving a clear picture of the local coffee industry.

Travelers get to sample some of Kona’s finest coffee, enjoying the rich flavors that have made this region famous worldwide. Occasionally, the stop may be at Bay View Farm instead of Greenwell Farms, depending on opening hours. The stop lasts about an hour, offering enough time for a quick walk around and a coffee tasting.

Visiting the Painted Church: Art and Faith in South Kona

The St Benedict’s Painted Church is a distinctive stop on the tour. Known for its interior biblical murals painted with house paint, the church offers a glimpse of Hawaiian religious art and architecture. The guide shares stories behind the artwork and history of this local landmark.

A short 15-minute visit is enough to appreciate the vivid murals and learn about the church’s significance. This stop appeals to those interested in local art, architecture, and religious history, providing a peaceful moment amid the day’s activities.

Honaunau for Local Lunch and Cultural Insights

The tour includes a 45-minute lunch stop at Honaunau or nearby, typically at a local vendor like Honaunau Poke Shop. While the lunch is not included in the tour price, the selection often features fresh poke and other Hawaiian dishes.

This stop allows travelers to try authentic local fare, with outdoor seating often overlooking scenic views. Sometimes, if the vendor is closed, an alternative lunch option is provided. This break provides a chance to relax and enjoy Hawaiian flavors before continuing to archaeological and wildlife sites.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Telling Native Hawaiian Stories

At Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, travelers explore archaeological sites including ancient fishponds, Hawaiian huts, and traditional activities. The visitor center offers insights into the Honokhau Settlement, established in 1978 to preserve native Hawaiian culture.

The 30-minute stop features walking around traditional sites, with a focus on Hawaiian history. The park’s landscapes combine white sand beaches with black lava fields, providing striking scenery and a strong sense of Hawaiian heritage.

Honokohau Marina and Turtle Trail Walk

The Honokohau Marina is the site of the Turtle Trail Walk, a 30-minute easy stroll over uneven ground. This trail leads to a white sand beach where green sea turtles often rest. The lava rock Hawaiian Fish Trap nearby is an archaeological feature reconstructed for visitors.

This area is also home to local wildlife, including birds and more sea turtles. The timing of the turtle sightings depends on tide conditions, so sightings can vary. The trail’s moderate walk gives visitors a close-up view of Hawaiian marine life and coastal scenery.

Second Lunch Stop and Local Flavor

The second lunch stop generally takes place in Honaunau, often at the same vendor as earlier, allowing travelers to enjoy more Hawaiian dishes and relax before the final stops. The 35-minute break maintains the tour’s pace while giving time to enjoy the local atmosphere.

The lunch stop is free of charge, but the food is paid for individually. It’s a good chance to try different local specialties and soak in the Hawaiian coastal scenery.

Tour Flexibility and Variability

While the itinerary covers key sights, some stops may be adjusted or replaced based on seasonal hours or crowd levels. For instance, the coffee farm may be switched between Greenwell Farms and Bay View Farm if necessary. Similarly, the lunch venue might change if the usual vendor is closed.

The tour’s pacing is generally comfortable, though some reviews note that walks can involve moderate effort and crowding at certain stops. The guide’s knowledge and timing help maximize each visit, but sea turtle sightings can depend heavily on tides and luck.

Practical Details: Booking, Refunds, and Accessibility

Booking is recommended at least 80 days in advance, given high demand. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing some flexibility. For poor weather, the tour is fully refundable, ensuring peace of mind.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with moderate walks involved. Comfortable clothing and sun protection are advised, as the day is often hot and sunny. The small group size enhances the experience, with personalized attention from the professional guide.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This Kona shore excursion stands out for its combination of wildlife viewing, cultural sites, and coffee tasting within a manageable 5-hour window. Unlike longer or more focused tours, it balances diverse interests with efficient pacing.

While some reviews mention limited turtle sightings due to tide factors, most travelers find the guides attentive and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable regardless. The lunch stops at local vendors also add a authentic touch to the journey.

Final Thoughts on the Kona Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Big Island’s natural beauty, native culture, and culinary heritage. The $139 price point is reasonable considering the variety of stops, expert guides, and inclusion of transport and bottled water.

It’s especially suited for wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, and coffee lovers looking for a full-day experience that covers top highlights without overwhelming the schedule. Be aware of variable turtle sightings and lunch arrangements when planning your day.

The Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee provides a diverse, accessible, and engaging way to explore the Big Island during a cruise port visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting from Kailua Pier.

What is the cost?
The price is $139 per person, including port pickup and drop-off, guide, and bottled water.

Are lunch and food included?
No, lunch at a local vendor is not included but is available during the stops, typically at Honaunau or Honaunau Poke Shop.

What are the main highlights?
Visitors see green sea turtles, visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, learn about Kona coffee, and explore archaeological sites and a painted church.

Is the tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Most stops involve moderate walks, including a 30-minute turtle trail walk over uneven ground. It’s suitable for travelers with moderate mobility.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for hot and sunny weather; bring sun protection and water.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If canceled due to bad weather, you receive a full refund or can reschedule.

Are there group size limits?
Yes, the tour is limited to 25 travelers for a more personal experience.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its combination of wildlife viewing, cultural sites, and local coffee tasting in a manageable 5-hour format makes it a well-balanced choice for many visitors.