Kailua-Kona Private Shore Excursion: Coffee Farm, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau & Coastal Sights
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity level; suitable for travelers who can manage short walks on uneven ground.
Overview
Step off your cruise ship and into a private, 4–5 hour Kona loop that pairs an award-winning coffee farm with the sacred shores of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. Comfortable transport, local flavors, and cultural context make this an efficient shore excursion for small groups.
Kailua-Kona Private Shore Excursion: Coffee Farm, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau & Coastal Sights
Select participants and date
The van waits on the pier like a quiet promise — a black Ford Transit with “Hawaii Island Time” on its side, engine purring and air conditioning ready to chase the salt off your skin. You step off the cruise gangway and into a short, decisive island day: a loop down Kona’s lava-etched coast that moves from sun-warmed shorelines to the shaded rows of the coffee belt, ending at a place where ancient law once saved lives.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Look for the black Transit van
Meet at the Kailua pier and find the Ford Transit High Roof van with “Hawaii Island Time” printed on the side — that’s your pickup and drop-off point.
Bring reef-appropriate shoes
Coastal sites have uneven lava rock; wear sturdy shoes with good grip for short walks and photo stops.
Stay hydrated and sun-protected
Even a 4-hour shore day under Kona sun can dehydrate you — bring sunscreen, a hat, and use the bottled water provided.
Respect sacred areas
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is culturally significant — stay on marked paths, avoid climbing on structures, and follow signage.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Honu (green sea turtles) along rocky shorelines
- Tropicbirds and frigatebirds overhead at coastal overlooks
History
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau served as a city of refuge in pre-contact Hawaiian society where those who broke kapu could find asylum under strict cultural protocols.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to respect cultural sites by staying on marked paths; supporting certified farms and local markets helps sustain the island’s small-scale agriculture.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Protects against jagged lava rock and provides traction on mixed surfaces.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Kona sun is intense year-round; shade is limited during coastal stops.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Refill with provided bottled water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Light rain layer
Trade winds can bring brief showers, especially in winter months.
winter specific