Private Shore Excursion Kona Coffee & National Historic Park

Discover the captivating essence of Kona and the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii on this private shore excursion. Venture from the Kailua Kona cruise ship terminal, where you’ll journey along the scenic Kona Coast to Greenwell Farms for an immersive coffee experience. Then, uncover the sacred sites and traditional demonstrations at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, all while basking in the breathtaking coastal vistas. This exclusive tour promises to elevate your understanding of Hawaii’s remarkable legacy.

This experience made our article of The 2 Top Coffee Tours In Island Of Hawaii: Which Is Best?.

Key Points

• Explore Kona’s rich coffee culture with a guided tour and tasting at the historic Greenwell Farms.
• Discover the ancient Hawaiian sanctuary of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, learning about its cultural significance.
• Admire the vibrant frescoes and blend of Catholic and Hawaiian traditions at the iconic Painted Church.
• Enjoy a scenic lunch and hike through the well-preserved archaeological sites of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Park.
• Experience a private shore excursion along the Kona Coast, with educational commentary and stops at cultural and natural landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Kailua Pier Departure

After being picked up at the Kailua Kona cruise ship terminal, guests will embark on the private shore excursion.

They’ll board a comfortable vehicle and begin the journey through the scenic Kona Coast. Along the way, the expert guide will provide educational commentary about the area’s rich history and cultural significance.

The first stop will be Greenwell Farms, where guests can indulge in a coffee tasting and explore the grounds of this historic coffee plantation.

Theres some good a coffee tasting and explore the grounds of the historic Greenwell Farms coffee plantation.

From there, the tour continues to the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a sanctuary for ancient Hawaiians.

Greenwell Farms Coffee Experience

As the first stop on the tour, guests arrive at Greenwell Farms, one of the oldest and most respected coffee plantations in Kona.

During the guided tour, visitors learn about the history and cultivation of Kona coffee. They’ll sample various roasts and blends, exploring the unique flavor profiles.

The tour also includes a chance to browse the farm’s shop, stocked with Kona coffee, tropical fruits, and local snacks.

Guests can savor the aroma and taste the high-quality beans that have made Kona coffee renowned worldwide.

The Painted Church Tour

Next, the tour group visits the St. Benedict Catholic Church, known as the Painted Church. Erected in 1899, the church features stunning frescoes painted by Father John Velghe over a five-year period.

The guide leads the group on a 30-minute tour, highlighting the biblical and Hawaiian imagery adorning the church’s walls and ceilings. Guests marvel at the vivid colors and intricate details of the paintings, which depict scenes from the life of Christ and Hawaiian cultural elements.

This unique church offers a fascinating glimpse into the blending of Catholic and Hawaiian traditions.

PuʻUhonua O HōNaunau Guided Exploration

The tour then proceeds to the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, an ancient Hawaiian sanctuary and one of the most significant cultural sites on the island.

Guests are guided through the historic royal grounds, learning about the site’s sacred temples, fishponds, and royal palaces.

They’ll witness Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and have the opportunity to view native wildlife such as sea turtles and tropical birds.

The guided tour provides in-depth insights into the site’s importance as a refuge for ancient Hawaiians and its role in preserving the island’s rich cultural heritage.

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Kaloko-Honokōhau National Park Lunch and Sightseeing

After the guided tour of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, the excursion proceeds to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.

The group enjoys a 2-hour visit, including:

• A scenic lunch stop offering stunning coastal views

• Opportunities to explore the park’s well-preserved archaeological sites and witness native Hawaiian wildlife

• Guided hikes along the shoreline and through mangrove forests

• Chances to observe marine life, such as green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, in their natural habitats

• Time to browse the park’s visitor center and learn about the site’s cultural and ecological significance.

Scenic Drive Along Ali’i Drive

As the group departs Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, they embark on a scenic drive along Ali’i Drive, which hugs the Kona coastline. The winding road offers breathtaking views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the lush, volcanic landscape. Along the way, they pass by charming seaside villages, historic landmarks, and luxurious resorts. The drive provides a perfect opportunity to take in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Kona region.

| Ali’i Drive Scenic Highlights |

|——————————|

| Unobstructed ocean views |

| Lush, volcanic backdrops |

| Charming seaside villages |

| Historic landmarks |

| Luxurious resort properties |

Inclusions and Amenities

This private shore excursion to explore Kona’s coffee culture and historical sites includes an impressive array of amenities and inclusions.

The tour provides:

• Admission to all parks and venues

• Pickup and drop-off at the Kona Cruise Ship Pier

• Snacks and beverages including trail mix, fruit, granola bars, water, juice, and coffee

• A guided tour with educational commentary

• A complimentary photo package with 20-25 professional photos shared digitally.

With these thoughtful inclusions, guests can fully enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Kona without additional costs or hassle.

Tour Considerations and Accessibility

The private shore excursion accommodates all ages and abilities, with the tour provider notifying guests of any specific needs at the time of booking.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but only for collapsible wheelchairs. Guests should be able to walk at least 0.5 miles on uneven or rocky terrain, as they may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.

The tour provider offers a child safety seat for families traveling with young children.

The Sum Up

This private shore excursion offers a captivating blend of Kona coffee culture and Hawaiian history. Visitors will explore Greenwell Farms, experience the iconic Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and enjoy scenic coastal views along the Kona Coast. With guided tours and ample opportunities to immerse in the local heritage, this excursion provides a well-rounded and memorable exploration of Hawaii’s remarkable natural and cultural landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: