Big Island – South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

Exploring the Big Island’s South Coast: Our Take on the Coastal Loop Driving Tour

If you’re considering exploring the Big Island of Hawaii without the hassle of arranged tours or expensive guides, the Big Island – South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour from Shaka Guide might catch your eye. It’s a self-guided adventure designed to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace — all for just $19.99 for your whole group. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the details and reviews paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines cost-efficiency with rich content. You get an offline map and turn-by-turn GPS directions that work without internet, which is invaluable in remote areas. Plus, it’s packed with interesting stories, local legends, and travel tips that add a layer of storytelling to your drive — no guide needed. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include entrance fees, so you’ll need to budget extra for places like volcano parks or zoos. Still, this setup is perfect for travelers who want flexible, wallet-friendly exploration rather than a fixed schedule.

This tour is especially suited to those who love independent travel but want some guidance along the way. It’s great if you’re comfortable driving yourself and enjoy discovering sights on your own terms. Families or small groups looking for a budget-friendly way to see a lot without a formal tour bus might find this a perfect fit. If you’re after in-depth guided commentary or priority access to parks, you might want to consider other options, but for most, this strikes a solid balance.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided experience with GPS and offline maps
• Affordable price point at just $19.99 for the entire group
• Rich storytelling enhances your driving journey
• Good value for money compared to guided tours
• Not inclusive of entrance fees, so budget accordingly
• Ideal for independent travelers comfortable with driving and exploring on their own

What the Tour Offers: An In-Depth Look

This tour covers a broad swath of Hawaii’s stunning southern coast, offering a combination of cultural sites, natural wonders, and scenic drives. The main draw is the freedom it offers — you can hop in your vehicle, follow the GPS, and stop wherever you want. It’s a different experience from traditional guided tours, which are often more rigid and pricier.

Day 1: Major Stops and Highlights

Starting from Kona or your preferred meeting point, the first stop is the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. This is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts or anyone curious about Hawaii’s coffee scene. It’s the only living history coffee farm on the island, and while admission isn’t included, visitors often enjoy learning about the coffee-making process and exploring the historic farm setup. One reviewer praised it as an “inexpensive adventure,” noting how helpful the historical insights and photo tips made their visit.

Next, the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is a prime spot for history buffs. Famous for being the landing site of Captain James Cook, it’s a significant cultural landmark. Spending about 30 minutes here allows you to soak in the views and maybe snap some photos. The tour doesn’t include park admission, so plan accordingly.

Then comes the Big Island Bees stop, where you can learn about local pollinators and their environmental importance. It’s a good educational stop that adds an environmental twist to your journey. A visit here lasts about an hour, and again, admission isn’t included.

The St Benedict’s Painted Church offers a quick but visually striking break with its vibrant religious murals. It’s a modest 15-minute stop, perfect for a quick photo and some awe.

The Captain Cook Monument is another short visit but holds historical significance. Learning about Captain Cook’s influence on Hawaii adds depth to your trip.

The Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park — often called The Place of Refuge — is a highlight for many travelers. It’s about 30 minutes of exploring traditional Hawaiian structures and understanding ancient customs. The site is rich with cultural meaning and offers incredible photo opportunities.

One of the most unique stops is the Papakolea Green Sand Beach, one of only four in the world. Reaching this beach takes some effort — it’s a short stop of about 15 minutes — but the vibrant green sand is worth the visit. Keep in mind, since the beaches are often remote, this is more about the view and experience than lounging on the sand.

For ocean views, the Ka Lae Light provides excellent fishing and panoramic vistas. It’s a quick 15-minute stop, perfect for a stretch or a photo.

The highlight for many is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll spend about an hour. It’s a chance to see lava fields, volcanic craters, and learn about Hawaii’s fiery geological origins. Since admission isn’t included, it’s an extra cost, but many find it well worth the visit.

Rounding out the day are the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Lava Tree State Park — the latter an unusual landscape of lava molds of tree trunks, which takes about 45 minutes to explore.

The last stops are the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo (the only rainforest zoo in the U.S.) and the Imiloa Astronomy Center, both offering about an hour’s worth of discovery. Then, if the timing allows, you can visit the Mauna Kea Observatories for stargazing; this 1-hour stop is a great way to end your day with a cosmic perspective.

Finally, the Saddle Road crossing offers a scenic drive that many consider a bucket-list experience, with a quick 15-minute stop to appreciate the views.

Day 2: Repeating the Highlights

The second day typically revisits the Kona Coffee Farm, allowing travelers to absorb more or explore additional spots they may have missed the first time around.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cost-effective: At $19.99 per group, this is a budget-friendly way to see many of the island’s highlights. Many reviews mention how much more they get for their money compared to guided tours.
• Flexibility: You set your own pace, stopping wherever you want and skipping what doesn’t interest you. This makes it very customizable, especially if you’re traveling with a group that has differing interests.
• Offline accessibility: Download the tour map and stories beforehand, so you aren’t dependent on cell service. This is a huge advantage in remote areas.
• Engaging narration: The stories, legends, and tips are entertaining and educational, enriching your experience beyond just sightseeing.

Cons:

• No included entrance fees: You’ll need to budget extra for places like the volcano parks, which can add up.
• Limited guided support: If you prefer having a guide explaining everything in real-time, this won’t be it. It’s a self-guided experience relying on your own curiosity.
• Some inaccuracies reported: One review pointed out that the volcano park isn’t included and that a side trip suggested by the app was inaccurate. It’s worth double-checking details to avoid surprises.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is excellent for independent travelers who enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided drive. It’s perfect if you want to explore at your own pace, have a tight budget, or prefer a more personalized experience. Families who are comfortable driving and managing their stops will find it convenient, but it’s not specifically marketed as a family tour.

If you’re looking for a traditional guided experience with a guide present or want all entrance fees paid, you might want to explore other options. However, if your goal is to see a broad range of sights with educational stories and stunning views, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Big Island – South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour offers a practical, wallet-friendly way to explore the island’s southern coast. The combination of offline GPS, engaging narration, and the freedom to explore makes it appealing for many travelers seeking a self-directed adventure.

While it doesn’t include entry fees, the immense savings and flexibility compensate for that. With a solid 4.5-star rating from travelers, most find it a great value, especially given the price point. It’s best suited for those comfortable with driving and eager to customize their stops — perfect for independent explorers or small groups wanting to avoid large tour groups.

If you’re after a flexible, informative, and budget-conscious way to see Big Island’s highlights, this tour could be just what you need for a memorable Hawaiian road trip.

FAQ

Does the tour include entrance fees for parks and attractions?
No, the tour does not include entrance fees. You’ll need to budget separately for places like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the zoo, or the astronomy center.

Can I use the tour without internet service?
Yes, the tour can be downloaded in advance, including maps and stories, so you don’t need Wi-Fi or data once you’re on the road.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for travelers comfortable with self-guided driving. The stops are mostly outdoor and cultural sites, but small children might find some stops a bit long or less engaging.

How long does the tour typically take?
The entire itinerary spans about two days, but you can customize how much time you spend at each stop. It’s designed to be flexible, so you can take as long as you like.

What makes this tour a good value?
At just $19.99 for your entire group, you get a comprehensive itinerary, offline maps, storytelling, and GPS navigation. It’s a much cheaper alternative to guided tours, especially if you’re comfortable self-guiding.

Are there any known issues with the app?
Some users reported that the volcano parks aren’t included and that a suggested side trip was inaccurate. It’s a good idea to verify the details before your trip.

What’s the best way to start the tour?
After booking, download the app, input your redemption code, and select your starting point. Follow the GPS directions, and you’re all set for an adventurous day.

If you’re looking to explore the Big Island with a flexible, budget-friendly approach, this self-guided coastal loop could be your perfect companion. Just remember to plan for extra costs and keep an open mind — some surprises are part of the fun.