Kona Shore Excursion:
Kona Coffee and National Historic Parks

Embark on a private Kona shore excursion that tantalizes the senses and leaves you with a greater appreciation for both cultural heritage and the renowned coffee of the region. Our Kona coffee tour invites you to wander through the vibrant coffee fields, learning the process from cultivation to the perfect cup! As the aroma of freshly brewed Kona coffee lingers, we venture down to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park, or the City of Refuge, an ancient sanctuary steeped in Hawaiian history. See sacred temples, ancient dwellings, and the beautiful coastal landscape where the past comes alive. Next, stop at St. Benedict’s Painted Church and see the famed frescos that adorn the walls of this historic church built in 1899.

On our 6 hour tour, see more Hawaiian ingenuity and enjoy a picnic lunch along picturesque Kona coastline at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.

From the rich aroma of freshly roasted Kona coffee to the stories of the Hawaii’s past, this private Kona shore excursion creates a memorable experience of both the cultural history and the famed Kona coffee.

Experience some of the best Kona Coffee and history on this tailored cruise ship guest tour!

• Visit Greenwell Farms Coffee Farm: the original Kona coffee farm that started the Kona coffee industry in 1850
• Explore the ancient grounds of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, the City of Refuge, where Hawaiians sought refuge and redemption
• Visit historic St. Benedict’s Church, the Painted Church, and its historic frescos
• Take a guided walk through Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and look for Green Sea Turtles, indigenous birds, and other cultural significant sites (6 Hour Tour)
• Enjoy an included shoreline picnic lunch at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (6 Hour Tour)

4 Hour Tour

Starting at $745, with private group rates as low as $123 per person (based on eleven guests)

6 Hour Tour

Starting at $920, with private group rates as low as $159 per person (based on eleven guests)

• Following pickup at the Kona cruise ship pier, start your private shore excursion traveling along historic Ali’i Drive while listening about all the rich historical locations along our path from your naturalist guide. Our first stop will be at Greenwell Farms. Henry Greenwell began growing coffee in Kailua Kona in 1850 and is still operated today by the 5th generation Greenwell, Tom Greenwell. Your guide will lead you through the lush Kona coffee fields, showing you the process it takes to go from plant to cup, while enjoying the scenic views of the Kona coast. Greenwell Farms not only is growing Kona coffee, but we will see other tropical fruits growing such as: mangos, papayas, pineapples, lychee, bananas, avocados, guava, and citrus. Your Kona coffee tour would not be complete without trying some of the finished product! Sample various roasts of their Kona coffee and you will see for yourself why it is so world renowned!
• Next, we will venture further down the coast to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, also known as the City of Refuge. This historical sanctuary served as a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians. Those who had violated kapu (sacred laws), or had lost in battle, could seek absolution and safety here. Walk along the trails in the Park that line picturesque Honaunau Bay and explore the spiritual significance ancient grounds. See old heiaus (Hawaiian temples) and the Great Wall, ancient boards games and fishponds.
• From the City of Refuge, continue up the road to St. Benedict’s Catholic Church also known as the Painted Church. Between 1899 to 1904, Father John Velghe painted frescos using simple local materials to depict biblical scenes and Hawaiian history. Observe at the intricate fusion of European religious artistry and indigenous cultural expressions. Your guide will tell you about the historical relationship between Christianity and ancient Hawaiians while taking in the views of the frescos and the cobalt blue waters off the coastline.
• On our 6-hour version, we will head to the north side of Kailua Kona, stopping at a local favorite cafe’ to pickup an included lunch, with your choice of food. We will take our lunch and enjoy a shoreline picnic Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. (6 Hour Tour)
• Following lunch, we will explore the rich cultural and natural wonders of this Park. Wander through ancient fishponds that ancient Hawaiian used for sources of food and replenishing the local ecosystem. Learn how and why the ancient Hawaiians constructed these unique primitive agricultural features. Stroll along the coastal trail with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of Honokohau Bay. Look for Green Sea Turtles and migratory shorebirds that frequent this shallow bay and coastline. (6 Hour Tour)

• Admission into all Parks and venues
• Pickup and drop-off at the Kona Cruise Ship Pier
• Fully guided naturalist tour with educational materials and commentary provided by our top of the line tour guides
• Complementary Photo package: 20-25 professional, edited photos shared via Adobe Cloud or iCloud for easy accessibility while traveling

• Enjoy a shoreline picnic style lunch with your choice of food from a local favorite cafe’ (6 Hour Tour) 
• Snacks: trail mix, fruit snacks, granola bars, chips, beef, jerky, chocolate
• All non-alcoholic beverages: water, juice, soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate

• Patagonia rain jacket and Nano puff
• Nikon ProStaff 7s binoculars
• Black Diamond Hiking Poles
• Umbrellas

Upon booking your tour, one of our guides will contact you to discuss custom options we have available for your tour. Whether you’d like to spend more time star gazing, enjoy more time at our private waterfall location, or enjoy an extended guided hike, we’re here to make this experience memorable and most importantly – ALL ABOUT YOU!

We look forward to taking you on an amazing adventure!