After tendering ashore from your cruise ship, your small group will depart in the air-conditioned van and start your Hawaiian introduction. Enjoy a trip along scenic Ali'i Drive passing underneath majestic Banyan trees and past whitewashed church steeples behind lava rock walls.
Arriving at Kuamo'o Bay, you will learn a little of Hawaii's history at this Hawaiian Historic Place. It was here in 1819 that "tradition" and a new way of life clashed and civil unrest left many casualties. Within a year, American missionaries would arrive and change the culture forever.
You will continue south to the small town of Kealakekua, made famous by the 1933 song, My Little Grass Shack of Kealakekua Bay. Here, you will stop at a local coffee farm to learn how the world famous Kona coffee is grown. During the visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample some freshly brewed Kona coffee.
A stop will be made for photos and a history briefing of the nearby Captain Cook Monument across Kealakekea Bay, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although not the first place Cook set foot in the Hawaiian islands, it would be the last as he was killed during a failed attempt to kidnap the local island chief in 1779. A small white monument marks the approximate site of his death. His body was returned to his ship and later buried at sea.
Your last stop is at one of the most significant sites in Hawaiian tradition, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Historical Park. For several centuries, this area was home to Royal Grounds, the primary religious and political center for this part of the island. Now a National Park, you can see the remains of the pu'uhonua (refuge place) which was surrounded by a wall 965 feet long. It served as a sanctuary for beaten warriors and those who broke the kapu (one of the ancient laws) could receive forgiveness from the priest and allowed to go free.
After your visit to the park, your Kona Historic Coast Excursion will make a bonus stop at one of 2 locations; then will wrap up and your van will drive back to your tender pier in Kona, approximately 30 minutes away.
This exclusive small group, half day tour is a great introduction to the Big Island of Hawaii and the famous Kona coast. A little history, some white sand, a taste of Kona coffee and a big sampling of the Hawaiian way of life will make lasting memories for you. Only a maximum of 12!
5/5 March 2019
5/5 January 2019
5/5 May 2016
