Big Island – South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

Cruising around Hawaii’s largest island on your own terms sounds appealing, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what the Big Island – South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour offers — a chance to explore at your pace using a GPS-guided app that provides a detailed itinerary, stories, and local insights. As this tour boasts a solid 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews, it’s proving popular among travelers seeking a flexible, affordable way to see the island’s highlights.

We’re especially fond of how this tour combines affordability with the freedom to customize your day — it’s a real plus. Plus, the inclusion of engaging stories and historical tidbits makes the drive both educational and entertaining. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that not all attractions, such as Volcanoes National Park, are included in the standard itinerary, which could leave some spots overlooked if you’re expecting a comprehensive visit.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy self-guided exploring, prefer a budget-conscious option, and want the flexibility to skip attractions or linger longer at favorites. Families, couples, or groups of friends who love scenic drives and spontaneous stops will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Cost-effective way to explore many Big Island highlights for just $19.99 per group.
• Uses a GPS-powered app with offline maps, so no Wi-Fi needed.
• Offers flexibility to stop, explore, and learn at your own pace.
• Includes entertaining stories, legends, and travel tips.
• Focuses on unique natural landmarks like Green Sand Beach and Volcanoes National Park.
• Larger groups (up to 15) can participate, making it practical for families or friends.

What Makes This Tour Unique?

This isn’t your typical bus tour where you’re confined to a fixed schedule and route. Instead, it’s a self-guided experience where you download the app, grab your vehicle, and take off with confidence. The app’s turn-by-turn GPS navigation means you’ll never feel lost, and the detailed narration offers context and stories that bring each spot alive.

Cost-wise, it’s a real find — at only $19.99 for your entire vehicle, it’s much cheaper than a guided tour or multiple individual tickets, especially for groups of up to 15 people. This makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget but still eager to see the island’s wonders.

The Itinerary Breakdown: Day 1

The first day is packed with a variety of stops, blending cultural, natural, and geological highlights. Here’s a look at what you’ll experience and why each stop stands out:

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Kicking off the journey, this is the only living history coffee farm in Hawaii. It’s a must-see if you’re interested in the island’s agricultural roots. The tour recommends budgeting about an hour here, though note that admission isn’t included — so plan accordingly. It’s a great introduction to Hawaii’s coffee industry, and the stories behind each bean.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

A significant spot because it’s where Captain James Cook first landed on the Big Island. The bay’s calm waters also make it a popular snorkeling destination, but that’s not included in this tour — it’s more about soaking in the history. Expect around 30 minutes here to appreciate the scenery and learn about Cook’s arrival.

Big Island Bees

This stop is a delightful way to learn about bees and their importance to the environment. It’s about an hour long, making it perfect for those curious about pollinators or looking to understand local ecosystems better.

St Benedict’s Painted Church

A quick 15-minute visit, but well worth it for the vibrant, colorful murals that adorn this historic church. It’s a surprisingly artistic and peaceful spot amid the coastal scenery.

The Captain Cook Monument

Dedicated to the explorer himself, this monument offers a tangible link to the island’s European discovery. Expect a brief stop, but it provides a nice photo opportunity and some educational context.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

More than just a Place of Refuge, this site was historically a sanctuary for those breaking ancient laws. It’s a 30-minute visit, and you’ll find it offers both cultural insight and picturesque landscapes.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

One of only four green sand beaches in the world, this stop is a highlight for nature lovers. The beach’s unique color comes from mineral-rich olivine crystals. Expect about 15 minutes here, primarily for photos and enjoying the view.

Ka Lae Light

At the southern tip, you can enjoy spectacular ocean views and some stellar fishing spots. It’s a quick 15-minute stop but offers a real sense of the island’s rugged southern edge.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A showstopper for many visitors, the park showcases the island’s fiery geological activity. While an hour is allocated, you might find yourself wanting more time here — it’s a place that really sparks curiosity.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Famous for its striking black sands and frequent turtle sightings, this is a perfect quick stop to stretch your legs and savor the volcanic landscape.

Lava Tree State Park

A fascinating landscape of lava molds of trees left behind after a lava flow, creating natural sculptures. It’s a 45-minute stop, ideal for those who love geological oddities.

Whittington Beach Park

A peaceful, less crowded spot for relaxation and picnicking. It’s a 30-minute break to enjoy the ocean breeze.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Unique in the U.S., this rainforest zoo is a fun visit, especially for families. The hour here lets you see a variety of animals and lush plant life.

Imiloa Astronomy Center & Mauna Kea Observatories

These two stops are perfect for astronomy enthusiasts or those curious about Hawaiian culture’s connection with the stars. Expect about an hour at each, with the observatories offering amazing stargazing opportunities.

Saddle Road

Concluding the day, this scenic drive is known as one of the world’s bucket-list routes. The 15-minute drive offers expansive views and a taste of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape.

Day 2: Revisiting and Relaxing

The second day simply revisits the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, giving you an extra chance to enjoy this local gem or explore nearby at your leisure. This flexible approach allows you to revisit favorites or deviate from the plan depending on your mood and interests.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviewers highlight the app’s ease of use, the stories, and the value for money. One reviewer raves, “Incredible guided tour without the price. Loved the history provided as well. We enjoyed knowing when to stop for photo ops before passing the location.” Others appreciate the flexibility: “We were able to go at our own pace, and the tour was very informative.”

However, some travelers note a few drawbacks. One review points out that Volcanoes National Park isn’t included, which could disappoint those expecting a full tour of all major volcanic sites. Another reviewer experienced technical difficulties, indicating that the app may not work perfectly on all devices. Still, many find that the benefits outweigh these minor issues, especially considering the cost.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour costs only $19.99 per vehicle, making it an economical choice for groups up to 15.
• It’s designed for self-paced exploration, so you can start when you want and take as long as you need at each site.
• Download the tour beforehand using Wi-Fi — the app works offline, which is crucial on the island where data can be spotty.
• The tour never expires, so you can take your time or even spread it over multiple days.
• Keep in mind that admission to attractions isn’t included, so budget accordingly if you want to go inside or do activities at specific stops.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This South Island Coastal Loop is an excellent option for travelers seeking a budget-friendly, flexible, and engaging way to see the Big Island’s highlights. With well-curated stops, engaging stories, and GPS-guided freedom, it’s perfect for those who prefer to avoid large groups or guided bus tours.

It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy spontaneous exploration and want to learn about the island’s history and natural wonders without breaking the bank. If you like the idea of customizing your trip and discovering hidden gems along the way, this tour delivers.

However, if your focus is a comprehensive visit to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you might want to supplement this tour with additional options. It’s also worth noting that a few technical issues could occur, so be prepared for some troubleshooting if needed.

All in all, the Big Island South Island Coastal Loop provides a smart, affordable way to unlock many of the island’s treasures, blending self-guided adventures with educational storytelling. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who value flexibility, storytelling, and authentic experiences at a fair price.

FAQ

Does this tour include Volcanoes National Park?
No, Volcanoes National Park isn’t included in the standard itinerary, but you’ll visit other significant geological sites and get plenty of volcanic scenery.

Can I do this tour over multiple days?
Yes, the tour never expires, so you can spread it out over several days or do it all in one go.

Is the app easy to use?
Most reviewers find the app straightforward with clear turn-by-turn directions and automatic narration, but some experienced technical issues. Downloading the tour in advance helps prevent problems.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, entrance fees to attractions are not included, so be prepared for additional expenses if you plan to visit sites that charge admission.

What is the group size?
Up to 15 people per vehicle, making it suitable for small groups or family trips.

Is this a guided tour?
Not exactly. It’s a self-guided tour with GPS and narration, giving you the flexibility and independence to explore at your own pace.

How much time should I allocate?
The full itinerary is designed for roughly two days, but you can customize your schedule based on your interests.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Yes, families can enjoy the stops, especially those like the rainforest zoo and lava landscapes. Just keep in mind the drive can be long.

Do I need Wi-Fi to use the app?
No, once downloaded, the tour works offline, which is perfect for remote areas on the island.

Can I start the tour at any point?
Absolutely, you can select your starting location and time, making it highly flexible.

This driving tour provides a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and geological marvels — all at a price that makes it accessible for most travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, it’s a smart way to experience the best of the Big Island on your own terms.