Explore the Stunning Kona Coast: A Perfect Day Trip on the Big Island

A great way to spend a day if you’re staying at one of the resorts in the Kohala region of Hawaii Island, the Big Island, is to take a driving tour of the Kona Coast. Along the way, you will experience breathtaking scenery and enjoyable stops. This Google map will assist you in planning your trip and show you the location of various attractions along the route.

Many visitors who stay at one of the many exquisite resorts along the entire Kohala Coast may arrive at Kona International Airport, rent a car, and take a left turn on the Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy (H-19) for the drive north to their resort. However, a surprising number of these visitors overlook the stunning attractions to the right of the airport exit, along the Kona Coast.

We’ll begin our adventure at the airport exit since we cannot know which resort you’re staying at further north or if you’re actually stationed in Kailua-Kona itself.

01. From Kailua-Kona to Honaunau With Stops Along the Way Back

The most efficient way to make this drive is to explore the sites that are the furthest away first and then end the drive in Kailua-Kona town, where you can shop, explore, and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s fantastic restaurants.

The drive to our first stop heads straight south along the main highway. Keep in mind that the road changes its name three times and the highway number once. Initially called the Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy (H-19), it will transition to Kuakini Highway (H-11) and then to Mamalahoa Highway (H-11). Just continue heading south from the airport for about 27 miles. This journey should take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Be alert for City of Refuge Road (as noted in the map). When you see it, make a right turn. It’s a tricky turn, so proceed cautiously. After about a mile, you’ll spot a sign for Painted Church Road, which marks our first stop.

02. The Painted Church

The Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church, commonly known as The Painted Church, is an active place of worship and is listed on both the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. The doors remain open during the day.

In 1899, Father John Velghe arrived from Belgium. He and the congregation dismantled the church, moving it up the mountain to its current location. Father Velghe then painted the interior with numerous biblical scenes and depictions of various saints, all accomplished with standard house paint. These artworks were particularly beneficial for his pastoral duties, as many Hawaiians could not read.

This is a brief stop, yet one that is definitely worth visiting. Remember to leave a small donation in the box at the door.

03. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

The next stop is approximately 4.5 miles away, taking about 13 minutes. Travel west on City of Refuge Road and follow the signs to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

In ancient Hawaii, residents adhered to a strict set of sacred laws, and even the ali’i or royalty were subject to these regulations. In many cases, the penalty for violating a kapu (law) was death.

The only way to evade such punishment was to reach a Pu’uhonua, translating to a place of refuge. These sanctuaries were scattered throughout the islands, providing safety from retribution for those who reached them.

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park stands as the largest of the remaining places of refuge, maintained by the National Park Service with a small fee for entry.

Allow at least an hour to explore the grounds, as you will gain significant insight into ancient Hawaiian culture, religion, and architecture.

04. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Upon exiting the National Historical Park, bear left and proceed northwest along City of Refuge Road, which hugs the coast. After about 3.2 miles or a 9-10 minute drive, go straight onto Puuhonua Road, which descends to sea level at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

With good binoculars or a camera equipped with a zoom lens, you can look across the bay to catch a glimpse of the Captain Cook Monument. This spot on the Big Island is where Captain James Cook first landed in 1778. He was the first British explorer to encounter the Hawaiian people. The locals revered him as their god Lono. Tragically, Cook lost his life here in 1779 during a confrontation with Hawaiians upon his return to the island.

This location makes for a perfect resting point, perhaps to enjoy a picnic if you have one packed.

05. Kona Coffee Living History Farm

After exiting the park, you will head inland and ascend in elevation. Turn left onto Lower Napoopoo Road and navigate the winding road for about 4.5 miles until you reach the intersection with Highway 11. Make a right turn. You will have previously traveled this part of the highway when heading south. Your next destination is just half a mile down the road, on your right—the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

The Kona Region of Hawaii Island is renowned for being the home of Kona Coffee, which many regard as the finest coffee in the world. Numerous coffee farms of various sizes are scattered throughout this area, including those managed by the descendants of the original Japanese settlers who began coffee cultivation here in the late 1800s.

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm offers an exceptional opportunity to learn about the history of Kona Coffee and the people behind its cultivation. For information on admission prices, hours, and tour schedules, please visit their website.

06. Greenwell Farms

Having learned about the history of Kona Coffee, it’s time to visit an actual coffee farm. As you exit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, turn left onto Highway 11 and drive a little over 2 miles back toward Kailua-Kona. Keep an eye out for signs indicating your destination, which will be on the left side—Greenwell Farms.

Greenwell Farms is one of the largest Kona Coffee farms. Here, you can not only sample various coffee products but also participate in a free walking tour of the farm, guiding you through the coffee fields. You will witness how coffee is harvested and roasted. Tours run continuously from 8:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., every day of the week.

07. Kahaluu Beach Park

By now, it is likely mid to late afternoon, and there is one last brief stop before reaching your final destination: Kahaluu Beach Park in the Keauhou area of the Kona Coast.

Upon leaving Greenwell Farms, take a left turn onto Highway 11 and head north. After approximately 6.5 miles, turn left onto Kamehameha III Road, following signs toward Keahou. After about a mile and a half, take a right onto Ali’i Drive. Less than half a mile ahead, you will come across a beautiful bay and beach park to your left. This location is Kahaluu Beach Park, adjacent to the now-closed Keauhou Beach Resort.

The resort has been closed since fall 2012, and Kamehameha Schools, which owns the property, intends to demolish it and restore the area to its original historic layout for cultural and educational use.

Depending on the state of the demolition, you may be able to stroll to the recently restored Hapaialii and Keeku Heiau. From the beach park, you can often spot surfers in Kahaluu Bay, and you might even see one of the many Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, that frequent the area.

08. Kailua Village

As you leave Kahaluu Beach Park, continue down Ali’i Drive for about 5 miles, leading you directly into the heart of historic Kailua Village. Often referred to as Kailua-Kona, this name differentiates it from Kailua Town located on the island of Oahu.

Kailua-Kona boasts excellent shopping and numerous exceptional restaurants. By the time you arrive, it will likely be time for dinner, so consider staying in town for your meal! Huggo’s offers stunning views of the bay, especially at sunset, and is recommended for its delicious food.

This day has been packed with activities, and we have merely scratched the surface of the plethora of places to visit and things to do along the Big Island’s Kona Coast.

Remember to refer to the large Google map for step-by-step directions to the sites we have explored.