South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour

• Kailua-Kona

  We will bypass Kailua Town and head straight for South Point on the Hawai'i Belt Road. Along the way, you'll hear about the area's rich history and drive through this amazing agricultural region known for its world-famous Kona Coffee.

• Keauhou Shopping Center

  10 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  You’re in for a long drive ahead, especially if you’re planning on making the trip to South Point to visit the most southern point of the United States.

• Kalae

  Ka Lae translates in Hawaiian to ‘the point,’ and is the southernmost point of land in the United States. The area has a desolate beauty all on its own with wind-bent trees and cliffs that feel like the end of the world. You can visit an ancient fishing heiau, look for migrating whales, watch local fishermen, or cheer on the brave souls taking the 40-foot plunge off the cliff.

• Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree

  5 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  This area is a small village called Waiohinu where Mark Twain, while he was here, planted a monkeypod tree. This little town still exists and is home to a second-generation descendant of the monkey pod planted by the famous author. A hurricane claimed the original tree in 1956, and today’s tree sprouted from its roots.

• Punalu'u Bake Shop

  20 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  At this point, you might need a bite to refuel, and where better than a bakery that specializes in Hawaiian sweet bread--the Punalu'u Bakeshop! Make sure you stop by to try some of its famous sweets and treats. In Hawaiian, Punalu'u means “the volcanic ashes." It’s the southernmost community in the US with a post office. There are only around a thousand people living here, and it’s a nice quiet rural town.

• Whittington Beach Park

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Whittington is a peaceful little rest area with picnic tables and excellent views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.

• Punaluu Black Sand Beach

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Punalu'u is well-known in Hawaiian culture and legends. It is known as a “Wahi Pana”, or sacred place, and was seen as an oasis in the Ka’u desert. Punalu'u Beach is famous not only for its black sand but also for its sea turtles. Green sea turtles are usually all over the place here, sleeping on the beach and swimming next to you in the ocean.

• Ka'u Coffee Mill

  15 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Take a short detour to Pahala Town to check out the Ka'u Coffee Mill and get some free samples of this delicious coffee and macadamia nuts at their gift shop.

• Lava Tree Molds

  10 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Drive a short loop to see some neat lava tree molds. Lava trees form when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest and completely surrounds moist trees. The tree burns up on the inside as the lava cools on the outside, resulting in a lava shell left in the shape of the tree.

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  3 hoursAdmission Ticket Free

  Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes as well as glimpses of rare flora and fauna. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's largest active shield volcano.

• Volcano Village Lodge

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Volcano Village is the perfect place for a quick stop. You can gas up, stop at some of the cute boutiques or grab a snack at the Kilauea General Store. If you’re hungry for dinner, there are also some sit-down restaurants you can try.

• Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

  15 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Moriyasu Akatsuka started the orchid gardens here in 1974 after running a family orchid nursery in Japan. If you stop at the gardens, you can walk through their greenhouses and view all of the different types of beautiful orchids they raise and ship out to customers across the globe.

• Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  At the retail store, visitors can taste test the farm's many assorted flavors. They also sell delicious dairy-free macadamia nut ice cream by the scoop. You can also watch a video of the macadamia nut candy being made and walk around their beautiful grounds.

• Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

  1 hoursAdmission Ticket Not Included

  Just outside Hilo is the only rainforest zoo in the US, Panaewa Zoo. This is a perfect spot to bring the kids! While you’re there, look for the zoo’s stars--two Bengal tigers. The white one is named Tzatziki, and the orange one is named Sriracha.

• Imiloa Astronomy Center

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Not Included

  The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is part of the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and is a gathering place that integrates science and Native Hawaiian culture. They have a visitor’s center with wonderful exhibits, programs and events. Since Hawaiian society was built on exploration and observation, Hawaiian cultural practices have become an important part of ‘Imiloa’s exhibits.

• Mauna Kea Summit

  1 hoursAdmission Ticket Free

  Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world--when measured from the ocean floor to its summit. Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak, and the Hawaiian people go to it in search of ancient spiritual connections. The visitor center, located 9,000 feet above sea level, is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky.