Big Island: Self-Guided South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour Discount Tickets

Overview

Explore the southern half of Hawaii’s Big Island with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through lava landscapes, black sand beaches, coffee country, and scenic coastal communities. There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, stories, Hawaiian history, and local insight as you drive. Follow turn-by-turn directions to highlights including Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Ka Lae (South Point), Kaʻū coffee country, and optional stops at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing the Big Island to life through authentic stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local insight. Choose the stops that interest you, skip others, and customize the journey around your schedule. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

English-WRITTEN

Inclusion

Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations

Three designated starting areas: Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo

Access to the South Island Epic Coastal Journey in the Shaka Guide app

Offline map and audio after download

Flexible itinerary with optional stops and side trips

Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive

Tour access does not expire

One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle

Exclusion

In-person tour guide

Transportation or rental vehicle

Food and drinks

Personal expenses

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
• 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.

The tour has designated starting areas in Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo. Choose the starting point that best fits your trip in the Shaka Guide app.

Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.

Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you begin. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.

Plan approximately 10–12 hours for a full-day experience. The itinerary is flexible, and travelers who want to spend more time at optional stops can continue the tour over multiple days.

Stops and side trips are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer, or customize the route around your interests and available time.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an optional stop and requires a separate National Park Service entrance pass. Park admission is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.

Admission, parking, tours, or other fees charged by optional third-party attractions are not included and are paid directly to the attraction if you choose to visit.

The tour’s recommended Maunakea stop is the Visitor Information Station. Driving to the summit is not required and may be subject to separate vehicle, weather, and access restrictions.

Road and stop access can change due to weather, storms, maintenance, or local conditions. Follow posted closures and signage and skip any location that is inaccessible during your visit.

Wildlife sightings, including sea turtles at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, are not guaranteed. Never approach, touch, or feed wildlife.

Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some beaches, trails, coastal areas, and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Bring water, sun protection, and a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for this full-day route.