Shore Excursion: Historic Kona - Kona

Overview

Step off your cruise and step back in time on this tour of historic Kona. On this cruise ship excursion, we share Kailua-Kona’s history to set the stage for your trip back in time to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park – an ancient Hawaiian village of refuge for kapu (law) breakers.

We show you a beautiful scenic view overlooking Kealakekua Bay – an underwater preserve and where a monument to Captain Cook stands. Here, he sailed in and was received as the god, Lono, yet he proved to be a mere mortal and was slain. Visit the Painted Church – the tiny church Belgian priests painted to be a grand cathedral. Experience history as rich as the brew at the Kona coffee factory we visit as well.

City: Big Island of Hawaii

Tue 03 Mar

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $79.00

Make a reservation

Tue 03 Mar

Starting at $79.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Port pickup and drop off

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This shore excursion can only be booked by Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers

What To Expect

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

An ancient Hawaiian village of refuge. The Puuhonua protected the kapu breakers, defeated warriors, as well as civilians during the time of battle.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Captain Cook arrived here in 1779. Historical landmark views include the religious site Hikiau-heiau and Captain Cook’s monument across Kealakekua Bay.

The Painted Church

Benedict’s Painted Church: Built between 1899-1902, Belgian priests painted this church to be a grand cathedral.

Royal Kona Coffee Center

The largest roaster of Kona Coffee in the world. Experience history as rich as the brew at the Kona coffee factory.

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Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (30)

Veronica P

Aug 2018

This tour was okay, but it was not my favorite. We got to see some nice things including Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. There were spiders EVERYWHERE. However, although terrifying, they did make a great subject for a few photos. The location was highly crowded, but it was definitely beautiful. We also got to stop and sample coffee at Royal Kona Coffee, which was good, but also very crowded! However, they had tons of different coffees you could sample for free! Really delicious! I would do the tour again, it was just not the highlight of our trip. If you have additional time in Kona, I highly recommend the Kona Brewing Company as well.

Michael N

Nov 2017

This is a good tour, that let's you see some parts of Kona you might not get to. Problem is that it is too short. You could use more time at most stops . Tours drivers are good, though and add a lot to the sights you are seeing through their knowledge of history of the island.

Susan D

Sep 2017

Great Guide , visiting the refuge was the best part , a beautiful place enjoyed the history of this place , we were given plenty of time for this visit.
We also visited the Kona Coffee and the Painted Church.