Kona Historical Sights

Shop for Souvenirs

Kona Highlights

Journey to the Past With Us on Our Kona Historical Tour!

Step back in time with us and unlock the hidden secrets of Hawaii with our Kona Historical Tour! Our first stop takes us to the renowned Place of Refuge National Park, also known as Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, a sanctuary where ancient Hawaiians sought solace and forgiveness.

Next, we will head to the Painted Church, where an enchanting visual storytelling awaits. Inside the walls of St. Benedict’s Painted Church, you’ll witness elaborate Bible scenes that were meticulously painted in the 1900s.

These exquisite artworks served as a profound way to teach Christianity to the Hawaiians, who, at the time, were unable to read or write. Let the vibrant depictions transport you back in time and unravel the fascinating fusion of cultures.

At the end of the tour, we’ll find ourselves in Historic Kona Town where there are boundless opportunities for shopping and sight-seeing, surrounded by the coastal beauty that Hawaii is known for! Take a leisurely stroll along the ocean, or shop until you drop – the choice is yours! The tour will officially end with transportation back to Kailua Pier.

Why Choose This Tour?

View the elaborate Bible scenes that were painted in the 1900s on the walls of St. Benedict's Painted Church to teach Christianity to the Hawaiians

Travel through the scenic Historic Roads along the main thoroughfare of ancient days and experience the way of life from a century ago to our present time

Visit a coffee plantation Museum and enjoy a coffee tasting!

Go back in time and see Hawaii's hidden secrets at the Place of Refuge National Park (Pu'uhonua O Honaunau)

Shop and sight-see oceanside in Historic Kona Town!

Click The Tabs For More Info

Trip Details

Trip Details

Price

  • $159 per adult
  • $110 per child

Departure time

Varies based on the cruise ship schedule. Click here to view the availability calendar.


Meeting point

Tours depart from, and return to, Kailua Pier on ship days and from area hotels on non-ship days.


Availability

Year-round. Please keep in mind that on ship days departure times are based on the arrival and departure schedules of cruise ships. Refer to the booking schedule for the most up-to-date information.


Duration

4.5 hours


Group size


Participation requirements

Ages 5+


Included

  • Round Trip Transportation from Kailua Pier
  • Guided Narration of Kona and Hawaiian History
  • All Park Entrance Fees

Not included

  • Water
  • Food
  • Gratuity

What to bring

  • Sun hat
  • Sunblock
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Water
  • Cash for incidentals and gratuity

What You’ll See & Do

Join us on our Kona Historical Tour, where you’ll experience one of Hawaii’s hidden gems, the Place of Refuge National Park (Pu’uhonua O Honaunau), and more! The tour starts at Kailua Pier with a narrated and guided tour as we travel along the scenic historic roads (with air conditioning of course, so you stay cool and comfortable!).

We then make our way to the Painted Church View, the elaborate Bible scenes that were painted in the 1900s on the walls of St. Benedict’s Painted Church to teach Christianity to the Hawaiians. Around 1900 Father John Berchmans Veighe painted elaborate scenes from the Bible in the interior of this Gothic style church as a means to explain Christianity to the Hawaiians, who could neither read nor write.

The next stop of the tour is the Place of Refuge National Park, – Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Ancient, the legend is that Hawaiians who broke the law (kapu) could escape punishment, usually death, if they could make their way to this sacred place and be pardoned by the priests (Kahuna). This is something you won’t want to miss!

We wrap things up in Historic Kona Town, where you’ll have the chance for shopping and sight-seeing to end the tour!

Good to Know

No food or drinks are included on this tour nor is bringing and eating your own food allowed while on the bus. Due to this we highly recommend all of our guests eat prior to going on the tour.

Drinking water is allowed but you must bring your own water.

It will come to no surprise to all that Hawaii is a sunny place, so we also highly encourage wearing sun protection, a sun hat as well as comfortable shoes to provide the most comfortable experience, sans the sunburn!

Check Out Our Reviews on Google!


Hop to Another Tour