Kona Shore Excursion: Lava Tubes, Waterfalls & Parker Ranch

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Kailua Pier, 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-3612

Check in location is under the large banyan tree located next to the Kailua Kona Pier

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Paniolo Heritage Center, 67-139 Pukalani Rd Kamuela, Waimea, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-8383

Our first stop will be the Parker Ranch heritage center and museum which hosts handmade artifacts and photos from the 1800’s. You will learn about the famous Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest ranches in the United States, pre-dating many mainland ranches in Texas and other southwestern states by more than 30 years!

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Parker Ranch, 66-1304 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-7503

Nearby, remains the original 1847 Parker house built with Hawaiian Koa wood, a species of tree now highly protected and costing upwards of $45 a board foot.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Tex Drive-In, 45-690 Pakalana St, Honokaa, HI 96727, USA

Continuing our northern adventure, we arrive at Tex Drive in for lunch. Serving up local Hawaiian food plus other popular menu items. Don’t forget to try their world-famous malasadas (a sweet, light and fluffy Portuguese donuts).

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Laupahoehoe Beach Park, 36-1047 Laupahoehoe Point Rd, Laupahoehoe, Island of Hawaii, HI

Your next stop includes a drive down some of Hawaii's old highways and back roads bringing you to Lauphoehoe. As you view the breathtaking ocean vistas and breaking waves the story of Laupahoehoe will tell of its once industrious sugar plantation and its tragic past of a face to face encounter with a devastating tsunami.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Akaka Falls State Park, End of Akaka Falls Road Off Hwy 220, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI

Next you will travel a stairway path through wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns to view some of the Big Island's most beautiful waterfalls, including the famous 442ft Akaka and Kahuna Falls.

Duration: 25 minutes

Pass By: Onomea Bay, Island of Hawaii, HI

Traveling back onto an old coastal road we take you along the 4 mile scenic drive with lush topical flora, broken-down sea arch and a river running through a lava tube

Stop At: Kaumana Caves Park, Kaumana Drive Mile Marker 4, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI

Our next exciting experience brings us descending into Kaumana lava tube formed in 1800’s by our largest volcano, Mauna Loa. This hidden gem hosts a celling full of sparkling minerals, deep red iron floor and lava tube formations.

Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Saddle Road, Hawaii Highway 200, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI

Our route back to port takes us onto the old WWII road, known as the Saddle Road which passes between the two largest volcanoes in the world, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. You will start to pass through diverse landscapes of cinder cones and sub-alpine dry forest. Our frequently wild life sightings include pigs, goats, sheep and donkeys.