Calling all coffee-lovers! Would you like to savor a cup of one of the world’s most celebrated coffees? Imagine a day spent cruising through the lush, rolling hills of the of the Big Island’s Kona Coffee belt. As the road curves ahead, towering coffee trees shade your path, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air. Impossibly stunning panoramas, delicious coffee and rich history collide here. A Kona Coffee District road trip is more than a drive – it’s a journey into the heart of Hawaii’s famous coffee culture.

Every Journey Begins Somewhere…

Start your Kona Coffee District road trip in the seaside town of Kailua-Kona. History and modern charm meet in this quaint town on the west side of Hawaii Island. In fact, we think this is the optimal starting point for all of your Big Island adventures, which is why we feature the Royal Kona Resort in our All-Inclusive Big Island Vacation.

The drive from Kona Town to the Kona Coffee District is one of the most stunning stretches of road on the entire island. You may want to consider upgrading your rental car to a Jeep or convertible to fully experience the majesty of the drive.

Kona Coffee District Road Trip Stop 1: Greenwell Farms

Heading south, make your first stop at Greenwell Farms. This renowned coffee estate offers more than just a cup of coffee – it’s also a walk through Kona’s coffee history. You can tour the plantation, learn how beans are harvested, and indulge in complimentary tastings. You’ll be sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for this iconic crop.

Stop 2: Kona Coffee Living History Farm

A short drive brings you to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. It’s as if you’ve stepped into the 1920’s as you wander through a working coffee farm from a bygone era. Meet costumed interpreters and hear stories of Japanese immigrants who shaped this region all while you soak in the peaceful surroundings. The Kona Coffee Living History Farm offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of early farmers in the Kona Coffee District, making it a must-see for history lovers.

Stop 3: Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm

Continue your Kona Coffee District road trip uphill to Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm, where the panoramic views of the Big Island coastline will take your breath away. We think you’ll find the coffee as stunning as the setting. Whether you join a tasting, take a tour or simply relax with a cup overlooking the ocean, you’ll feel time slow down as the beauty of the island washes over you.

Kona Coffee District Road Trip Stop 4: Kealakekua Bay

After your coffee farm visits, take a break from caffeine and make a detour south. Here you’ll discover Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and historically rich spots. The sparkling waters invite you to dive in, whether it’s a snorkeling adventure or a peaceful kayak ride. In fact, a snorkeling excursion here is included in our All-Inclusive Big Island Vacation. Onshore, you’ll find the Captain Cook Monument, marking the site of the explorer’s fateful landing. It’s the perfect place to connect with not only Hawaii’s stunning scenery, but its vibrant history as well.

If you’re looking for clothing, hats, sunglasses or other “island-life gear”, make a pit stop at Kona Boys. In addition to retail merchandise, you can rent kayaks and surfboards, or book a tour. Support local and stop by this charming little shop as you cruise through the Kona Coffee District.

Stop 5: The Coffee Shack

Getting hungry? Continue south along Highway 11 until you come to The Coffee Shack, perched cliffside for maximum views. Their mouth-watering menu includes breakfast & lunch classics, plus island-inspired goodies such as macadamia nut pie. You can get your food and coffee to go, but we recommend waiting for a table on their cozy lanai. You’ll be dazzled by a sweeping 26-mile coastline panorama – it doesn’t get much better than this.

Stop 6: Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Back on the road, drive to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, a sacred refuge where ancient Hawaiians once sought forgiveness. Walking along the lava rock paths, you’ll feel a sense of serenity that permeates the park. The beauty of this site, nestled against the rugged coastline, speaks to the deep spiritual roots of the island, making it an unforgettable stop on your Kona Coffee District road trip.

Final Kona Coffee District Road Trip Stop: The Painted Church

Before your day ends, you should visit the charming St Benedict’s Painted Church. Tucked among the trees, this little gem dazzles with hand-painted Biblical scenes. In addition to being an active church, it’s a peaceful, almost dreamlike stop. It’s a reflection of the Big Island’s rich blend of cultures and spirituality, and is a perfect ending to your Kona Coffee District road trip.

Now, as the sun begins to set, you arrive in Captain Cook. You can visit a few more boutique coffee farms or unwind at a local restaurant in this quaint island town.

A Kona Coffee District road trip transports you to a world where coffee, culture, and nature intertwine. It’s a journey you’ll never forget – a daydream made real in the heart of Hawaii. Whether you want to visit the Big Island for one day, as part of a multi-island-hopping package, or make it your entire vacation, we have an all-inclusive package that meets your needs. Contact us today to find out about our interest-free payment plans and current discounts being offered.