KAILUA-KONA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Kona’s Storied Coast: A South Kona Passage Through Heiau, Palaces and First Churches
A full-day sightseeing tour that traces Kona’s central sites — from the sacred Pu'uhonua O Honaunau to Hulihe'e Palace — useful for travelers who want a compact, contextual introduction to Kona history and culture.
Kona’s Storied Coast: A South Kona Passage Through Heiau, Palaces and First Churches.
Ha'aheo Hawai'i I na Kona — proud is Kona. Against the backdrop of Hualalai and the Pacific, this guided outing moves through the places that anchored ancient governance and later encounters with Christianity: royal compounds and temples, early churches, and the place of refuge that preserved people and law. The tour stitches together landscape, masonry and mo'olelo so visitors leave with a sense of why Kona was once the seat of Hawaiian power.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau — place of refuge
Visit the ancient place of refuge where kapu law and sanctuary converged — a site that anchors much of Kona’s sacred landscape and cultural memory.
First Christian churches of Kona
See Saint Benedict’s Painted Catholic Church and Mokuiakaua, Hawaii’s first Christian church, and learn about the early influence of Christian settlers on the islands’ communities.
Hulihe'e Palace and ancient masonry
Explore Hulihe'e Palace and observe Kona’s traditional rock-wall construction as part of a visit that highlights royal history and local architectural techniques.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a paced, interpretive sightseeing day: a sequence of short stops at temples, churches and palaces with time to absorb each site’s stories and landscape. The route balances cultural interpretation with on-site observation so visitors experience both the physical places and the mo'olelo that shaped them.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this tour — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Scheduled 8:45 AM–3:30 PM; the outing runs approximately 7.5 hours.
The itinerary includes a lunch stop at select locations (a midday break rather than a provided meal), so plan accordingly.
This sightseeing program is presented under the title 'Kona History and Culture from South Kona' and is operated by IMI Tours, focusing on Kona’s temples, palaces and early churches.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour and what are the hours?
The tour lasts about 7.5 hours and is scheduled from 8:45 AM to 3:30 PM.
Which key sites does the tour visit?
Stops include Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, Saint Benedict’s Painted Catholic Church, Mokuiakaua (Hawaii’s first Christian church) and Hulihe'e Palace.
Who operates this sightseeing program?
The program is offered under the title 'Kona History and Culture from South Kona' and operated by IMI Tours.
What are the rates for adults and children?
Rates listed are Adults (12+) $154.54 and Children (2–11) $134.78.
Is there a lunch included?
The itinerary notes a lunch stop at select locations; the stop provides time for lunch rather than specifying an included meal.