Kona to Volcano
Approx. 127 miles
3.5 hours of driving time
The first of the many Big Island driving tours we want to share is from Kona to Volcano, as many of our Big Island bed and breakfast guests arrive in Kona first and spend a few days on the beaches and in town, then will drive to Volcanoes National Park. You can take one of two routes. The first is Saddle Road, so called because it spans Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea and connects the east and west parts of the island with the most direct route from Kona to Hilo.
Saddle Road is well-paved and maintained and has amazing views of the landscape formed by the volcanoes. While it is the fastest way to get from Kona to Hilo and onto Volcano, it is not the most interesting route and, at one time, was known as the most dangerous paved road in the US. It is subject to heavy rain, mist, and varied weather conditions because of the altitudes. You can start with a beautiful sunny day in Kona, only to find as you climb, you are in a thick fog for miles until you get to Hilo, where it will be sunny again. There are also many road accidents because of the wild boars and goats that roam the area, so that we wouldn’t recommend this route at night.
The more interesting route is to go south. This route takes you to the most southern point in the United States. The southern route is a two-lane highway that will take you through small villages, past fruit stands, local stores, historic places, and food trucks.
Start early, as this route can take at least 6 or 7 hours, depending on how long you take at each stop.
After leaving the town of Kona behind, the first stop is just about 12 miles south at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Captain Cook, HI. This 375-acre area is where the first contact between the Hawaiian people and Westerns took place, with the arrival of Captain Cook in 1779. It is a traditional religious site.
The next stop on our Big Island tours is St. Benedict Catholic Church, also known as the Painted Church. Built in 1899 by Father John Velghe, the interior is adorned with his paintings. Check when the church is open, as it has limited hours. At the time of this post, it is open Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Please dress appropriately for a place of worship and be respectful of church members, as this is an active church with Mass each day.
After leaving the Painted Church, continue south to the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. A great contrast to the Painted Church, which depicts the story of Christianity. This area is a traditional Hawai’ian sacred place that was and still is a place of refuge. It hosts various ceremonies throughout the year, and native Hawaiians have a deep connection to the place. The area has been restored, and many of the current carvings are made by the ancestors who built the original temple.
As you leave Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and continue south, you can stop at the Ocean View Market, Ocean View, to pick up snacks or water before you head to South Point, as there are no restaurants or stores along the road.
Turn right off Hwy 11 to South Point; it is well-signposted and worth the detour. South Point is the most southern point in the United States and has a swimming hole, fishing, walking trails, and views of the ocean as far as the eye can see. It is a great spot to take your snacks and enjoy the ocean views during this Big Island driving tour. The drive will take you past horse farms and windswept grasslands. Once you arrive, park in the small lot and walk to the cliffs area, you will probably see kids leaping off the cliffs in dare-devil dives into the ocean. It can sometimes be windy, so we suggest grabbing a jacket.
After leaving South Point, continue back the way you came, you will go past one of the Big Islands golf courses that has sadly closed since Covid, but look for the Nene on the old fairways as they love to hang out on in the grass.
The next stop will be in Naaleh with a visit to the Punalu’u Bake Shop. The custard-filled malasadas are a must. Much like donuts, they are a traditional Hawaiian dessert originally from Portugal. The line going into the store will tell you just how popular this place can be, especially during the busy season. They also offer sandwiches and traditional Hawaiian sweet bread for sale.
As you continue along the coast, Whittington Beach Park and Punalu’u Beach Park will give you nice ocean views and the chance to experience the black sand beaches the Big Island is known for.
Your journey continues through some of the richest soils used for growing coffee, and you will see small coffee plantings alongside the road. The south coast and volcanic soil offer the perfect conditions for growing coffee. As you get to Pahala, take a detour to Kaʻū Coffee Mill. A working coffee farm with a store and coffee farm tour. They also sell local chocolate and other Hawaiian treats.
By now, you are probably ready to settle into your room at our boutique hotel in Volcano. Continue along Highway 11 until you reach Volcano. You will find the entrance to Volcano Village Estates about a mile past the entrance station to the park. Book your stay now and enjoy a relaxing stay after your long Big Island driving tour.
