Big Island Kona: Coffee, Bee Farm & Sacred Sites Day Trip

Bee farm tastings, Kona coffee fields and sacred trails along the rugged coast

You’ll walk ancient trails along Kona’s coast, spot sea turtles at Kaloko-Honokohau, sip fresh-brewed Kona coffee overlooking Kealakekua Bay, and taste island honey straight from local beekeepers. With hotel pickup and lunch included, you’ll feel both welcomed and quietly awed by Hawaii’s living history.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup from Kona or Kohala areas with a certified local guide leading each stop.
• entry fees are covered for all parks.
• bottled water is always available.
• you’ll enjoy honey tastings at Big Island Bees plus fresh-roasted Kona coffee at a family-run plantation.
• lunch is picnic-style overlooking Kealakekua Bay before returning in the afternoon.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore historical parks and local farms

• Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Park
• Walk to sacred temples and petroglyphs
• Spot sea turtles or monk seals
• Tour Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park
• Learn about ancient Hawaiian kapu laws
• Ride along volcanic coastline to bee farm
• See beekeeping presentation and sample honey
• Walk through coffee orchards and learn process
• Sample Kona coffee
• Enjoy picnic lunch overlooking Kealakekua Bay
• Admire scenic views of Kealakekua Bay
• Hear story of Captain James Cook’s arrival

The Experience

I’ll admit, I was mostly in it for the coffee at first. But standing on the crunchy black sand at Kaloko-Honokohau, our guide Kaleo pointed out petroglyphs I would’ve walked right past. The air smelled salty and a bit earthy—someone nearby was eating dried fish—and every so often you’d hear birds that didn’t sound like any I knew. We watched a green sea turtle haul itself up the sand. I tried to take a photo but honestly just ended up staring.

At Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, Kaleo explained how people once ran here to escape punishment—he called it “the original Hawaiian reset button.” There was this hush over the place, even with our group chatting quietly. I don’t know if it was the wind or just knowing what had happened there. The walk wasn’t long but the sun felt heavy on my shoulders; bring water (they give you some), but still—Hawaii sun is no joke.

The coffee farm stop was next. We wandered through rows of glossy-leafed trees while a woman named Malia told us about picking season and how her dad still roasts beans by hand. The sample they poured tasted nothing like what I get back home—warmer somehow? Maybe it’s just being there with the view of Kealakekua Bay below. Lunch was simple but good: sandwiches, fruit, and that view again. Someone asked about Captain Cook’s landing and we got a quick history lesson between bites.

I didn’t expect to get so into bees, but at Big Island Bees you can watch them working behind glass (I kept flinching anyway). The honey tasting is wild—macadamia blossom is my new favorite thing. Our group laughed when someone tried to guess which flower made which honey; apparently none of us have sophisticated palates. By the end I felt sticky, tired in a good way, and kind of grateful for all these little stories layered into one day trip from Kona.

Top questions

How long is the Kona bee farm & coffee tour?

This day trip lasts about half a day, including stops at historical sites, a coffee plantation with tasting and lunch, plus time at Big Island Bees.

Is hotel pickup included for this Big Island tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in the Kona and Kohala areas.

What do you see at Kaloko-Honokohau?

You’ll see ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, sacred temples along the beach trail—and sometimes sea turtles or monk seals on the sand.

Are food & drinks provided on this tour?

The tour includes bottled water throughout the day, honey tasting at the bee farm, coffee tasting at a plantation, plus a picnic-style lunch with snacks.

Is this Kona day trip suitable for kids?

Children under 5 years old aren’t allowed to participate; older kids are welcome if they can handle moderate walking outdoors.

What should I wear for this Kona tour?

Closed-toe shoes and summer attire are recommended since you’ll be walking outdoors on uneven ground in warm weather.