Historic Kona Town Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers (from Kona Pier)
Join a tour on the Big Island of Hawaii that will take you back to the historic era of Kailua, Kona. Visit Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, an sacred place where ancient Hawaiians once took refuge to defy death!
Step off your cruise ship and travel to ancient Kona, where the kapu system was law and first contact with the Western world was only just made. Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Place of Refuge, offers a window into the life of the ancient Hawaiians. You'll also stop at a lookout where you can see the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay. Lastly, visit the Painted Church, a famous chapel known for the Biblical murals that cover its walls. Journey though Hawaii's history on this cruise ship shore excursion!
Place of Refuge
Puuhonua O Honaunau was once a sacred place where those who broke the kapu system—a crime punishable by law—could run to and seek absolution before being caught by the authorities. Now a historical park, this Place of Refuge serves as a monument to Hawaii's pre-contact history.
Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook is famous for being the first Westerner to land on Hawaii's shores, an event that forever changed Hawaiian history. While initially friendly, a few adversarial encounters between the Hawaiians and the sailors soured their relationship, ending in a bloody battle on Kealakekua's shores in which Captain Cook lost his life. A white obelisk was placed at the site of Captain Cook's death to remember this famous explorer.
Painted Church
Jean Berchmans Velghe, known as Father John, was a Belgian priest that arrived to Hawaii in the late 1800s. He painted the walls of the small St. Benedict's Catholic Church with various murals that depict Biblical scenes to teach Hawaiians the word of God, even if they couldn't read it. This 200-year-old church still stands today as a reminder of Hawaii's missionary past.
Puuhonua O Honaunau was once a sacred place where those who broke the kapu system—a crime punishable by law—could run to and seek absolution before being caught by the authorities. Now a historical park, this Place of Refuge serves as a monument to Hawaii's pre-contact history.
Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook is famous for being the first Westerner to land on Hawaii's shores, an event that forever changed Hawaiian history. While initially friendly, a few adversarial encounters between the Hawaiians and the sailors soured their relationship, ending in a bloody battle on Kealakekua's shores in which Captain Cook lost his life. A white obelisk was placed at the site of Captain Cook's death to remember this famous explorer.
Painted Church
Jean Berchmans Velghe, known as Father John, was a Belgian priest that arrived to Hawaii in the late 1800s. He painted the walls of the small St. Benedict's Catholic Church with various murals that depict Biblical scenes to teach Hawaiians the word of God, even if they couldn't read it. This 200-year-old church still stands today as a reminder of Hawaii's missionary past.
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Price
GE Tax included
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Schedule & Location
- Schedule
- Pick-up
Time & Location - Drop-off
Time & Location
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Pick-up at Kona Pier
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Historic Kona Tour
Spend some time ranging over the island of Kona. Learn about its rich history and its significance to the Hawaiians who once broke a kapu. During the tour, visit St. Benedict Catholic Church and marvel at its colorful interior which the Belgian priests painted themselves.
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Kealakekua Bay
Take in the panoramic views of the bay and see the Captain Cook Monument. Bring out your camera and snap photos of the picturesque scenery, perfect for any social media post!
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Coffee Factory Visit
Coffee lovers must rejoice as Kona is home to amazing brews. Make your way to a coffee factory and don't miss sipping on a good cup of Kona coffee, at your own expense.
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Drop-off
Notes
Restriction(s)
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- The tour is ADA accessible. Please contact the activity provider at least 18 hours in advance for request of ADA vehicle.
- For guests using electric wheelchairs, the combined weight of the wheelchair and guest cannot exceed 500 lbs.
- If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
Required Items to Bring & Attire
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- Each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of luggage and one carry-on at no additional charge. Charges apply for additional and/or oversized pieces of luggage.
- Carry-ons must be placed on your lap and in your possession at all times.
- Cash
- Walking shoes
- Comfortable clothing
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sunscreen
Requirement(s) - Others
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- Please book your reservations 24 hours prior to tour time to ensure that you are at the pier side in time for your tour pick up.
Additional Note(s)
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- If the guardian requires a seat for the child under the age of 4, the regular rate will be applicable.
- You will be refunded if the tour is canceled due to changes in the cruise ship’s itinerary (i.e. force majeure, weather cancellations). Please contact VELTRA for your refund.
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The activity provider does not assume any responsibility for your valuables and/or personal belongings.
- Children three (3) years old and under are free, but will need to sit on a parent or guardian's lap if there are no available seats.
- Drinks and meals are available for purchase
FAQ
Please click HERE to send an inquiry about this activity
Payment/Cancellation policy
Payment type
| Credit card payment |
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Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 17:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
