Kona Cruise Excursion - Visit Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, St Benedict’s Painted Church & Coffee Center

Discover the history and culture of the Big Island on this Kona shore excursion designed for cruise ship guests. Depart from Kailua-Kona Pier and travel to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, the legendary Place of Refuge that once offered sanctuary to ancient Hawaiians. Stroll the beautifully maintained grounds, view traditional structures, and learn about the kapu system that shaped island life. Continue to St Benedict’s Painted Church, a charming chapel famed for its vibrant hand-painted murals depicting Biblical scenes. Your journey also includes a visit to the Royal Kona Coffee Center, where you can sample world-famous Kona coffee and browse Hawaiian souvenirs. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of Kealakekua Bay and the distant Captain Cook Monument before returning to the pier.

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

Designed for Pride of America cruise ship guests: Seamless Kona shore excursion with departure from the Kailua-Kona Pier, timed to fit Pride of America tender schedules and port calls.

Authentic Hawaiian history: Visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the sacred Place of Refuge that reveals the kapu system and traditional lifeways.

Cultural and scenic highlights: See St. Benedict’s Painted Church with its striking hand-painted murals, and enjoy views of Kealakekua Bay and the distant Captain Cook Monument.

Taste Kona coffee at the source: Stop at the Royal Kona Coffee Center to sample renowned Kona coffee, learn about roasting, and find great souvenirs.

Highlights:

• 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 in 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.
• Royal Kona Coffee
The Big Island is world-famous for its rich blends of Kona coffee, and a stop at Royal Kona Coffee gives you a chance to sip the flavorful brew while browsing through the shop and exhibits.

What to expect

• Departure from the Kailua-Kona Pier after tendering from your cruise ship
• Guided visit to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, including coastal vistas and cultural exhibits
• Stop at St. Benedict’s Painted Church to view detailed Biblical murals and learn its history
• Lookout stop with panoramic views of Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
• Tasting and shopping time at the Royal Kona Coffee Center for fresh Kona coffee and gifts
• Comfortable walking with some uneven or sandy surfaces within the park

Local expert tips

• Reserve your ship tender at least 24 hours in advance to ensure you reach the pier before tour departure
• Wear sturdy walking shoes, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau has sandy and uneven areas that can be challenging
• Bring sun protection and water, shade is limited at some stops and Hawaii Island sun can be strong
• Lunch is not included, consider a light snack before boarding or bring a small snack for the road
• Respect cultural sites by staying on marked paths and observing posted guidelines within the park and church

What to bring

• Comfortable closed toe walking shoes
• Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Light snack if desired, lunch is not included
• Cash or card for coffee tasting and souvenirs
• Light rain jacket or cover up for passing showers

How to get there?

The tour departs from the Kailua-Kona Pier. Guests arriving by Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America will tender ashore to the pier. To ensure an on time departure, book a tender reservation with your ship at least 24 hours before your tour time. Some sailings may offer early tender tickets for shore excursions. Please arrive at the pier by the check in time on your confirmation, the tour departs promptly.