4 h

About this activity

The Big Island isn’t only breathtaking scenery and beaches – it also has a history and culture just waiting to be explored on a shore excursion. On this historical and cultural tour of Kona, you’ll take a step back in time to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, which translates to “Place of Refuge at Honaunau.” In ancient Hawaii, residents who broke Hawaii’s system of kapu (law) would receive death as punishment. The only option for survival would be to escape to the nearest puuhonua, or place of refuge.

Today, you can experience the peace of Puuhonua o Honoaunau National Historical Park, where ancient temples and ki’i (carved wooden images) hint at stories from the past. Stroll around this palm-covered sanctuary and enjoy the view of Honaunau Bay.

Continue your historical journey to St. Benedict’s Painted Church, where Belgian-born Father Velghe’s three-dimensional paintings depict heroes from the Bible. This artwork served as an important teaching tool in a time when many people couldn’t read and write. Father Velghe painted this church in 1842, and this parish continues the work Father Velghe began more than a century ago.

Finish your shore excursion at the Royal Kona Coffee Visitor Center, where you’ll see how coffee “cherries” are processed into delicious Royal Kona coffee. Enjoy the view of Kealakekua Bay in the distance and savor a sample of Kona coffee.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:

We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Kona Pier for this activity. If your ship is delayed and you are unable attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

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Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional guide
Port pickup and drop off

Not included

Souvenirs
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
This shore excursion can only be booked by Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers, Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Sea passengers, and Carnival Spirit passengers

Features

Tourism

100%

Cultural

55%

Aquatic

35%

Reviews

4.1

32

r

rmooth1

2 | 2019-08-06

The guide spoke in a monotone the entire time....could hardly understand what he was saying. Just sort of dropped off at spots and figure it out on your own. You need to add the amount of time just riding in the bus to get to one place to the other.

S

Susan D

5 | 2017-09-03

Great Guide , visiting the refuge was the best part , a beautiful place enjoyed the history of this place , we were given plenty of time for this visit. We also visited the Kona Coffee and the Painted Church.

F

Fred P

3 | 2016-01-28

Good for what we saw, just not as interesting as other sites on the Big Island.

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