Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: The South Shore Drive
Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: The South Shore Drive
You can drive from Kailua-Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in about two and a half hours on Highway 11. But this road around the south end of the island is one of the best drives in Hawaiʻi, through coffee country, past a sacred place of refuge, to the southernmost point in the United States, and across a black sand beach full of honu. Give it the whole day.
What to Pack
Where to Stop
Driving south from Kona, in order:
1. Kona coffee belt
Start with a farm tour or coffee on the lanai in Captain Cook, high above Kealakekua Bay.
30–60 min
2. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Walk the sacred place of refuge and its royal grounds. St. Benedict’s Painted Church is just up the hill.
1.5–2 hours
3. Ka Lae (South Point)
The southernmost point in the United States: wind-bent trees, cobalt water, and dramatic cliffs. About 12 miles off the highway.
45–60 min
4. Nāʻālehu
Stop for malasadas and sweet bread at Punaluʻu Bake Shop, billed as the southernmost bakery in the U.S.
20 min
5. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Jet-black sand, coconut palms, and honu resting on the shore. Don’t take any sand, and give turtles plenty of space.
30–45 min
6. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Arrive by mid-afternoon to walk Kīlauea Iki or Nāhuku, then stay for the caldera views at dusk.
The rest of the day
Insider Tip
Short on time? Choose two stops. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Punaluʻu are the easiest to reach from the highway. The Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, near mile marker 70.5, is a quiet bonus if you want a hike before reaching the summit.
Timing and Safety
Ranger Tip
- Leave Kona early. You’ll have more time at each stop and avoid driving the last stretch tired.
- Driving back after dark? Go slowly. The highway is unlit in places, and nēnē (Hawaiian geese) and cattle can be on the road.
- At South Point, stay back from the cliff edges. The wind and currents here are powerful.
- Make it a loop: return to Kona via Hilo and the Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) for a different view of the island.
