Exploring the stunning Kohala Coast Backcountry on the Big Island just got easier with the Shaka Guide audio tour. For just €18.03, up to five participants can embark on a self-guided journey through awe-inspiring landscapes and historical sites. With turn-by-turn GPS navigation and engaging narration, this flexible tour offers a chance to discover hidden gems at your own pace. From the scenic Pololu Trail to the ancient Puukohola Heiau temple, the Kohala Coast Backcountry has much to unveil. But to truly appreciate its wonders, you’ll need to dive deeper into this immersive audio experience.
Key Points
- The self-guided Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour explores the scenic coastline and charming towns of the Big Island, featuring sites like Pololu Trail and Puukohola Heiau.
- The Shaka Guide app provides immersive audio narration, turn-by-turn GPS directions, and offline map functionality to ensure a seamless and flexible discovery experience.
- Highlights along the tour include King Kamehameha I’s Statue, Kohala Mountain Scenic Lookout Point, and local eateries showcasing the island’s fresh produce and flavors.
- The tour is priced from €18.03 per group (up to 5 participants) and offers free cancellation, a reserve now and pay later option, and a 299-day validity.
- Guests are advised to bring sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, snacks, and charged smartphones to access the Shaka Guide app and make the most of the self-guided adventure.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour takes visitors on a short loop drive through the Kohala region, offering scenic views of the lush coastline and tree-lined hills.
Priced from €18.03 per group (up to 5 participants), the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Valid for 299 days, the tour can be taken at any start time, with availability checked upon booking.
The Shaka Guide app provides the local guidance, including turn-by-turn GPS directions and an offline map, allowing explorers to discover the area at their own pace.
Tour Highlights and Activities
As visitors embark on the Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour, they’ll discover a captivating short loop drive showcasing the region’s lush coastline and tree-lined hills. Key stops include the Pololu Trail, an iconic hike offering panoramic views, and the Puukohola Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple with a rich cultural heritage. On top of that, the tour highlights the charming towns of Hawi and Waimea, each with its distinct character and local attractions, such as King Kamehameha I’s Statue and the Kohala Mountain Scenic Lookout Point.
| Iconic Stops | Fascinating Destinations |
|---|---|
| Pololu Trail | Hawi Town |
| Puukohola Heiau | Waimea Town |
| King Kamehameha I’s Statue | Anna Ranch |
Audio Tour Features
Shaka Guide’s app provides local guidance throughout the Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour, offering hours of immersive audio narration that weaves together stories, travel tips, and music.
The tour features:
- Turn-by-turn GPS directions to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
- An offline map that works without any Wi-Fi or data connection.
- The freedom to explore at your own pace, with tour highlights and recommendations for activities and dining.
The tours never expire, so you can start whenever it suits your schedule.
Simply download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tour and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Kohala Coast.
What to Bring
For the Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour, visitors should bring a few essential items.
Sturdy hiking shoes are a must for navigating the moderate trails. Sunscreen and a hat will protect against the Hawaii sun. Bringing along snacks and plenty of water is recommended, as there are limited food options during the tour.
Headphones are essential for enjoying the audio narration and music. Water shoes may come in handy for any beach or stream crossings.
And don’t forget to bring a charged smartphone to access the Shaka Guide app and map. With these items in tow, travelers can fully enjoy the beauty of the Kohala Coast.
Best Food Stops
The best food stops along the Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour are found in the charming towns of Hawi and Waimea.
These quaint communities offer a variety of local eateries and farmers markets that showcase the island’s fresh produce and flavors.
Some top food recommendations include:
-
Hawi Farmer’s Market: Browse stalls selling tropical fruits, homemade jams, and artisanal crafts.
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Sushi Rock: Savor expertly prepared sushi and poke bowls in a casual, open-air setting.
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Village Burger: Indulge in juicy burgers made with locally sourced ingredients and pair them with fries or Hawaiian-style macaroni salad.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, these food stops provide a delightful taste of the Kohala Coast’s culinary offerings.
Entrance Fees and Restrooms
There are no entrance fees for the parks and attractions visited on the Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour.
However, it’s recommended to have cash on hand for any snacks, gifts, or optional activities.
The only public restroom in Hawi Town is located at the Kohala Welcome Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Outside of these hours, you may need to plan ahead or seek alternative facilities.
The tour is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace and enjoy the natural beauty and unique charm of the Kohala Coast region.
Tour Logistics
The Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour is a self-guided experience, meaning private transportation isn’t included. Guests are responsible for their own meals, refreshments, and parking fees during the tour.
The tour starts and ends in Waikoloa, traveling in a counterclockwise direction only. To access the purchased tours, travelers must download the Shaka Guide app prior to their adventure.
The key logistics to keep in mind:
- Transportation and meals aren’t provided.
- Parking fees are the responsibility of participants.
- The tour follows a specific counterclockwise route starting and ending in Waikoloa.
Accessing the Tour
To access the Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour, users must download the Shaka Guide app prior to their adventure. The app provides the necessary offline map, GPS directions, and audio narration to guide them through the scenic Kohala Coast.
Once the tour is purchased, it can be accessed anytime, with the flexibility to start at a customized time. The app’s intuitive interface allows users to easily navigate the tour highlights and explore the region at their own pace.
With no data or Wi-Fi required, the Shaka Guide audio tour offers a seamless and immersive way to discover the hidden gems of the Kohala Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Total Duration of the Audio Tour?
The audio tour guide does not provide a specific total duration. However, it offers hours of narration with stories, travel tips, and music, allowing the user to explore the highlights at their own pace.
Can the Tour Be Done in Reverse Order?
The tour can only be done in the clockwise direction, as the tour starts and ends in Waikoloa. Traveling the route in reverse order is not an option with this particular audio tour.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There is no minimum group size requirement for the Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour. The tour can be booked for a single participant or for a group of up to 5 people at the same price.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?
The Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour doesn’t offer discounts for seniors or children. The price is a flat rate of €18.03 per group of up to 5 participants, regardless of age.
Can the Tour Be Customized or Personalized?
The audio tour can be personalized by choosing your own start time and customizing the itinerary based on the tour highlights. However, there are no discounts for seniors or children available.
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Recap
The Kohala Coast Backcountry Audio Tour offers an immersive and flexible way to explore Big Island’s stunning landscapes and historical sites. With its GPS-guided directions, engaging audio narration, and no entrance fees, it’s an ideal self-guided experience to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage at your own pace.