
Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour worth booking?
Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour is a 48-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $20 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (20)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $20 per person
Explore the southern half of Hawaii’s Big Island with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through lava landscapes, black sand beaches, coffee country, and scenic coastal communities. There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, stories, Hawaiian history, and local insight as you drive. Follow turn-by-turn directions to highlights including Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Ka Lae (South Point), Kaʻū coffee country, and optional stops at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing the Big Island to life through authentic stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local insight. Choose the stops that interest you, skip others, and customize the journey around your schedule. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
What you get
- Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations
- Three designated starting areas: Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo
- Access to the South Island Epic Coastal Journey in the Shaka Guide app
- Offline map and audio after download
- Flexible itinerary with optional stops and side trips
- Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
About this experience
Explore the southern half of Hawaii’s Big Island with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through lava landscapes, black sand beaches, coffee country, and scenic coastal communities. There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, stories, Hawaiian history, and local insight as you drive. Follow turn-by-turn directions to highlights including Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Ka Lae (South Point), Kaʻū coffee country, and optional stops at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing the Big Island to life through authentic stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local insight. Choose the stops that interest you, skip others, and customize the journey around your schedule. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
What's included
Included
- Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations
- Three designated starting areas: Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo
- Access to the South Island Epic Coastal Journey in the Shaka Guide app
- Offline map and audio after download
- Flexible itinerary with optional stops and side trips
- Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
- Tour access does not expire
- One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle
Not included
- In-person tour guide
- Transportation or rental vehicle
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shaka Guide Apps
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
- The tour has designated starting areas in Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo. Choose the starting point that best fits your trip in the Shaka Guide app.
- Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
- Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you begin. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
- Plan approximately 10–12 hours for a full-day experience. The itinerary is flexible, and travelers who want to spend more time at optional stops can continue the tour over multiple days.
- Stops and side trips are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer, or customize the route around your interests and available time.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an optional stop and requires a separate National Park Service entrance pass. Park admission is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
- Admission, parking, tours, or other fees charged by optional third-party attractions are not included and are paid directly to the attraction if you choose to visit.
- The tour’s recommended Maunakea stop is the Visitor Information Station. Driving to the summit is not required and may be subject to separate vehicle, weather, and access restrictions.
- Road and stop access can change due to weather, storms, maintenance, or local conditions. Follow posted closures and signage and skip any location that is inaccessible during your visit.
- Wildlife sightings, including sea turtles at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, are not guaranteed. Never approach, touch, or feed wildlife.
- Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some beaches, trails, coastal areas, and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Bring water, sun protection, and a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for this full-day route.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Must Do Experience
This was probably the best decision we made when trying to explore the big island! So glad this kind of audio tour exists. It made our day so wonderful, easy and fun! We got to see and learn so much more about Hawaii than we would if we were trying to navigate it ourselves. The seamless experience was so worth it and 10/10. Would absolutely do this again or another tour entirely. I don’t think I can visit any other park or location without this guide. We really loved the experience and was very worth the money we spent!
Response from the operator: Aloha Ayomide, That South Island loop can turn into a real adventure when you let the day breathe a little. Sounds like you found that rhythm, easy, fun, and full of places you might’ve missed on your own. Love hearing it made the Big Island feel more open and connected. Mahalo for exploring with Shaka Guide 🤙
via Viator
This tour was very...
This tour was very informative and was always engaging so you knew where you were and where to go. I wish I had known that they had a special bundle that included Volcanos NP. I also purchased the Koala coast tour but that one wasn't near as good as this one.
via Viator
Awesome Self Guided Tour
We thoroughly liked this trip with the course set around the southern and eastern parts of the island. Great comentary and never a dull moment. It is a good way to start your trip with directions, so you can go back to any spot on your own. Sometimes, seniors need a little help from pros to explore the island, without spending big bucks on tours.
via Viator
Inexpensive Adventures
Incredible guided tour without the price. Loved the history provided as well. We enjoyed knowing when to stop for photo ops before passing the location.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the historical details and the tips for photo ops along the way. It's great to hear the tour added so much to your experience without the cost of a traditional guide. We appreciate your feedback!
via Viator
Awesome!
I lived this. Much cheaper than going on an actual guided tour. We were able to go at our own pace, and the tour was very informative and gave us a good history and understanding of the island. Definitely worth the 20$
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the awesome review. Don't forget to tell all your friends about Shaka guide and let them know they are missing out on the best Aloha experience 🤙😍🤙
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shaka Guide Apps, who run 105 experiences we rank across 47 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.9.
See everything Shaka Guide Apps runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour cost?
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Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour take?
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Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Included: Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations; Three designated starting areas: Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo; Access to the South Island Epic Coastal Journey in the Shaka Guide app; Offline map and audio after download; and Flexible itinerary with optional stops and side trips. Not included: In-person tour guide; Transportation or rental vehicle; Food and drinks; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; Road and stop access can change due to weather, storms, maintenance, or local conditions; and Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, a. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Big Island of Hawaii. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Across 20 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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