Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour in Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii, United States

Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour

Outty Ranking 63 4.4 · 20 traveler reviews48 hoursFrom $20

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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 63 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
63 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (20)
Duration
48 hours
From
$20 per person

Explore the southern half of Hawaii’s Big Island at your own pace on a self-guided GPS audio driving tour through dramatic lava landscapes, black sand beaches, coffee country, historic sites, and scenic coastal communiti

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the southern half of Hawaii’s Big Island at your own pace on a self-guided GPS audio driving tour through dramatic lava landscapes, black sand beaches, coffee country, historic sites, and scenic coastal communities. 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 and the Maunakea Visitor Information Station. 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. One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle. 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

    • Take the tour when you want
    • Tours NEVER expire
    • Offline map of the entire island
    • Freedom to explore at your own pace
    • Tour Start is Customizable
    • Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
    • Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
    • Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
    • Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
    • Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

    Not included

    • Meals & Refreshments
    • Hotel pick-up and drop off

    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
    • There’s limited cell service in the remote parts of the island. Be sure to download the tour before you start!
    • If you begin in Kona, the tour will go counterclockwise. If you begin in Hilo, the tour will go clockwise.
    • The tour is designed to explore the south and southwest part of the island during the day and end up at Mauna Kea in the evening. It has the same stories and stops no matter where you begin.
    • If you want to visit Volcanoes National Park, we recommend budgeting 3-4 hours for this stop. To beat the crowds, it's best to arrive before 10 a.m. or to come on a weekday.
    • Ka'u Coffee Mill is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. They offer free 20-minute guided tours Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No reservations required.
    • Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.
    • Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Christmas, New Years and the first Thursday of each month. Requires an admission fee.
    • Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station is open daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
    • Pack clothes for hiking and swimming. You’ll have the option to do both on this tour.
    • Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
    • The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
    • Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
    • Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
    • Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting

    Photos

    Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 2Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 3Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 4Big Island South Coast Loop Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 5App comes with an offline map & turn-by-turn navigation!Know exactly where to go as we make our way around the Southern coast of the Big Island

    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 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several 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.

    5 star
    11
    4 star
    7
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Ayomide_L · July 2026

    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

    Mike_M · May 2026

    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

    Clyde_T · May 2026

    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

    Yvette_B · January 2025

    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

    Christina_C · September 2024

    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

    Why this scores 63

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)39
    Booking momentum (14% weight)31
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)28
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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