How to Plan Your Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

If you’re visiting Hawaii and looking for a perfect day trip, then the Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee is an excellent option for you! This tour takes you through the areas of Wai, providing a full-day exploration of Kona. You can see green sea turtles, learn how Kona coffee is made, visit archeological sites, and make the most of your time in Hawaii. So, let’s get started on how to plan your Kona shore excursion.

Overview of the Tour

During this tour, you will have an opportunity to explore various Hawaiian landmarks and learn about historical heritage, natural beauty, wildlife, and culinary culture. You will also have a chance to stop at white sand beaches, sample locally crafted world-famous coffee, and engage in many activities depending on your preferences.

This tour lasts for approximately six hours, and it includes port pickup and drop-off, bottled water, a professional guide, lunch (stop is made to purchase at local vendor), and alcoholic drinks (can be purchased at Kona Brewery). Optional snorkel gear is available for rent at Turtle Beach.

Highlights of the Tour

The Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee visit includes the following highlights:

1. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

The tour starts at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, which features both white sand beaches and dramatic black lava landscapes. At the park, you’ll see Hawaiian archaeology, ancient fishponds, traditional Hawaiian huts reconstructed with traditional materials along with hawks, sea turtles, and other marine life.

2. Green Sea Turtles

On this tour, you will have a chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles. These turtles are commonly found on the beaches; you will get an opportunity to learn about their history and how they’ve made their way back to the Hawaiian Islands. Your guide will share insights on the turtles’ habitat, diet, and behavior.

3. Kona Coffee Tasting

After your visit to the national park, you’ll be taken to a Kona Coffee company to learn how the coffee is grown, harvested, and packaged. You will also have a chance to taste the locally crafted world-famous coffee and have the option to purchase it. It’s an opportunity to learn about the history of one of the oldest coffee-growing regions in the world and engage in a rich cultural experience.

4. Souvenir Shopping or Snorkeling

You’ll have the option to stop and visit some souvenir shops to pick up some gifts to take home. You may also decide to rent snorkel gear to make memories of snorkeling with sea turtles. Or, you may choose to relax at the local brewery before returning to the port.

Tips for Planning Your Tour

Here are some tips to help you plan your Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee tour:

1. Prepare for Outdoor Conditions

Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes for a day out in the sun. Don’t forget to pack sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

2. Bring Cash and Credit Cards

You will need cash and credit cards to purchase items from vendors and souvenir shops. The tour includes lunch, but it is not included in the price of the trip, so make sure to bring money to buy food.

3. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your guide is knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Hawaiian islands and is happy to share information with you.

4. Book the Tour Online

You can book this tour online through the Viator website. It’s essential to book in advance to guarantee your spot, as this tour can fill up fast. You can book the tour here: book the tour here.

Conclusion

The Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee tour is the perfect way to experience some of Hawaii’s best places, from historical and cultural landmarks and beautiful nature to the world-famous Kona coffee. It’s a great way to spend your day on the island of Hawaii; book your trip today!

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Wai

Wai is a traditional Thai gesture that involves folding your hands in front of your chest with a slight bow. It is a common way of showing respect, gratitude, and apologizing in Thai culture. As a tourist in Thailand, you might come across situations where you need to know about the wai gesture. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about wai.

What is the Origin of Wai?

Wai is an ancient gesture that dates back to the Sukhothai period in Thai history (1238 – 1438). The Sukhothai people used wai as a way of showing respect and gratitude to their teachers and royalty. Over the years, the gesture has become part of Thai culture, with people using it to express different emotions such as gratitude, respect, and apologizing.

When should I use Wai?

As a tourist, you will find wai happening at different times in Thailand. Here are some common situations where you might need to use wai.

Greeting

When you meet someone for the first time in Thailand, it is always good to use wai. It is a way of showing respect and acknowledging the person’s presence. If the person is your senior or an authority figure, you should wai them first. When wai-ing, ensure that your fingertips touch your chin, and your head is slightly bowed.

Showing Gratitude

When someone goes out of their way to help or assist you, it is polite to wai them. For example, if a taxi driver goes above and beyond to find your destination, you can wai them as a sign of gratitude.

Apologizing

If you unintentionally do something that offends someone, it is appropriate to wai and apologize. The wai gesture shows that you are sorry and respect the other person.

Who should I Wai?

In Thai culture, wai-ing someone is a sign of respect. Here are some rules of thumb to follow.

Elders

In Thailand, respecting elders is a fundamental principle. If you meet someone who is older than you, it is appropriate to wai them first.

Authority Figures

If you meet someone who holds a position of authority, such as a police officer or a teacher, it is polite to wai them first. Wai-ing such figures shows that you respect their position and authority.

Monks

In Thailand, Buddhist monks hold a special place in society. If you encounter a monk, it is respectful to wai them first.

Is it necessary to Wai?

Wai is an essential aspect of Thai culture, but as a tourist, it is not mandatory to use it. However, if you want to show that you respect Thai culture, it is advisable to learn how to wai and use it where appropriate.

How do I Wai?

Wai-ing is a simple gesture that involves folding your hands in front of your chest with a slight bow. Here are the steps to follow.

1. Stand facing the person you want to wai.
2. Bring your hands together in front of your chest, with your fingertips touching your chin.
3. Bow slightly.
4. Hold the wai for a second, then release.

Can I Wai Incorrectly?

Yes, you can wai incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes that people make when wai-ing.

• Bringing your hands too high- Your fingertips should touch your chin, not your nose.
• Bowing too low- The bow should be slight; do not bow too low.
• Not wai-ing first- It is essential to wai first when meeting someone older or in authority.
• Not returning a wai- If someone wais you, it is polite to wai back.

Conclusion

Wai is an essential aspect of Thai culture that involves folding your hands in front of your chest with a slight bow. As a tourist in Thailand, it is essential to learn about the wai gesture, when and how to use it, and who to wai. By using the wai gesture, you show respect and acknowledge the customs and traditions of Thai culture.