Shaka Guide Big Island Review: What I Loved (and What You Should Know)
The first time I tried the Shaka Guide app, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d heard great things about this GPS audio tour that guides you around the Big Island without needing to join a group, but didn’t know if it would be worth it.
Would the GPS actually work? Would I learn anything new?
Spoiler alert: Yes, and yes! The Big Island Shaka Guide is definitely worth getting!
This app is perfect for first-time visitors. But even if you’ve been to the Big Island before, the Shaka Guide offers a new perspective on places you may have already seen and shares stories and details you might’ve missed the first time around.
In this review, I’ll share what it’s like to use the app, why I love it, and whether it’s the right fit for your trip.
Shaka Guide Big Island Tour Bundle
Save money on ALL 5 Big Island GPS audio tours guiding you around the island with interesting information, corny dad jokes, and Hawaiian musical interludes.
What is the Shaka Guide App?
The Shaka Guide app is a self-guided GPS audio tour that helps you explore the island like you’re riding around with a professional tour guide leading the way.
Once downloaded, it works completely offline—so even if you lose cell service (which definitely happens on the Big Island), the tour keeps going without a hitch.
Here’s how it works:
As you drive, the app uses your GPS location to automatically play fun facts, silly jokes, and helpful tips based on where you are.
It also gives turn-by-turn directions, highlights must-see stops, and shares insight into Hawaiian culture, history, and folklore—all in a friendly voice with Hawaiian musical interludes (I always feel like I’m on a Disneyland ride lol!).
It’s essentially your own personal tour guide—just without the big groups, tight schedules, or awkward van rides.
❌ Actually, there are only two cons I’ve found with this app compared to taking a group tour:
- You can’t ask the tour guide questions
- You have to do your own driving (thankfully the Big Island is easy driving)
You can purchase individual Shaka Guide tours, like ones for Volcanoes National Park or Kona, or grab them all in the Big Island Tour Bundle, which saves you money.
There’s also a Hawaii Tour Collection if you’re visiting multiple Hawaiian islands.
➡️ Browse Shaka Guide Tours Here!
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: Two must-have accessories for using the Shaka Guide app are a phone charger (it drains your battery fast!) and a phone holder if your car doesn’t have a screen to keep your map visible while driving. (I use this one)
What I Love About Using the Shaka Guide
One of the best parts about using the Shaka Guide on the Big Island is how it blends fun storytelling with practical info—all while leaving me in full control of my trip. I wasn’t tethered to a tour group or itinerary, but I still felt like I had a knowledgeable guide riding along, pointing out things I’d probably miss otherwise.
Like on the Kohala Coast Backcountry tour, when it pointed out the legendary Kamehameha Rock hiding in plain sight on the side of the road. Now I feel like I know a local secret.
Or when I followed the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park tour and it led me to Mauna Ulu—a short, fascinating hike past lava fissures and iridescent rocks. I would’ve never have stopped if the Shaka Guide hadn’t told me to and now it’s a favorite stop in the park.
Another spot was on the drive down Chain of Craters Road to the coast, when it casually mentioned a rock formation in the lava field. To me it looks very muchlike Pride Rock from The Lion King so of course I pulled over and reenacted the iconic Rafiki–Simba pose—because how could I not?!
Besides mentioning fun stops, Shaka Guide also makes navigating the island easy. The GPS directions were spot-on, like following Google Maps but with personality 💃.
Even deep within HVNP where cell service drops out, everything kept working smoothly because I downloaded the tour in advance.
As someone who prefers to explore on my own, discover hidden gems, but still learn a bit about the places I’m visiting, the Shaka Guide fits my travel style perfectly. It makes the drive more fun and interesting, but lets me explore the island on my own terms.
My biggest complaint is that there isn’t more information. There were stretches of dead air between stops that could’ve been filled with extra stories or fun facts.
That said, I get why they might hold back—depending on your driving speed, too much audio could mean you miss key info before reaching the next point of interest or prohibit conversations in the car about what you saw.
🤙 Check Out Shaka Guide Tours Here
Which Big Island Tours Are There?
The Shaka Guide offers five different audio tours for the Big Island, each covering a different part of the island and packed with fun stops, history, and hidden gems:
- Kona Big Kahuna Loop – This west-side loop starts in Waikoloa and heads down to Captain Cook. You’ll hit a local bee farm, great snorkel spots, a sacred Hawaiian site, a Kona coffee farm, and more.
- South Island Epic Coast Journey – If you’re up for a full-day road trip, this southern route tour takes you from Kona down to South Point, a Kaʻū coffee farm, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, through Hilo, and wraps up with views from Mauna Kea. 🔄️Reverse order option
- North Island Jungle Adventure Loop – Starting from either Kona or Waikoloa, this tour follows the lush Hamakua Coast with stops at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, ‘Akaka Falls, a scenic 4-mile drive, and then loops through Hilo and Saddle Road. 🔄️Reverse order option.
- Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Tour – A deep dive into one of the island’s most iconic attractions, this tour guides you to must-see spots like Steam Vents, craters galore, scenic overlooks, a lava tube, and even a sea arch along the coast.
- Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour – Explore the historic and rugged Kohala Peninsula, with stops at ancient Hawaiian sites, Pololū Valley, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country, and more.
🤑 BEST DEAL!
- Big Island Tour Bundle – If you’re interested in more than one tour the bundle includes all five tours at a discounted price. Shaka Guide also runs sales pretty often, bringing the price down even further.
FAQ About the Shaka Guide
Who is this app best for?
Anyone who wants to explore the Big Island at their own pace—especially first-time visitors, families wanting car entertainment, and those who want local stories without joining a group tour.
How does Shaka Guide work?
Download the tour, hit play, and drive. It uses your GPS to play audio based on your location—even offline.
What if I don’t start at the beginning of the tour?
No problem! The app will still work and start guiding you from any point along the route.
Can I take the tour in reverse order?
Most tours are designed to be taken in a specific direction, however, there are some that can be taken in reverse. Check the tour’s details page on the Shaka Guide app.
You Might Like Using the Shaka Guide on These Routes:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Driving from Kona to Hilo
Final Thoughts: Is the Shaka Guide Worth It for the Big Island?
Absolutely! Using the Shaka Guide makes traipsing around the Big Island easier, more informative, and honestly, more fun.
It’s the perfect balance between being educational and entertaining, all while giving me the flexibility to explore at my own pace.
For the price—especially compared to the cost of a group tour—it’s a great value. You pay for one tour and it covers as many people as can fit in your car.
Not only have I used multiple Big Island tours, I’d even try it on the other islands or their mainland destinations.
If you’re heading to the Big Island and want the perks of a guided experience without being stuck on a group tour, the Shaka Guide is 100% worth getting.
Pick Out Your Shaka Guide Big Island Tours Here! >>
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I find that Discount Hawaii Car Rental usually has the best rates as well as offers TWO FREE extra drivers and reduced rates for young drivers ages 20-24!
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