Think Big Island Hawaii and we automatically envision a tropical paradise - and indeed it is. With so many activities to keep your holiday fun filled, you won't know what to do first. The sights are amazing, the views absolutely magnificent and the islanders so friendly.
See the stunning views of Big Island by helicopter. What an amazing experience to brag about once you have returned home. Yes, the Joneses will certainly be green with envy.
This can be done by touring the Kohala Coast, one of the most picturesque areas on Big Island, so take your camera because you are going to be seeing some breathtaking scenery here. Such beautiful cascading waterfalls you will see from up high, as well as verdant rainforests. Lush, green tropical mountains and valleys will certainly delight the eager eyes.
Tour the national parks by cycle and explore the Kilauea Volcano, where all your equipment will be provided, as well as lunch and beverages. With well-trained guides accompanying you, your tour will be not only educational but as safe as possible. You will be taken through varied terrain and visit many mythological and seemingly magical areas along your trek. See ancient Hawaiian rainforests, or perhaps walk through a lava tube.
If horseback riding is more your style, don't worry, this too is available on Big Island. From Monday through Saturday you can experience the thrill of the wind in your hair and the sun on your back.
Visit the 175,000-acre working ranch: Meander through beautiful green pastures as you view the spectacular backdrops, the beautiful plants and the wonderful wildlife in all their natural splendor. You will view pheasants, francolins and perhaps some bacon on hoof.
You certainly will feel like a paniolo, "a cowboy/cowgirl" in Hawaiian. You'll ride through corrals made of stone, see the racetrack where the Parker Ranch Thoroughbreds were raised and trained and view the serene mountains as you do it. The ranch is not far at all from the little Kamuela Airport.
You will ride the outskirts of the Valley of The Kings, "Hele Mai Kapoui" in Hawaiian? The journey will take approximately two hours and you will also ride to the summit of Hiilawe, which is deemed as one of Hawaii's highest waterfalls. The views here are picture perfect!
You will then pass sugar cane and taro patches. As you do, the experience just keeps getting better as you hear the rushing waters of the waterfall as it washes upon the valley beneath.You will also see the pristine black sand mile wide beach which cocoons the valley below. Mauna Kea will cloak you in its magical folds, as you view the amazing horizon within the distance.
There are a number of things to experience, so make sure you do. Go snorkeling at any of the following Mahukona, Kiholo, Makalawena, Puako, Keahole, Kaloko, Kaiwi, Kailua Bay, Keauhou, Kainaliu, Red Hill, Kealakekua as well as Honaunau.
Or how about a submarine tour? A submarine tour which will show you all of Kona you can't see any other way but underwater. You will view the beautiful coral formations, tropical fish, and underwater world you never have seen as this before. This is sheer paradise indeed, so what are you waiting for?
There are also sailing tours, scuba tours, boat tours, whale-watching tours and so much more.
Now, where are you going? Oh, you're off to Big Island, huh? I should have guessed!
This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Shenni Bubb.