tony56

Will be visiting the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time with my family (wife and two 20 yr old sons). We will be staying in Kona area for 7 days in July. We want to take an excursion to walk or bike the Volcano National Park. Asking for some recommendations for tours that have been good experiences. Would also welcome any other "must do's" for a memorable trip.

Tomsd

Check other posts in here under Hawaii for more recommendations/info.

While I can't give any advice about tours - but it's fun to drive from Volcano down to Hilo (half hour plus) and then north - to Akaka Falls and along that beautiful/green coastline.

You can continue on up to the town of Wailea and back down to the Kona side.

On another day - consider driving up to Hawi - at the top of the island - and take the tree lined/scenic view road - Kohala Mountain road/250: http://www.hale-hoola.com/Big-Island-Scenic-Drives.htm http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island/r...-kohala/waimea

And there are good snorkeling opportunities from Place of Refuge up to in front of the Mauna Kea. Always check the local conditions before you go out. http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com...norkeling.html And you can also take some boat rides to snorkeling spots. Here is one company and there are others. http://www.fair-wind.com/

Some people also enjoy taking a tour of a coffee farm. And others also go to Kona just to go out for the Big Game fishing - including Marlin and Tuna, etc.

Tomsd

Forgot to add. Our favorite hike is Kilaeua Iki - a smaller cauldron a mile or so from the Volcano Visitor Center. You walk through part of rain forest to get to the entrance - and then down into the floor of the volcano - and while it hasn't blown since 1959 - you do pick up your step a bit when the vents hiss steam. http://www.hawaii-guide.com/big_isla...auea_iki_trail

22tango

I think you'd all enjoy a Manta Ray Night Snorkel: http://jacksdivinglocker.com/snorkel...ntasnorkel.htm. I've done it a couple times, including once with my then 20 year old daughter. She enjoyed it as much as I.

Where in Kona are you staying? The area is good as a base for exploration, but if you're interested in beaches, you'll find yourselves driving 30+ minutes to get to a nice one.

simpsonc510

Hopefully you are going to be renting a car! I love driving up to (and beyond) Waimea and the ranch country. It's also neat to visit the Waikola area, where they've created a tropical setting in the middle of the black lava rock. There is some shopping/dining in this area also. Visit the big Hilton Waikoloa and ride the monorail or take the canal boat around the hotel grounds (very large resort).

tony56

Thanks to all for the responses. Staying at the Hilton Kings Land in Waikoloa. We will have a car so some of these driving excursions seem like a lot of fun. I love to drive and explore new places. Thinking about the 15 mile bike ride thru the volcano area although the ATV ride seems enjoyable also. The hike that Tomsd mentions sounds interesting. Thought about chartering a boat to go deep see fishing but the manta swim seems awesome too. Somehow we need to squeeze in a day or two at the beach and I have to play a round of golf. Sounds like a family meeting upcoming to develop a day by day itinerary.