Aloha,

My boyfriend and I will be going to the big island over thanksgiving and I was wondering what activities we should do. Obviously we'll do volcano park, but we're looking for suggestions as well. (snorkeling, horseback riding, waterfalls etc)

We loved www.topofwaipio.com!
Parker Ranch, and lunch at the Parker Ranch Grill

Waipio valley has horseback riding tours. Check the white pages because they don't do any big yellow page or glossy ads. It was run by a local resident family so you get a very personal and unrushed tour. The highlight of the tour is riding horseback on the beach (where Waterworld was filmed, the only land scene at the very end in the movie). No cars are allowed into the valley so the beach is very secluded. It was many years ago when I went so check if they are still in business.

Beside Waipio I'd recommend:

Snorkeling or scuba in Kealakekua Bay
Horseback riding in Waimea
Swimming at Hapuna Beach
Stargazing tour to Mauna Kea summit
Akaka Falls
Rainbow Falls
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens
Place of Refuge
South Point/Green sand beach
Punaluu black sand beach
Hamakua Coast

Great suggestions by fdecarlo, above! I especially second The Hawaii Tropical Gardens, Place of Refuge, all the major Falls....... and eat at Roy's at Waikoloa, if you're staying near there.

Parasailing in Kailua-Kona! You'll love it.

We loved the Waipio horseride through Na'alapa Stables, but please be advised that horses are no longer allowed on the beach because of environmental concerns.