LEANNAT

OK I have my hotels. Now for the "to do" stuff. How is the dolphin thing at Dolphin Quest? Which Heliocopter tour is the best for the money and safe? Anyone done the stargazing tour at nite? Also how are the Fair Wind snorkel tours?

Are there other "tours" I should not miss.

Thanks for any replies!

Miranda

The dolphin quest experience is fun, but didn't quite live up to my very high expectations. (Also, I once had the chance to swim with dolphins in the wild and obviously any experience in a hotel lagoon is not going to measure up to that....) The hotel clearly makes a good bit of money off the photos and videotapes that turn out to be a big part of the experience. Bring your credit card! Still, it was fun. It just didn't turn out to be the high point of our trip the way I thought it might.

JMM

1. Volcanos National Park - stop at info centre to get advice and directions for best viewing areas
2. Snorkel tour to Kealakakua Bay - Fair wind is excellent
3. If you are interested in history or culture - Pu'uo Honaunau (sp?) (Place of Refuge) Plus there is good snorkeling nearby.
Other things of interest South Point and Green sand beach (long walk from parking but my husband loved it); Black Sand Beach (the sea turtles can be seen swimming right from shore).

Sarah

skip dolphin quest those projects are hard on the mammals and not as great as you anticipate. Someone just ask this question on Oahu. Someone left a link for the human society which advises against.

Volcano at night, Waipio Valley day hike (on a tour or on your own)are my two MUST DO'S for the big island. Have to say I have never done the Waipio Valley only read about it in a number of places.

Debi

I agree with Waipio Valley. We took a jeep tour - absolutely loved it. I thought it was the most beautiful part of Hawaii. The volcanoes didn't work for us because it was pouring rain - and the visibility was non-existant. Oh well, the tour we took was interesting, anyway.

Sarah

debi did you go at night? even if you have a clear day you are not going to see the glow the way you can at night.

I don't think I would bother with a day visit more than once. Once only for the novelty. It is a volcano so of course you want to see it in as many different lights as you can. But if you are tight on time during the night only!

LEANNAT

Oh Miranda...what an experience. IF I knew I would have such amazing luck....I would skip this event....cause I did read the other posting...but I am gittin old & this might be my ONLY experience to even touch a dolphin....and they have been special to me for along time!! I think this will be a to do for me!

Ok gwanna also do a Fair Wind snorkel tour for sure.(thanks JMM)..and will drive the island for hours and days w/ Big Island Revealed next to me...so should find all the sites you have mentioned. Also I will stop at the Volcano center on my way in...good tip!!

And just today I read up on W.Valley and I think I'll do the wagon tour so I can get into that area.

Gee everybody..thanks ....its hard to know just what is what...and what is worth it...out of all the choices. I really appreciate the tips and advice! I wonder if 3 weeks will really be enuff!!!

Miranda

If you want to do dolphin quest, do be sure to book early, several months ahead if possible. I forget how early they take bookings, but call them for info. If you love dolphins, I'm sure you will enjoy it! If your trip is soon, get on their wait list as they do often get cancellations and can fit you in.

Jerel

Have a look at our website:

http://www.jerelis. com

There is info and pictures about The Big Island and the Volcanoe NP.

Travel on!

Jerel