My husband and I are going to Hawaii next week and will be staying in the Big Island. We would like to know of some things to do or tours to take that won't break our bank account. Are there bike tours? Some interesting sites?

thanks so much
Cathy

Check out these websites:

http://www.konaweb.com/
http://www.thisweek.com/bigisland/twB.main.html
http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/vacplanner/bivp/index.html

They may give you some of the info you are looking for.

The most awesome sight on the island, IMHO, is Volcanoes National Park. This is a must see on any trip to the Big Island.

In addition to Volcanos National Park, my must-dos include a trip into/through Waipio Valley {my husband and I went with a guide in a mule-powered cart, not pricy, very informative and authentic}, a trip up Mauna Kea {surreal environment - check out the trips offered through Arnott's Lodge. I believe that they're less if you stay with them, but they're not unreasonable from a local hotel either}, and snorkling {yes, the Big Island does have some lovely beaches!} Have fun - I'm jealous!

1. I'm assuming you're staying on the Kona side of the island. The following are not in any particular order:
1. Waipio Valley
2. Hapuna Beach (Kohala area)
3. Fairwinds cruise to Keakakua Bay (check out their web site) it is very affordable and great way to snorkel, SCUBA, or just swim. The boat ride is fun in itself.
4. City of refuge (Kona side)
5. Volcano park (I'd try and spend a night on that side of the island)
6. Akaka (sp?) Falls
7. Hapuna Beach (well worth going twice)
8. Parker Ranch

There is a lot of info about the Big Island on WWW.konaweb.com

Went last year kayak to captain cooks memorial. Pull out of Kona resort area and turn right rent a kayak anywhere they will tell you were to go its the best snokling around.

Check out the tree house coffee plant great self paced tour.

both very inexpensive (aka cheap)!

I second Mickey's suggestion to snorkel from Captains Cook Memorial.It's fabulous! There are several ways to get there. Kayak rental, when we visited several years ago, was a strictly "off the books" affair. We were told that kayak-renters were not technically allowed to present themselves as businesses {for some reason}, therefore there were private people renting surreptitiously. Perhaps Mickey could advise whether this is still the case. Another way to get there, the least expensive, but the most arduous, is to hike the steep, volcanic trail. Not undoable for someone in good shape. There are also boat charters.

I would second a visit to the Waipio Valley but I would suggest doing a horseback ride there. There are two companies that offer horseback rides in the valley. The rides are not strenuous and allow you to see more of the valley than the wagon trip. However, if riding horses isn't your thing, I would recommend the wagon trip. Getting into the valley is a real trip, it feels like Eden.

As to a trip to Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook Monument; we rent a house on the Bay and are alway amazed at the people that we see launching (and dumping) kayaks. People who don't appear to have any experience or often any level of fitness seem to think that a one time trip out in a kayak is a good idea. It's a little scary. If you are in good shape, go for it. There are a number of places on the way to Kealakekua that rent kayaks and will load them on your car. Rentals include life vests, coolers, and waterproof bags for your camera, etc. Remember to put on loads of sunscreen, a hat, and bring water. The folks on the snorkle boats out of Kailua-Kona that enter the bay seem to be having a great time and they get lunch, have access to lots of toys and even have a slide that drops into the Bay. This might be a fun option instead of kayaking.

Volcano is also excellent. Lots of great hikes. We also like swimming in the volcanically heated pool near Pahoa,(am blanking on the name.) Ala... You can find directions to it in "The Big Island Revealed," an excellent resouce. (Available for a discounted price at the Costco in Kailua_Kona.)

Also, walking into Kiholo Beach is fun and a really beautiful spot.

And, on your way to Kealakekua Bay or the Place of Refuge (another must see), try to stop at Chris' Bakery on the left side of the road as you head south out of Captian Cook. Excellent coconut turnovers baked fresh every morning. Hmmm... a treat with a cup of Kona coffee.

My favorite spots: Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens - so gorgeous, and a must if you enjoy flowers; Volcanoes Nat'l Park, and the Place of Refuge. Such a wonderful place - Hawaii, my favorite place!

By all means explore the Parker Ranch, especially the upland areas and some back roads -it's a remarkable, beautiful place.

Oh, and malasadas from the Tex drive-in (on the road between Kohala and Hilo), breakfast/lunch (both) at Sam Choy's diner in the industrial park between Kona and the airport, and dinner at Merriman's in Waimea or the Canoe House at the Mauna Lani (bring money for these, but you won't be disappointed). Got room for stowaways?

I said Waimea. I meant, of course, Kamuela.