Here’s a list of things to do on the Big Island. As you can see there’s so much to do! I wasn’t sure what side of the island they were planning to visit, but hopefully they’ll explore both sides (Hilo and Kona, as well as in between—Waimea) since there’s so much to see and do! Tell your friends to e-mail me (Courtney.sato@gmail.com) if they have any questions or want further recs! Have fun!

Star Gazing on Mauna Kea:http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visiting-mauna-kea/star-gazing-program.html

http://vimeo.com/8918647

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (nearer to Hilo):http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

http://vimeo.com/19376062

For good snorkeling and black sand beaches, check out Richardsons Beach and Kapoho tide pools (both in Hilo). You can literally swim/snorkel among dozens of sea turtles at Richardsons and Kapoho tide pools has some of the most colorful fish I’ve ever encountered. Both are wonderful spots to check out:http://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/richardsons

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60603-d646662-Reviews-Kapoho_Tide_Pools-Pahoa_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

You can check out Rainbow Falls for a beautiful waterfall (in Hilo):http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60583-d131290-Reviews-Rainbow_Falls-Hilo_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

I DEFINITELY suggest visiting Waipio valley (This is between Hilo and Kona. one of my favorite places in all of Hawaii):http://www.yelp.com/biz/waipio-valley-lookout-honokaa

http://www.to-hawaii.com/big-island/beaches/waipiobeach.php

If you’re in Waipio and are hungry for some malasadas, check out Tex Drive Inn. They aren’t as good as Leonard’s malasadas (which you should visit if you’re on Oahu), but they’re still pretty good:http://www.yelp.com/biz/tex-drive-in-honokaa

Another nice black sand beach (Punalu’u) where you can normally spot sea turtles as well:http://www.yelp.com/biz/punaluu-black-sand-beach-naalehu-3

Restaurants:Merriman's (one of the best restaurants in the state. This is in Waimea valley, accessible from both Hilo and Kona, but closer to Kona - http://merrimanshawaii.com/big_island.htm)Two Ladies Kitchen (This is in Hilo. Try their famous strawberry mochi - http://www.yelp.com/biz/two-ladies-kitchen-hilo)

For a pricey, but delicious meal at the famous (and newly renovated historic Mauna Kea hotel in Kona) check out:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g2219999-d1309046-Reviews-Manta_and_Pavilion_Wine_Bar-Kohala_Coast_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.htmlThey also have a “manta light” that attracts manta rays to the bay of the hotel, so sometimes you can see the mantas in the water post-dinner. Really cool!

For good sushi in Kona, check out:http://www.monsterasushi.com/

Breweries:Kona Brewing (Kona) - http://konabrewingco.com/Mehana Brewing (Hilo) - http://hawaiinuibrewing.com/Big Island Brewhaus (Waimea) - http://bigislandbrewhaus.com/