If you do just one thing here, make it the night snorkel with manta rays. The graceful creatures, with wingspans reaching several metres, come within centimetres of snorkellers as they somersault through plankton-rich waters.

Did you know "Road to Hana" is one of the world's most impressive drives, with 54 bridges and numerous waterfalls. From mid-December to mid-April, a humpback whale-watching cruise is available.

For an island that boasts some of the best snorkelling in the world, you will have no shortage of options. Hapuna and Mauna Kea, two of the most popular beaches, are great places to meet fellow travelers. Kua Bay and Makalawena are perhaps to two most beautiful beaches, however, as they lend themselves to that "picture-perfect" quality.

Akaka Falls mark a great chance to go for a hike in the fresh interior of Big Island. Take in the beautiful bamboo groves and wild orchids. Your heart may skip a beat when you first gaze a 442 foot spot of water plummeting into a steam-eroded gorge.