The author lives on the Big Island so we get the inside story on what to see and do. Nearly twice the size of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, this is a land of superlatives--home to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that towers over the Hawaiian Islands at 13,796 feet and Kilauea, the most active volcano on our planet, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. Hilo is the country's rainiest city, which creates ideal growing conditions for crops like macadamia nuts and orchids. Kona is the only place in the US where gourmet coffee is grown, and offers the best scuba diving in Hawaii. Here you will find lush tropical forests, enormous lava flow deserts, sun-drenched beaches, the delicious cuisine, towering mountains and idyllic weather. Adventures detailed in the guide range from snorkeling in a coral garden to swimming with dolphins, night diving with manta rays, hiking to a waterfall, horseback riding through Paniolo Country, taking a helicopter ride over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, examining petroglyphs, skiing down Mauna Kea, surfing, kayaking, whale watching, or even learning to dance the hula. The best places to stay and eat in each price range are thoroughly covered as well, based on personal visits and in most cases illustrated with color photos.