If you want to get the most out of your Big Island trip, a tour is always an excellent, informative option.

The most popular attraction on the Big Island is the active volcano Kilauea, which can be viewed by visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Though some organizations provide a guided tour of the park, some might argue a self-guided visit would be best, since you can go at your own pace to see everything. The National Park Service suggests a minimum of three hours to see the summit of Kilauea, and an additional two to see the coastal area.

For those who want a more aerial view of the volcano, a helicopter tour is another good option.

The historic Kealakekua Bay, where Captain James Cook died, is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the state. Since the Bay is in a remote location, and protected under various laws as a conservation district, access to it is limited, but only one tour organization is allowed entry: Fair Wind. Fair Wind offers a luxury-style journey to and from the Bay, and the snorkeling is definitely worth the price of admission.

Another notable sea tour is Captain Dan McSweeney's Whale Watch, which is the only one that guarantees whale sightings every single trip.

When planning your trip, please see the pages on a Big Island Vacation, Big Island Hotels and Big Island Restaurants.

• Orchid Isle Bicycling

• ATV Outfitters

• Volcano Air Tours