Tourist Information Centers

Centrally located and well staffed, this place provides visitors with ample free information about the Big Island's many attractions and events. The staff also can recommend restaurants, shops and galleries to visit. In addition to printed information and maps, the staff here offers plenty of recommendations and anecdotes. They are patient and ready to answer as many questions as you can ask. If you're not yet in the area, check out the Web site.

If you are looking to plan a Hawaii vacation and can't decide where to start, look no further. Eco-Adventures Hawaii can assist you every step of the way. From lodgings to adventure hikes to activities, you will find your game plan quickly taking shape. Eco-Adventures plans your complete vacation package, from airfare quotes to luaus. Specials are available on dive packages, heli-tour packages and more. All you need is an idea of what activities interest you; Eco-Adventures can take care of the rest.

View schools of tropical fish and exotic sea creatures in their natural habitat. This glass-bottomed vessel, Marian, takes adventurers out to the coral reefs just off the shore of Kailua. Tours depart daily on the hour starting at 10:30am. The charter company's office is located in a little hut on the King Kamehameha property, near the pool and across from the hula complex. Private cruise reservations are also available for groups fewer than 24 people. Adults: USD25, children ages 5-12: USD10, children 4 and under are free.

Parker Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the country. There are many things to see and do on the portion of the ranch that is open to the public, but the first place to stop is probably the Visitor Center. Learn about the Parkers of 100 years ago, and how the island's paniolo ranchers affected the community of Kamuela/Waimea. Watch a short but informative film or learn about the restored homes on the ranch. The store inside the museum sells paniolo clothing, books, souvenirs and more.