I have not but the big highlights of my last visit to big island were:

1) Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, if you have a chance take a helicopter tour, it is incredible to see active lava flowing into the ocean.
2) Kona, great area to walk around, shop, meals, etc.
3) Kona Coffee! Visiting the plantations are a blast.

 

I really want to do the helicopter thing, I will see what the budget allows.


I go to Hawaii every year now since my GF is from Honolulu and if I don't bring back some Kona Coffee my coworkers threaten to string me up.


I am gettting really lucky this year because her Kama Ina (sp?) rate is really great and she got enough frequent flier miles to get us both first class flights for $150 TOTAL. Normally that would be about $4,200 for the pair.

 

I've never been to the Big Island, but I did the helicopter tour on Maui last year and that was pretty fun. Definitely worth doing once. In fact, I think you gave me some suggestions last year on what to check out on Maui.

 

I was there in late June and early July this year. The highlight for me was Volcano National Park. It is incredible with lots of hikes and driving tours. I recommend driving to the end of Chain of Craters road and hiking out to see the molten lava. Difficult hike and best done around sunset so you can see the lava at night. There is a phone number on the park website to let you know if conditions are safe.