Hawaii - The Big Island

[EnLinea Media]

Still a tourist favorite yet generally less developed than Maui and certainly Oahu, Hawaii is especially known for its volcanoes -- you catch some impressive lava action in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Other highlights: Waipio Valley (aka the Valley of the Kings), the dolphins and snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, the Kona coast with its famous eponymous coffee, and a bevy of bodacious castaway beaches, some with multicolor sand.

More info: www.BigIsland.com, www.BigIsland.org, www.EyeOfHawaii.com, www.Hawaii-Big-Island.World-Guides.com, www.KonaWeb.com, www.WestHawaiiToday.com.

[Susan Frost]

Does anyone have experience snorkeling with the Manta Rays on Fair Winds or another cruise boat? If so, how would you describe your experience and which cruise boat would you recommend?