I’m starting to think we should visit the Big Island during our trip to Hawaii in January, which will start with a conference in Honolulu. I’ve gotten some suggestions from VBT’s walking tours catalog – including visiting Pu’uhonua o Hanaunau, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hamakua Coast/Wilamea/Anna’s Ranch , Kohala Coast, Hilo and staying at: Kilauea Lodge, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Hapuna Beach Prince Resort.
Any other suggestions welcome!
TakeBetsywithyou 
We absolutely loved this secluded little bed and breakfast near Hilo. You do have to drive out on curvy one-way roads amongst the fields to get there though! http://www.waterfall.net Also while we were there, we met another couple, and when I asked what her favorite thing she had done so far was, she mentioned this Polulu Valley so we are so glad when we added it to our things to do!! The Highway 270 up in North Kohala dead ends into this beautiful valley lookout. You can hike down the cliff to beautiful black sands with some green in it. Not very crowded at all. We wish we had brought lunch with us so we could just enjoy sitting by the water! If you google it, you can see some great pictures of it.
Thanks Jody – appreciate the tip! I like the look of your blog! Mahalo!