Is that sound you hear the helicopter or the beating of your heart? As you hover above Kilauea Volcano's steaming Puu Oo vent it's hard to tell. Taking a helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the rest of the island's hidden waterfalls, lush valleys and balmy beaches is just the beginning of an exhilarating Big Island expedition.

With surroundings ranging from lava-strewn deserts to tropical plantations and gardens, you can engage in every imaginable outdoor activity here. Snorkel or scuba with manta rays off the Kona Coast. Horseback ride in the grassy plains of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country in Waimea. Discover the 442-foot Akaka Falls and the 80-foot Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park. Hike along the 150 miles of volcanic desert and tropical trails at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

With so much to do and see, Hawaii's Big Island is known as "Hawaii's Island of Adventure," and it won't take long for you to see just how appropriately named it is.

• Art Galleries and Museums of Hawaii's Big Island - Whether it's through paintings, sculptures, glassware, jewelry or hand-carved koa wood bowls, you'll see the distinct styles that make the art found on the Big Island truly unique.
• Beaches of Hawaii's Big Island - Hawaii's Big Island features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the islands.
• Boating and Cruises on Hawaii's Big Island - Hawaii's Big Island offers a variety of ways to set sail and explore the seas.
• Fishing on Hawaii's Big Island - Hawaii's Big Island is world famous for its sport fishing, its waters full of marlin and other big-game fish.
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine on Hawaii's Big Island - Hawaii Regional Cuisine inventively blends the Big Island's freshest flavors with the cuisine of the world.
• Hiking on Hawaii's Big Island - Whether you're looking for a challenging trail on fields of lava to short, Hawaii's Big Island is heaven for hikers.
• Historic Places of Hawaii's Big Island - From the birthplace of King Kamehameha to the birthplace of paniolo, Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the most historic places in Hawaii.
• Horseback Riding on Hawaii's Big Island - Explore the wealth of scenic, open landscapes in Waimea and other spots throughout the island on horseback.
• Kayaking on Hawaii's Big Island - The protected waters of the Kona, Kohala and Hilo coasts make Hawaii's Big Island a perfect place to take a guided kayak or outrigger canoe tour.
• Manta Ray Diving on Hawaii's Big Island - The Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island offers the best opportunity to encounter Hawaii's amazing manta rays.
• Marine Life on Hawaii's Big Island - Explore the waters of Hawaii's Big Island and you may see everything from manta rays and humpback whales to green sea turtles and dolphins.
• Natural Wonders of Hawaii's Big Island - From Kilauea Volcano to the peaks of Maunakea, Hawaii's Big Island is home to a variety of incomparable natural wonders.
• Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboys) of Hawaii's Big Island - Hawaii's Big Island has a rich paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, culture dating back to the early 1800's.
• Parks of Hawaii's Big Island - Hawaii's Big island features four National Parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as beautiful state and county parks.
• Petroglyphs of Hawaii's Big Island - Hawaii's Big Island has some of the most extensive sacred petroglyphs fields in Hawaii.
• Sig Zane's Favorite Places in Hilo - Celebrated fashion designer Sig Zane shares his favorite spots in Downtown Hilo.
• Snorkeling and Scuba on Hawaii's Big Island - From North Kohala to South Kona, Hawaii's Big Island is famous for its calm and clear waters perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Surfing on Hawaii's Big Island - Whether watching surfers or taking your first surf lesson, Hawaii's Big Island offers fantastic surf adventures from Hilo to Keauhou.
• Volcano Eruption Update on Hawaii's Big Island - Recent updates on volcano activity in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island.
• Waterfalls on Hawaii's Big Island - Some of the Big Islands most breathtaking and accessible waterfalls can be discovered along the Hilo and Hamakua Coast.
• Whale Watching on Hawaii's Big Island - From December to May, go on a whale watching tour or spot humpback whales from the Big Island's coastal areas.