Big Island

After you descend the volcano, many guided tours will continue along Saddle Road and allow you to grab lunch at a restaurant
in the city of Hilo, on the eastern side of the island.  There is shopping, and even a shopping mall, for those who want to
grab some souvenirs.

After lunch, guided tours of the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens are available.  Set near the shoreline in a jungle-like
atmosphere, your guide will show you some of the rarest plants in the world.  Walk among the creeks and waterfalls and
enjoy the lush beauty of the place.
 
By far and away, most guided tours of the Big Island will not go back the way you came and will take you along the Hamakua
coastline, a magnificent area where drivers drive on switch back roads through lush gorges and small villages.  Waterfalls
and creeks are everywhere and you’re not far from the ocean.

Lucky travelers will stop along the way and take one of the guided tours of the Waipio Valley, also called the Valley of
the Kings.  You’ll take a rugged vehicle down inside the valley and enjoy taro fields, a wild view of the ocean and will
see glimpses of the wild horses living in the valley.  Bring your camera as the views are wonderful.

On your way back to Kailua-Kona, you’ll go through Waimea, the “cowboy area” of the Big Island.  Some guided tours will let
you stop at one of several places where you can ride on horseback and you’ll see many ranches in the area.  Enjoy the ride
and head back to your hotel in Kailua-Kona.