Big Island Hawaii.  Has anyone been???

YES!  It;s fantastic!  
We were there 5 years ago so I didn't write any reviews (too old)

The Big Island has it all---beaches! volcanoes, waterfalls, scenic hikes and drives.

Hilo has the hula contest/festival--Merrie Monarch--very popular, people attend from all the islands.  Usually happens during the Spring break.  I'm sure lots of Yelpers have lists.

You'll love it no matter what you do!

I lived in Oahu for 5 months but never ventured over to the big island. I have family in Hilo and Kona and a place to stay for free as long as I want but stupid me has never taken advantage of it.

Yep, it's really all people make it out to be. it's actually like 2 different Islands, Kona side is a little touristy, but Hilo side really is the way they have been living for years and years. You want a neat experience ? Go to church on sunday in Hilo, you will make friends for life.

Only island in Hawaii  've been to. Loved it. Nothing like fresh Kona coffee

Love the Big Island.  I consider it the most diverse in climate and scenery.  Anything you want to know in particular?

My favorite island.  Go to Volcano National Park and hike out to see the lava flow - start in late afternoon, wear good hiking boots, bring lots of water and a flashlight to light your way back.  Snorkeling at the Place of Refuge, Captain Cook and many other places.  Lots of turtles near Keayhou.  Amazing flowers on the Hilo end and tons of rain.  Take a drive on the Belt Road up to cattle country.   Visit  Puukohola heiau the Kohala side - very eerie.  Meander around Hawi town.  Go to the Painted Church and marvel at the murals.

Have fun!

This is the best guide book:
wizardpub.com/bigisland/…

Definitely try to go to both sides of the island.  A good spot is the lava pools near Hilo - amazing!

I was born on the Big Island :)

I love the Big Island.  Lots of different terrain in one Island.

My fave island!

Thanks for all the advice!  We are very excited.  The plan is to have a mix of beach time/snorkeling and hiking/mountains/volcanoes.  We have 10 days, so we'll definitely see both sides of the island.  Would you folks recommend about 5 days on the dry side, 2 days at the volcanoes, and 3 days on the wet side?  Or some other mix?  Are there other areas where I should spend the night (versus just making day trips)?

Thanks!!!

you don't need 3 days on the wet side.  you'll turn into a mushroom.  a good place to eat in Hilo is Cafe Pesto - it's in a cool old building.  Hilo also has a great farmer's market.

On the Hilo side, check out Hale Kai Bed & Breakfast. The owners Ric and Maria are awesome. She makes the best breakfast and he's the best source of info. on that side. Their place has the best view and you get to have your breakfast upstairs on the lanai overlooking the ocean. Excellent way to start your day.  Ric sent us to a cool, remote spot for snorkeling that was magical. No crowds!  Wouldn't have known about it otherwise. (More reviews on Tripadvisor) . Don't miss the Farmer's Market on Sundays. Everybody goes! Get your tropical fruits and souvenirs there. Check out Hilo Bay Cafe for a nice dinner. I think the Merrimen festival (serious hula competition) is in February. You guys will love it. Enjoy!

hilo was kind of wet but chill little town
there's a nice zoo w/ a white tiger, see my pics

blue hawaiian chopper does a superkool volcano tour

ken's pancake house/diner is friendly, good and reasonably priced

if you like sushi, you must must eat at 'sushi bar hime'
awesome owners, moved there from maui
authentic food, teeny tiny place downtown... i hope it's still there after two years ;o

go sea kayaking.  they even take you cliff jumping.

What Berna  said.

I just remembered the name.... The Kapoho Tide Pools...unbelievable! Remember to bring a picnic lunch and all your snorkel gears.

hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/htm…

if you can get certified before you go, don't miss the manta ray night dive. i did two day trips and the night dive with these guys:

bigislanddivers.com

I lived there for a year.  It is amazing.  I would recommend taking the drive from Parker Ranch up to the little town where King Kamehameha was born.  The landscape and views are amazing.  Cactus intermingled with pine trees, rolling hills & fields then it opens up into a breathtaking view of the cliffs & sea.  Also, on the Hilo side if you take the scenic highway there's a warm spring fed pool that sits adjacent to the beach and the waves lap up into the pool.  Very cool.  On the Kona side ask a cool local how to get to beach 69.  You can have the whole place to yourself.  Also try to get to the Alii falls, and if you go to the volcano make sure you hit the part where the lava flows into the ocean at dusk.  It's like a fireworks show.  You also can't go wrong with Capt. Bean's dinner cruise out of Kona.  All you can eat & drink with live music & Polynesian dancing.  The Body Glove cruise out of Kona is also great.  Snuba, snorkeling and brunch w/ cocktails.  Have fun!  P.S. It's safe to pick up hitchhikers.  The fishermen are the best ones to pick up, they'll give you fresh fish.  The luau at the King Kamehameha hotel and resort is the best, and you can easily walk into the Hilton (on the Kona side, not far from the airport).  They won't know if you're staying there or not.  Head straight back across the lagoon and there is one of the most amazing pools you'll ever see.  Oceanside, next to a natural lagoon with dolphins (and you can sign up to swim with them).  There.  That ought to keep you busy.  Oh, one more.  Make sure you see Waipio Valley.

I have been twice last year and in 07.

Yes, yes Erin just listed some great things to do.  Also search Yelp talk, there are a couple of good threads on the big island.