hope you can make it here next year. i've been here in hilo since 1975. graduated from UH-Hilo, and have been in love with the big island since my first day. tons of stuff to do, lots of it free or low cost. you do need a car to get around. the high-end touristy stuff costs the most, like riding around in a noisy and annoying (if you live here) helicopter. good example, hiking into waipio valley...free. hiking to see the lava flowing into the ocean...free. driving up to mauna kea visitors center and looking at the stars/planets thru amateur telescopes...free. swim in the hot ponds of kapoho...free. i could go on, but you get the idea. get a map for free, ask a local where to do what looks fun for you, then go. if you need to ask directions, don't use the highway numbers (most people who live here have no idea what the numbers are), just name the place you want to go. volcano and waimea have cool weather, and no matter where you are the beach is not far away. you could hike here for 25 years and never walk all the trails (trust me). camping is sketchy unless you know where to go, most of the camping areas are also drinking spots. relax and have fun, bring along plenty of smiles !!! aloha
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