Hawai’i's Big Island was just listed as one of Frommer’s Top 10 Destinations for 2010. Let me tell you, those folks know what they’re talking about. The Big Island is a very nice place to visit, and I would like you all to come. There is so much to see and do without busting your budget. Not to mention, it appears that airfare from the mainland to Hawai√¢‚ǨÀúi will be fairly reasonable, too. Aren’t you inspired to go get your tickets right now? Because then you can start planning to visit places like these:

Enjoy Hawaiian Music: Each month, the south lawn of the historic Hulihe‘e Palace comes alive with hula, chanting and island style music. On the same day, you’ll find Ali‘i Drive closed to vehicular traffic as locals and visitors enjoy the Kailua Village stroll with more music, handcrafts, and artists on hand. FREE (well, not the crafts and artwork!)
When: 4 pm one Sunday a month (usually the third Sunday)
Where: Downtown Kailua-Kona on Ali‘i Drive
Contact: www.kvbid.org

Play Hawaiian Music: Every Wednesday the Mele √¢‚ǨÀúOhana group gathers to play kani ka pila style at the Keauhou Shopping Center. Musicians of all levels are encouraged to play along, though you’ll primarily find √¢‚ǨÀúukulele players. Observers are welcome, too. FREE
When: Wednesdays at 6 pm
Where: Keauhou Shopping Center
Contact: Mele ‘Ohana Yahoo Group

See Petroglyphs: A 15-minute hike through kiawe trees (watch for thorns!) will bring you to the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, a field of roughly 1,200 images carved into a lava bed. FREE
When: early morning or late afternoon is best, to beat the heat
Where: Mauna Lani Resort exit to North Kaniku Drive

Visit a waterfall: The east side of the Big Island is the wet side, and all that rain means plenty of waterfalls. There are several that are accessible to visitors and you can see them all in less than half a day. Akaka Falls, of course, is the grandest, but you should also make a point to see Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots at Pe‘epe‘e Falls. FREE
When: most impressive after a rainstorm
Where: Several locations along the Hamakua Coast

Get Fresh: The Hilo Farmer’s Market is a great opportunity to see what grows on the island: fruit, herbs, and an assortment of eye-popping flowers. Spend a few dollars to try fresh lychee, drink coconut milk, or pick up some apple bananas for a snack.
When: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday.
Where: Corner of Kamehameha Ave. & Mamo St.
Contact: 808-933-1000.

(additional markets can be found around the island; for a complete list, see this page)

Twelve Trees: Started as an experimental garden for Hawai‘i’s chefs, 12 Trees has expanded to include more than 60 ultra exotic tropical fruit trees. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the farm where there are field signs for each tree and kiosks with exhibits for the fruit and Kona coffee. FREE
When: weekdays from 7:30am to 3pm
Where: near the bottom of Napo‘opo‘o road at the Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative
Contact: 808-323-2417

Discover Cultural Sites: Keauhou Beach Resort offers a weekly cultural walking tour. This guided tour explores historic and cultural sites around the Resort; discover ancient heiau, petroglyphs and the fascinating Kahalu’u area. See the newly restored Hāpaiali’i Heiau and the nearby Ke’eku Heiau. FREE
When: every Tuesday at 8 a.m
Where: Keauhou Beach Resort, on Ali‘i Drive
Contact: (866) 326-6803