As I sit here in my home office, looking at the snowdrifts outside my window (and wondering why work-at-homers never get snow days), my mind wanders to Hawaii. Though I can’t escape right now (aloha, deadlines!), I thought I’d at least share some memories of my most recent trip.

On my press trip to Hawaii’s Big Island in December 2009, I got to channel my inner daredevil. It was billed as an Adventure tour, and 6 fellow journalists and I got to experience Hawaii’s beauty from many exciting angles. We peered over the edge of a waterfall on a rainforest hike, saw lava sizzle into the sea, and zoomed over rivers and trees on a zipline. If you and your family are can’t-sit-still types, you’ll love the super-fun ways to explore this gigantic island. Here are 2 of my top picks. (I’ll be sharing other great adventures in an upcoming Family Circle article).

Take a hike! Some of the Big Island’s most awesome scenery is hidden deep in the rainforest, and you’ll need a skilled guide to help you discover it. On our Hawaii Forest & Trail Waipi’o Rim Hike, we were led by the knowledgeable Rob Pacheco, who runs the company with his wife Cindy. (I’ll be profiling Cindy and the family business in a later post.) Located on the northeast coast, Waipi’o is known as the Valley of Kings, and is considered a sacred spot. In ancient times it was home (and burial grounds) for Hawaiian rulers. Rob led us along trails 1,0000 feet above the valley, stopping frequently to regale us with Hawaiian legends. It was fun to learn about the double-leaf fern symbolizing twin brothers, and the waterfall named after a shark-man. The 3-hour hike (billed as moderate level, for kids over age 8 ) was challenging, but we all made it over the slippery paths and plank-and-rope bridges. Some of the braver ones in our group (not me!) even peeked over the edge of Hi’ilawe Falls, the tallest in the state. We might have been a bit muddy by the time we reached the end of our trek, but the final vista was well worth it. We looked out onto cliffs sliced by waterfalls, and saw the black sand beach where the Waipio River empties into the sea. It was the perfect setting for a picnic lunch, included with the tour. Info: The hike itself is around 3 hours; but allow 7-8 hours for the round trip, which departs from HF&T headquarters in Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa Queen’s Marketplace on Kohala Coast. Adults, $149; kids ages 8 – 12, $119.

Pedal through Volcanoes National Park. A volcano is made of more than molten lava, and we got to see other sides of the mountain on the “Bike Kilauea Volcano” tour with BikeVolcano.com.

Photo: Deston Nokes

After gearing up with helmets and mountain bikes, our guide led us on a ride around Kilauea’s rim, along off-road trails and paved roads. We stopped at steam vents to feel the blast of heat, and peered into the enormous crater and caldera, where a distant plume of smoke signaled eruption. We pedaled and hiked through a lush fern forest, and walked through the famous Thurston Lava Tube, where the hot stuff once flowed. Our guide was full of interesting information about the park, and it was comforting to know that a van was at the ready to transport us if we got tired. Info: The five-hour tour includes lunch and an optional winery visit. Adults, $129; kids under 12, $119.

See my previous blogs for more info on the Big Island, and watch for my upcoming Family Circle article for a roundup of all the Hawaiian islands, hopefully on the stands this Spring!