Visiting Hawaii (Big Island) at Xmas - Advice please?

I'm visiting the Big Island in between Christmas and New Year for 4 days and was hoping some of you out there could give me some ideas of good places/things to see and do?

During our stay I was thinking of maybe doing a helicopter trip to see the volcano, my mother who is visiting with us is unable to walk far and I thought this would be a good way for her to see the lava flows etc. So any recommended tours would be good?

Also....
decent places for snorkeling from the shore?
boat trips for wildlife watching/snorkeling?
recommended locations for landscape photography?
and as my main love is wildlife/bird photography any recommended locations for birds etc?

Many thanks

Its been a few years since I've been to the big island but it would be hard to go wrong with the helicopter trip over the volcanoes.

This island is so much different from Oahu (which is where we spent most of our time). You would be hard pressed not to find a good photographic opportunity just about anywhere.

Here are a few bookmarks that I have saved tha look pretty decent. Hopefully you can glean what you need out of them. Have a great trip.

Go Hawaii

BigIsland.com

Hawaii Search

Big Island Adventures This has a photogallery more than anything else but a nice watch.

Let's go Hawaii

Volcanoes National Park is worth a visit. I would suggest visiting other areas and going to the lava flows (if they are still flowing) a little before sunset. Here is a picture I took on the flows after sunset.

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Besides a helo flight to see the lava flows (which operate only in daylight...too many helo crashes!), a drive into the Volcanoes National Park at the south end with a walk across craters and thru lava tubes is an experience. While your mother isn't mobile enough, there may be wheel chairs (check with the Nat Parks Service at the park) and certainly plenty for you mom to see even from the car as you drive about.

You are so lucky. I have family in Oahu and have visited but I long to go back. It is a spectacular place. One thing you should bring without question is a good telephoto and a good macro. The place is crawling with flora and fauna unique to the islands alone. Some of the flowers are simply breath taking. There are also quite a few birds which are very colorful indeed. Might want to also head to a tide pool at low tide.

Thank you all. I've already decided on lenses to take...17-40, 150 Macro, 100-400 & tripod.

Can't wait!

One of my favorite places on earth

Depends on where your staying,

If in Hilo, you'll be closer to the volcano and the helicopter pads for the overflight. You may want to check with the Hawaiin Volcano National Park to see where the lava is flowing, IF it is.

Sight seeing from Hilo. If you go north there are some great views along the highway as the roads dips into the cliffs and you go into deep rain-forest. Check out the Akaka falls. There is a bit of walking, but not too bad.
As well, go past the volcano going south and head towards Kona/kalua area.

The is the Paalua'a Black Sand Beach, and the place of Respite. both are scenic on their own, but have thadded attraction of sea turtles. big black one at the beach and greenies at the Respite.

It will take a day to drive around the island, but you would need to get off the main road to see the good spots. Actually, if the rental car co. map has roads marked "do not go here" thery are worth seeing. the only problem is you need a good 4-wheel drive to go to most.

If you have time, the trip to the observatories in the evening is worth while.

4 days is not anywhere near enough for this island.

And you don't even get to the golf courses by the sound of it.

Enjoy.