your resort. The Volcano is a LONG trip from Kona and you don’t necessarily see lots of flowing lava. Doing by helicopter is cool, but pricey. To me the volcano and night swim with the rays are the two unique things, along with it being a pretty quiet island overall (as long as you avoid the Iron Man week). Food is solid, but not as many great places as Maui or Oahu.
Some good resorts, and the Four Seasons may be one of the best in the world with the quality of the resort, its food and its service - seriously it is incredible. Great for a getaway with a spouse.
For a first Island, the Big Island is not a bad one to start with, but would not be my suggestion. I personally prefer Maui, followed by Kauai and Oahu. Maui is a great combination of nice resorts, GREAT restaurants, and lots of activities.
I like Oahu as well, it has a super great food scene, some iconic places to visit (Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, North Shore, PCC), great surf, but at this point, just for a few days and then I hit another island. Ko’Olina is nice if you have kids as they can just play on the beach and be pretty happy there.
If you like to hike, explore waterfalls/rivers, and be in the jungle, then Kauai is pretty tough to beat. Princeville is beautiful, but LOTS of rain. Poipu in the south is beautiful as well and has less rain. I don’t love the food options on Kauai or it might be with Maui on my list.
I loved visiting Lanai for a total escape. The bay there is great. The spinner dolphins in the bay are amazing. The golf course is insane. But very little to do beyond exercise, beach and eating on resort. I have not been back since one of the two main hotels closed.
All islands have some pretty great golf.