I am so sorry! I posted this to the wrong forum. When I checked the forum I thought I posted on, this had "disappeared" so I thought it was removed for some mysterious reason. And now I find myself in Maine. Guess I'm not clicking on all cylinders today--sorry. Hope this drops off.

I know of a lot of public gardens in Hawaii, but none that are like what I think you are asking for (still an estate type garden). Some of the bigger gardens started out from an estate, but then grew into something entirely different. I have thought of a possibility that might help you though...write to one of the public gardens (preferably on the particular island(s) you are visiting) and ask them for suggestions. The people at Lyon Arboretum at the University of Hawii for instance are very nice helpful people that would probably be more than happy to help if they can. If you happen to be going to Kauai and need info on the public gardens there, feel free to e-mail me. I am pretty familiar with them. It will take you at least 2 to 3 days just to see the magnificent public gardens on that island alone.

I haven't been on that cruise, Carole, but I've been to Hawaii and also on a Caribbean cruise. In retrospect, I'd prefer staying at a resort in Hawaii over a cruise there. Why? I loved the relaxed atmosphere of our resort (the Hyatt Regency Kauai) over the party hearty atmosphere on our cruise ship. DH & I loved strolling through our resorts tropical gardens at night before turning in. And walking along the beach at sunrise. We ate when we wanted to. Toured when and where we wanted to. Snorkeled when and where we wanted to. Etc. When I go on vacation , I like to choose if and when I want to do something and I want to come back relaxed and refreshed. Although I loved our week-long Caribbean cruise, I enjoyed our week at a Hawaiian resort more. BTW, a few years after we did the cruise, we flew back to St.Thomas and rented a private villa for a week. THAT was even better than the Hawaiian resort for us. Relaxing, fun, romantic and peaceful . . . ahhhhhh! If you live on or near the East Coast or the South, you might want to check out those possibilities. I have to admit that the 12 hour flying & connection time from Albuquerque to St. Thomas made for quite a long day, although I'd go back again in a heartbeat! Lynn

I've been to the Big Island six times. The first was when I was a geology undergrad and we went as a field trip for a class I was taking, and the most recent was two weeks ago with my two kids ages 7 and 8. My kids have each been there three times. Hawaii is where we choose to vacation. We make decisions in regards to other finances in order to make this happen. Anyway, definitely rent a 4WD vehicle. There is a gorgeous green sand beach (green sand...yes! It's formed from an old cinder cone where the magma has all eroded and what is left are the olivine crystals.) three miles from the end of South Point Road. Unless you want to hike six miles round-trip (I've done it twice and don't recommend it), the only way to get there is by 4WD. Also, if the water is calm at South Point, take a chance and jump off the southern most point of the United States. Definitely a thrill. Then hike a little more and go around South Point and see how dangerous the water is on the East Side. It's an amazing place. A 4WD will get you up to the top of Mauna Kea to see the telescopes. Although you can make it easily to the Visitors Center with a regular car. I would highly recommend spending an evening stargazing up there. Punalu'u Black Sand beach is a beautiful place to see a black sand beach and sea turtles. A hike to the bottom of the Pololu Valley will also get you to a gorgeous black sand beach and you can see the remains of the 1946 tsunami that hit the area. HVNP is well worth the trip, even if you can't see the lava up close. I've been there when we've hiked right to the lava and I made my own rock (this was on the geology field trip and is not recommended for amateurs), seen the lava flow from either side of the Chain of Craters Road, and most recently, only seen the lava glow at night from the Halema'ua'u Crater. The first time I went, we were able to go right to the edge of the crater at the overlook and we even hiked across the Kileau Crater. Now, the crater is active and the area around it is closed. The overlook was actually destroyed in an explosion when the crater became active. The lava changes every day and you never know what you are going to see when you go. Have a fabulous time! We've never stayed at the 4S. Instead we stay a bit further up the Kohala Coast at the Fairmont Orchid. The beach at the 4S is rockier and smaller than that at the Orchid, but the other amenities at the 4S make up for it. Maybe if we didn't go every other year, we'd be able to afford the 4S! :-)