Thanks, lazybonz! I agree with you! The cost of living is high, but there is beauty everywhere you look. texasplum- You would love it in Hawaii! What a wonderful sister you have to bring you cuttings! I came back with quite a few myself. I will be sharing them with my older brother. He has the bug, too! jandey - You're right! It is even more amazing in person. I can't think of a place that I would like to visit more. kms2 - Thanks so much! The dawn picture was taken at Makena. It felt so serene that morning. You might be able to see Molokini in the background. I spent that morning swimming at Turtle Town. Have a wonderful evening!

wow Roxanne!! super exciting!! I received 30 mixed seeds from ebay! I was very excited, but now not so!! only 3 out of 18 that i put in paper towels have puffed and did germinate for me, the rest sadly did not make it and I lost due to mold. Frustrating. Live and learn. you must be in heaven and I'd do the same if I were you.. lol. Chuy

The first time we were at the Radisson Aruba, I had a case of hives that were seriously exacerbated by eating fresh fish. I woke up with swollen lips & hands and had to go to an Island doctor for a shot of Prednisone. The cab driver drove us over to the doctor's office, he waited for us to come out instead of making us call for another cab, drove us to a Pharmacy, and then back to the hotel. Talk about tourist friendly, that was a very nice way to deal with that fare. On that same trip, my husband strained his back and could barely walk. We were quite the sight - me covered in hives, him bent over and limping along. To make up for that less than perfect trip, 2 years later we went back (to the Radisson again) and managed to stay healthy for the week. A big snow storm hit the east coast and we were worried about getting back into Philly late and then having to shovel out the car. Luckily, days later when we returned to the States, most of the snow had melted and slid off the car and we were able to just drive over the snow plowed behind the car. This year the only thing we have planned is some time in Hilton Head.

Fixer: I think you doubt my statement about saving $6K a month rental in South Maui. When you say you found some rentals "in Hawaii", that covers a lot of ground! There are rentals in some locations in Hawaii in some seasons for even less than the $600/wk you quote, and there can be a discount for more than 28 nights. We are 'a few palm trees' from Wailea in South Kihei, across from Kamaole III beach park. The smallest (1 BR 2 Bath) ocean view units at our complex run over $200/night January through mid-April. Taxes add 13.42% We pay neither rent nor rental tax to stay in our own place. It's also great to know we won't be disappointed. We've rented our share of pricey condos in Hawaii -- and elsewhere -- that turned out to be pretty 'bare bones'!