momkmouse Posted August 12, 2014 #1 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Do we have to book the Princess tour or can we get transportation ourselves and save some money?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJSULIBRARIAN Posted August 12, 2014 #2 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Don't know how much money you will save but you could hire local transport to get you there. It is about 1/2 hour away and well worth the visit. We first went about 20 years ago and there have been significant improvements since then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted August 12, 2014 #3 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Check out the Hoppa Hoppa HOHO bus in Hilo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pia1913 Posted August 12, 2014 #4 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Do we have to book the Princess tour or can we get transportation ourselves and save some money?? Taxi. Less than 20 minutes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan-M Posted August 12, 2014 #5 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Sadie - I don't think the Botanical Gardens are on the Hoppa Hoppa bus route, or am I missing it on their website? I would rent a car for the day (probably less than the cost of a taxi both ways) and do a bit more exploring in addition to the Botancial Gardens... or at least compare the cost of renting a car plus admission fee to the gardens vs. the cost of the ship's excursion. A tour isn't necessary as it's easy to drive to, and a guide isn't needed at the gardens ... it's one of those places where it would be nicer to wander without a large group. It's definitely a highlight on the east side! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kartgv Posted August 12, 2014 #6 Share Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) It's an easy drive from Hilo if you rent a car. Our car is costing us $43, booking Avis through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. Do take water and mosquito repellant and wear comfortable walking shoes. After a morning at the gardens, we'll drive a little further and go to an island institution, Tex's Drive-In, for a burger and malasadas! Edited August 12, 2014 by Kartgv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cashew14 Posted August 12, 2014 #7 Share Posted August 12, 2014 We went with Big Island Aina Tours (our guide was Tina) and it was a great day. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duck addict Posted August 12, 2014 #8 Share Posted August 12, 2014 When I took my princess cruise in January, the excursion went to Nani Mau Gardens (http://www.nanimaugardens.com) instead. They made the change before the cruise and gave us a chance to opt out. I LOVED Nani Mau Gardens!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferndale Girl Posted August 15, 2014 #9 Share Posted August 15, 2014 (edited) We're renting a car for the day and we're planning on going there. I was wondering if they had any damage and if it'll still be a nice place to go. We won't be there until October 23rd so I'm hoping that things are pretty good by then. Any thoughts on this????? Oh....I just looked at their website and it says that it reopened with minimal damage so I guess it should be fine. Edited August 15, 2014 by Ferndale Girl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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