After 5 days at sea, we spotted land, Hilo on the Big Island. Under blue skies scattered with clouds, we ventured from the ship. The walk to the tour bus gave us a chance to get our land legs back, well sort of. It seemed funny not to feel the rock and roll as we walked.
Once on the tour bus, our bus driver began his narration of the area. We passed through several small towns and started to pick up on a theme — he was pointing out every gas station and Post Office. This was rural Hawaii at its best, with no shopping centers or big box stores, just lush green fields.
We reached the Hawaii National Park stopping at the Uekahuna Kilauea Overlook. Kīlauea, which is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Pretty impressive site.
Lili’uokalani Gardens
Our next stop was back in Hilo at the Japanese Gardens also known as Lili’uokalani Gardens. Dedicated to Queen Lili’uokalani, the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, it is an authentic Edo-style ornamental garden. Queen Lili’uokalani, donated the original five acres of land to create a public park in 1907 which is now seventeen acres. The garden opened in 1919 and was styled as a tribute to the first Japanese immigrants to the Big Island who helped build its agricultural history starting in 1868.
The gardens were so pretty and serene. I could have spent the afternoon in the shade of the banyan tree. However, we had to return to the ship.
Two seniors traveling the world 
Love the pictures of the garden! It does seem pretty peaceful…
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