Roboto thats awesome info, thanks. Sound like we will find plenty to do and be very happy on the big island. Do you guys have any input on our target of late July as far as maximum opportunities for fruit? Could push it to first or second week of August if need be.
And if you could spend time on any other the other islands, which one would it be?
I think beginning of July is best time. You should find lots of lychees and mangos, as well as many other rarer fruits. Best other island to visit for fruit aficionados is Oahu, especially since most flights stop there anyway.
On Oahu: Frankies Nursery in Waimanalo, Chinatown, Foster's Garden (now renamed Honolulu Botanical Garden), Ho'omaluhia Gardens, Lyon's Arboretum, Waimea Gardens.
On Big Island: Hilo Farmer's Market, best early Saturday, but also open on Wednesdays, Hilo Arboretum on Kilauea Ave., Waiakea Experimental Station, on same road that goes to Zoo, just past the zoo on right hand side, Hawaii Botanical garden on Onomea Bay, Makuu Market, sundays only on Hwy. 130 right before reaching Pahoa. On Kona side: South Kona Fruit stand, they have a website, Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook, Saturday Farmer's market on Keahou shopping center, and a few other farmer's markets around. Check numerous health food stores both in Hilo and Kona side as they sometimes have good selections of fruits. One of the best is Pahoa Island Naturals. But all depends on their delivery date.
On Maui and Kauai there are nice private gardens run but NTBG (same folks that run the Kampong). They have a website with specifics. Some need prior appointment and beware have high admission fees.