Experience How the Locals Live (and Eat!) -- "Go local for a day" is the mantra of Home Tours Hawaii (tel. 877/325-5772 or 808/325-5772; www.hometourshawaii.com), which features chef Ann Sutherland, who was born, raised, and earned her sterling reputation as a gourmet chef in Hawaii. She invites visitors to experience what it's like to live (and, most important, eat) in Hawaii for a day. Chef Ann and her partner Pat pick you up in an air-conditioned van and then escort you to various private homes in the Kona region (from an upscale townhouse on the ocean to a hand-made cottage in the middle of a coffee plantation to a luxury estate) with a progressive brunch, prepared using local products, at each home you visit. Chef Ann is a funny story teller who entertains you with history and trivia as you drive from one home to the next. Don't be too shocked when you hear the astronomical prices of real estate in Hawaii. You won't want to miss this insider's look at how residents live in Hawaii. Chef Ann's mouth-watering masterpieces are worth the price alone. The 4-hour tour, with transportation, brunch, and a gift bag of local products to take home with you, is $105.
Imiloa: Exploring the Unknown -- Absolutely do not miss the recently opened Imiloa: Astronomy Center of Hawaii. The 300 exhibits in the 12,000-square-foot gallery make the connection between the Hawaiian culture and its explorers, who "discovered" the Hawaiian Islands, and the astronomers who explore the heavens from the observatories atop Mauna Kea. Imiloa, which means "explorer" or "seeker of profound truth," is the perfect name for this architecturally stunning center, located on 9 landscaped acres overlooking Hilo Bay in the University of Hawaii at Hilo Science and Technology Park campus, 600 Imiloa Pl. (tel. 808/969-9700; www.imiloahawaii.org). Plan to spend at least a couple hours here; a half-day would be better, to allow time to browse the excellent interactive exhibits as well as take in one of the planetarium shows, which boast a state-of-the-art digital projection system. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm; admission is $18 for adults and $9.50 for children 4 to 12.
