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Attractions
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.
Nightlife
Jokes abound about neighbor-island nightlife being an oxymoron, but there are a few pockets of entertainment here, largely in the Kailua-Kona and Kohala Coast resorts. Your best bet is to check the local newspapers -- Honolulu Advertiser and West Hawaii Today -- for special shows, such as fundraisers, that are held at local venues. Other than that, regular entertainment in the local clubs usually consists of mellow Hawaiian music at sunset, small hula groups, or jazz trios.
Some of the island's best events are held at the Kahilu Theatre, in Waimea (tel. 808/885-6017; www.kahilutheatre.org), so be on the lookout for any mention of it during your stay. Hula, the top Hawaiian music groups from all over Hawaii, drama, and all aspects of the performing arts use Kahilu as a venue.
Gastronomy
So many restaurants, so little time. What's a traveler to do? The Big Island's delicious dilemma is its daunting size and abundant offerings. Its gastronomic environment -- the fruitful marriage of creative chefs, good soil, and rich cultural traditions -- has made this island as much a culinary destination as a recreational one. And from the Kona Coffee Festival to the Aloha Festival's Poke Recipe Contest, the Big Island is host to extraordinary world-renowned culinary events.
The Big Island's volcanic soil produces fine tomatoes, lettuces, beets, beans, fruit, and basic herbs and vegetables that were once difficult to find locally. Southeast Asian fruit, such as mangosteen and rambutan, are beginning to appear in markets, along with the sweet white pineapple that is by now a well-established Big Island crop. Along with the lamb and beef from Big Island ranches and seafood from local fishermen, this fresh produce forms the backbone of ethnic cookery and Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
Kailua-Kona is teeming with restaurants for all pocketbooks, while the haute cuisine of the island is concentrated in the Kohala Coast resorts. Waimea, also known as Kamuela, is a thriving upcountry community, a haven for yuppies, techies, and retirees who know a good place when they see one. In Hawi, North Kohala, expect bakeries, neighborhood diners, and one tropical-chic restaurant that's worth a special trip. In Hilo in East Hawaii, you'll find pockets of trendiness among the precious old Japanese and ethnic restaurants that provide honest, tasty, and affordable meals in unpretentious surroundings.
In our listings, reservations are not necessary unless otherwise noted. Warning: Big Island restaurants, especially along the Kona Coast, seem to have a chronic shortage of waitstaff. Come prepared for a leisurely meal; sit and enjoy the warm moonlit night, sip a liquid libation, and realize time is relative here.
Big Island vacations | Our friendly travel advisors are experts on Big Island vacations and know most of Big Island hotels. Before we quote any Big Island vacations packages, we compare with other tour operators serving your departure city and provide the lowest price available. Call our reservation center and purchase your Big Island vacations with confidence, our company has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for many years.
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