If you've never been to a Whole Foods, go. The buzz says this health-conscious supermarket is drawing record crowds. Metromix went three times since it opened Sept. 10, and it was always packed, especially at the takeout counters. Why? Besides "organic" and "local" signs everywhere and a generous sampling policy that can stuff you with freebies, the gawk factor is out of this world. It's way beyond the Kapahulu Safeway.

There's a gigantic ice bin full of whole deep-sea fish they'll grill any way you like. There's a salad counter, a seafood salad bar, a make-your-own salad bar, pre-packaged salads, a smoked-meat plate lunch counter and only-in-Hawai'i sushi rolls.

If you like Indian flavors and soup you can chew, the curry garbanzo tofu soup is absolutely to die for. Get some crunchy focaccia and golden beet salad, and you're set.