It's no secret that one of the Islands' favorite activities is eating — especially eating out.

Each year, The Honolulu Advertiser honors our eating-out favorites with the 'Ilima Awards, a people's and critics' choice selection that recognizes the best of the best.

The first 'Ilima Awards ballot of the year can be found on Page D9, and ballots will continue to appear through the deadline of July 15. You also can vote online at www.honoluluadvertiser.com. It's important to note that you can only vote for any restaurant one time and that there are several categories in which it is mandatory to vote. Read the rules carefully so your ballot will not be disqualified.

The awards banquet also serves as a fundraiser for Diamond Head Theatre, the state's oldest performing arts center. At this gala, which includes a decadent tasting of dishes from winning restaurants, restaurateurs and chefs are feted with a musical tribute written and choreographed exclusively for the event. This year's gala is set for Oct. 8. (To ask about tickets, which always sell out, call the Diamond Head Theatre box office at 733-0274.)

The awards will be announced, and the restaurants profiled, in the fall in our annual magazine, Hawai'i's Best Restaurants.