Kealoha Pilares spent much of his rookie season following the guidance of Carolina Panthers veteran Steve Smith.

This week, Pilares takes a turn in the lead.

After completing his first season with the Panthers, the former University of Hawaii receiver is sharing some of Oahu’s highlights with Smith and his Carolina teammates in town for the Pro Bowl.

"I just want to show them how we live down here," Pilares said. "Just show them around, things away from Waikiki, things we do growing up here."

Consider it a bit of payback after a season in which Smith shared his knowledge with Pilares as the Damien graduate adjusted to life in the league.

"He has a lot to offer," Pilares said. "Being a rookie in the league you have a lot to learn, and he’s been there for me, definitely."

Smith is among three Carolina players on the NFC roster for Sunday’s game at Aloha Stadium, along with rookie quarterback Cam Newton and center Ryan Kalil. The Panthers’ travel party grew when Smith treated the receivers to a week in the islands — a show of appreciation for their roles in helping him earn his second Pro Bowl selection — with Pilares providing local insight for the group.

"He’s showing us around, so he’s taking care of us," Smith said after the NFC’s practice Wednesday at Kapolei High School. "We get to experience his culture.

"We’re going to hang out with him and just experience, not the touristy spots, but experience this beautiful place and see the parts that if you didn’t know, you won’t see."

When Pilares joined the Panthers as a fifth-round draft pick, he recognized Smith’s experience in the league as a resource to tap into.

Smith roomed with Pilares on road trips and they attended Bible studies together. Along the way, the rookie picked up more than football knowledge from the 11-year vet.

"I really took advantage of trying to learn more about the game, the NFL from the business standpoint and away from football as well," Pilares said. "When people talk about Steve Smith, they always talk about how he is on the field. But another thing I admire is his attitude off the field. He’s just a really good guy, a family-oriented guy and he just has so much to offer, so much wisdom."

As for the on-field lessons, Smith’s attention to technique — particularly the way he uses the strength in his hands to fight off jams at the line of scrimmage — stuck with Pilares.

For his part, Smith envisions a productive future for Pilares, who didn’t catch a pass in his rookie season but developed into a weapon on special teams. He averaged 25.7 yards on 23 kickoff returns and scored his first NFL touchdown on a 101-yard return against Detroit on Nov. 20.

"I see a lot of potential," Smith said. "He has a lot of burst, he’s fast. He’s a young guy so he’s kind of just trying to absorb it all in and not get overloaded."

Smith earned this visit by finishing fifth in the NFL in receiving with 1,394 yards on 79 receptions and seven touchdowns. Newton was on the other end of those throws in a breakout rookie year, and was added to the NFC roster after Eli Manning vacated a spot by leading the New York Giants to the Super Bowl.

So while a Pro Bowl berth offers a chance to relax and explore the island, the season’s worth of effort that goes into a selection adds to the trip’s significance.

"Anybody can go on vacation," Smith said, "but to get the honor to be elected is something that doesn’t come to a lot of players. So I’m honored to get that privilege."