We’ve already covered what to ask when looking for good local eats, right? But there’s a good chance they’re still going to send you somewhere safe – someplace where the menu isn’t laminated.

Which means you gotta dig – and here’s a trick I learned during my 5 years in China:

Find a construction site around mid-day and wait for the whistle to blow*.

Then follow the workers.

See – we’re talking about big boys who don’t get paid big money but need to eat. And they always seem to know where this predicament can be taken care of.

So, while in the less-than-thrifty Honolulu, I did just that. I followed a few yardworkers to a serious place.

Helena’s.

Now – I’ll go ahead and tell you I was quite pleased with myself but would soon find out that this is a rather well-known local dive that tourists occasionally get taken to. But even with a few haole sitting in – it was exactly what you’d want in a hidden haunt.

Now – you’ve learned the main lesson of who to follow.

And when it comes to dining, here’s another.

Order one of each from the appetizer menu.

Sure, it might cost you a few dollars more, but there’s no better way to sample what the kitchen can do.

I ordered this – and still don’t know exactly what it was:

I mean, I know the fish is called ‘poke’, but the eyeball thingy I’m not sure about. It’s a mussel of sorts and is really salty.

But that’s just it – I experienced something that wasn’t that great and am still not sure what it is but am better for it.

Which is exactly what travel should be all about.

*Entirely based on The Flinstones, I’ve never had a callus on these hands, so am not sure what it sounds like.

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