I remember discovering plate lunches after I first moved here in the 80s and immediately started gaining weight after partaking.  These plate lunches seemed to be designed for big construction workers that needed thousands of calories to do their job, not a computer deskworker like me.  But regardless, if you really want a true taste of what locals eat on a regular basis, find yourself a lunch wagon and get a genuine Hawaiian plate lunch. Our local girl Aina explains what they are and how she grew up with them.  Skip the fancy restaurant (at least once) and eat like the rest of us!