
Helena's Hawaiian Food
A beloved Honolulu institution since 1946, serving award-winning, authentic Hawaiian comfort food with genuine aloha.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Helena's Hawaiian Food

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Honolulu institution since 1946, serving award-winning, authentic Hawaiian comfort food with genuine aloha.
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds by visiting during less busy times. The restaurant can get packed.
Try set menus
Consider set menus for a complete and well-rounded dining experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Hawaiian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(808) 845-8044
Address
1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pipikaula Short Ribs
Tender, juicy short ribs air-dried then pan-fried to perfection, a must-try classic that keeps customers coming back.

Authentic Hawaiian Cuisine
Savor traditional flavors dating back to 1946, from kalua pig to lomi salmon, in a beloved family-run establishment.

Welcoming, Local Atmosphere
Experience the warm hospitality of friendly staff in a down-to-earth setting, making you feel right at home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds by visiting during less busy times. The restaurant can get packed.
Try set menus
Consider set menus for a complete and well-rounded dining experience.
Don't miss the short ribs
The pipikaula (short ribs) are highly recommended and a signature dish.
Be prepared for parking
Parking can be difficult. Be ready to search for street parking or walk a few blocks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds by visiting during less busy times. The restaurant can get packed.
Try set menus
Consider set menus for a complete and well-rounded dining experience.
Don't miss the short ribs
The pipikaula (short ribs) are highly recommended and a signature dish.
Be prepared for parking
Parking can be difficult. Be ready to search for street parking or walk a few blocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Helena's Hawaiian Food is a cherished establishment known for its authentic, comforting Hawaiian cuisine and friendly, welcoming service. Diners rave about the flavorful signature dishes, particularly the pipikaula short ribs. While the portions might be considered small by some and parking can be a challenge, the overall experience of enjoying genuine island flavors makes it a must-visit.
"The food is by far the best local food we had. And we have tried L&L, and Rainbow Drive In. The staffs are vey nice and genuine. You will feel at home and comfortable while eating. Parking is outside and if the place is packed, spots are hard to find. The coconut jelly is great for hot weather. The butter fish is delicious."
JAW 314
"It was well worth the time and effort to fight through rush hour traffic to get to this place. Local down to earth place where you can enjoy a fantastic meal while being yourself and enjoying the vibe. The food didn’t disappoint either. Food was well seasoned and flavorful."
Sudsahara Callaway
"The food here is arguably one of the best spots you’ll eat at. The hustle and bustle of the restaurant is fun, but we were in a rush and din’t want to wait for a spot. We opted to just eat in our car. All the meats were delicious and every time we come we get the Poi to see if it agrees with us better this time. Each time we fail to find enjoyment in it, but try try again!"
Frank Biermann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The pipikaula short ribs are a signature dish and highly recommended. Other popular choices include kalua pig, lomi salmon, and squid luau.
Parking is limited and can be challenging. Be prepared to search for street parking or walk a short distance.
It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, as the restaurant is very popular.
Yes, considering set menus is a good way to sample various dishes and get a complete dining experience.
Yes, many items on the menu are naturally gluten-free.
Yes, the restaurant is family-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere.
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The food: When owner and chef Chai Chaowasaree opened Kalo, he brought on two employees from the classic Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Kalihi. The recipes are Chaowasaree’s, but he needed local finesse in cooking authentic Hawaiian food. The Hawaiian Signature Sampler is your best bet, with kalua pork, ‘ahi poke, chicken long rice, lomi salmon, poi (when available), rice, and pipikaula short ribs.
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The parking is horrible, the hours are limited, and it’s usually pretty busy. We’ll suffer through it all, because this is our favorite spot on the island for Hawaiian food. Part of the appeal is its legacy—Helena’s has been around since 1946—but we keep coming back for the still-excellent pipikaula short ribs, which get dried above the stove before they’re fried.
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If there’s anything Hawaii does right, it’s down-home, traditional island cuisine. And Helena’s Hawaiian Food may just be the best spot in all of Oahu. Opening in 1946, Helena’s has since made a name for itself – a humble eatery serving up things like kalua pig cooked in an imu (an underground oven), laulau, lomi salmon, short ribs pipikaula-style, and haupia.
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Helena’s menu hasn’t changed much since the restaurant opened in 1946. This is how Hawaii ate back then and scanning the dining room, full of locals, you’ll see that this is how Hawaii still eats. The pipikaula (short ribs) are a must; order them with one of the set menus to get the complete experience at this James Beard American Classics winner.
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Many agree that the best Hawaiian food is at Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Kalihi, Oahu. There’s almost no parking, so be prepared to hunt for a space on the street. There’s usually a line.
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The place may be bigger and busier now, thanks to its James Beard American Classic award and appearances on national food shows, but the heart of Helena’s Hawaiian Food hasn’t changed in nearly 80 years. Racks of marinated pipi kaula short ribs still hang over the stove, waiting to be pan-fried to order, and lau lau, squid lū‘au, chicken long rice and pretty much everything is as founder Helen Chock cooked it. Don’t make every first-time tourist’s mistake and order just two dishes—eat as locals do and let your spoon roam between bowls of kālua pig, steaming lau lau, lomi salmon, sweet onions dipped in Hawaiian salt, poi (or rice), and back all over again.
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For those who’re solely going to at least one spot for conventional Hawaiian meals, make it Helena’s. Open since 1946, Helena’s gained a James Beard America’s Classics award in 2000, and locals have been lining up since day one. First-timers ought to order the Set Menu D: this comes with kalua pig, lomi salmon, pipikaula(air-dried, juicy quick ribs, fast fried for a little bit of a crunch), and squid l ū‘au (a savory dish of squid and younger taro leaves coconut in coconut milk) and poi (pounded taro, eaten as a major starch) or rice.
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Helena’s is an island favorite and it promises local flavors without the touristy luau fanfare. And the menu is all about comfort food dishes, such as pipikaula beef which is grilled to order straight from the hanger and mouth-wateringly juicy slow cooked pork. This is a family-run restaurant that has a casual setting (think laminated menus and polystyrene cups), but don’t let first impressions fool you because Helena’s has previously won the James Beard Foundation Award for top regional cuisine – so the food will not disappoint!
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Join the line (don’t worry, it moves fast) at Helena’s, a no-frills, fluorescent-lit joint where the walls are peppered with awards from publications and the James Beard Foundation, as well as photos of the founder, Helen Chock, who started the restaurant in 1946. Her grandson, Craig Katsuyoshi, now runs it and serves the same menu of Hawaiian staples: poi, kalua pig, laulau. The restaurant’s most famous item, though, is the pipikaula, soy sauce marinated short ribs air dried and then fried in cast-iron pans.
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The James Beard Award-winning Helena’s is one of those mainstays you just can’t pass up—and our readers from around the world who love Hawaiian food agree. So do celebrities like Bill Murray, who has a table in the back just for him. Known for its short-rib version of the salt-rubbed‚ dried beef delicacy known as pipi kaula, plus savory beef stew, squid luau, chicken long rice and more, the little 73-year-old restaurant in Kalihi is on the radar of every Hawaiian food devotee, and a legend in its own right.
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For a more traditional Hawaiian dining experience, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a must-visit. This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Hawaiian dishes since 1946 and has been recognized with a James Beard Foundation Award for its culinary excellence. Located in Kalihi, Helena’s is famous for its “Kalua Pig,” “Poi,” “Lomi Salmon,” and “Pipikaula Short Ribs.” The restaurant’s simple, no-frills atmosphere allows the food to shine, making it a favorite among those seeking an authentic Hawaiian meal.
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It’s not often that a low-key diner is the spot to go for traditional Hawaiian food but Helena’s Hawaiian Food delivers and is totally Onolicious (delicious). You’ll love the homey Hawaiian vibe and casual and friendly service and when you ask for what to eat, you’ll get some fantastic recommendations. There are no reservations so you do have to put your name on the list and also cash is the only payment method here along with limited parking but definitely worth the effort if you do find parking.
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If you’re only going to one spot for traditional Hawaiian food, make it Helena’s. Locals have been lining up since the day Helena’s opened in 1946, though a James Beard America’s Classics award in 2000 has brought in even more diners. First-timers should order set menu D, which comes with kalua pig, lomi salmon, pipikaula (air-dried, juicy short ribs, quick-fried for crunch), and squid lū’au (a savory dish of octopus and taro leaves in coconut milk), along with poi or rice.
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For the best Hawaiian food, simply and honestly prepared, a must visit on Oahu is Helena's Hawaiian Food. The James Beard Foundation award-winning restaurant was started by Helen Chock in 1946 and is ran by her grandson Craig Katsuyoshi today. The small eatery, located on North School Street in Honolulu's Kalihi Valley neighborhood, features authentic Hawaiian food prepared from traditional recipes that have gone unchanged since the restaurant's opening seven decades ago.
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Helena's Hawaiian Food is a world-famous Hawaiian food restaurant located at 1240 North School Street in the heart of downtown Honolulu. It opened in 1946, received a James Beard Award for "America's Classics" in 2000 and is known for its classic Hawaiian dishes including kalua pig, laulau, luau squid and short ribs. Helena's has been featured on numerous television shows including Chowdown Countdown, Good Morning America and Man Versus Food.
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Not many restaurants hold the honor of a James Beard Award, but, lucky for us, Helena’s Hawaiian Cuisine in Honolulu proves that affordable, authentic, and delicious food is not mutually exclusive. Established in 1946, this family-owned business operates out of traditional Hawaiian food that is loved by visitors and residents alike. Its famous kalua pig is cooked in an emu (underground oven), which elevates this restaurant above others.
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You can’t go to Honolulu and not go to Helena’s Hawaiian Food. It’s an icon, a cafeteria-like haven for the kind of homey Hawaiian food that’s becoming harder and harder to find. Thankfully, owner Craig Katsuyoshi keeps his grandmother’s tradition alive, and he makes pipikaula the way she did: dipping short ribs in soy sauce, hanging them overnight, then frying them to order so they’re tender and meaty, with a little dry-aged funk.
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For those glancing at menus and seeking a taste of the islands, places like Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Honolulu stand out. With its accolades and reputation, you won’t just find Chicken Long Rice here; you’ll experience it served with the kind of care and respect it deserves. Each bowl is a fragrant tribute, featuring succulent chicken amid the silky long rice, enveloped in a broth that could warm even the coldest of souls.
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This Honolulu staple doesn’t just serve food; it dishes out history, tradition, and a side of Aloha. Helena’s Hawaiian Food is the real deal for Hawaiian cuisine, where the recipes have been passed down through generations, and the welcome is warm. Forget about fancy décor or modern twists—Helena’s is about soul-satisfying comfort food that hits the spot, whether you’re a local or a visitor craving a taste of the islands.
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In true foodie fashion, we hit up Helena’s straight from the airport upon landing. D had seen this homey, unpretentious little restaurant featured on the Travel Channel show “Man vs. Food”, where it was hailed as serving the most authentic Hawaiian food. We ordered a generous wide variety of small dishes to try ($3-$5 each), including the famous pipikaula short ribs, kalua pork, lau lau, chicken long rice, and mac salad.
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For traditional, no-frills food guaranteed to delight foodie fanatics and fussy eaters alike, Helena’s is one of the best places to eat in Oahu. Food is served in small dishes with 3 dishes per person recommended, or ideally order the set menu for the best selection. For over six decades this humble café has been serving up Hawaiian classics such as Poi, Lomi salmon, Haupia and Kalua Pig and a visit will not disappoint.
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If you’re on the hunt for places to eat in Oahu that serves up some serious aloha flavour, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is THE spot in Honolulu. Adored by locals and visitors alike, this iconic, family-owned restaurant has been serving traditional Hawaiian cuisine since opening their doors in 1946. Please ignore the middle finger…my phone got wiped when I got back and I lost all of my delicious photos from Helena’s.
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I am easily starting my must-try restaurants in Oahu list with Helena’s Hawaiian Food.It took me three trips to FINALLY try Helena’s Hawaiian Food because it is that popular. However, trust me when I say it is WORTH THE HYPE. Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a family restaurant that serves traditional, local Hawaiian food. They have been open since 1946 and are not only a tourist faovirte but also a local faovirte!
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If you’re searching for a Hawaiian restaurant in Oahu that is as authentic as it gets, you’ll want to pay a visit to Helena’s Hawaiian Food. This simple, unpretentious, family-run establishment was opened by Helen Chock in 1946 (more than a decade before Hawaii became a U.S. state!) and the family has been serving the people of Oahu for more than six decades. Helen’s grandson, Craig, is currently the owner.
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Helena’s has been serving authentic local Hawaiian food since 1946, making it a local staple. Over the past 64 years, this local eatery has stayed simple and classic with the founder Helen Chock teaching her children and grandchildren the art of cooking, which has helped the restaurant establish a firm foothold within the community. Check out their pipikaula short rubs, which are absolutely mouth-watering.
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If you’re in Honolulu but want to make sure you’re eating true local Hawaiian food instead of touristy spin-offs, check out Helena’s Hawaiian Food. It has hundreds of rave reviews, but not because of a beachfront spot, live performances, colorful cocktails, or anything else besides its delicious food. You can get squid luau, luau luau, kalua pork, haupia, pipikaula, and other Hawaiian favorites.
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A post shared by Helena's Hawaiian Food (@helenashawaiianfoood). Helena’s has been a community staple for Hawaiian food since 1946, serving up specials like kalua pig and short ribs, as well as sides such as macaroni salad and lomi salmon. The setting at this family-owned restaurant is unpretentious and relaxed, making it an easy option for trying some of the dishes Hawaii is best known for.
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It’s not fancy (the best places aren’t though, are they?), but this iconic fixture on Oahu serves dishes passed down through generations. It’s a local spot to be sure, but they see a fair number of tourists and are very welcoming, taking time to walk you through the menu and explain a good way to order. If you’re only going to hit one “local” restaurant on your trip, make this it.
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📍 1240 North School St, Honolulu 🕒 Open: Tue-Fri for Lunch & Dinner 🍹 Happy Hour: None 🎵 Live Music: None 🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only. Open since 1946, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a Honolulu culinary landmark, now proudly run by Helena’s grandson, Craig. This cozy Kalihi eatery — one of the few Hawaiian restaurants honored with a James Beard Award — is well worth the wait.
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One of the reasons I keep going back to Hawaii is quite simply, the food. At Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Honolulu, you can get a crash course in some Hawaiian classics done right, including dishes like lau lau (pork steamed in taro leaves), kalbi ribs, kalua pork, mac salad, and poi. It’s a wondrous mashup of many different cultures, and it’s part of what makes Hawaii so special.
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Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu is renowned for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine, blending oceanic and earthy flavors. Highlights include Pork, Luau Squid, and Poke, with a special mention for Poi, a dish made from taro root. It's one of the few places to enjoy traditional Hawaiian banquet food without a full luau, offering a quick, casual, and affordable dining experience.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food: Located in Kalihi, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is an iconic eatery that has been serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine since 1946. The restaurant is owned and operated by the Chock family and is renowned for its award-winning kalua pig. Visitors to this restaurant can expect to find a wide range of Hawaiian specialties such as lau lau, lomi salmon, and poi.
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Finding authentic Hawaiian food in Hawaii is surprisingly difficult, but Helena’s Hawaiian Food is widely regarded as the best Hawaiian restaurant around. Opened in 1946, this local eatery has been serving up delicious Hawaiian food for 75 years!. As if its longevity wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, Helena’s Hawaiian Food also boasts a prestigious James Beard Award!
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Compared to most restaurants, this is a smaller yet authentic family owned restaurant that offers some of the best tasting home style Hawaiian food. Pipikuala ribs are thick and juicy short ribs that comes packed with flavor and is certainly the most sought after delicacy here. Fried butterfish which are super crispy and buttery are worth the long wait in the line.
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Over the decades, Helen Chock’s 68-year old eatery has attracted the attention of “Man vs. Food” and even earned itself a James Beard Foundation’s Regional Classics Restaurant Award — and yet you can still fill up here for between $10 and $15. All the local dishes are well represented, including long rice chicken, poi, short ribs, poke, lomi salmon and kalua pig.
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Helena’s is so good that it appeared at the top on both my list about the famous restaurants in Honolulu as well as my list about the 5 star restaurants in Honolulu, so you know it has to be good. And it certainly seems to be because everybody who goes there seems to love it. They have a four and a half star rating with nearly 4000 reviews from their customers.
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If you’re searching for authentic Hawaiian food while visiting Oahu, make a beeline for Helena’s Hawaiian Foods. Opened in 1946, this restaurant has been attracting both locals and visitors for 64+ years. There’s no denying that Helena’s is a staple in the community, so much so that the restaurant earned a prestigious James Beard Regional Classic Award in 2000.
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Don’t let the run-down facade put you off from trying Helena’s. A local favorite for traditional Hawaiian food—think kahlua pig, Pipikaula short ribs and lomi salmon—this no-frills diner is one of the long-standing greats when it comes to island cuisine. Service is warm and friendly, and photos chronicle the restaurant’s history over several decades.
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This family owned and operated restaurant is a great place to try authentic Hawaiian dishes. Plan to arrive before hunger truly sets in, as you’ll likely see the line before you spot this small, unpretentious local restaurant in Honolulu. Order ala carte for a variety of options or select one of the set menus, which come with a side of poi or rice.
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A post shared by Helena's Hawaiian Food (@helenashawaiianfoood). Helena’s Hawaiian Food is an iconic establishment that has been serving authentic local cuisine since 1946. A recipient of the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award, it is revered for its traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pork, lau lau, and their famous Pipikaula short ribs.
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It is where my partner and I first tried poi, pounded and fermented taro root with a pudding-like consistency that is part of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Helena’s is also where we had our first taste of haupia (coconut pudding) and we’ve been enjoying haupia everything ever since. The delicious dishes are simple and presented without fuss.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a true Hawaiian gem that has been killing it since 1946. When you’re in the mood for simple, native, and honestly prepared Hawaiian food, this is the place to be in Honolulu. This James Beard Foundation award-winning restaurant is nothing fancy but a humble, simple, and unpretentious place serving authentic food.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food is the best place to try traditional Hawaiian food. It’s a family-owned business that’s been open since 1946. You can order dishes like the famous kalua pig cooked in an imu, short ribs pipikaula style, haupia, luau suid, long rice chicken, and fried butterfish collar, and pair them with your favorite drink.
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Helena’s, a 2000 James Beard Award recipient, is situated on North School Street near the Bishop Museum. They are legendary for local dishes such as squid luau, authentic poi, poke and some of the sweetest kalbi ribs on island – plus many more local favorites. Limited seating, terrible parking, gritty neighborhood.
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About a half mile from the Bishop Museum, Helena's is a great place to eat a traditional Hawaiian meal without keeping the kids up late for a budget-busting Luau. Founding Chef Helen Kwock Chock was awarded a James Beard Award in 2000 for her classic Hawaiian food. Expect long waits during popular dining hours.
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A hands-down favorite for kalua pork – and just about any other traditional Hawaiian dish – is Helena’s Hawaiian Food. This low key family-owned, James Beard award-winning restaurant has been wowing local and visiting palates since 1946. The kalua pork is cooked in an imu here (underground with hot stones).
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food $After waiting for 45 minutes at the parking lot, we finally made it to Helena’s. A favorite of both locals and tourists, this humble eatery serves authentic Hawaiian food at a very reasonable price. Definitely try their Kalua pork which is pork cooked in an imu, an underground oven.
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For the some of the best, most authentic local food on the island, be sure to stop at Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Kalihi. Serving excellent island-style food since 1946, Helena’s is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. For the best garlic shrimp ever, check out Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp in Kahuku.
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Helena’s is a family-owned restaurant known for their authentic Hawaiian dishes, prepared just the way you would at home. Any local will tell you this is one of the best restaurants in town. Order the Pipikaula Short Ribs with a side of Beef Stew; you’ll leave with a full tummy and a smile on your face.
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Helena’s – They’re known for their short ribs and their butterfish collar is a MUST. It isn’t pictured below, but it was so light, flaky, and delicious that we were in constant search of butterfish throughout our trip. The service was quick and friendly and you definitely get those family-owned vibes.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food is another great option for poke in Honolulu. Their poke is made with fresh, local ingredients, and their Ahi Poke is especially delicious. If you’re looking for something a little different, try their Kalua Pig Poke, made with slow-roasted kalua pig, shoyu, onions, and seaweed.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a low-key diner serving Hawaiian cuisine, such as Kale pig, pipikaula short ribs, Luau Squid, Poi, Lomi Salmon, Lau Lau and Haupia. Since it won the James Beard Award, it has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Oahu. The restaurant does not take reservations.
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Grab some traditional Hawaiian dishes from Helena’s Hawaiian Food. You’ll find all the usual suspects: kalua pig, poi, Lomi Salmon, laulau, long rice chicken, and luau squid. But there are some variations to the standard dishes that you’ll enjoy too, such as fried ahi and fried butterfish collar.
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Helena’s is one of the most famous Oahu restaurants, and it’s been around since 1946. They serve up traditional and local Hawaiian cuisine, which isn’t everyone’s type of flavour, but is definitely worth trying anyway. If you’re going with other people, make sure only one person orders poi.
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Well worth the two-hour wait, Helena’s Hawaiian Food warms the heart of hungry customers awaiting authentic Hawaiian food. “Their pipi kaula is out of this world,” said customer Andrew Lai, 42, from Waipi’o, Oahu. Offering ala carte menu items, one can’t go wrong when ordering one of each.
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Helena is a well-loved local Hawaiian restaurant by both locals and visitors from all around. The interior of their restaurant is a bit plain, but the richness is found in the food. This is the spot if you only have one opportunity to get your Hawaiian meal with all the sides and fixings.
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A post shared by Helena’s Hawaiian Food (@helenashawaiianfoood) on Aug 13, 2016 at 5:17pm PDT. This family-owned old-school island favorite is tucked away in the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu. Locals flock to Helena’s for its homestyle Hawaiian cooking in a hole-in-the-wall type space.
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There’s also Helena’s Hawaiian Food, which is the only restaurant in Hawaii that has a James Beard America’s Classics Award. They are only open Tuesday through Friday, but it is the best Hawaiian food in the state!. They are known for their short ribs which have a super-secret marinade.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food Helena’s offers a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine with dishes like pipikaula (beef jerky) and lomi salmon. The cozy, family-run restaurant provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the flavors of their traditional Hawaiian fare will leave you craving more.
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Definitely seek out this humble little restaurant, which was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s Regional Classics award in 2000. When first-generation Chinese Helen Chock started Helena’s in 1946 (she added an “a” at the end to make it sound more “Hawaiian”), she served Chinese and…
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Open since 1946, Helena’s won the 2014 Award for Best Hawaiian Food. This family-owned restaurant offers favorites such as poi, lomi salmon, pipikaula, laulau and kalua pig. They also feature butterfish and chicken long rice, all with Hawaiian sea salt and Maui onion on the side.
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Helena’s is another great local spot for authentic Hawaiian food that fits your budget. Here you will find some of the best Hawaiian food, including poi, Mac salad, LauLau, Kale pig, Lomi salmon, short ribs and haupia. You will find generous portions here for an affordable price.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food and Highway Inn, two beloved Honolulu institutions, serve some of the city’s best lau lau alongside other plate lunch staples like kalua pig, poi, and lomi salmon. Each bite connects diners to the islands’ Polynesian roots and communal eating traditions.
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For a truly authentic Hawaiian experience, head to Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Kalihi. This family-run spot has been serving traditional dishes since 1946, offering a taste of local heritage. You can enjoy favorites like kalua pig, laulau, and poi, all served with a warm smile.
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If you want to eat good Hawaiian food that feels home-cooked, then Helena’s Hawaiian Food is the spot for you. Eating at Helena’s makes your heart feel full and satisfied. This restaurant has been open since 1946 and is still run by Helen Chock’s family even today.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food is an iconic spot that offers traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurant serves up classic dishes such as Kalua Pig, Pipikaula Ribs, and Lomi Salmon that will make you feel the true spirit of Aloha.
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Liliha - Kapalama, $, Polynesian, Hawaiian, Gluten Free Options. Although it was once a well-kept secret, Helena’s isn’t much of a secret anymore. Known as one of the best spots on the island of Oahu for Hawaiian cuisine, you can expect a wait at Helena’s.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food: This casual, cash-only spot specializes in home-style Hawaiian cooking. But don’t be deceived by its looks: Helena’s Hawaiian Food is actually a James Beard winner. They’ve been in business 65 years and it’s easy to see why.
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Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a highly frequented spot for locals and tourists to chow down on local Hawaiian cuisine. It even won a James Beard award in 2000, making it one of the best places to eat in Oahu. Click this link to view the full menu.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (871 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Polynesian, Hawaiian- Address: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96817-2013- Read more on Tripadvisor
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For a taste of traditional Hawaiian fare, head to Helena’s Hawaiian Food. This family-run restaurant has been serving up authentic Hawaiian dishes since 1946, earning it a well-deserved spot on our list of the 11 best dinners in Honolulu.
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Helena's Hawaiian Food is a staple for authentic Hawaiian food. It opened in 1946 and has earned multiple awards. If you eat meat, consider ordering kalua pig, which is a pig traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu.
Helena's Hawaiian Food (Oahu
Helena's Hawaiian Food is the most famous Hawaiian restaurant in Hawaii. It's a real casual, no frills spot that is jammed all hours of the day (especially during lunch). Locals love it, visitors love it...Helena's can do no wrong.
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Helena’s is a simple strip mall restaurant serving traditional Hawaiian food. Our favorite dish here was the short ribs – they had great flavor and the meat was extremely tender. The fried butterfish collar was also very juicy.
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When in Honolulu, be sure to stop by Helena’s Hawaiian food. This eatery has been serving local favorites since 1964. Somewhat of an institution, diners come here for the kalu pig, with is delicious smoky pulled pork flavor.
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Helena’s is another great local spot for authentic Hawaiian food that fits your budget. Here you will find some of the best Hawaiian food, including poi, Mac salad, LauLau, Kale pig, Lomi salmon, short ribs and haupia.
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Helena's has been open since 1946, but the restaurant earned a James Beard Award in 2000. It seems the restaurant gets better every year. But you might find it difficult to find a table inside this cozy little space.
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One of the best restaurants in Honolulu is Helena's Hawaiian Food. Here, you can have authentic and local dishes from Hawaiian cuisine. This restaurant already exists since 1946, because then Helen Chock started it.
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Helena's is a local institution for traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Their laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves) and kalua pig are beloved dishes that offer a taste of Hawaii's culinary heritage.
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1240 N School StHonolulu, HI 96817(808) 845-8044 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a long-standing family-owned local institution dating back to 1946.
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The restaurant is very casual in appeal with not much fancy décor. Yet it is the affordably priced food and friendly that your family will love. Menu has some really funny named dishes.
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Helena's offers a rich taste of traditional and authentic Hawaiian cuisine. The locally sourced ingredients and heartwarming dishes deliver a memorable taste of Hawai'i in every bite.
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Helena's Hawaiian Food in Kalihi serves traditional Hawaiian dishes, including kalua pig and luau squid. Menu D offers a variety of flavors. Don't miss the Fried Butterfish Collar.
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A staple Hawaiian food, poi looks like a purple-brown paste. It's made from kalo (Hawaiian for the taro plant). Poi is a bit of an acquired taste on its own.
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Although Ono’s on Kapahulu was a personal favorite, Helena’s is the real deal. Authentic, homemade Hawaiian food, in downtown Honolulu.
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Helena’s Hawaiian food has been serving up delicious home-cooked food since 1946. It's located at 1240 N. School Street, in Honolulu.
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