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Helena's Hawaiian Food

1240 N School St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96817
(808) 845-8044
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Ranked #18 of 1,617 restaurants in Honolulu
Cuisines: Hawaiian
Good for: Child-friendly, Local cuisine, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner
Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Local cuisine, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner
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126 reviews from our community

86% Recommend
    94
    15
    13
    3
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
san antonio
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
31 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

If you like traditional Hawaiian food this is the place. Me and my wife ventured here, it's about 25% the cost of a luau. The food is fresh and authentic. I had the salmon and kaluha pork. Both wee very good. My wife didn't like any of her dished but she really doesn't like any seafoods or pork. A lot... More

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See 4 more reviews by jharve07 for Honolulu
Michigan
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
47 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013 via mobile

We capped off a two week stay in the Islands with lunch at Helena's. They open at 10:30 and we arrived a little after 11:00. Parking is a challenge but we only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. The dining room is small. They have Menu A-D (each level adds an additional dish) which helps with ordering.... More

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Salem, Oregon
Top Contributor
174 reviews 174 reviews
108 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 74 cities Reviews in 74 cities
89 helpful votes 89 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2013

Helena' s was recommended. Inauspicious location with a line out the door. Take out was faster, was ready in no time. We weren't sure what to order so they were very helpful with their suggestions. The short ribs are very popular. Great flavor, a bit jerky-like. Chicken Long Noodle is very good, transparent and made of rice. The grilled fish... More

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See 4 more reviews by Debimlee for Honolulu
Burnaby
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013 via mobile

When in Rome, do what the Romans do? When in Honolulu, eat where the locals eat. This is my second time there and it hadn't disappointed me yet. Food is yummy and tasty. You must have the Kalua pig and fried butter fish. People please do some research about Hawaiin food before going. Don't whine about the mooshy Lau Lau.

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See 4 more reviews by a9413 for Honolulu
Watertown, Wisconsin, United States
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

If I could give this 10 stars I would! Absolutely awesome authentic Hawaiian food, and the staff was super nice and helpful in explaining what things were on the menu if you didn't know. We got there about 4:30pm and sat right down, but after 5, it started to get pretty busy (only a few tables), so if you can,... More

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See 4 more reviews by Jim F for Honolulu
Bellevue, Wa
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
23 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

We looked up a local place and this came up with good reviews. We got there a little before closing but they still seated us. We were a party of 9. We were rushed into ordering which was understandable gineing our late arivall but the waitress was very rude to us and she was clearly annoyed at the fact that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 7 more reviews by mykidsmomBellevue_Wa for Honolulu
Candy Land
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
32 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

ahh man this place used to be so much better 20 plus years ago. still a good choice for your Hawaiian food fix. we came right when they opened 10 30 or 11 30 and they were full already. three parties ahead of us we waited about 12 minutes for a table. the menu was pretty much the same but... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by kai_khem for Honolulu
MD
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
36 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2013

Found this place through Trip Advisor, so we plugged in the address in our GPS and went there for lunch. Small local hole in the wall, perfect for us as we wanted to eat with the locals. Everything on the menu is delicious and you will not be disappointed if like local flavor and inexpensive. The waitress was very nice... More

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See 2 more reviews by chefpeppy for Honolulu
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2013 via mobile

This place is my favorite ever. Pipikaula ribs are delicious. Butterfish collar to die for. Chicken long rice is so tasty. Lau lau is perfect as well. I can't get enough of this place

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
new york
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
26 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
65 helpful votes 65 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 February 2013

We have eaten here twice, and really like the food. The portions are small (and inexpensive) so you can try lots of different things. Delicious!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 7 more reviews by lcosette for Honolulu

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