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Helena's Hawaiian Food

1240 N School St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96817-2013
808-845-8044
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Ranked #22 of 1,549 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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123 reviews from our community

86% Recommend
    92
    14
    13
    3
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
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
31 reviews 31 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 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
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
34 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 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

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by chefpeppy for Honolulu
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
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
Geelong, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 February 2013

I've been to Hawaii 3 times, and eaten at Helena's about 6 times. Their food is excellent, and all their staff are very friendly. They definitely have the best Hawaiian food I've ever had. I will definitely be going back for more, and I advise that you do, as well!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Emeryville, California
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2013

I am from Hawaii, but live in California now, visiting my family and friends in the islands 3 or 4 times a year. This is my single, must-eat place whenever I am home. Never ever disappoints. Low on ambiance, and the lines can be long if you get there at the wrong time, but all in all, my favorite place... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Lynnwood
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2013

We went here looking for local, authentic Hawaiian food. Read great reviews about it so we made the trip out to it. Fortunately we didn't have to wait - got seated quickly and was served our food within minutes. The food was delicious! Short ribs were so great, we ended up ordering 3 servings. All in all, I would recommend... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Geneva M for Honolulu

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