Helena's Hawaiian Food — Restaurant in Honolulu

My first encounter with Hawaiian food unfolded at Helena’s, and it felt less like a meal and more like stepping into a story. The energy inside hums with curiosity and life, a gathering place where travelers from every corner of the world come together beneath one small roof. At first glance, Helena’s might seem like a humble hole in the wall, but that phrase does not do it justice. It is a sanctuary of flavor and tradition, the kind of place that proves Michelin stars are not earned by chandeliers or white tablecloths, but by soul, history, and heart.

Every person in the room moves with purpose and warmth, from the staff to the ownership, who work side by side like an orchestra of hospitality. The large gentleman, who I later learned was the owner, personally brought my meal and introduced each dish with care. He did not just describe the food; he opened a doorway into Hawaiian culture, sharing how each dish is meant to be eaten, where it comes from, and why it holds meaning for the people here.

I sampled an assortment of traditional dishes, each one telling its own story. I only meant to taste, yet I found myself savoring every bite until nothing was left. Each flavor was alive and intentional, carrying the weight of generations and the warmth of home.

Helena’s is not just a restaurant. It is proof that the most extraordinary culinary experiences often live quietly in the smallest spaces. It is a masterclass in hospitality, a celebration of heritage, and a place where food transcends sustenance and becomes connection.

If you find yourself in Hawaii, do not simply eat here. Allow yourself to be...

One of the most recommended spots here in Honolulu is @helenashawaiianfoood and we knew we had to pay them a visit. We arrived early at around 11am but most of tables were already taken at this point. We were just happy we didn’t have to line up to try out some of their traditional Hawaiian food!

We ordered their “Menu D” (a combo of different dishes) with an additional side order of their fried Butterfish Collar. First thing to try off of Menu D is their Pipikaula Short Ribs, they are dried like beef jerky, but nowhere as tough as what you would expect. Prepared on a grill with a nice bit of char, they were delicious and every bite was packed with favor from the delicious marinade. Be sure to dip the ribs in the pink rock salt that is provided!

Next up is the Luau Squid, which definitely did not appear as expected! It is a green dish that has the consistency of a spinach dip, but is actually made with Taro leaves with pieces of Squid mixed within. It is a bit on the salty side, but was delicious when you combine with some rice.

Their Kalua Pig is heavy on the Smokey flavor, but otherwise quite plain. It was a good contrast to the other two saltier items. To round out their Menu D, there is their Lomi Salmon, which was like a Poke Salsa with small pieces of Salmon mixed with diced tomatoes.

Finally, our side order of Fried Butterfish Collar! It was a great end to the meal, with crispy pieces of smooth Butterfish meat hidden within the fish collar bones. If you enjoy fish collars, this is definitely...

One my favorite places to eat on Oahu! There's a really long line so you may want to go early before you get hungry. Last time I waited an hour but if you get there before closing they still seat you.

The plates are pretty small portions but it's fun to try so many different traditional hawaiian options.

I like the Menu A: it includes the kalua pork and lomi salmon (tomato and salmon) and the sides of Hawaiian salt, fresh onions, and haupia (sweet coconut dessert). The pork is so delicious and savory, and it's my favorite thing there.

The chicken long rice is really good as well, a really good ginger flavor.

Go early because they may run out of butterfish and they are butterfish dishes are supposed to be amazing.

The employees are all really nice even though they have such demand and are so busy. I definitely recommend anyone come to this place if you are interested in traditional Hawaiian food. Their poi is fermented so it has a sour taste to it, some people don't like the fermented poi but I enjoy it. Yum! Relatively inexpensive compared to some of the higher end places you could go, but it's definitely no frills, not fancy fine dining. It has a hole in the wall feel.

A lot of people get takeout so if you don't want to wait you can call your order ahead of time and they will come out and yell your name so you can pick up your order while waiting...