Elena's Restaurant — Restaurant in Oʻahu

Elena's Restaurant is a delightful culinary gem nestled in the Tropicana Square Shopping Center in Waipahu, Hawaii. As soon as you step into this unassuming Filipino restaurant, you are transported to the heart of the Philippines through a symphony of flavors, scents, and warm hospitality.

The moment you enter Elena's, you are greeted with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's interior is simple yet charming, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. The friendly and attentive staff adds to the inviting ambiance, making you feel like a treasured guest.

Now, let's dive into the star of the show—the food. Elena's Restaurant boasts a menu that is a love letter to Filipino cuisine. It's a treasure trove of dishes that celebrate the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the Philippines.

One of the standout dishes at Elena's is the classic Filipino adobo. The savory combination of tender meat (often chicken or pork) marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices is a true masterpiece. Elena's rendition of adobo is a culinary triumph that will have you savoring every bite.

Another must-try is their crispy pata, a beloved Filipino dish featuring deep-fried pork knuckles or hocks. Elena's takes this dish to new heights, serving up a crispy and succulent delight that pairs perfectly with a side of dipping sauce.

The menu also includes Filipino favorites like sinigang (sour soup), kare-kare (oxtail stew), and lumpia (spring rolls). Each dish is prepared with care, using authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of Filipino home cooking.

What sets Elena's Restaurant apart is not just the delicious food but also the sense of community it fosters. It's a place where locals gather to celebrate special occasions, where families come together for hearty meals, and where newcomers get a taste of Filipino hospitality.

In conclusion, Elena's Restaurant is a culinary treasure that brings the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors to the heart of Hawaii. With its warm ambiance, friendly staff, and an array of authentic dishes, it's a place where you can savor the taste of the Philippines and experience the spirit of Filipino culture. Whether you're a Filipino cuisine aficionado or a curious diner looking to explore new flavors, Elena's Restaurant will leave you with a satisfied palate and a desire to...

ADVICE: AVOID GOING DURING 12PM, 4PM, OR HOLIDAYS.

I originally gave this restaurant 4/5 stars a few months ago. I am a common visitor to this place and whenever I order the Pork Adobo Omelette Fried Rice, they always put the 'right' amount of meat. By 'right', I mean they really put a lot of meat with the fried rice.

However, today, June 28, 2025 at 4:40pm, I came to the store to buy the omelette again. I always go in the mornings, but today was different. There was definitely a lot of customers and it was packed. My order took 26 minutes, which I had no problem with at all because I wasn't in a rush.

But what was the problem? When I got home, I opened up the omelette, and realized it barely had any pork adobo. Like 5 pieces. It's as if the cooks just rushed it with no care about the customer. I don't want to complain, but I have to let people know about this before they keep doing it. I understand you get busy and stressed out. I was a line cook before. I know how it feels. But it's NEVER right to just mess up an order like this and send it out. It will degrade your business.

Hopefully the management team will see this review and make sure that their line cooks are following the quality level for every customer. Please. I don't want to see this place going down in quality. It's one of my...

I’ve always been Elena’s Restaurant I actually always used to walk to their just to eat lechon kawali and their adobo omelet and their shanghai lumpia was one of the best and as a Filipino, I loved it and I’m not saying it cause I’m Filipino it’s because their food and dish was delicious and it was DA BOMB! Like if your going their for your first time please pick the lechon kawali you won’t regret and the lechon kawali was actually better then max’s Restaurant and I hate how that the max’s restaurant barely cuts it and also how it has fat but Elena’s Restaurant cuts very good and it looks more healthier than the Max’s Restaurant tbh. Elena’s Restaurant food is “ng sarap!” It means it’s delicious or good, and talking about how wonderful it is it’s because of the seasoning and the texture and how every little thing can make it change and a funny coincidence is the year when ur first open is actually when my mom was born to be honest I was like SOOO HAPPY HOW IT TASTE ITS MOFO GOOD PLS GO AND TRY...