We went to Helena's twice in our trip and wanted to go back again!First time, line for dine in was long but we didn't mind. Ordered take out and got it within 10 minutes. We couldn't find anywhere close to eat but couldn't wait!Second time we ate in and it was even better! Their Kaluah pig was amazing as was everything else we had! Staff are excellent, food is delicious and serving time so quick!Go to Helena's, you won't regret it!
We came right at opening in order to get a parking spot at the front. There were only about half a dozen people lined up in front of us so we were seated quickly. Always good to go at the opening if you can fit into your schedule. This has been my go to for local Hawaiian food every time I return to the islands. I’ve tried many of the items on the menu and all were good. We each chose our own combos this time around. I went for the Kalua pig, Mac salad, haupia and pipikalua ribs. Ribs were juicy and was my favorite this visit. Service was quick and we paid at the front when finished.
My brother and me visited there just after arriving Oahu, very popular place so we had to wait 30 min in the queue but the waiting and not skipping to another place was a wise decision, this was the best local food we taste comparing to other places we visited in Oahu, much recommended and my recommendation is to order menu D which includes tasted of several dishes, out most favorite was the Ribs - delicious
It's one of those local places that is famous for unknown reasons. It's good, but not very obvious why it gets as much attention as it does. Almost self fulfilling. But regardless, very good Hawaiian food. Worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood. But don't devote too much time trying to hunt this place out.
Do NOT believe the hype and those 5* ratings. The food here is atrocious. We ordered the menu 3. The food tasted like a really poor school cafeteria food. The short rib was tasteless and super dry. The kalua pork was tasteless too and we almost thought they forgot to pack us the salmon... until we tasted it... Ughhhhh.... Now, that was foul! Do not even bother to get the poi. Tasteless too.... Be warned! Oh - super expensive too - $27 for this tiny order.... What a waste!
The Boiled Butterfish Collar with Watercress was light and tasty. The Pipikaula short ribs were delicious (a little greasy). Luau squid and Kalua pork was perfectly cooked. Reasonable prices and quick service, this is a good meal. place to stop by.
We were on the way from the airport to Waikiki and stopped at this highly recommended restaurant. We were so happy to find an “Anthony Bourdain” style experience! Local people with fantastic simple food. Each dish is loaded with flavor. The price is local and the flavor beats anything on the beach. They have also won the James Beard award! A remarkable achievement indeed. It was also featured on the food network show,
Helena's was an amazing experience for us! It's a tiny, hole in the wall that serves fabulous food! The service is fast and friendly! Definitely worth trying!
This place is legendary and for good reason. We heard about the long lines and things selling out so we ordered takeout online, two days in advance!!! When we got there 20minutes after arriving there was no parking left and a line down the block. Luckily when you order online you choose a pick up time and I was able to skip the queue and just let the cashier I was here. We were headed north so we drove our food 20minutes north to the beautiful hoomaluhia botanical garden to enjoy. The food itself was delicious! Definitely better than other Hawaiian food we had tried. We ordered menu B with had the pipikaula (a must try it was so flavourful and juicy) and the Kalua pig. The meal came with haupia pudding too. We ordered a chicken long rice on the side which was comforting and gingery. A must try when you visit!!
Had recommendations to come here for authentic Hawaiian food. Was not disappointed at all. We got a 4 meal combo, I believe, and it came with 4 plates of one scoop of rice. We finished it and were all full at the end of just picking little bits here and there from each bowl. There was a wait time when we got here, it was 20 minutes. And their parking is no good bc there's only 6 spaces. No neighborhood parking as well.