Is Helena's worth it?

Worth it if…Lives up to the hype · +19James Beard-honored Kalihi diner serving pipikaula short ribs, kalua pig and poi since 1946

Worth it, with conditions. 4.5 stars from 3,600+ Google reviews and a James Beard award; most visitors say it lives up to its reputation. Some find poi and the chewy ribs an acquired taste.

Hype40How famous and hyped it is

Reality59Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in

The gap+19Lives up to the hypeHow we score

4.5 ★ Google · 3,676 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Helena's? Was it worth it?

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Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote

The most-cited place on Oʻahu to try genuine Hawaiian food, and staff help you order.

Why Reality is 59

Lives up to its fame4/54.5 stars from 3,600+ Google reviews and a James Beard award; most visitors say it lives up to its reputation. Some find poi and the chewy ribs an acquired taste.

Value for money3/5Small dishes are cheap ($6.60–$11), but the signature pipikaula runs $19.20–$38.35, and a few reviewers say portions are small.

Can’t get it elsewhere4/5Few places serve traditional Hawaiian food this way. It has run since 1946 and won a James Beard Regional Classic award.

Easy to do2/5Open only four days a week, 15–20 min from Waikīkī, with a small lot and lunch-hour waits.

What people loved

Real traditional Hawaiian food: pipikaula short ribs, kalua pig, laulau, lomi salmon, poiFried butterfish collar and pipikaula ribs are the standout dishes in reviewsJames Beard Foundation Regional Classic award (2000); open since 1946Warm, helpful staff who will guide first-timers through the menu

What wore them down

Open only Tuesday–Friday, so it is easy to miss on a short tripSome find portions small for the price; the large pipikaula is $38.35Poi and the deliberately chewy ribs don't win everyone over; some call it 'decent, not mind-blowing'Small lot and long lunch waits, and it is in Kalihi, not Waikīkī

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Booking: Walk-in; takeout can be ordered online. Lunch (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) is busiest and some dishes sell out later.

OpenTuesday–Friday only, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; closed Saturday–MondaySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

RecognitionFounded 1946 by Helen Chock; James Beard Foundation Regional Classic award in 2000Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026

PricePipikaula short ribs $19.20 small / $38.35 large; kalua pig from $6.60; set menus $20.25–$49.70Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Groups18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or moreSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

ParkingA few stalls in front; at busy times you may need to circle for street parkingSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

From Waikīkīabout 15–20 min by car without trafficSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Opening hours (Google)

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

In their words

“The fried butterfish collar was crispy and dripping with buttery goodness.”

Cody Pham · Google review · 5 months ago

“Made the special trip to try what Hawaiian soul food meant...while I think it's decent it's not mind-blowing.”

HPT · Google review · 5 months ago

“Food was tasty but portions were too small, in my opinion.”

John Brodt · Google review · 6 months ago

“We came to try something genuine and that is exactly what we got.”

Ray · Google review · 7 months ago

Tips from people who went

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Questions people ask

What days is Helena's Hawaiian Food open?

Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and has holiday closures.

What should I order at Helena's?

Reviewers recommend the pipikaula-style short ribs, fried butterfish collar, kalua pig, laulau, lomi salmon and poi. Set menus A–D bundle the classics.

How much does Helena's cost?

Individual dishes are about $6.60–$11, pipikaula short ribs are $19.20 small or $38.35 large, and set menus run $20.25–$49.70.

Did Helena's win a James Beard award?

Yes. The James Beard Foundation gave Helena's a Regional Classic award in 2000.

Is there parking at Helena's?

There are a few stalls in front. At busy times expect to look for street parking.