The 38 Best Restaurants in Honolulu, Hawai‘i | Eater

"Helena’s, which opened in 1946 and won a James Beard America’s Classics award in 2000, continues to draw locals and visitors for its traditional Hawaiian food. The pipikaula is a must: The version at Helena’s consists of short ribs dried (you can see them hanging over the stove) and then fried. If it’s your first time eating Hawaiian food, get Menu D for the greatest variety, with kālua pig, lomi salmon, pipikaula, and squid lū‘au (a stew of octopus and taro leaves in coconut milk), along with poi or rice. You can now order online for takeout, but it’s not the same as sitting down inside, facing the spread of little dishes. If you drive: Parking is tough — there are only a few spots in front and parking is also scarce in the neighborhood, but it’s worth the hassle (and wait)." - Martha Cheng