When solidifying your list of must-hit restaurants while in Hawai‘i, one way or another you will be pointed to Helen Cook’s traditional Hawaiian eatery—and based on the James Beard Award won in 2000, you better believe a visit will be well rewarded. Opened in 1964 with the same preparations, the same traditions, and the same simplicity, this is authentic Hawaiian food at its finest. Kālua pig cooked in imu, an ancient cooking procedure that involves an underground oven demanding TLC all the live-long day. Short ribs pipikaula style, meaning salted and semi-dried then charred for a sweet, juicy, lick-your-fingers delicacy. Lomi lomi salmon made with chopped tomatoes, salted salmon, and onion for a delightful taste of the sea. As a fixture of the community with success echoing around the world, you’d be surprised to find original pricing lending an order-one-of-everything approach that equates to long lines—but long lines that are worth every moment spent waiting.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Open Tuesday - Friday from 10- a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; (808) 845-8044; 1240 N. School St.