Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Helena's Hawaiian Food

Helena's Hawaiian Food is located in Kalihi. It is a local hang out that serves Hawaiian food. They are only open 4 days a week from 10am-7:30pm and they do not take reservations. The pipikaula short ribs are highly recommend and you might want to order extra to go. If you're not sure of what to get, try one of the preset menus because it offers a little bit of everything. The preset menu can be shared between 2 people unless you have a big appetite. Their prices are reasonable and you will most likely be a returning customer.

The interior of the restaurant is run down but you're not there to admire the decor, you just want the food. There is parking in front of the restaurant but if that's full, parking is available in the residential area on Aupuni Street. Be prepared to wait 15-30 minutes for a table because they are always busy. This is a cash only place.

For more information about Helena's Hawaiian Food, visit helenashawaiianfood.com.

1240 N School St
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 845-8044

Ahi Poke

Kalua Pig

Lomi Salmon

Pipikaula Short Ribs

Chicken Long Ric

Haupia & onions on the side

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Mana Bu's

Mana Bu's is known for handmade musubi's. They are located in the same plaza as Baskin-Robbins across from Washington Middle School. The shop is at the end with a bright orange sign above the door. All their musubi's are made fresh daily and they sell out before closing. The musubi's are priced between $1.50 to $2. Each musubi is individually wrapped so it's makes a great snack if you're on the go. They don't have any seating in here, it's all take-out style. The staff are polite, they always smile and thank their customers. I haven't been able to try all their musubi's yet but my favorites so far are the salmon tobiko, ground beef, spam lite, and shiso & wakame.

The shop is open from 6:30am to 1pm. The latest I've visited was 10am on a Saturday and the selection was very limited. I recommend going between 7:30am to 8am for the best selection. They also have a desserts like coffee jelly and strawberry mochi. This is a cash only place. There is parking available in front of the shop or metered parking on S. King Street.

For more information about Mana Bu's, visit hawaiimusubi.com.

1618 S King St.
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 358-0287

Shiso & Wakame

Sekihan Okowa (Azuki bean w/ rice)

Salmon & Tobiko