Working-class neighbourhood between Downtown and the airport. Helena's Hawaiian Food on North School and Palace Saimin on North King anchor the local-food canon.
Helena's Hawaiian Food on North School Street has served traditional Hawaiian plates in Kalihi Honolulu since 1946, now run by the founder's grandson Craig Katsuyoshi.
Signature: Pipikaula short ribs, Kalua pig, Butterfish collar
Order: Pipikaula short ribs, butterfish collar and a side of poi.
Tip: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 19:30, cash and card. Closed Saturday and Sunday; arrive by 17:00 for the full board.
Helena's Hawaiian Food on North School Street has served traditional Hawaiian plates in Kalihi Honolulu since 1946, now run by the founder's grandson Craig Katsuyoshi.
Signature: Pipikaula short ribs, Kalua pig, Butterfish collar
Order: Pipikaula short ribs, butterfish collar and a side of poi.
Tip: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 19:30. Cash and card; closed Saturday and Sunday. Arrive by 17:00 for the full board.
Palace Saimin in Kalihi Honolulu is one of the state's oldest saimin shops, opened by Kame Ige in 1946 and still serving the shrimp-and-pork-dashi broth that defined the local noodle bowl.
Signature: Saimin, BBQ stick, Won ton min
Order: A regular saimin and a BBQ stick on the side.
Tip: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 20:00, Saturday to 15:00. Closed Sunday and Monday. Six-spot parking.