HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu’s status as a foodie destination has been earned through a long history of diverse food options and long-standing establishments that maintain die-hard loyal fans.
While there is no shortage of new places to eat, there are some restaurants that have lasted for decades and have defied the odds of closure.
These beloved restaurants have become part of the city’s story while serving loyal customers and welcoming new ones.
So, Sandy’s Suggestions decided to explore Honolulu a bit and learn about why patrons love the restaurants and why they have been able to maintain such loyalty.
These are the top five spots that have shown how food connects generations, families and neighborhoods.
Jane’s Fountain (1938)
Jane’s Fountain is a true hole-in-the-wall with a menu that has something for everyone. It was established in 1938, and holds the mantel of Honolulu’s oldest, continuously operating restaurant.
Located in the Kalihi neighborhood, the menu is quite large; and the customers are extremely loyal.
One longtime customer, who identified himself as Keoni was eating with a friend. He said he began eating at Jane’s Fountain in the 1970s with his family.
“Actually, I like the sari sari soup, but everything is pretty good here. But this soup, though, it always hits the spot. You definitely won’t be ‘sari’ after you eat it,” Keoni said with a satisfied smirk.
Another customer called it “comfort food at its finest.”
For many, the restaurant is tied to childhood memories and remains one of the few small, local diners still open in the area.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food (1946)
Helena’s opened in 1946 on King Street in Kalihi; and after 18 years, it moved across the street, where it still serves today.
Founder Helen worked alone for years before her grandson Craig took over to run the business and carry on his grandmother’s legacy; today, his stepdaughter, Kayla, helps manage the business as she continues the family tradition.
The walls of Helena’s are lined with many awards over the years for their food. When asked how Helena’s has been so successful, this is what she said.
“I think just consistency. And my dad is probably the hardest working now. He really puts his heart into it, you know; he wants to stay open for the locals,” Kayla said. “It’s heartwarming to see our longtime customers still come back and visit.”
So, what do Helena’s die-hard loyal fans say about it?
“I think everything is just so authentic,” said Theresa who has been patroning Helena’s for more 20 years. “I love their pipikaula. Everything is just so authentic, and they have great service here.”
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Highway Inn (1947)
Highway Inn has three locations, and the original was established in Waipahu in 1947.
Ava, who works at the Kakaʻako site, said, “I say that we get a really good make, some local and tourists. We also get some people from other islands.”
She explained that the Waipahu site often serves more local families, while the airport-area location draws visitors just after landing.
The restaurant also caters events from Waipahu and sells merchandise such as t-shirts.
“We really try to hire people that are friendly and kind of understanding. So, you get people that frequent and ask for certain servers,” Ava said.
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Liliha Bakery (1950)
No trip to Honolulu is complete without packing in a few of Liliha Bakery’s famous coco puffs. But the restaurant portion of the bakery is one of Honolulu’s most famous diners.
With cat-bird diner seating, you get a front row seat to how the ono foods are prepared. Established in 1950 in Kalihi, Liliha has expanded with several new locations around Oahu over the last few years.
But nothing can replace the experience of their original location. Unfortunately, Liliha corporate did not respond to our request to interview patrons; so, we don’t have any gushing reviews for them. But trust us, their food is worth both the wait and the drive.
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La Mariana Sailing Club (1955)
La Mariana was established in 1955 in the Sand Island area. When you go to ther location, you aren’t quite sure if you are in the right spot. But as soon as you enter the building, you know you’ve made the right decision to go.
Known as Honolulu’s oldest tiki bar, it holds memorabilia from other tiki bars that closed years ago.
Patrick Foley, who first visited La Mariana two years ago and has since become a faithful patron, said, “It’s got a great atmosphere, and I like the story and that they are keeping the tiki bar tradition alive.”
Another local who didn’t identify himself said he’s been going to La Mariana for decades.
“I found this place in the old print Frommer’s Guide,” Carl explained. “It was a tourist guide, and a lot of locals don’t know this place is here.”
One of the servers confirmed this. She said that most people find La Mariana through word of mouth via tourist guide and that, when do locals come in, they’re amazed that they’ve never heard of this rather extraordinary restaurant.
The bar draws both locals and tourists to its doors; and on the day we visited, we met a tiki bar aficionado. named Jordan Naylor who was visiting Honolulu with his family from Austin, Texas. This what he said when asked why he likes tiki bars, in particular, La Mariana.
“It’s just the people and the atmosphere; it’s so much fun,” Naylor explained. “You never meet a stranger to tiki bar. Everyone’s having a good time, and everyone’s there for fun. And the food here is out of this world.”
Reena Rabago who is a policy manager for Capitol Consultants of Hawaiʻi and a server at La Mariana said that ʻohana is what makes La Mariana so special.
“I think the best part about it is just the family vibe, the ʻohana,” Rabago explained. “And the generation now that’s working here is second generation of some of the people that I worked with back in the 90s. It’s a family affair.”
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Honorable mention
This next place is not officially on the list. We discovered it one night after an event in Waikiki when everything was closed. That is except for the Harbor Pub & Pizza. From what we gathered from our server, this restaurant and pub was established sometime in the early 1970s.
We were told that the siblings who own Harbor Pub have been using old family recipes since its inception and that none of these recipes have changed. So, the bread and pizza crust you eat? Old family recipes that are made in house every day. And that is true for their entire menu.
It’s one of those places that locals need to know about.
Why these places matter
These restaurants are more than places to eat. They are living landmarks of Honolulu, and each one has survived shifting dining trends, economic changes and the rise of countless new eateries,
Yet, they remain rooted in tradition while still welcoming new generations of patrons and employees.
They matter because they are the keepers of community memory. A bowl of soup at Jane’s Fountain can bring someone back to childhood dinners with family. A plate of pipikaula at Helena’s is the preservation of culture passed down through generations. Liliha’s coco puffs, Highway Inn’s plate lunches and La Mariana’s tiki cocktails have become symbols of comfort, joy, and connection.
They also matter because they anchor neighborhoods. These restaurants provide gathering places where locals and visitors share tables, stories and traditions. They are part of Honolulu’s identity and proof that food isn’t only about what’s on the plate, but about the bonds it creates across families, friends and strangers alike.
Ultimately, these places endure because they remind us that while trends may come and go, the heart of a city is built by the people and places that make us feel at home.