14 Hawaii Loco Moco Burgers Worth Trying Once In Your Life
Hawaiian comfort food reaches new heights with the legendary loco moco burger, a wild mix of juicy patties, savory gravy, and sunny-side-up eggs piled high.
From beachfront shacks to hidden local joints, these burgers capture the aloha spirit in every bite.
Each one tells a story of Hawaii’s unique flavors and laid-back lifestyle, inviting you to taste something unforgettable.
Prepare for a culinary adventure that’s as bold, playful, and satisfying as the islands themselves.
1. Café 100 — Hilo
Birthplace legends don’t get much tastier than this! Café 100 claims to be the original home of loco moco, created back in 1949 for hungry teens wanting something affordable yet filling.
Their classic version remains beautifully simple—a perfectly seasoned beef patty atop steamed rice, crowned with a sunny-side-up egg and smothered in rich brown gravy.
The yolk breaks and mingles with the gravy creating pure magic.
2. Ken’s House of Pancakes — Hilo
Around the clock loco moco cravings? Ken’s has your back! This 24-hour diner institution has been feeding hungry locals and tourists alike since 1971.
Famous for their “Sumo” portions, Ken’s elevates their loco moco with a gravy so rich and flavorful you’ll be tempted to drink it straight.
The beef patties are always juicy, and those eggs? Perfectly runny every single time, no matter what hour you stumble in.
3. Hawaiian Style Cafe — Waimea
Bring your biggest appetite to this Big Island gem! Hawaiian Style Cafe doesn’t mess around with portion sizes—their loco moco could easily feed two hungry travelers.
The hand-formed patties are seasoned with secret island spices and cooked to juicy perfection.
Their gravy has a hint of mushroom that sets it apart from competitors. Locals know to ask for extra gravy on the side because you’ll want to drench every last bite.
4. Tex Drive In — Honoka’a
Malasadas might be their claim to fame, but Tex Drive In’s loco moco deserves its own spotlight!
This roadside stop combines the best of two worlds—famous Portuguese donuts and classic Hawaiian comfort food.
Their burger patty has a slight smokiness that perfectly complements their uniquely savory gravy.
The eggs always have that ideal runny yolk that creates the sauce of dreams when mixed with everything else on the plate. Smart travelers grab a malasada for dessert!
5. Village Burger — Waimea
Farm-to-table meets local comfort food! Village Burger takes loco moco upscale with their commitment to locally-sourced Big Island beef and farm-fresh ingredients.
Their patties come from grass-fed Hawaiian cattle raised just miles away, giving the meat a distinctive flavor you won’t find in mainland burgers.
The eggs come from local farms, and even the rice is grown on the island. When people talk about tasting Hawaii, this is exactly what they mean.
6. Hilo Bay Cafe — Hilo
Upscale loco moco with a view! Hilo Bay Cafe transforms this humble dish into something worthy of fine dining without losing its soul.
Their version features a prime beef patty seasoned with local sea salt, topped with a sous-vide egg for perfect consistency.
The gravy incorporates local mushrooms and a splash of red wine. Seated overlooking beautiful Hilo Bay, you’ll understand why this elevated take on a classic has won so many awards.
7. Rainbow Drive-In — Honolulu
Presidential approval guaranteed! Rainbow Drive-In counts Barack Obama among its famous fans, and their loco moco shows exactly why this plate lunch spot has endured since 1961.
The gravy here is notably darker and richer than most, with a complexity that comes from hours of simmering.
Their patties are thin but flavorful, allowing the gravy to really shine. Always packed with locals, this no-frills spot proves that sometimes the most unassuming places serve the most unforgettable food.
8. Big City Diner — Honolulu
Kimchi loco moco? Only at Big City Diner! This local chain with multiple Oahu locations has reimagined the classic with Korean influences that perfectly showcase Hawaii’s multicultural food scene.
Their signature “Kim Chee Fried Rice Loco Moco” swaps plain rice for spicy kimchi fried rice, creating a flavor explosion under that burger patty and egg.
The gravy gets a hint of garlic and sesame that complements the fermented kimchi kick. Fusion food doesn’t get more delicious than this island innovation.
9. Highway Inn — Honolulu
Hawaiian heritage on a plate! Highway Inn has been serving traditional Hawaiian food since 1947, and their loco moco reflects decades of perfecting comfort classics.
What sets them apart is their uniquely silky gravy with hints of ginger and their perfectly sticky rice that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
The patty itself is seasoned with a touch of Hawaiian salt and pepper, nothing fancy but absolutely perfect. Three generations of family recipes make this spot a true cultural treasure.
10. Loco Moco Drive Inn — Honolulu
When your name makes a promise, you better deliver! Loco Moco Drive Inn specializes in—you guessed it—variations of this Hawaiian staple, offering over 10 different versions.
Try their Teri Loco with sweet teriyaki-glazed patty or the Chili Loco with homemade chili instead of gravy. The Seafood Loco swaps beef for a seafood cake topped with creamy sauce.
With so many options under one roof, loco moco enthusiasts can try a different version every day for almost two weeks!
11. Eggs ‘n Things — Honolulu (Waikīkī)
Late-night cravings meet tourist-friendly atmosphere! Eggs ‘n Things stays open until 2am, making it perfect for post-party loco moco indulgence in the heart of Waikiki.
Their “Kilauea” loco moco adds spicy lava sauce for a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds no matter what time you visit.
The beef is always juicy, and those eggs are consistently perfect. Popular with visitors, this spot balances authentic flavor with a welcoming vibe that makes first-timers feel like locals.
12. Mark’s Place — Līhu’e
Kauai’s best-kept secret! Mark’s Place looks unassuming from the outside, but locals line up daily for their take on Hawaii’s comfort foods, especially their exceptional loco moco.
The gravy here contains a hint of local Kauai coffee, giving it a unique depth that keeps customers coming back.
Their hand-formed patties are generously sized and perfectly seasoned. Located in an industrial area, this takeout-only spot proves that sometimes the best food comes from the most unexpected places.
13. Tip Top Cafe — Līhu’e
Century-old recipes never disappoint! Tip Top Cafe has been serving Kauai since 1916, making it one of Hawaii’s oldest restaurants, and their loco moco benefits from generations of kitchen wisdom.
The gravy recipe remains a closely guarded family secret, with rumors of island spices and slow-simmered beef bones creating its distinctive flavor.
Their patties are always perfectly browned with crispy edges. Famous for their macadamia nut pancakes, smart diners order both for the ultimate sweet-savory Hawaiian breakfast experience.
14. Kihei Caffe — Kīhei
Beach vibes and breakfast champions! Kihei Caffe sits just steps from Maui’s beautiful shores, serving up what many consider the island’s best breakfast loco moco to sand-covered surfers and tourists alike.
Their version comes with crispy breakfast potatoes alongside the traditional rice, giving you two ways to soak up their amazing gravy.
The eggs are always cooked to your preference, and that beef patty has the perfect hint of island spices. Get there early—the line starts forming before they open!