The loco moco at Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea on the Big Island, is noteworthy for its quality and its sheer quantity, says HAWAII editor John Heckathorn. The café’s loco moco is anchored by a flavorful full-pound beef patty. The Big Island grass-fed beef in the patty tastes like steak.

According to HawaiiMagazine.com online editor Derek Paiva, “The loco at humble mom-and-pop eatery Canoe's Lanai Restaurant in Lanai City on the island of Lanai (pictured, right) is the definition of local comfort food. A crisp over easy egg and juicy hand-pressed hamburger patty perched atop a mound of house-made fried rice, chockfull of bits of Spam, bacon and green onion. The homemade brown gravy topping it all is thick and rich—steeped with onion and beef flavor and a hint of soy sauce.” He also warns, “Bring a defibrillator.”

“The loco moco at Ted's Bakery on Oahu's North Shore is ono,” says HAWAII Magazine associate editor Sherie Char. ("Ono" is the Hawaiian word for "tasty.") “The hamburger was nice, fat and juicy, smothered in gravy.”

Honolulu’s Like Like Drive Inn remains a tried-and-true favorite with the HAWAII staff for loco moco, your writer included. Says HAWAII Magazine art director Darin Isobe, “The hamburger is flame broiled and their gravy has a lot of flavor without being too salty. Wish I had one right now.”

So do I.

Have a favorite Hawaii loco moco (or Mainland one, for that matter)? Leave a comment below and share your favorite with other readers.



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New Hawaii burger joint part of Daniel Dae Kim's post-Lost plans
Kalua pig! Loco moco! Pancakes? Travel Channel's Man v. Food takes on Hawaii.
Book Review: "A DASH of Aloha: Healthy Hawaii Cuisine and Lifestyle"