The Hawaiian Islands are known for their eclectic and mixed cuisine. At any restaurant in the Aloha State, you’ll find dishes with Native Hawaiian, Filipino, French, and Japanese influences, among many others. If you’re seeking something that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and evokes the many flavors of Hawaii, try loco moco!

What Is Loco Moco?

Loco moco is a heaping pile of comfort food all mashed together on one plate. Generally, the cook will spoon a generous serving of white rice onto the plate first, followed by a delicious hamburger patty and an egg cooked sunnyside-up, and will finish it all off with gravy. The result is a savory, filling meal that’s perfect for anything from breakfast to dinner.

Where Did It Come From?

The origins of this classic Hawaii dish aren’t exactly certain, but it’s believed to have been created sometime during the 1940s. According to one popular legend, Nancy Inouye, who owned Lincoln Grill with her husband, wanted to make something affordable and filling for the hungry kids who would stop by every day. She threw together the different ingredients present in the dish today and put it on the menu as a new item. Her husband saw it and recommended calling it “loco moco” because the kids were crazy—“loco” is Hawaii slang for “crazy”. Another origin tale says a boy nicknamed Loco requested the dish. Either way, the dish is a testament to the islands’ flavorful melting pot of cuisine.

For delicious loco moco in Honolulu, head over to Heavenly Island Lifestyle. The Waikiki restaurant offers a wide range of locally sourced food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ranging from an organic veggie and beans loco moco to classic eggs Benedict. Call (808) 923-1100 to make a reservation, and view their full menu online.