Cafe 100

Cafe 100 - Birthplace of the Loco Moco
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Experience a local tradition that spans decades by eating at Cafe 100. Order the famous Loco Moco or choose from one of many other menu items at this casual, window service restaurant.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Have you heard of the Loco Moco? If you’re visiting Hilo, chances are you’ve heard of it. Now you definitely have to experience it at Cafe 100. So what is the Loco Moco?

The Loco Moco is simple. It’s a meal in a bowl made with a helping of rice with a hamburger patty. It is smothered in Hilo-style brown gravy and topped with an egg. Its draw is that it’s truly a Hawaiian experience and it’s inexpensive. A lot of food on the island of Hawaii is expensive. If you come to Cafe 100, you can find something authentic and reasonably priced.

In addition to the original Loco Moco, there are more than 30 variations of this dish on the menu. You can choose different types of rice, meat, or even vegetables. You can order a double, a super, and have your eggs cooked just how you like them. If you are feeling creative, invent your own Loco Moco.

Cafe 100 is located in Hilo near Waiakea Pond and Wailoa River State Park. This diner has been around since 1946, with the current location open since 1962. It has been a staple in this community for many years and has become a “must stop” restaurant for visitors.

This restaurant offers window service. You order at a window and wait outside for your food. Depending on public health orders, outdoor seating is sometimes available. Otherwise, you can just take your food with you and eat it where you like. It is super casual and you will spot lots of locals eating here too. 

The Loco Moco has made Cafe 100 famous, but their menu is quite extensive. You will be able to find something for any taste.

Here is a look at some of the other menu items available at Cafe 100:

Breakfast Sandwich
Available until 10:30 a.m., this sandwich includes ham, egg, and cheese on sweet bread.

Breakfast Plate
A breakfast item that’s available all day, this plate comes with ham, bacon, spam, Portuguese sausage, or smoked sausage with two eggs and your choice of rice or toast.

Big Breakfast
If you’re hungry, grab this plate with four scoops of rice, four pieces of bacon, Portuguese sausages, and two eggs.

Mixed Plate
Enjoy both fried chicken and beef teriyaki on this plate.

Pupu Platters
Good for a crowd, these serve six to eight people. A platter includes shrimp, chicken, sausages, won tons, and veggie sticks. 

In addition to these main menu items, there are many options for sides. These include salads, soups, fries, won tons, and potato macaroni salad. The potato macaroni salad is exceptionally tasty if you are a fan of mayonnaise salads. 

Insider Tips:
-There are daily specials available each weekday, be sure to look them over.
-If you are visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, that is a great time to stop and try Cafe 100. It is in a convenient location for those coming or going from the park.