Loco Moco- breakfast of champions

The origin of Loco Moco traces back to Hilo, Hawaii, in 1949. According to the most widely accepted account, it was created at the Lincoln Grill, a small café in Hilo, to satisfy a request from local teenagers from the Lincoln Wreckers Athletic Club. They wanted something inexpensive, filling, and different from the typical sandwich.

The result was a simple but hearty dish:

·         A bed of white rice,

·         Topped with a hamburger patty,

·         Covered with brown gravy,

·         And finished with a fried egg on top.

The name "Loco Moco" is believed to have been coined by the teens. “Loco” (Spanish for “crazy”) was a nickname for one of the club members, and “Moco” was added simply because it rhymed—though amusingly, it means “mucus” in Spanish.

Since then, Loco Moco has become a staple of Hawaiian comfort food and has inspired countless variations using different meats, gravies, or toppings.

Notable Loco Moco hot spots near Kihei- South Maui

Island Gourmet- in the Wailea Shops, excellent quality, made fresh and hot on the spot. There are just a couple of tables outside to sit and eat or carry back to your condo/hotel.

Da’Kitchen- This restaurant started as a blue-plate lunch place for locals. It is now more for  tourists, but the food is great. Their Loco Moco is very good, also a take out situation.

Kihei Caffe- Great breakfast place all around serving up Loco Moco’s for decades, walking distance from our beachfront Maui condo at Hale Pau Hana.

Advisory: If you have a loco moco for breakfast, you will not be hungry for lunch. You will not be hungry for a long time actually. If you have a fancy restaurant in your day’s plan, enjoy your loco moco with caution and prudence.

www.606HalePauHana.com