Looking for the saucy delicious layers of a loco moco while you’re on Oʻahu? The classic version of Hawaiʻi’s heftiest dish, the loco moco, starts with two scoops of white rice, piles on a hamburger patty, adds a fried egg, and pours gravy on top. Hungry teenagers in Hilo are said to be behind its invention in 1949, but it quickly became popular across the islands with all ages. Nowadays it can be found in many varieties.
The Best Loco Moco on O’ahu
Here are our favorite places to go for loco moco.
87-070 Farrington HWY #104, Waianae, (808) 888-5448
Bring your ohana and enjoy some brunch beachside! This menu has all the favorites! The Countryside Cafe’s version is called the Local Moke-O which has all the ingredients of a regular moco but the added bonus of kimchi.
Open for breakfast daily from 7 am to 1 pm.
3158 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, (808) 732-0077
Mixed plates (protein plus rice and mac salad) are the staple at this all-day dining room and bakery, but you can also get most of the proteins as a simple burger or sandwich. Their local moco plate lunch skips the greens so there’s more room for the house-made burger and brown gravy. Save room for a slice of cake from the bakery, especially chocolate haupia (coconut cream).
The Market & Bakery are open daily from 7:30 am to 8 pm. Lunch & Dinner are served every day from 11 am to 7:30 pm. The kitchen closes Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 4 pm for a little break.
This classic greasy spoon had a cameo in “50 First Dates,” the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore rom-com, but it’s a star among budget breakfast joints on the island. It’s serving big portions and low prices. Load up on their loco moco with thick beef patties, they’ve also got some serious buttermilk pancakes and Hawaiʻian-style French toast.
Breakfast is served from 7 am to 11:30 am on Tuesday to Saturday; bring cash. Closed Sunday and Monday.
2335 Kalakaua Ave #203, Honolulu, (808) 923-4852
The ocean view here might outshine the food, but just barely. If you’re looking for experience as much as ‘really good loco’ this is your spot, situated in the Outrigger Waikiki. Hula Grill’s loco moco comes with two eggs served over pork fried rice with braised short rib, Kalua pork, and Portuguese sausage. This meat-lover version is smothered with a shiitake mushroom gravy. Luckily, it’s steps from the beach, so you won’t have to travel far when the food coma ensues.
Open daily from 7 am to 10:30 pm!
563 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, (808) 200-5737
Homemade ground beef, turkey patty, or chicken katsu are your meat options for their style of the loco moco. Brown or white rice, topped with mushrooms, gravy, onions, and your egg however you like it best. If you’re on the West Side of O’ahu and need a loco moco fix, stop into this little joint, they’ve got you smothered in gravy!
Hours 7 am to 2 pm every day.
675 Auahi St, Honolulu, (808) 600-5612
They’re sauteing up super ono food at this place, and these guys have it down. There are two locations, one just outside Waikiki on Monsarrat and a newer super hip location in the booming Kaka’ako neighborhood that has some great outdoor seating. You can order a full loco moco or a mini size if you’re not ready to fully commit.
The Kakaako location is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Closed on Sunday.
2238 Lauula St, Honolulu, (808) 922-2221
Big-time local loco favorite, the Aloha Table situated on Kaulakua Avenue offers many styles including Premium Kobe Style Beef Loco Moco. Their loco moco is so good, it’s won awards. Need we say more?
Hours for Lunch are 11:30 am to 2 pm and dinner from 4 pm to 10 pm.
342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, (808) 923-1100
This is rare folks, healthy loco moco, this OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice award winner is located in the centrally located Shoreline Hotel in Waikiki. Heavenly is one of a handful of Japanese-owned restaurants in the islands.
Open daily for breakfast and lunch from 7 am to 2 pm and dinner from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Hideout at the Laylow
2299 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, (808) 628-3060
Coolness overload at this urban oasis above Kuhio Avenue. This joint is getting great reviews for the food as well as the ambiance. The loco moco is served with Wagyu Beef with sunny eggs and is topped off with a veal and mushroom gravy. It’ll pair well with a few of their hand-crafted cocktails.
Open for breakfast from 6 am to 11 am and dinner from 5 pm to 10 pm.
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