




Cafe 100
About
A Slice of Hilo History
If you find yourself navigating the streets of Hilo, you cannot claim a complete experience without stopping by Cafe 100. Known globally as the birthplace of the Loco Moco, this landmark has been fueling locals and travelers alike since 1946. It is not about white-tablecloth dining here; it is about the honest, no-frills comfort of a classic drive-in.
The Loco Moco Legacy
Richard Miyashiro, the founder, created the original Loco Moco specifically for a group of hungry teenagers who wanted something quick, inexpensive, and filling. Today, the menu features over 30 variations of this iconic dish. Whether you order the classic beef patty, gravy, and egg over rice, or experiment with chili or Spam additions, you are tasting a significant piece of Hawaiian culinary history.
The Atmosphere
Expect a casual, open-air environment where the sound of rain hitting the metal roof is just as common as the chatter of multi-generational families. The pace is quick and the service is straightforward. Be prepared for a bit of a wait during the lunch rush, as this remains a staple for students and busy workers in the area. The parking lot can get tight when the local crowd descends, but the turnover is fast enough that you’ll snag a spot soon.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
Beyond the fame, it is a reliable spot for traditional comfort food. The smell of savory brown gravy and griddled patties greets you the moment you step out of your car. It is the perfect place to grab a tray and sit at the outdoor tables to enjoy the cool, breezy Hilo air. It is simple, satisfying, and deeply ingrained in the local identity of the Big Island.
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Amenities & Features
Location
969 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-4216
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 550 community reviewsCharMGoogle Maps
Recently
If you love "loco-moco" this is the place. This is the place to get local foods like "loco-moco" and Hawaiian plates like laulau combo's, stew and katsu's. Extensive menu with desserts kike Chantilly puffs. Cafe 100 is surprisingly modern in their ordering menu utilizing tech that not every restaurant has available. The cafe uses a kiosk system taking payments via card, venmo, PayPal, apple pay, and Google pay.
Maxim ShapovalovGoogle Maps
Recently
Stopped by to try Loco Moco. I guess you get what you pay for - the rice is overcooked and the entire thing tastes like it spent a week in a supermarket shelf (or was made in Soviet public eatery, if that reference works better for you). Oh I also tried Chickwich, which was OK chicken sandwich. I'd still prefer Chick-fill-A though.
Iting WenGoogle Maps
Recently
Visited Cafe 100 while in Hilo. We tried the half & half with beef stew and fried shrimp, a bento, and the lilikoi sorbet. The food was decent and the sorbet was refreshing. Friendly service and a local spot with lots of history.
AK NamahoeGoogle Maps
Recently
Original loco moco spot with so many variations! The savory gravy and tender beef patty with a perfectly cooked over easy egg on top can't be beat. The Portuguese sausage was delicious too. Outside seating only. Rice was a tiny bit undercooked for my liking but we still ate everything lol! Support local 🤙🏼
Zheren YangGoogle Maps
Recently
Love it. We had curry chicken, beef stew, Korean chicken katsu, cheeseburger and soup. Love them all!! Hot and fresh.
D KGoogle Maps
Recently
A great place to stop for delicious local food. Counter ordering and plenty of covered picnic tables to enjoy your feast. The meat was flavored well and moist. Yummy Potato Mac salad. A great spot to fill up on after a hike at the Volcano National Park.
Warren HooGoogle Maps
Recently
Reading in the Hilo history booklet that they survived two tsunamis 1946 and in May 1960 but showing resilience, built a third restaurant and the Exploring Historic Hilo booklet published in 2007 by Waterhouse Publishing,Honolulu the author Leslie Lang said they were known for their Loco mocos. I was visiting here from Siuthern California to taste the gravy and their hamburger loco moco after tasting some disappointing Loco mocos on the mainland. I was pleased with the butter and gravy flavors. Liked the tenderness of the hamburger patty. It was not a hard commercial patty and the gravy had a beefy flavor, not a canned commercial flavored gravy.
David BoothGoogle Maps
Recently
This downtown Hilo classic has been around for a reason! Local grinds done well and home of the original loco Moco! The braised beef and noodles, wow. The miso mahi is huge and delicious. Grab some food and hang out or go to the park. Daily specials and quick service also 🤙
Emily DinhGoogle Maps
Recently
Great quick stop for authentic Hawaiian food! Rotating specials so be aware if you are planning on wanting a specific item. Kalua cabbage was amazing had great flavor, was tender, juicy and comforting. Loco moco was good, had great char flavor and gravy was not too heavy or salty. Plenty of seating and food came out quickly. Make sure you stop for a quick lunch in Hilo!
Zhuolong YuGoogle Maps
Recently
One of the most delicious food we had in the big island! The place is small and does not provide good dinning atmosphere. But all the points go to the food. The bbq plate and lau lau were super good, and very large portion, definitely worth the price!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cafe 100
Common questions from diners about Cafe 100 in Hilo.
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