Cafe 100: Loco Moco, Lau Lau, Poi | Big Island Eats

After a grueling hike in Waipio Valley Road, we stopped by Cafe 100. It’s a good place to check out if you’re looking for an authentic but cheap Hawaiian food.

History

In 1946, Richard Miyashiro opened Cafe 100. He’s a Hawaii-born Japanese-American who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion as a volunteer during World War II. The Miyashiro family endured a lot just to keep their business going. They survived two tsunamis! A testament to the Miyashiro family’s dedication and resilience.

Loco Moco

Loco Moco is Cafe 100’s specialty. It consists of beef patty on top of white rice with gravy and then topped with egg.

Lau Lau and Poi

Lau Lau means “leaf leaf”. It’s a tender and flavorful pork dish wrapped in taro leaves and then steamed for hours. The leaves give it a unique flavor. 

Poi, on the other hand,  is something else. It’s made from the fermented root of the taro plant. The roots are pounded or mashed until it turns into a paste. It’s sour and very starchy. We believe it’s an aqcuired taste. Poi can be eaten by itself or as a side dish. 

Chocolate Haupia Pie

Haupia is a popular dessert in Hawaii.  It’s made of coconut milk and chocolate pudding on top of a buttery crust. It’s sweet and gelatinous.

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