Ken's House of Pancakes - Hilo, Hawaii
I'm sure that everyone who's visited Hilo has been to Ken's at least once. Ken's is close to the airport and to all the major hotels that line Banyan Drive AND it's open 24-hours.
On my most recent visit to Hilo, I stopped at Ken's for a quick bite to eat before heading out for the day. At 7:00 am, the tiny parking lot was already full and after circling around a few times, I was lucky enough to snag a spot. Once inside, I was quickly whisked away to a table and placed my order for this....
This was the "original loco moco" (US$5.95) consisting of two scoops rice, a 5 ounce lean "home grown" beef patty, brown gravy and two eggs. Two things about this loco moco -- first, the beef patty. Unlike the beef patties that are normally associated with loco mocos, this one has that slightly smokey, charred flavor, like it was cooked on an actual grill. And second, the eggs. Piercing the thin layer over the yolks makes for delicious eating when the gooey yolk comes in contact with the thick gravy.
Otherwise, you can always choose something a little more straighforward. How's this?
The Hobo (US$7.55), consists of two eggs scrambled with diced ham, onions and potatoes, then topped with hollandaise sauce. This time, I chose to enjoy this with some hash browns and a fluffly stack of pancakes.
Although parking here is always an issue, the food is not. At Ken's, simple homestyle food is served up efficiently and at reasonable prices. Popular with both locals and with tourists alike, when visiting Hilo, a visit to Ken's is a must.
Ken's House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii
Telephone: 808.935.8711
Ahhh! Lucky you! I want to read the post! :)
Posted by: Kathy | January 20, 2007 at 05:21 PM
Ah, our personal Mecca of dining happiness in Hilo. No trip to the Big Island is complete without it. Even though it draws plenty of tourists, it's still "home" to us. I love that the servers who brought us our loco mocos thirteen years ago (when my wife and I were just dumb kids in love, and not the 30-something parents we are now) are still there... and remember us back.
Posted by: Ryan | January 20, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Hmmm Reid - That doesn't look like a "Sumo Loco" to me! LOL! I'm glad you're able to get a little break......
Posted by: Kirk | January 20, 2007 at 07:15 PM
Hey Reid, glad you made it to Ken's. One of the best loco mocos ever! Next time we should attempt to grind the Sumo Loco?
Posted by: James | January 21, 2007 at 09:25 AM
There's a picture of The Rock there!
Posted by: Aaron | January 23, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Coming out of lurk mode to say that I made loco moco for dinner tonight. I live in Indiana (native Californian though) and had never heard of it until I started reading your blog.
Best. Food. Ever.
Posted by: Jessica | January 23, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Hi Kathy,
I love Ken's. I just wish that I could afford to visit Hilo more often.
Hi Ryan,
I agree with you about Ken's. Most of the folks working there have been there for quite sometime. About 5 years ago, I used to visit Hilo at least once a month and the ones that I see now, still remember me! It's a nice, homey place that has served me well over the years.
Hi Kirk,
Well, I almost thought of having the sumo loco, but thought better of it when I remembered that I was going to visit Mauna Kea. I didn't want to be too full. :)
I really needed a break and I wish I could have stayed in Hilo for a longer period of time.
Hi James,
I'm hoping that they continue to offer specials to the neighbor islands. If so, I'll be back in Hilo and I'll gladly grind a sumo loco with you.
Hi Aaron,
Welcome to the blog!
I never noticed before. I'm going to have to look more closely next time.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for de-lurking and for leaving me a comment. I love loco mocos especially since they are made with simple ingredients.
I'm glad you enjoyed a taste of Hawaii and I'm really happy that you discovered something you like through this blog. Hope you keep reading and commenting!
Posted by: Reid | February 11, 2007 at 02:57 AM
This place is so great late at night when you have a craving for that something ono... They have it all and the service never seems to disappoint you. If your looking for good food, a comfortable atmosphere, and service that is dependible this is the place to be.
Posted by: kailina | October 22, 2007 at 11:23 PM
While visiting my son in Hilo, I took the family to the Hilo landmark. I had the coconut pancakes with coconut syrup. It was so good, I went back the next day for the same. The best value on the Big island.
Posted by: Garland | February 26, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Yummmmm ~ just 5 more days and I'll be eating at Ken's again. My mouth's waterin already. Onolicious!
Posted by: Aloha | May 31, 2008 at 06:19 PM
My daughter and I visited Ken's Pancake House twice, this past April. The food was excellent and the service was TERRIFIC !!!!!! Even at 0400 hrs.
Posted by: Roy K. | June 08, 2008 at 04:34 AM