Loco Moco: An Epitome of Hawaii’s Multicultural Identity and Culinary Tourism

Abstract

Loco Moco as a must try dish for tourists to Hawaii, its variation of ingredients and format shows the story of layered immigration, adaptation and identity transformation. Loco Moco’s dual role as spirit of local Hawaiian and culinary experiences for outsiders have been developed through the process of globalization and development of economics. Through the recipes and official food guides, the change of Loco Moco’s format and ingredients showing the effect of globalization on Hawaii as a tourist and cultural center. The ethnography and social science resources prove details of Hawaii cuisine development. This research paper argues that Loco Moco has evolved into an epitome of Hawaiian identity shaped by tourism from a working-class comfort food, its transformation also reflects the dynamic interplay between local identity, cultural hybridity and the commodifying forces of the global food economy.