Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown Santa Cruz
120 Union St, Santa Cruz
(831) 621-7448
Customers' Favorites
Hawaiian Kalua Pork Plate
Braddah Timmy Ahi Bowl
BT's Loco Moco Burrito
Hawaiian Fish & Chips
Coconut Shrimp Plate
Kalua Pork Fries
Teriyaki Chicken
Poke Combo Plate
Kalua Pork Musubi
Chicken Lau Lau
APPETIZERS
Chicken Musubi
Chicken Teriyaki on bed of steamed rice, Pono furikake and nori seaweed with side of teriyaki sauce.
Coconut Shrimp App
6pc. Golden and crispy coconut battered shrimp served with sweet Thai chili sauce and lemon on the side
French Fries
Crispy French fries with a side of ketchup
Island Quesadilla
Melted Jack and Cheddar cheese, choice of Hawaiian Pork or Chicken Teriyaki and a side of our house-made pineapple salsa.
Kalua Pork Fries
Our signature Hawaiian kalua pork over crunchy French fries with jack and cheddar cheese, Pono furikake seasoning, jalapenos, and spicy aioli.
Kalua Pork Musubi
Hawaiian Kalua Pork, Pono furikake, white rice and nori seaweed with a side of teriyaki sauce
Kalua Pork Sliders
Kings Hawaiian sweet buns with Hawaiian kalua pork, island slaw, fried onions, topped with pineapple BBQ sauce and Pono furikake
Manapua
Steamed Char siu pork filled sweet bun. An island favorite!
Onion Rings
Beer battered onion rings deep fried golden and crispy with a side of our house-made pineapple BBQ sauce
Pono Pupu Platter
Our Hawaiian kalua pork sliders (2), coconut shrimp (6), lemons and spam musubi with side of sweet Thai chili sauce and house-made teriyaki sauce.
Pono wings
Chicken wings with your choice of sauce (pineapple, bbq, sweet Thai chili or spicy pele) served with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Spam Musubi
The Classic! Grilled Spam, Pono furikake, rice and nori with a side of teriyaki sauce!
Sweet Potato Fries
French fry cut sweet potatoes with spicy aioli dipping sauce.
APPETIZER POKE
APPETIZER Avocado Tomato Poke
Pono's shoyu marinated ahi, diced tomato, sweet & green onion, minced ginger, sliced avocado, sesame seeds
APPETIZER Da Braddah Timmy Poke
Cubed ahi tuna, chili flake, avocado, cucumber, sesame oil, 'alaea sea salt, sweet & green onion, house-made kim chee
APPETIZER Ginger Chili Shoyu Poke
Minced ginger, sweet onion, jalapeño, green onion, shoyu marinated ahi tuna, white sesame seeds.
APPETIZER Hawaiian Ogo
Traditionally made Hawaiian poke featuring Limu (Ogo) seaweed, chili pepper, 'Alaea Hawaiian sea salt, shoyu marinated ahi tuna with sweet onion, green onion. A traditional island style favorite!
APPETIZER Hoomana Traditional Poke
Ahi tuna, ‘alaea Hawaiian sea salt, sesame oil, green onion, green onion, gochugaru chili flake, white sesame seeds.
APPETIZER Lanikai Poke
Ahi tuna, avocado, wontons, cubed tomato, sweet onion, sesame seeds, shoyu marinade, chili oil.
APPETIZER Lomi Lomi Poke
Cubed Salmon, sweet onion, green onion, tomato, red 'Alaea sea salt, seaweed salad, chili pepper water and lemon wedge.
APPETIZER Pele's Fire Poke
Cubed ahi tuna, sweet & green onion, sesame oil, spicy pele aioli, black goma sesame seeds and sriracha drizzle
APPETIZER Salmon Cilantro Avo Poke
Cubed sustainable salmon, avocado, cilantro, sweet onion, green onion, shoyu poke sauce. A crowd favorite!
APPETIZER Traditional Shoyu Poke
Shoyu marinated ahi tuna with sweet onion, green onion and white sesame seeds.
APPETIZER Tropical Island Poke
Cubed ahi tuna, sweet onion, green onion, diced tomato, seaweed salad, pineapple salsa, avocado, sesame oil and dash of black sesame seeds.
APPETIZER Wasabi Ahi Poke
Cubed ahi tuna, wasabi aioli, cucumber, sweet onion, green onion, seaweed salad, won ton chips, black goma sesame seeds.
POKE BOWLS
Avocado-Tomato Ahi Poke Bowl
Pono's shoyu marinated ahi tuna, diced tomato, sweet & green onion, minced ginger, sliced avocado, sesame seeds. Comes with rice, seaweed salad, and edamame,
Braddah Timmy Poke Bowl
House favorite - Cubed ahi tuna, sweet and green onion, sesame oil, chili flake, Pono furikake seasoned rice, seaweed salad, house-made kim chee, edamame and pickled ginger
Creamy Wasabi Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna, sweet and green onion, house-made wasabi aioli, Pono furikake, house-made wonton chips, seaweed salad, edamame and pickled ginger
Ginger Chili Shoyu Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna marinated in our shoyu sauce with sweet and green onion, minced ginger, minced jalapeno. Comes with seaweed salad, edamame, Pono furikake seasoned rice and pickled ginger
Hawaiian Ogo Poke Bowl
Monterey Bay fresh Ogo seaweed, cubed ahi tuna, chili flake, sesame oil and Hawaiian 'alaea sea salt. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, edamame, seaweed salad and pickled ginger
Hoomana Traditonal Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna, sweet and green onion, sesame oil, 'alaea sea salt, chili flake. Comes with seaweed salad, edamame, Pono furikake seasoned rice and pickled ginger
Lanikai Ahi Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna, avocado, diced tomato, sweet and green onion, chili oil and house-made wonton chips.. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, edamame and pickled ginger
Lomi Lomi Salmon Bowl
Cubed sustainable salmon, sweet and green onion, diced tomato, 'alaea sea salt. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, edamame and pickled ginger
Salmon Cilantro Avo Bowl
Cubed sustainable salmon, avocado, diced tomato, minced cilantro, sweet and green onion, house-made shoyu poke sauce. Comes with Pono seasoned furikake rice, edamame, seaweed salad and pickled ginger
Spicy Pele Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna, sweet and green onion, sesame oil, spicy pele aioli, black goma sesame seeds and sriracha drizzle.
Traditional Shoyu Poke Bowl
Pono's Shoyu marinated ahi tuna, sweet and green onion, sesame seed. Comes with Pono seasoned furikake rice, edamame, seaweed salad and pickled ginger
Tropical Island Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna, sesame oil, house-made pineapple salsa, sweet and green onion. Comes with Pono seasoned furikake, edamame, seaweed salad and pickled ginger
SPECIALTY POKE BOWLS
7 Elements Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna, sweet onion, green onion, tobiko, ginger, crushed peanuts, nori shreds and our house-made Seven Elements sauce. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, seaweed salad, edamame and pickled ginger.
Da Kine Poke Bowl
Cubed ahi tuna and salmon, sweet onion, green onion, tobiko, avocado, jalapeno, lemon and spicy pele aioli. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, seaweed salad, edamame and pickled ginger.
Jus Poke & Rice
Just Poke and Rice. Comes with your choice of poke from our menu and Pono furikake seasoned rice only.
Salmon Elements Poke Bowl
Cubed Sustainable Salmon, sweet onion, green onion, tobiko, ginger, crushed peanuts, nori shreds and Seven Elements sauce. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, seaweed salad, edamame and pickled ginger.
The #55
Shoyu marinated ahi tuna, sweet onion, green onion, Hawaiian kalua pork. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, seaweed salad, edamame and pickled ginger.
Vegan Poke Bowl
Inari kage, sweet onion, edamame, green onion, toasted sesame seeds, cucumber, sliced avocado. Comes with Pono furikake seasoned rice, seaweed salad, edamame and pickled ginger.
TERIYAKI BOWLS
Teriyaki Bowls
Our Teriyaki Bowls come with steamed seasonal veggies and choice of protein with house-made teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds and Pono furikake seasoned rice.
Veggie Teriyaki Bowl
Our Vegetarian Teriyaki Bowls come with steamed seasonal veggies with house-made teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds and Pono furikake seasoned rice.
BURGERS
Da Burger
House plain burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo on Kings Hawaiian bun.
Paniolo Burger
A "Braddah Vern" Special! Grilled grass-fed beef patty topped with our house-made pineapple bbq sauce, topped with onion rings
Pono Burger
Grilled beef patty with our house-made teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, & grilled pineapple on top!
PLATES
Baked Tofu Stir Fry
House baked teriyaki brushed tofu with seasonal vegetables topped with our teriyaki glaze and sesame seeds. Served with Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad and house-made kim chee
Beef Teriyaki Plate
Grilled marinated sirloin tip beef with green onion and sesame seeds. Served with Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad and house-made kim chee
Bt's Orignal Loco Moco Burrito
White rice, grass-fed angus chuck, scrambled egg, sweet onion, and mac salad wrapped in a tortilla and served with a side of gravy! (Does not come with sides)
Chicken Katsu
Chicken breast breaded with panko, deep fried golden and crispy. Served with a side of Tonkatsu sauce. Served with Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad and house-made kim chee. (***Katsu breading contains egg)
Coconut Shrimp Plate
Golden and crispy coconut battered shrimp with sweet Thai chili sauce and lemon. Served with Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad and house-made kim chee
Da Loco Moco
An Island classic and we do it right! Two scoops rice, two grass-fed beef patties, two eggs your style and 'ono brown gravy served with macaroni salad and house-made Kim Chee!
Hawaiian Fish & Chiips
Crunchy golden french fries, panko breaded Mahi-Mahi, house-made tartar sauce and lemon wedge and side of island slaw.
Hawaiian Kalua Pork Plate
Slow cooked traditional Hawaiian style pulled pork & cabbage seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt with a savory smoked flavor! Served with Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad and house-made kim chee
Kal Bi Korean Short Ribs
Sweet Korean style shortribs, marinated in a shoyu, honey, ginger based sauce. Topped with green onion and sesame seeds. Served with mac salad, Pono seasoned furikake and house-made kim chee
Mahi Mahi Katsu
Mahi Mahi filet served katsu-style, golden and crispy with lemon and Tonkatsu dripping sauce. Comes with Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad and house-made kim chee
Mamma Kathy's Teri Chicken
Mamma Kathy's own grilled marinated chicken teriyaki served with Pono brand furikake seasoned rice, mac salad and house-made kim chee.
Poke Combo Plate
Choice of poke with our house-made Hawaiian kalua pork, Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad, house-made kimchee, seaweed salad & pickled ginger (sub salmon +$2)
Poke Plate
Choice of poke Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad, house-made kimchee, seaweed salad & pickled ginger (salmon +$2)
Pono's BBQ Combo
Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki and Kal-bi Ribs with Pono brand furikake seasoned rice, house-made kim chee, mac salad.
Pono's Seafood Combo
Coconut shrimp, Mahi Mahi katsu, and choice of chicken teriyaki, kalua pork, or Kal-Bi ribs. Served with Pono furikake rice, mac salad and kimchee
Pork Lau Lau
TACOS
Chicken Teriyaki Taco
Grilled Chicken Teriyaki, island slaw, Pono furikake and spicy aioli
Fish Katsu Taco
Panko fried Mahi mahi, island slaw, Pono furikake, spicy aioli
Pork Taco
Hawaiian Kalua pork, island slaw, Pono furikake, spicy aioli
SALADS
Chinese Chicken Salad
Spring greens, arugula, mandarin oranges, carrots, sweet onion, tomato with sliced teriyaki chicken, crispy wontons and our house-made sesame vinaigrette.
House Salad
Mixed greens, sweet onion, carrots, purple cabbage, tomato, mandarin oranges and wontons served with your choice of dressing!
Poke Salad
Spring greens, arugula, seaweed salad, carrots, edamame, tomato, microgreens, mandarin oranges, sweet onion, crispy wontons, and your choice of poke.
BEVERAGES
Aloha Maid Juice
Island Juices made in Hawai'i! If you know you know!
Hawaiian Sun Juice
Island Juices made in Hawai'i! If you know you know!
C20 Coconut Water
Made from young green coconuts in Thailand, this coconut water tastes fresh, a bit less salty than most on the market, and sweeter.
Olipop Soda
Life is too short not to enjoy it, and too long to spoil it. We can have our sweet cravings without sacrificing our health. Soda is a shortcut with no long term benefits. OLIPOP is an off ramp to a healthy and delicious experience.
SIDES
Brown Rice
Macaroni Salad
Cole Slaw
Side Kimchee
Side Salad
House garden salad with tomato, sweet onion, mandarin oranges, wonton chips and dressing
Side Seaweed Salad
Kaiso (seaweed salad)
Side Steamed Veggies
White Rice
SAUCES
Pineapple Bbq Sauce
Pineapple Salsa
Katsu Sauce
Creamy Wasabi Sauce
Ginger Miso
Side of Gravy (4 Oz)
Pele Sauce
Ranch
Sesame Vinaigrette
Spicy Aioli
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Tartar Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce
DESSERTS
Chocolate Mac Nut Brownie
House-made chocolate brownie with macadamia nuts
Haupia Coconut Pudding
Hawaiian Haupia Coconut Pudding - so 'Ono!
POI (COOLER) 4oz
POI - Taro Root
SPECIALS
Silverware
Photos
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Recent Reviews
We spent the day exploring Santa Cruz and stumbled upon Pono Hawaiian Grill—what a great find! Located in a lively part of town, the atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a laid-back meal after a day at the beach.
Parking was a bit quirky with mostly street options, but we lucked out and found a spot just steps away from the entrance. Upon walking in, we noticed that ordering is done at the counter, with payment and tipping upfront before seating yourself....
Parking was a bit quirky with mostly street options, but we lucked out and found a spot just steps away from the entrance. Upon walking in, we noticed that ordering is done at the counter, with payment and tipping upfront before seating yourself....
May 2025
We were there for a music event late Jan 2025. HH drink specials were tasty but was disappointed on how cold it was inside the restaurant. Both doors, front & back, were wide open during the entire evening show (48 degrees outside). Even the band mentioned how cold it was before beginning their set. All the customers wore jackets. Also, the harsh lighting was way too bright throughout the restaurant. I wanted my sunglasses on. Please read the room & tone down the lighting...
January 2025
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The prices are fairly reasonable, portions pretty generous and service was quick! Expected to wait way longer for food, but it came out fast! Only downside is parking is all metered - but we snagged a good spot and just threw a few quarters in the meter. Also, ordering is a bit awkward as they stack their menus directly at the register, so if you're standing in line you don't have a menu to look at or you gotta run up to...