Step off Pacific Avenue and into a wave of warmth at Pono Hawaiian Grill, where every bite and beat carries the spirit of the islands. Rooted in the heritage of founder Braddah Timmy and inspired by the flavors of Maui, Pono isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a full-on experience, steeped in community, rhythm, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to stay a little longer.
From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with more than just the scent of sizzling teriyaki and fresh poke. You’re welcomed with aloha—a feeling that’s hard to explain but impossible to forget. It’s in the way the staff treats you like family, in the laid-back reggae playing through the speakers, and in the colorful murals and décor that echo the soul of the islands.
Pono has found a special rhythm in Santa Cruz, with its flagship location downtown, a second outpost at Capitola Kitchen + Taproom, and even a presence far across the Pacific in Guam. Each spot carries the same laid-back energy, united by a shared mission to serve honest, authentic Hawaiian street food and build spaces where people feel at home. “Pono” itself is a Hawaiian word that means righteousness and balance—doing things the right way. It’s a philosophy you can taste, see, and feel throughout every part of the experience.
The menu hits all the right notes. Think tender teriyaki plates, spicy and savory poke bowls, crispy garlic chicken, and the kind of island-style grinds that transport you straight to a beachside food truck in Kihei. Everything is made with care, using recipes and ingredients that reflect generations of flavor and pride. And if you’re on the go, Pono makes it easy to order online for pick-up or delivery. They even cater, turning birthdays, office parties, and backyard BBQs into full-blown luaus.
