Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown Santa Cruz
A tropical oasis serving authentic Hawaiian fare with a modern twist, featuring fresh poke, hearty plate lunches, and live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown Santa Cruz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tropical oasis serving authentic Hawaiian fare with a modern twist, featuring fresh poke, hearty plate lunches, and live music.
"Experience the Aloha spirit with fantastic Hawaiian food in a fun, festive atmosphere."
Beat the Rush
Make reservations or arrive early to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Cash is King
Bring cash to avoid potential credit card fees.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Hawaiian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Hawaiian Plate Lunches
Savor classic Hawaiian dishes like the flavorful combo plate featuring katsu and teriyaki. A taste of the islands!
Fresh Poke Bowls
Indulge in vibrant, fresh poke bowls with a variety of flavors. A must-try for seafood lovers.
Festive Tropical Ambiance
Enjoy a cute and festive setting with live music and indoor/outdoor seating. Perfect for a fun island vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Rush
Make reservations or arrive early to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Cash is King
Bring cash to avoid potential credit card fees.
Happy Hour Deals
Explore the happy hour menu for great deals on food and drinks.
Parking Strategy
Street parking is available, but be prepared with quarters for meters.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Rush
Make reservations or arrive early to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Cash is King
Bring cash to avoid potential credit card fees.
Happy Hour Deals
Explore the happy hour menu for great deals on food and drinks.
Parking Strategy
Street parking is available, but be prepared with quarters for meters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise Pono Hawaiian Grill for its fresh and flavorful Hawaiian dishes, particularly the poke bowls and plate lunches. The casual, festive atmosphere and friendly service contribute to a positive dining experience, though some find the poke slightly lacking in flavor compared to other establishments. Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value.
"Good food, fast service, unique and not common take on dishes. The combo plate was really good, and if you are looking for fried options, any of their katsu is fantastic.
I want to commend the bar tender. He was serving plates, beer, walking around making sure everyone was okay then back to the bar!"
Erik Hanna
"Fantastic restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz! Highly highly highly recommended. They have a fantastic happy hour menu that works out perfectly. But regular prices are very reasonable as well. You literally can't go wrong here. Inside is very comfortable with a lovely bar, and outside as a great casual feel that's great for individual, families, or couples. Awesome they have live music performances which is just the best!!"
D E
"A causal Hawaiian restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz. You order the food at the front, pick a table to sit at, and they serve the food to your table. Price is average. Food was quite good. The salmon in the poke was fresh but lacks flavor or side dishes that we have seen in other places. The kuala pork was good but a bit too salty. Staff were friendly. Overall a decent place to eat at."
Rong Mao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include their fresh poke bowls, the Pono Pupu Platter, and various plate lunches like Chicken Katsu and Teriyaki.
Yes, live music is often featured, adding to the festive island ambiance.
Yes, furry friends are welcome both inside and on the outdoor patio.
To avoid long lines, consider visiting during off-peak hours or making reservations. Happy Hour is also a popular time.
While not explicitly detailed, their poke bowls can often be customized, and some plate options may be adaptable. It's best to inquire directly.
Yes, takeout is available, and the restaurant has a great atmosphere for dining in as well.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Santa Cruz Weekend Fun Guide
Pono Hawaiian Grill serves traditional Hawaiian food and is also the only “Traditional Hawaiian” Poke Bar and Santa Cruz serving over 20 different types of poke all made to order!. They have a special Holiday Season Catering thats available (email us at ponohawaiiancatering@gmail.com) and a daily BOGO (‘buy one get one’ – buy one lunch at regular price and get the second one of equal or lesser value at 1/2 off ANY DAY 11-3pm) Aloha served daily!
Santa Cruz Fall Cocktail Guide
In Santa Cruz, it really is possible to live an Endless Summer. Lounging on a sunny, luscious back patio, it’s easy to forget it’s October, so don’t feel bad about getting a summery drink. Live Hawaiian music is usually an added perk around here, providing the perfect island ambiance to pair with the best Mai Tai in town.
Top 9 Healthy Fast Food Restaurants in Santa Cruz
120 Union Street 831-426-7666 With an Aloha vibe and a menu to match, Pono Hawaiian Grill brings a touch of the islands to Santa Cruz. The décor, open air dining and live music add to the dining experience. You can’t go wrong with the Teriyaki bowls and Kahlua pork fries.
Beaches and Redwoods: 10 Spectacular State Parks to Visit in Santa Cruz, California
Pono Hawaiian Grill: Pono serves up traditional Hawaiian food - pulled pork, BBQ chicken, mac salad, etc. They have a great menu selection of poke bowls, my personal favorite. There are two locations in town making it easy to enjoy some great local food.
Downtown Santa Cruz Stores, Restaurants, and Nightlife Guide
Pono is one of the only places in Santa Cruz to find poke, a classic Hawaiian seafood dish, as well as many other Island favorites. The atmosphere is nice but laid-back, the portions are generous, and the music is live and authentic.
Pretty Good Advice, Rock N Roll Donuts plus 8 more new restaurants headed to downtown Santa Cruz
The new possible restaurant will join a bustling food corridor along the north end of Cedar Street that includes Gabriella Café, Penny Ice Creamery, Honey B Market, Bad Animal and Pono Hawaiian Grill.
Dog-Friendly Santa Cruz: Things to do in Santa Cruz with a dog
This fun hangout serves poke, plates of seafood, and tropical cocktails, and furry friends are welcome both inside and out. Location: 120 Union St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States
Santa Cruz, California
Pono Hawaiian Grill: A great start up spot to begin the night. Timmy Pono reopened the one on the WS downtown. Great plate lunch style food and you can watch games.
50 Foods You Must Try in Santa Cruz Before You Die
This tropical bar and grill features live music, island decor, and a variety of poke bowls, all made to order.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit