Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap - Santa Cruz, California

TinaEh V.

Solid Hawaiian restaurant. Food was great. If you're craving Hawaiian food, this is the spot. If you're looking for true authentic Hawaiian dishes, it's great but just nearly there! While our dishes were great, the fish and chips was just a bit hard for the fried fish. The mac salad sides were good. Rice quality was on point and will satisfy anyone that wants rice with their food.

Service was excellent! The employees were very nice and welcoming. We got our waters refilled. The tables were clean and we got seated right away after ordering.

You do have to order and pay first before being seated.

Overall, a great restaurant to fulfill your Hawaiian cravings.

Melissa K.

Their food is amazing. It was recommended by a friend that when I visited Santa Cruz, I must go to Pono. I'm so glad I did. The seafood was so fresh and fried perfectly. The ribbs were juicy and tender. It's a walk-up and order ahead sort of place. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. The beer selection is great as well. This place is a gem and a must visit.

Julian M.

This place has gone down in quality. I have been coming here nearly every few weeks for the past year and today was the final straw. I ordered a spam musubi that was $7 and it was completely missing ferakaki and the spam was burnt. On top of that, the rice was mushy and I wish I had just made my own in an instant pot and brought it. The teriyaki bowls used to be pristine here but they now include raw carrots that make me sound like bugs bunny. I will admit they got the proteins correct. I unfortuently will not be returning here since the price does not match the quality anymore. Sad

Annie Y.

If you're down in Santa Cruz and want some Hawaiian food, this place is great! You order from the front, and take a seat indoors or outdoors. They will deliver the food to you. Outdoor patio was beautiful.
I got the combo mix that comes with rice and shredded pork, sided with kimchi and macaroni salad. Along with that comes your choice of poke. I got the traditional poke with ahi tuna. The fish was really fresh and clean. The shredded pork was seasoned well. To me the star of the show was their pickled kimchi! It was sour than the traditional kimchi but helped balanced the dish really well.
If you're in for a quick stop, one plate tray seemed to be fine for two people. Would love to visit again and try their other dishes!

Tim B.

Good to ok overall. I had an issue I addressed to customer service and they were helpful and accommodating, which I appreciate.

Taste-wise, the food is average, however I felt I have better value, flavor and options in poki bowls elsewhere, although the vibe is nice.

C. C.

Nice place for Hawaiian food, but be warned, it can be a little pricey. The food is good, but portions of poke are a bit small for the price. For 2 poke salads, a couple of beers, and some chicken tenders, it was over $80. A little steep for the overall meal, in my opinion. But, good food.

Hanna K.

Good for a quick lunch. The poke was good and I also liked the atmosphere. Took out a star because the chicken katsu was a bit soggy.

Kyle S.

Love the mellow, smaller atmosphere of this location. Favorite night to visit is Wednesdays where the Uke guy kicks back and soothes your soul while you grind on some fine island cuisine. Great beer on tap, steady parking opportunities and quick service so you spend your time enjoying not waiting on the wishing well.