Pono Hawaiian Grill

In The Hawaiian Language, pono is defined as:

pono. 1. Goodness, morality, moral qualities, correct or proper procedure, excellence, well being, prosperity, welfare, duty; moral fitting, proper, right, just, fair, successful; should, ought, must, necessary.

Pono Hawaiian Grill is a traditional Hawaiian eatery bringing you the freshest, most creative and most 'ono Hawaiian mixed plate here on the mainland. We also have Santa Cruz's first and only Poke Bar, serving over 15 different types of poke all made to order! A must try!

Pono also provides a truly Hawaiian atmosphere, one that brings together Hawaii's deep and diverse melting pot of cultures, languages, dance (hula), mele (music) and especially.... "aloha spirit!"

What does "Pono" mean? It is a way of life. Pono means to live with good morality, or living a life in overall goodness. Pono is a way to live that shares good values and respect, not only in our personal and community relationships with one another, but also in being good stewards of, the 'Aina (land), Kai (ocean) and Honua (earth.)

Pono also means the way things "should" be...living and striving forward with this way of thinking can only enrich our lives and make the world a better place, here and now, and for future generations of our Keiki (children).

I am Braddah Timmy, proprietor and chef at Pono Hawaiian Grill & Poke Bar. I'm a local boy from the island of Maui. With over 20 years in the restaurant hospitality industry, I'm bringing the culinary recipes of my years of experience cooking as well as those of my 'ohana's to Santa Cruz. These recipes reflect the many influences I've had throughout my life in Hawai'i from Mom, Dad, Tutu's, Aunties, Uncles, friends. As well as some from the many amazing Mom n' Pop restaurants and other eateries across the island of Maui and all the other islands back home. This is a piece of *me*...I love to eat good food. That is my passion for Pono and what i've brought to Santa Cruz...sharing the food that i grew up eating with the Aloha Spirit, and in a Pono way...

My menu is not an average plate lunch menu. I've created a healthier and more creative Hawaiian style menu that brings together your island favorites and so much more! Come on down and bring the whole 'Ohana (family) We welcome you! E Komo Mai!

Mahalo and Aloha
-Braddah Timmy