Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap Menu (Update 2025)

Welcome to Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap, a vibrant culinary gem located at 3744 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz. Specializing in authentic Hawaiian poke and seafood, Pono’s menu features a delightful array of offerings that cater to diverse tastes. From the indulgent Flying Pig Burger to the traditional Kailua Pork Musubi, each dish radiates island flavors.

  • Poke Bowls: Fresh and vibrant, you’ll love selections like the Avocado Tomato Poke or Spicy Pele Poke.
  • Appetizers: Dive into crispy Coconut Shrimp or Kulua Pork Fries for a taste sensation.
  • Casual Ambiance: Enjoy outdoor seating with a relaxed vibe, perfect for families and groups.

The commitment to sustainability shines through with compostable containers and reusable tableware. With delivery and takeout options, indulge in island flavors whenever you crave!

BURGERS

Flying Pig Burger

The Flying Pig on a Kings Hawaiian Sweet bun / Island slaw / Hawaiian pulled pork / Grilled spam / Pono Island Chili Crunch / Grilled pineapple / Teriyaki drizzle and served with a side of fries.

$17.00

Paniolo Burger

A "Braddah Vern" Special! Grilled grass-fed beef patty topped with our house-made pineapple bbq sauce, topped with onion rings.

$18.00

Pono Burger

Grilled beef patty with our house-made teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, & grilled pineapple on top!

$17.00

Da Burger

House plain burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo on Kings Hawaiian bun.

$10.00

Chicken Teri Musubi

Chicken Teriyaki on bed of steamed rice, Pono furikake and nori seaweed with side of teriyaki sauce.

$8.00

Coconut Shrimp App

6pc. Golden and crispy coconut battered shrimp served with sweet Thai chili sauce and lemon on the side

$14.00

French Fries

Crispy French fries with a side of ketchup

$8.00

Island Quesadilla

Melted Jack and Cheddar cheese, choice of Hawaiian Pork or Chicken Teriyaki and a side of our house-made pineapple salsa.

$16.00

Kalua Pork Fries

Our signature Hawaiian kalua pork over crunchy French fries with jack and cheddar cheese, Pono furikake seasoning, jalapenos, and spicy aioli.

$16.00

Kalua Pork Musubi

Hawaiian Kalua Pork, Pono furikake, white rice and nori seaweed with a side of teriyaki sauce

$7.00

Kalua Pork Sliders

Kings Hawaiian sweet buns with Hawaiian kalua pork, island slaw and topped with pineapple BBQ sauce and Pono furikake

$14.00

Onion Rings

Beer battered onion rings deep fried golden and crispy with a side of our house-made pineapple BBQ sauce

$10.00

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.

$26.00

Pono Wings

Chicken wings with your choice of sauce (pineapple, bbq, sweet Thai chili or spicy pele) served with blue cheese or ranch dressing.

$16.00

Spam Musubi

The Classic! Grilled Spam, Pono furikake, rice and nori with a side of teriyaki sauce!

$7.00

Sweet Potato Fries

French fry cut sweet potatoes with spicy aioli dipping sauce.

$9.00

APPETIZERS

APPETIZER POKE

APPETIZER Avocado Tomato Poke

Pono's shoyu marinated ahi, diced tomato, sweet & green onion, minced ginger, sliced avocado, sesame seeds

$18.00

APPETIZER Da Braddah Timmy

Cubed ahi tuna, chili flake, avocado, cucumber, sesame oil, 'alaea sea salt, sweet & green onion, house-made kim chee

$18.00

APPETIZER Ginger Shoyu Chili Poke

Minced ginger, sweet onion, jalapeo, green onion, shoyu marinated ahi tuna, white sesame seeds.

$18.00

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!

$20.00

APPETIZER Ho'omana Traditional Poke

Ahi tuna, alaea Hawaiian sea salt, sesame oil, green onion, green onion, gochugaru chili flake, white sesame seeds.

$18.00

APPETIZER Lanikai Poke

Ahi tuna, avocado, wontons, cubed tomato, sweet onion, sesame seeds, shoyu marinade, chili oil.

$18.00

APPETIZER Lomi Lomi Salmon

Cubed Salmon, sweet onion, green onion, tomato, red 'Alaea sea salt, seaweed salad, chili pepper water and lemon wedge.

$18.00

APPETIZER Spicy Pele Poke

Cubed ahi tuna, sweet & green onion, sesame oil, spicy pele aioli, black goma sesame seeds and sriracha drizzle

$18.00

APPETIZER Salmon Cilantro Avo Poke

Cubed sustainable salmon, avocado, cilantro, sweet onion, green onion, shoyu poke sauce. A crowd favorite!

$20.00

APPETIZER Shoyu Poke

Shoyu marinated ahi tuna with sweet onion, green onion and white sesame seeds.

$18.00

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.

$18.00

APPETIZER Wasabi Ahi Poke

Cubed ahi tuna, wasabi aioli, cucumber, sweet onion, green onion, seaweed salad, won ton chips, black goma sesame seeds.

$18.00

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,

$20.00

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

$20.00

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

$20.00

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

$20.00

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

$22.00

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

$20.00

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

$20.00

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

$20.00

Salmon Cilantro Avo Salmon 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

$20.00

Spicy Pele Poke Bowl

Cubed ahi tuna, sweet and green onion, sesame oil, spicy pele aioli, black goma sesame seeds and sriracha drizzle.

$20.00

Traditional Shoyu Bowl

Ponos Shoyu marinated ahi tuna, sweet and green onion, sesame seed. Comes with Pono seasoned furikake rice, edamame, seaweed salad and pickled ginger

$20.00

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

$20.00

POKE BOWLS

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.

$22.00

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.

$22.00

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.

$24.00

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.

$21.00

Jus Poke & Rice

Just Poke and Rice. Comes with your choice of poke from our menu and Pono furikake seasoned rice only.

$19.00

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.

$18.00

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.

$16.00

Veggie Teriyaki Bowl

Our Vegetarian Teriyaki Bowls come with steamed seasonal veggies with house-made teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds and Pono furikake seasoned rice

$12.00

TERIYAKI BOWLS

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

$16.00

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

$20.00

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)

$14.00

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)

$18.00

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

$19.00

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!

$20.00

Hawaiian Fish & Chips

Crunchy golden french fries, panko breaded Mahi-Mahi, house-made tartar sauce and lemon wedge and side of island slaw.

$19.00

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

$17.00

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

$20.00

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

$19.00

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.

$18.00

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)

$28.00

Pono's BBQ Combo

Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki and Kal-bi Ribs with Pono brand furikake seasoned rice, house-made kim chee, mac salad.

$28.00

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

$30.00

Steamed Teriyaki Veggie Plate

Seasonal vegetables steamed and topped with our house made teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds.

$14.00

Poke Plate

Choice of poke Pono seasoned furikake rice, mac salad, house-made kimchee, seaweed salad & pickled ginger (salmon +$2)

$21.00

Chicken Teriyaki Taco

Grilled Chicken Teriyaki, island slaw, Pono furikake and spicy aioli

$7.00

Fish Katsu Taco

Panko fried Mahi mahi, island slaw, Pono furikake, spicy aioli

$7.00

Kalua Pork Taco

Hawaiian Kalua pork, island slaw, Pono furikake, spicy aioli

$7.00

TACOS

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.

$17.00

House Salad

Mixed greens, sweet onion, carrots, purple cabbage, tomato, mandarin oranges and wontons served with your choice of dressing!

$10.00

Poke Salad

Spring greens, arugula, seaweed salad, carrots, edamame, tomato, microgreens, mandarin oranges, sweet onion, crispy wontons, and your choice of poke.

$22.00

Hawaiiian Sun Juice

Island Juices made in Hawai'i! If you know you know!

$5.00

Aloha Maid Juice

Island Juices Made in Hawai'i ! Aloha Vibes only!

$5.00

OLIPOP

$5.00

BEVERAGES

SIDES

Brown Rice

$3.00

Macaroni Salad

$5.00

Cole Slaw

$4.00

Side Kimchee

$4.00

Side Salad

House garden salad with tomato, sweet onion, mandarin oranges, wonton chips and dressing

$4.00

Side Seaweed Salad

Kaiso (seaweed salad)

$8.00

Side Steamed Veggies

$5.00

White Rice

$3.00

Pineapple BBQ Sauce

$0.25

Pineapple Salsa

$0.25

Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce

$0.50

Katsu Sauce

$0.25

Creamy Wasabi Sauce

$0.25

Ginger Miso

$0.25

Side of Gravy

$2.00

Pele Sauce

$0.25

Ranch

$0.25

Sesame Vinaigrette

$0.25

Spicy Aioli

$0.25

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

$0.25

Tartar Sauce

$0.25

Teriyaki Sauce

$0.25

SAUCES

DESSERTS

Chocolate Mac Nut Brownie

House-made chocolate brownie with macadamia nuts

$5.00

Haupia Coconut Pudding

Hawaiian Haupia Coconut Pudding - so 'Ono!

$5.00

Kerri Kreations Cookie

Artisan Vegan Cookie with a Hint of Sweetness Created by Kerri

$4.00

POI (COOLER) 4oz

POI - Taro Root

$4.00