You’re driving down Indian Hill Boulevard in Pomona and you’re hungry. Not just "I need a snack" hungry, but that deep, soul-level craving for something salty, sweet, and incredibly filling. If you've lived in the Inland Empire for more than a week, you know the drill. You could hit a drive-thru, but then you see it. Hoaloha Hawaiian BBQ Pomona. It’s tucked away in a shopping center, looking unassuming, but the smell of grilled meat and teriyaki sauce hitting a hot flattop is enough to make you pull a U-turn.
Honestly, Hawaiian BBQ is a crowded field in Southern California. You have the massive chains that everyone knows, but those places can feel a bit... corporate. Standardized. Hoaloha is different. It’s got that local energy. It’s the kind of place where the portions are slightly aggressive—in a good way—and the macaroni salad actually tastes like someone’s auntie made it in the back.
Most people think "Hawaiian BBQ" is just one thing: a pile of meat and a scoop of rice. But if you really look at what Hoaloha Hawaiian BBQ Pomona is doing, you realize they’re balancing a very specific set of flavors that define the "Plate Lunch" culture of the islands. It’s a mix of Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and native Hawaiian influences all mashed onto a single styrofoam plate.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Plate at Hoaloha Hawaiian BBQ Pomona
What are you ordering? If it’s your first time, you’re probably looking at the Chicken Katsu. It’s the gold standard. At Hoaloha, the breading isn't that weird, soggy mess you find at lesser establishments. It’s crunchy. It stays crunchy even after it’s been sitting in the steam of the container on your drive home. That’s a minor miracle of engineering, really.
Then there’s the Short Ribs (Kalbi). These are thin-cut, marinated in a sweet-savory soy-based sauce, and charred over high heat. You have to work for the meat around the bone, which is half the fun. If you aren't willing to get a little messy, you're doing it wrong. The smoke from the grill permeates the meat, giving it that backyard BBQ vibe that you just can't replicate in a home kitchen without a lot of effort and a very annoyed smoke detector.
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Don't Skip the Macaroni Salad
Let's talk about the mac salad. It's the most controversial part of any Hawaiian meal. People either love it or they're wrong. At Hoaloha Hawaiian BBQ Pomona, the mac salad is creamy but not oily. It’s heavy on the mayo, as it should be, with just enough black pepper and finely grated carrots to give it some character. It acts as a cooling agent. When you’ve got that hot, salty BBQ beef, a bite of cold mac salad is the reset button your palate needs.
It’s basically a science. Hot/Cold. Sweet/Salty. Soft/Crunchy.
Why Local Spots Beat the Big Chains Every Time
Why do people keep coming back here when there are three other options within a five-mile radius? It’s the consistency. When you walk into Hoaloha, you aren't greeted by a 19-year-old who was trained via a corporate video. You’re usually greeted by people who actually live in or around Pomona. There’s a level of pride in the assembly of the food.
Pomona itself is a city with a massive food identity. From the tacos on Garey to the old-school diners, the competition is fierce. For a Hawaiian spot to hold its own, it has to offer value. The Hawaiian BBQ Mix plate is probably the best bang for your buck in the city. You get BBQ beef, BBQ chicken, and those short ribs. It’s easily two meals. Maybe three if you have some self-control, though honestly, most of us don't.
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The Seafood Surprise
Most people ignore the seafood at BBQ joints. Big mistake. The Fried Shrimp or the Island Fish at Hoaloha are surprisingly solid. Usually, in these types of places, the fish is an afterthought—something they keep in the freezer for the one person in the group who doesn't eat red meat. But here, the batter is light. It’s not that heavy, leaden dough that sits in your stomach for three days.
- BBQ Chicken: Thigh meat, skin-on, charred perfectly.
- Katsu: Panko-crusted and served with that tangy, dark katsu sauce.
- Spam Musubi: The ultimate snack. Grilled spam, rice, wrapped in nori. It's the "power bar" of Hawaii.
If you haven't tried the Musubi yet, you're missing the quintessential island experience. It’s portable. It’s salty. It’s the perfect thing to grab if you’re heading over to a show at the Fox Theater or the Glass House and need a base layer of carbs and protein.
Exploring the "Hoaloha" Philosophy in Pomona
The word "Hoaloha" roughly translates to "beloved friend" or "companion." It’s a heavy name to live up to. In a city like Pomona, which has its rough edges and its beautiful, historic corners, having a place that feels like a "friend" matters. It’s not just about the calories; it’s about the community. You see students from Cal Poly Pomona grabbing lunch between classes. You see city workers. You see families on a Friday night because nobody wants to cook and everyone can agree on teriyaki chicken.
The vibe is low-key. It's not a "concept" restaurant. There are no Edison bulbs or reclaimed wood walls designed for Instagram. It’s a restaurant. It has tables. It has chairs. It has incredible food. In 2026, when everything feels like it’s been focus-grouped to death, that authenticity is refreshing.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Parking can be a bit of a shuffle depending on the time of day. It’s Pomona; that’s just life. Also, the lunch rush is real. If you show up at 12:15 PM, expect a bit of a wait. But they move fast. The kitchen crew at Hoaloha Hawaiian BBQ Pomona operates like a well-oiled machine. They know the regulars. They know the "extra scoop of mac salad" people.
One thing that surprises people is the Loco Moco. If you aren't familiar, it’s a hamburger patty (or two) over rice, topped with fried eggs and smothered in brown gravy. It sounds like a lot because it is a lot. It’s the ultimate comfort food. The version here is legit—the gravy isn't too salty, and the eggs are usually cooked just right so the yolk mixes with the rice.
Real Advice for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to check out Hoaloha Hawaiian BBQ Pomona, don't just stick to the first thing you see on the menu.
- Mix and Match: Most people don't realize you can often swap things around. Want extra veggies instead of rice? Just ask. They’re pretty chill about it.
- The Sauce Situation: Ask for extra katsu sauce or teriyaki on the side. The rice acts like a sponge, and you want that extra flavor for the last few bites.
- Share the Love: The portions are huge. If you’re with a friend, getting two different plates and splitting them is the pro move. You get the variety without the food coma... okay, you'll still have the food coma, but it'll be worth it.
- Check the Specials: Sometimes they have items that aren't on the permanent glowing board above the counter. Keep your eyes peeled.
The reality is that Hoaloha Hawaiian BBQ Pomona isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. They're just making the wheel really, really well. It’s reliable. In an era where prices are skyrocketing and portions are shrinking (shoutout to "shrinkflation"), finding a spot that still fills the container to the point where the lid barely closes is a win.
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Next time you're navigating the 10 or the 60 freeway and your stomach starts growling, skip the burger chains. Head toward the center of Pomona. Look for the Hoaloha sign. Get the BBQ Mix. Extra mac salad. You'll thank yourself later when you're sitting on your couch, blissfully full, wondering why you ever went anywhere else.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check their current hours before heading out, as mid-week hours can sometimes shift.
- Order the Spam Musubi as a "side" even if you think you aren't hungry enough—it's even better as a snack the next morning.
- Bring a friend and split a "Family Meal" if you're looking for the most cost-effective way to feed a group of four or more.
- Explore the surrounding area; Pomona’s Arts Colony is just a short drive away if you want to walk off that Loco Moco.