Top Hawaiian Food Catering Packages for Weddings, Parties, and Corporate Events

Planning an event and want the food to be a highlight, not just a formality? Hawaiian catering might be exactly what you’re looking for.

With its bold flavors, colorful presentation, and laid-back Island vibes, it brings something special to any event—whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, or corporate lunch. From slow-roasted kalua pork to fresh poke bowls and crowd-pleasing sides like macaroni salad and steamed rice, there’s something for every guest, every age, and every dietary need.

Hawaiian catering is as flexible as it is flavorful. You can go all out with a full luau-style buffet or keep it simple with bento box lunches or pupu platters. It works for formal and casual events alike.

This blog explores what makes Hawaiian food such a great choice for different types of events, what to look for in a catering package, and why Pono Hawaiian Grill is one of the top picks in Santa Cruz. If you're looking for catering that’s fun, delicious, and stress-free, Hawaiian cuisine delivers every time.

Why does Hawaiian catering work for various occasions?

Hawaiian catering works beautifully for all kinds of occasions because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor, flexibility, and fun. Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday party, office lunch, or a casual backyard gathering, Hawaiian food brings everyone to the table with its inviting, Island-inspired dishes.

One of the biggest reasons it’s such a hit?

The menu is full of variety. From savory kalua pork and crispy chicken katsu to fresh poke bowls and vegetarian-friendly sides, there’s something to suit every taste and dietary preference. You can go big with a full luau-style buffet or keep things simple with individual plate lunches or pupu platters.

It’s also incredibly easy to serve. Most Hawaiian dishes are designed to be shared and enjoyed in a relaxed setting, making them ideal for buffet-style service or mix-and-match setups. Moreover, their flavors—sweet, salty, tangy, and umami—appeal to kids and adults alike.

On top of all that, Hawaiian catering brings a sense of warmth and hospitality to any event. It’s not just about food; it’s about the experience. Whether you want casual comfort or tropical flair, Hawaiian cuisine adapts to the mood, making it a go-to option for events big and small.

What to look for in a Hawaiian catering package?

When choosing Hawaiian food catering packages, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the full experience. Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday party, or company event, here’s what to look for to make sure everything goes smoothly and your guests leave happy.

Fresh ingredients come first. The heart of any great Hawaiian dish is flavor, and that starts with quality. Look for caterers who use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and avoid artificial additives. Think juicy kalua pork, crisp veggies, and vibrant poke bowls made to order.

Variety and flexibility matter. A good Hawaiian catering package should have options for everyone—meat lovers, vegetarians, gluten-free guests, and even picky eaters. Whether you want build-your-own poke bars, individual plate lunches, or shareable pupus, having choices keeps everyone happy.

Setup and cleanup should be included. You shouldn’t have to worry about tables, trays, or trash bags. Great caterers take care of the setup before guests arrive and handle cleanup after the party ends, so you can actually enjoy the event.

Customizable menus make a difference. Every event is different, and your food should reflect that. Look for caterers who are open to swapping dishes, adjusting spice levels, or offering themed additions like tiki bars or tropical desserts.

Experience is everything. Choose a caterer who’s handled events like yours before. They’ll know how to manage timing, portions, and unexpected challenges.

When your catering partner checks all these boxes, you get more than food—you get peace of mind.

Featured caterer spotlight: Pono Hawaiian Grill

 

If you’re planning a celebration, office gathering, or family get-together and want food that’s both comforting and full of flavor, Pono Hawaiian Grill’s catering packages offer the perfect solution. With three thoughtful options—Ekahi, Elua, and Ekolu—there’s something for every group size, budget, and appetite.

Each package is designed to deliver the best of Hawaiian-style cuisine, starting with a selection of pupus (appetizers) like cone sushi, mac ‘n cheese, or crispy wings. Whether you're hosting a casual party or a more formal event, these appetizers set the tone with island-inspired flair.

#1 Ekahi Package

The Ekahi Package is a great starter option. It includes two appetizers, one entree, and one salad. It’s simple, satisfying, and ideal for smaller gatherings.

#2 Elua Package

If you want a bit more variety, the Elua Package steps it up with two appetizers, two entrees, your choice of rice, one salad, and a dessert. The ability to customize makes this a flexible choice for mixed dietary needs or more diverse palates.

#3 Ekolu Package

The Ekolu Package is the most generous, designed for larger parties or when you want to treat your guests. With three appetizers, three entrees, two salads, and both dessert options included, it’s a full spread that feels like a Hawaiian feast. It’s perfect for weddings, milestone birthdays, or big corporate events.

All three packages focus on flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing variety—featuring classics like Kalua pork, chicken katsu, poke bowls, and rich Hawaiian desserts like haupia coconut pudding and chocolate mac nut brownie bites.

The best part?

These menus are designed to mix and match, so you can build the perfect meal for your event. Whether your guests are adventurous foodies or picky eaters, everyone leaves happy and full. With easy ordering, fresh ingredients, and Pono’s signature aloha service, choosing their catering means less stress and more time to enjoy your event.

Need a recommendation?

Weddings: Go for the Ekolu Package—the variety and presentation make it perfect for formal celebrations.

Parties: Choose the Elua Package for a fun, flexible, and filling spread.

Corporate events: The Elua or Ekolu Packages are both great, depending on the size and setting of your event.

Final thoughts

When it comes to catering your next event, Hawaiian food is a flavorful, flexible, and crowd-pleasing choice, and Pono Hawaiian Grill makes it easy. With options ranging from the simple Ekahi Package to the full feast of the Ekolu, you’ll find the perfect fit for weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings.

Each package is crafted with fresh ingredients, bold Island flavors, and thoughtful service that brings aloha to every plate. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large crowd, Pono’s catering makes event planning effortless and ensures every guest leaves happy and well-fed.

For a meal that’s as memorable as your event, Hawaiian catering is the way to go—and Pono is a name you can trust.