"The Hawaiian word “pono” has multiple meanings, but DeMar said the word most clearly embodies the idea of “righteousness.” In the restaurant, this sense of “pono” will translate into environmentally-conscious efforts such as sourcing fresh tuna from Hawaii and lighting the space with low-emission bulbs, he said.

The second half of the restaurant’s name harkens back to the food itself, DeMar said.

“The same way we would say the food is ‘dank’ or it’s ‘fire,’ (Hawaiians) say ‘ono,’” he said. “And that’s totally slang for them, that’s what the young kids say when something is really tasty or delicious.” - the Daily Northwestern