The Best Hawaiian Restaurant in South Jordan Utah: How Two Hawaiian Natives Brought Authentic Island Flavors to The District

Walk into Side of Aloha on any given evening and you might catch co-owner Kiel Dela Pena serenading moviegoers with his acoustic guitar on the patio, his voice carrying across The District shopping center like a warm Pacific breeze. It's exactly the kind of moment that "makes people describe [the restaurant] as feeling peace, feeling welcome. Like a family feel," according to his wife and co-chef Nina Alu. This isn't your typical Hawaiian restaurant in South Jordan Utah – it's where two Big Island natives have created something genuinely special in the heart of one of Utah's largest mixed-use developments.

"So glad that this Polynesian owned restaurant has reopened! All of their food is delicious, especially their ahi poke which they have delivered once a week from Hawaii. It sells out quickly!" raves customer Tessa V., and she's onto something. Side of Aloha represents more than just another Hawaiian food option – it's a bridge between two very different worlds, bringing authentic Pacific Rim cuisine to Utah's evolving food landscape.

From Big Island Ranchers and Fishers to Utah's Premier Hawaiian Restaurant

The story behind the best Hawaiian restaurant in South Jordan Utah begins in two different corners of Hawaii's Big Island. Nina Alu grew up "in the coastal village of Napo'opo'o" where she "learned fishing and the importance of preparing healthy meals from her grandmother and mother." Meanwhile, Kiel Dela Pena "grew up in Waimea, on the mountainside of the Big Island, where his family were ranchers."

This isn't some romanticized backstory – these details matter because they shaped how Side of Aloha approaches Hawaiian food. Alu's coastal upbringing shows in her obsessive attention to sourcing: "She makes sure the ahi tuna that ends up in one of the restaurant's signature poke bowls, which are served at market price, is sushi grade." The restaurant actually has "ahi poke which they have delivered once a week from Hawaii," a level of authenticity that sets them apart in Utah's Hawaiian food scene.

"We're sharing what Hawaii's food really is," Alu explains. "We're trying to identify who we are as Hawaiians because people don't necessarily know what Hawaiian food is. They think it's just mix-plate. At Side of Aloha, you'll find a blend of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Portuguese." That's Pacific Rim cuisine at its most authentic – not fusion for fusion's sake, but the genuine multicultural reality of Hawaiian food culture.

The Side of Aloha Experience: Beyond Your Average Hawaiian Food

What makes Side of Aloha the standout Hawaiian restaurant in South Jordan isn't just the authentic ownership – it's how they've evolved the Hawaiian dining experience. Earlier in 2025, Side of Aloha relocated to The District shopping center in South Jordan, which feels like a step up. Its new space has more square footage that includes a spacious bar and patio – a far cry from the typical fast-casual Hawaiian spots dotting Utah.

"There are a lot of things that set Side of Aloha apart from other Hawaiian spots around town. It's running with a full-service restaurant model along with bar service, which gives it much more of a 'night out' feel." This isn't grab-and-go plate lunch territory. You're looking at an actual restaurant experience where servers know their stuff and the bar program complements the food thoughtfully.

The menu rewards adventurous ordering. "Diners should expect to order a few different proteins along with accompanying sides of rice ($2), kimchi ($4) or the restaurant's signature Crack Mac ($4). It's easy to get a bit ahead of yourself with all the different options, but that's not necessarily a bad problem to have."

Let me tell you what actually landed on my table during a recent visit. The Foodie Chicken ($16) immediately won me over – "crispy little medallions of fried chicken that are doused with a creamy citrus sauce and sprinkled with furikake." It captures that perfect intersection of familiar comfort food with distinctly Hawaiian seasoning that makes your palate sit up and pay attention.

But the real revelation was the Liliko'i Pork ($17). "It's a grilled pork loin that has been marinated in a passion fruit sauce, then chopped up like brisket." Food critic notes from Salt Lake City Weekly describe it perfectly: "These tender chunks of sliced pork loin with a bit of sweet caramelization on the exterior made me reconsider my Hawaiian pork preference. The pork loin feels a bit more sophisticated than the pulled pork, which is a good fit for Side of Aloha's full-service environment."

And yes, you absolutely must order the Crack Mac. This "macaroni salad topped with bacon and macadamia nuts" sounds almost silly until you taste it. Then it makes perfect sense why it's their signature side.

Building Community Through Authentic Hawaiian Culture in South Jordan

"They want to create a community built around the idea that food is an important part of life and gathering together to eat a meal creates strong bonds. Everything they do with Side of Aloha showcases Hawaiian culture and hospitality." This philosophy shows up in unexpected ways at their South Jordan location.

"Now that Alu and Pena have a bit more room to stretch their culinary legs, fans of this local Hawaiian restaurant can start to expect Aloha Nights twice a month on Fridays. These events are ideal for those who want to experience the community-centric aspects of Hawaiian food." These aren't manufactured events – they're genuine cultural celebrations where Kiel's musical background (remember that patio serenading?) takes center stage.

"The atmosphere and food's amazing. The owners Kiel and Nina make you feel right at home with their warm aloha spirit. We were in Utah for 4 days and ate there twice lol more if we could have," shares visitor Dawn K., capturing something essential about what Side of Aloha brings to South Jordan's dining scene.

The District location amplifies this community feel. The District "is one of the largest mixed-use developments of its kind in Utah. The 120 acres includes theatres, restaurants, retail facilities, residential housing, specialty shops, office buildings" – but within this massive development, Side of Aloha creates an intimate island of hospitality.

"This place is amazing! Everything is fresh and full of flavors! We got the sweet steak, freshie poke and sashimi and all were delicious!" notes customer Christina E., highlighting how the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients translates into memorable experiences.

Planning Your Visit to Side of Aloha

Side of Aloha is located at 11580 District Main Drive, Suite 100, in South Jordan's District shopping center. They're open Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and closed Sundays.

Here's what locals recommend ordering: Start with the poke (market price, but worth it for that weekly Hawaii delivery), definitely get the Liliko'i Pork, and don't skip the Crack Mac side. "My brother Lance brought me here for the first time a few days ago bc i was craving some real poke, & boy did they deliver! I absolutely LOVE that they are polys from back home Hawaii," shares customer TK T., emphasizing the authenticity factor.

The District location offers plenty of parking and easy access whether you're catching a movie at the Megaplex theater, shopping at Target, or making Side of Aloha your primary destination. The restaurant accepts reservations and offers takeout through their website at SideOfAloha.com. Follow @sideofaloha on Instagram for updates on Aloha Night events and special menu items.

Pro tip from the reviews: "their ahi poke which they have delivered once a week from Hawaii... sells out quickly!" If you're serious about experiencing the most authentic poke possible in Utah, call ahead to check availability.

Why Side of Aloha Matters to Utah's Food Scene

"Food is something that brings us together. That's what Side of Aloha is. It's a place that people describe as feeling peace, feeling welcome. Like a family feel. And that's what we are. As Hawaiians, we embrace and accept everyone." In a state where Hawaiian food has exploded in popularity – largely through fast-casual chains – Side of Aloha offers something increasingly rare: authentic Hawaiian ownership, traditional family recipes, and a genuine commitment to cultural hospitality.

Their presence in The District signals something important about South Jordan's evolving dining landscape. This isn't just another chain restaurant filling space in a shopping center. It's a family-owned business bringing real cultural exchange to Utah, one plate of Liliko'i pork at a time. "So glad that this Polynesian owned restaurant has reopened!" perfectly captures the community excitement around having authentic Hawaiian cuisine represented by actual Hawaiian natives.

When you visit Side of Aloha, you're not just getting dinner – you're experiencing what happens when two Big Island natives decide to share their heritage with Utah through the most fundamental act of cultural exchange: sharing a meal. That's the real aloha spirit, and in South Jordan's District, it's alive and thriving.