Literally one of my favorite places on this island! We went here twice during our week-long stay. I even had to get the T-shirt and lemonade for life bundle because I know next time I come back, I'm going there! Their puka dogs are amazing. I got the mild the first time but I got spicy the second. It wasn't too spicy at all, to be honest. If you're looking for the burn I'd recommend either hot or lava. The Kauai Special is the sauce I got. It was very good! It tends to be a bit on the sweeter side so it pairs well if you get the spicier dogs. I also got the Liliko's mustard. Added a nice sweet, zesty tang to it on top. Overall, the puka dog came quickly and tasted fantastic. Also, you usually get your lemonade immediately. It can be on the tart side so definitely consider getting it with sugar! The store itself was SUPER busy. We waited probably close to 20-25mins to order the first time. The line wrapped around outside. When we went the second time, closer to dinner, it was pretty empty. There is no seating, so be sure to make sure to grab a seat across at the beach park if you can. Also, it is a shared space! Half the store is for a convenience store, so take note of that! read more

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Puka dog was tasty. Service is fast and friendly. Location is a little commercially for me, but overall a chill little spot. read more

Puka Dog - Marble brewing in Hawaii on the Puka Dog building - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Great food long but short time wise line was worth the wait I got the slight heat!! Very tasty and all the sauces. We will be back! read more

I had really high expectations coming into this and wanted to like Puka Dog so badly since I love hot dogs but it didn't live up to the hype. Good to try but would not come back as the breading wasn't that special than typical breading. Prices were a bit too much for what its worth I would save your money and go somewhere else. read more

Definitely overhyped. May be good to try once but $12.50 for a mediocre hotdog just ain't worth it to me. I came by on Friday afternoon around 5 pm and it was pretty empty inside. Walked right up to the counter to order. Ordering is super straightforward. You choose your sauce and relish and any other condiments and that's it. All Puka dogs are $12.50 each. I got the polish sausage with mild sauce and pineapple relish. Wasn't sure if I'd like the mustard so I got it on the side. My friend got the veggie dog with spicy (jalapeno) sauce, mango relish, and Auntie Lilikoi's Hawaiian mustard. I thought the hot dog was just okay and found the pineapple relish too sweet. My friend had a similar opinion about his veggie dog. We both didn't see the hype about the food. There's no seating here, so I think most people get it to go and eat across the street at Poipu Beach. That's what we did as well. However, it can be messy to eat if you're not careful. We also tried the lilikoi lemonade with half sugar ($5.99). That was actually pretty good if you don't mind drinks on the sour side. read more

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Puka Dog was a place I had on my radar for months prior to coming for vacation to Kauai, as a friend had recommended it. I definitely see why this was labeled a "must" - this was by far one of our favorite meals of the entire trip. The service was super friendly, from the moment you walked in you were greeted by a lovely lady that was excited to be there, to the folks up front ringing you up and making the food, awesome service overall. The concept of fruit relish or mustard on a hot dog felt weird, but trust me... it's so good. I had the polish dog with papaya relish and the lilikoi mustard - wow. This was incredible! Also, the fresh squeezed lemonade is a must. Definitely put this on your list for your next trip to Kauai, and if there's a line, it's definitely worth the wait. read more

Puka Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

While not very filling, they are definitely worth the line for their unique flavors and the experience. - line is 40 minutes when it's wrapped around the side of the building. - walking distance straight from the beach. read more

Puka Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

For hot dog lovers, if you're craving for one in Kauai, this is a nice place to stop by if you're in the south part of the island. Located across from Poipu/ Brennecke's beach area, it's pretty easy to find this place. Notes: 1. Parking: Private lot next to the building. Come early if you want a spot and to avoid a line at Puka 2. Interior: To go only, no seating inside or outside 3. Extensive options for your hot dog lovers~ recommend looking at the menu pics before coming here since there is a lot of choices you can pick for your sauce and such. 4. Puka Dog Verdict: Tasty concept with the dog and sauces wedged into the bun vs the traditional style. Makes it easier to eat without much mess. Taste wise, it was a good solid hotdog. Overall, I would say this is a good place for a quick snack if you have time for it. read more

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It's a cool, unique place with their famous puka dogs. Not a traditional hot dog, these come with special unique sauces. It's worth checking out... grab a dog and walk across the street, sit at a table by the beach and enjoy the vibe. read more

The food is amazing and I do recommend going here. My lower rating is because I had the unfortunate experience of being the last person in line and the shift manager came outside to tell me and my wife that we the last customers. She rhetorically asked (i.e., told us) that our job is now to turn away any other customers who walk up and, in exchange, we would receive a free lemonade. I personally took issue with this because they transferred the uncomfortably tense job of sharing disappointing news with customers from them to me, and without my consent. That is completely their job. Never mind that the "free lemonade" costs them almost nothing so it's kind of an insulting exchange even if I had consented. Management should consider having an actual employee outside to do this job, or at least put out a sign saying "sorry we're closed!" read more

Puka Dog offers a unique twist on a classic. While the hot dog and bun themselves are pretty standard, the tropical relishes and mustards are what set this place apart, bright, flavorful, and unlike anything you'll find elsewhere. Be prepared for a wait, though; the line gets long, so arriving early is a smart move. read more

Puka Dog - Puka Dog with Mango relish and Lilikoi mustard. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

This was my second visit to Puka Dog -- the first time was about 10 years ago, and I wasn't a fan back then (maybe because of the sweet relishes). This time, I decided to give it another shot and ordered it more traditional with garlic mayo, mustard, and sweet relish. The dog itself was actually very good! That said, $17 for a hot dog feels pretty steep. The line was also long -- about a 30-45 minute wait, wrapping around the building. Next time, I'll probably skip the dog and head upstairs for a burger instead. Staff was very friendly and attentive (and quick!!) once you order it's pretty much ready. Note: The lemonade is very sweet and tart -- I'd recommend asking for half the sugar. read more

Puka Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

If you're in Kauai, this is a must-try, and I'm not a hot dog person. Imagine a perfectly grilled polish or veggie dog tucked into a warm, fluffy bun with a "puka" (hole) inside, so every bite is packed with flavor from the inside out. Their tropical relishes and secret garlic lemon sauce make this a unique hot dog worth trying. I went with the spicy garlic lemon secret sauce, pineapple relish, and lilikoi Hawaiian mustard. It's juicy, fresh, and the sauces make it unforgettable. And it's "fame" comes from being featured on Travel Channel and Anthony Bourdain's must-try list. Pro tip: go before closing, I don't think it's worth a huge line for read more

Puka Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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A line worth waiting in. The perfect post-beach snack. Really good quality sausage with delicious sauces. We got the Mango Mustard and spicy Jalapeño sauce, which wasn't spicy at all. I do think there was too much bun compared to sausage but still tasty. The lemonade was perfect with half sugar, I love that they make in front of you. Prices are definitely high for what you get probably because of the tourist heavy location. No tables and it's a bit hectic inside so get the dogs, and go eat on the beach. read more

Puka Dog - Puka dog with Mango Mustard and Spicy Jalapeño sauce - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Ode to a Puka Dog Oh Puka Dog, what happened here? For twenty years, trip after trip, we sought your hollow loaf of bread, your polish dog snug in its cave of dough, a secret tunnel of island joy. Mild was my way-- coconut relish whispering sweet, Aunt Lilikoi's mustard singing sharp and true. Each bite, a memory woven into sand, into surf, into sunshine afternoons. But now-- the bread feels tired, the dog too small, the balance lost between bun and bite. I chew, not with delight but with longing for what you once were. And so I drift, to Porky's smoke and caramelized onions, to a roadside stand with better rhythm, better song. Farewell, old friend. Your hollow bread may still hold a flame for some, but my tradition has folded like yesterday's napkin. Still, I'll remember you-- not for how you ended, but for the many summers you got it just right. read more

Puka Dog - Polish dog with coconut relish and Iilikoi mustard - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Worth the wait! We waited in a pretty long line, but we all felt like it was super worthwhile. We don't eat hot dogs very often, so that could be part of the appeal, but we each absolutely loved our dog! There is a lot of bun to the hot dog, but it is soft and squishy - so it's okay with me! We tried the spicy garlic sauce, and my husband did say he'd like to up the spice level a bit next time. We also tried the mango and pineapple relish and both were yummy. Don't forget the lilikoi mustard. It was fantastic! We asked for sides of ketchup and it seemed to be better than adding it right to the dog. The lemonade is also fantastic!!! As a lucky treat, the other vendor that shares the space offers a chocolate chip banana bread with walnuts and wow was it good as our dessert!!! All in all an awesome lunch read more

Came here and had the vegetarian that actually tasted pretty good. There was a line out the door and it moved fairly quickly. Their lemonade is fresh and was quite refreshing. read more

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I heard the hype about this place and i have to say the puka dogs taste amazing ! We had the kauai special & the pineapple field puka dogs, maui potato chips and lemonade. I love how the Hawaiian bread is soft and toasty but paired with the mango/pineapple relish it adds a sweet yet different type of taste. You would think that the sweetness of the relish paired along with the hotdog wouldn't mix well but it actually does. I tended to like the pineapple field relish more than the kauai special. The maui potatoes chips are more like baked lays but slightly worse. The lemonade was actually not that sweet but more on the sour side topped with a lot of sugar. This place is a takeout and go type of place there is no seating inside but there is a nice beach across the street with several benches to sit at. Now let's get to the reason why they didn't get 5 stars for me...... The price & the wait times. No doubt i love me a good dog, but starting at $12 for each dog is pretty absurd. I paid around $40 for 2 dogs, 2 small bags of air chips and 2 sour lemonades. If things couldn't get worse, the lines are very chaotic and long. Is it worth standing 40 mins in line for an overpriced hotdog ? Probably not. But this is not your average hotdog. Puka dog is a very different breed of the usual hotdogs you are use to seeing. Its relish really makes the dogs shine and the flavor is really tasteful and amazing. Overall it's really worth trying, i would totally go back if their wait times got drastically reduced such as if they had some kind of online order system. read more

Puka Dog - Kauai & Pineapple special puka dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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This was a must try when going to Kauai, especially because it was shown on tv and was told that this is a life changing hot dog. Did I think it was? No, I think this place was a little overhyped. Was it good? Yes but I wouldn't come back and pay over $15 for a hot dog. I do think it's unique with all the flavored mustards and relish they had which made it good. I would tell tourist to try it but to be aware it's overhyped and expensive. Personally, I would not come back again. read more

Let's talk about Puka Dog. This place was recommended to us by several people before our honeymoon and even multiple times while we were on the island. With how often it was hyped up, we knew we had to give it a try, and we did. To be completely honest, we left feeling a little underwhelmed. We ordered two Polish sausage style Puka Dogs with mild heat, both with Hawaiian mustard, and one topped with pineapple relish. The food itself was definitely good, and we enjoyed trying something unique and different, but it just did not quite live up to the level of hype we had built up beforehand. That said, we absolutely have to give credit where it is due, because their lemonade was fantastic and ended up being one of the highlights of the visit! read more

Puka Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Definitely a one of a kind hot dog. There is usually a line wrapping around the corner outside, but it's worth a try - especially for your first time. You can't go wrong with any of their toppings, for me, the sweet bread really balances all the flavors of sweet and savory. read more

Puka Dog was really good. I had the Polish sausage with spicy jalapeño, papaya relish, and lilikoi mustard, which had a sweet and spicy kick. We ended up waiting around 45 minutes, and the vibe wasn't great. There was a female manager (black hair) who was pretty rude to one of the male employees right in front of everyone, which made it super uncomfortable. I felt really bad for him. The food was solid, but the wait and weird energy kind of took away from the experience. read more

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This place is busy but absolutely worth the wait! We tried to stop by twice during our trip last month but they ran out of buns by the time we got there the second day! My order contained polish sausage, spicy jalapeño garlic lemon secret sauce, kauai special mango relish, and auntie lilikoi's hawaiian mustard. Apparently this is the most popular combination and I totally understand why! This is the best hotdog I have ever had! Great combination of flavors and great location! It was a treat to be able to eat at the beach across the street. Puka Dog gets our recommendation and we look forward to stopping by the next time we visit! read more

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Overhyped. Service was good. No line (during February). The hot dog featured a sweet relish-style sauce and was overall average in execution. The Polish sausage was good, and the bun was fresh and well-prepared. The sauce was acceptable but did not elevate the dish in any notable way. The standard hot dog felt somewhat incomplete, as though it could have benefited from additional toppings--such as bacon or fresh vegetables--to provide more depth and contrast. At approximately $14 with tax, the offering felt difficult to justify in terms of value. For comparison, a hot dog from Costco would likely provide a more compelling value, particularly when paired with sides like mango salsa and chips. read more

Puka Dog - Costco hotdog with a bit of sweet sauce. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

We visited Puka Dog near Poipu Beach yesterday--and we totally get the hype! Would we wait an hour in line for one? Probably not. But a 15-20 minute wait? Totally worth it for these unique Hawaiian-style hot dogs. The standout for us was the crunchy mango relish paired with honey mustard--a tropical flavor bomb. I was especially happy to see they had a vegetarian option (I don't eat beef), and even my husband, who had the meat version, said the veggie dog was surprisingly good. Major bonus points for that. We also loved the freshly squeezed lemonade--super refreshing and the perfect complement to the warm, savory dogs. Best part, they do half sugar so you can choose your sweetness. While mango relish is the crowd favorite (and our pick), they offer a range of Hawaiian-inspired relishes if you're in the mood to mix things up. Just a heads-up: there's no seating, but you can grab your food and eat at the park or beach right across the street--honestly, a pretty great setup. Also, veggie dogs take about 10 minutes, so be a little patient if you're going the meat-free route. Overall, fun, flavorful, and worth the stop! read more

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Lived up to the hype and worth the wait! That said, EXPECT TO WAIT. We waited outside about fifty minutes, then another ten minutes once inside. There may be someone there to help direct the line - it goes better when there is. Once you get the goods, however, it is AWESOME! Got the Polish dog, mild, Pineapple relish, and with Hawaiian mustard. SO GOOD!! I did not want it to end. The full sugar lemonade was great also (you can get half or no sugar, but who wants that??). Service was nice and the place was nice and clean. Just the wait is the only downer. Take your dog across the street to the park. Lots of shaded benches and some cool turtles. read more

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We came here to watch the sunset and see sea turtles. Puka Dog is just across the street, and I've seen them mentioned on social media a lot, so we decided to give it a try. The dogs are okay, nothing too special. One thing I didn't like was that they were constantly trying to sell their lemonade. Inside the shop, there's one section selling drinks and shave ice, and another selling hotdogs. The people selling drinks would yell at people in line and tell them to stay outside until the line gets shorter. But they're inconsistent, and sometimes the line gets really long, but they just ignore it. I'm not sure why they yell at people in the first place. read more

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An absolute must when in Kauai! Make sure to order the lilikoi lemonade and buy a shirt so you can get a free lemonade at each visit when you buy a puka dog. This place gets huge lines but service is fast. Not a place to sit and dine in. Take your food to the tables nearby and enjoy poipu beach! They didn't have mama lilikoi mustard this time which was a huge bummer, but it was still amazing with the pineapple relish. read more

Puka dog is a great option for lunch/dinner in the Koloa/Poipu area. It's across the street from Poipu Beach so it tends to be harder to find parking in the middle of the day. It is the only location so that just adds to the appeal. The lines get very long and there are many menus showing the options so be ready to order when you get up to the counter. Around the ordering area tends to be very tight so if you can have one person go in to order the food that might be ideal. Food is always hot and tasty. There are many different combos you can get so you could have a different dog each time you go in. Try the lemonade is very refreshing. read more

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Very popular spot in Poipu. I like the way that they grill their buns as it makes the inside nice and crispy. The jalapeño mayo was very subtle and not spicy at all. It didn't add much so I would try the habanero next time. The pineapple relish was tasty. Overall, a nice creative way of combining Hawaiian flavors with the standard hot dog. Not sure if it's worth the $12.50 price tag. No seating area, but Poipu beach is right next door. Pro Tip: While you are waiting in line, have someone swing by inside to the left to grab a shave ice or spam musubi. read more

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I almost feel bad writing this review, but I'd be doing the Yelp community a disservice by not speaking my mind: Puka Dog isn't good. Charging $13 for a hot dog on top of a long line is criminal - especially for something that isn't special. The relish is nearly tasteless and there's almost no difference between the star fruit and mango. I will admit the heated rod they use to heat the buns is pretty cool. If you want to visit a hyped food establishment, then this is definitely for you. Otherwise, I'd go elsewhere for a good hot dog. read more

Puka Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Be prepared to wait in a line but it moves fast and is WORTH IT! Seriously one of the best hot dogs I've ever had in my life. And I got to baseball games regularly. I got the Hot chili sauce and coconut relish with the Hawaiian mustard. The 1/2 sugar fresh lemonade was delicious (and we added a little tequila to it when we got home). They do one thing. They do it very well. I love that. read more

Classic spot to grab a bite when you're in Poipu. Definitely nothing mind blowing or outrageously good but nothing made me feel like I was back in town til I had a bite and relived my last visit here. Grab a dog and head out to the beach to watch the turtles and enjoy the taste of vacation ! read more

Puka Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Prepare to wait in line but it's GOOOOD. Definitely worth it. The staff is super quick once you order. read more

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This place is busy!!!! The line is out the door, their menu is the hot dog and a lemonade. I think it was a very tasty hot dog, Do I like spending $14 on a tasty hot dog, well that is for me a big no! So even though it was a good bite, I can't say it is worth while bite. read more

Puka Dog - Papaya hot dog mild with Lilikoi mustard. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

The guys were very friendly at the counter, but great service. Beautiful setting at the beach very comfortable. The hotdog were absolutely delicious. We got the Polish sausage with Auntie's mustard and one with the mango and one with pineapple secret sauce. read more

Puka Dog - At the stand - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Great bite across the beach. It is just a hot dog but the quality of the sausage is great, great girth and length. I love how they toast the buns on the inside for a crunch while you still get the soften and moist bread from the outside. The mango relish is really really good the mild sauce (garlic mayo) was good but we didn't enjoy the gobs of it with the bite, it's too much. It would be much better if they were able to spread it throughout the inside. The service is fast. read more

Puka Dog - Mango relish and their mild sauce - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Puka Dog is such a fun stop in Poipu and perfectly located right across from the beach. Don't be intimidated by the line out the door, service is quick. Their hot dogs are a great twist on a classic, with tropical relishes and mustards that make the whole experience feel uniquely Hawaiian. The liliko'i mustard is especially delicious- sweet, tangy, and something you'll want to put on everything. Definitely grab a jar to take home if you can. Puka Dog is quick, casual, and a perfect spot to grab something tasty before or after watching the turtles. Head there earlier in the day as they have a tendency to sell out during peak seasons read more

First off, the line was long BUT it moved fast!!! We tried the Na Pali (star fruit) and Waimea Canyon (banana) relishes along with the Auntie Lilikoi's Hawaiian Mustard and it was great!!! Wish I grabbed a shirt with get free lemonades for life, but not sure when we're coming back. But would definitely come here again. Recommend!!! read more

Puka Dog - Polish. Mild. Na Pali. Auntie Lilikoi. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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This is not an ordinary hot dog! Featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations on the Travel Channel, you know you're in for something special! The word is out, because the line was wrapped around the building when we arrived. Only two options: polish sausage or a veggie dog and the veggie dog takes 10 mins to make, so they're usually checking the line to see if anyone plans to order those. These are served in a wraparound bun, and it was cool to watch them slide the buns down on cylinders on the grill to warm them up from the inside. The dogs themselves are roasted so they have a slightly crunchy skin. My daughter ordered a traditional dog with ketchup and relish. I opted for the spicy jalapeño garlic lemon secret sauce, the Polihale Sunset Papaya Relish and the Auntie Lilikoi's Hawaiian Mustard. It probably sounds like there was a lot going on there, but it works and it was totally delicious, or Ono! We both devoured our dogs! And we also each got a fresh-squeezed lemonade to wash it down! Prepare yourself for a wait and there isn't a ton of shade available around the building, so put on sunscreen. They try to keep the line moving quickly. If you're just there for shave ice or snacks, there's a separate line. read more

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