Poi Dog Deli

This is a really unique, "dog themed" sandwich shop that has won the award for Big Island's best sandwich for the past 6 years in a row! The owners' love for dogs goes beyond the decor. They actually partner with local animal shelters to help find owners for homeless dogs. Instead of taking your name when you order, they give you a flag with the picture and name of an adorable shelter dog. And this is how your server finds you at your table! The vibes here are really positive with great music and happy, smiling employees. I ordered my go-to comfort food, the Hot Tuna Sandwich. They gave me a paper bag filled with popcorn to munch while I was waiting, and there's even a self-serve "buffet" of popcorn toppings to choose from! The sandwich was crisp and gourmet with some relish mixed into the tuna that definitely took it up a notch. The hearty slice of fresh tomato on this melt was what really made me say "yum!" And their home made dill pickle was so good that it "tickled my pickle!" The only thing I didn't like was the price. At over $18 for just a sandwich (no drink, no side), it broke da mouth and da bank!

Oh my gosh, this is the cutest, best tasting sandwich shop I’ve ever been to! The service was amazing, the decor was so fun to look at, and the food was… Delicious! Mmmmm I had the turkey orbit and a kitchen sink salad and would definitely go back for the same, But there were so many more things to try. On my short stay here I will go there often.

Poi Dog Deli is maybe my favorite place to eat on the entire island! Most importantly, the food is top notch. It’s so good to find a serious sandwich spot with fresh, quality ingredients, crispy grilled bread and an awesome craft beer selection! My whole party got the Ranch house Reuben which featured hickory turkey, Swiss cheese, jalepeno sauerkraut, and homemade 1000 island sauce. The flavors were complex yet cohesive, perfectly balanced in every bite. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their sandwiches and were glowingly reflecting on them the rest of the day. Adding to the experience- the ambiance is so cool! Being from Louisiana, I love that one of the owners is as well and you can tell from the thoughtful decorations throughout. There are cool details in every corner of the room, and you can tell so much love was put into every aspect of decoration, down to the cafe du mond coffee tins for holding utensils and straws. Finally- they are LGBTQ friendly and also huge advocates for rescue dogs!! It doesn’t get any better than this. Instead of a table number used for the server to bring your food, they use a photo of a rescue dog from the local humane society! As the dogs get adopted (hopefully helped by the boosted exposure!) their picture gets moved to the wall so their happy ending can be celebrated forever! Service was so friendly! Happy smiling faces that seemed genuinely interested in making sure you were having a great time while there. The best vibes all around. They also occasionally have live music, and even offer simple free meals to children in the community! Such cool ways to foster a positive environment. Can’t recommend them enough! Get off the strip and tuck into this cozy spot for a memorable lunch. Lots of parking right out front!

We were happy to start our trip off with some delicious sandwiches and some local beer. Really fresh ingredients and friendly staff. Will be coming back!

We're visiting the Big Island from the mainland for 8 days and we were in the area so decided to stop in for a quick lunch. I had the rueben and absolutely loved it! The bread was crispy and the sandwich was hot and fresh and the corned beef was super tasty and lean. My wife had the turkey BLT and loved it. Loved the inside and the staff were so nice. Definitely recommend stopping in and enjoying a freshly made sandwich! Thanks!

I loved Poi Dog Deli! After a week of hotel food I was looking for a place where I could get something simple and delicious and local. Poi Dog Deli was a perfect fit. I had their kitchen sink salad which changes every day! Was a great lunch and a very welcoming space! You can have your own table or share if you wish. All in all I was really happy with the Poi Dog Deli!

My wife and I came here during our Honeymoon a little over three years ago and we still speak highly of it. It was one of the best places we ate while we were in Hawaii. The food was great. The staff were very welcoming. And the ambience was really cool. It makes me sad that a trip to Hawaii may not happen for a long time because I’d love to come back.

Very cute restaurant, in a good central location with free parking. Pleasant upbeat music and interior decor, clean restrooms. Good variety of food and drink options. The owner is kind and friendly, with humans and dogs. Good service, fair prices 👍