Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs

Hot dog restaurant · Poipu

Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs

Hot dog restaurant · Poipu

1

2100 Hoone Rd, Poipu, HI 96756

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Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs by null

Highlights

Experience the unique Puka Dog in Kauai, where Hawaiian-style Polish sausages meet tropical relishes, all wrapped in a toasted bun—perfect for beachside snacking.  

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2100 Hoone Rd, Poipu, HI 96756 Get directions

pukadog.com
@pukadogkauai

$10–20 · Menu

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2100 Hoone Rd, Poipu, HI 96756 Get directions

+1 808 742 6044
pukadog.com
@pukadogkauai

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 21, 2025

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@goop

"So much better than your typical (open-faced) ballgame dog, Puka Dog serves their variation in their own Hawaiian sweet bread, which they toast on custom skewers. Rather than slicing the bread open, Puka serves their Polish sausages and veggie dogs—along with your choice of garlic lemon secret sauce, Hawaiian fruit relish, and mustard sauce—fully enclosed in the roll, which makes them surprisingly easier to eat. All that said, this meal is best followed by an afternoon nap at the beach, as opposed to say, a hike."

The Kauai Guide
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Brad Graziadio

Google
MOSTLY HYPE, BUT OK. The line here is crazy because of the hype around this place. I got a polish sausage with their recommended sauces and mustard and a half sugar lemonade. Yeah the hot dog was good - but at the end of the day nothing that special. Was it worth the wait? Maybe ONCE to experience the hype? But I don't think I'd wait that long again for just a good tasting hot dog. I appreciate that I could adjust the sugar level of the lemonade and that it's fresh made to order. I might wait in line for the lemonade again? 🤔

Anime Nerd

Google
Pukka Dogs has excellent balanced flavors we tried veggie dog as well, it was flavorful! Lemonade was delicious, unfortunately they were out of Lilikoi, but no worries! A must try if you visit Kauai! Highly recommended!

Audrey Robles

Google
Came here after our ATV adventure. We had heard about the wait time, I'd say we were in and out within an hour. Thankful they had a parking lot. We opted for the polish beef hot dog with jalapeño sauce and the special mustard. Chips and lemonade. It was good. Definitely worth a one time stop. I did see they offered other items such as shaved ice, ice cream, fruit , yogurts etc. cute shop. Loved the decor. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in town. I'm glad we did!

Becca Foust

Google
I'm not a hot dog person (my husband is). But after rave reviews we knew we had to try it. We went 3 different times but the line was always way too long and we had too many other things on our list to do, so we didn't have time to wait. We ended up going on our last day and went about 20 minutes before they opened and was 1st in line. That was the best way to do it, once they opened we got our food within a few minutes of ordering. We got the spicy jalapeno with the mango relish and the lava habanero with the banana relish and Hawaiian mustard. They were both so so good! The Lava one may have been slightly better, but we both love spicy! The passion fruit lemonade was delightful as well. Even if you don't like typical hot dogs, this is a whole new level and worth a try! Great customer service and clean area!

Ryan Rhodes

Google
Puka Dog is a must-try when in Kauai! It’s a fun, unique twist on a classic hot dog with delicious tropical flavors that make it stand out from anything else. Perfect for a quick bite before hitting the beach. Pros: ✔ Hawaiian-Style Hot Dogs – The soft, toasted bun with a hole in the middle perfectly cradles the sausage and toppings. ✔ Delicious Toppings – The tropical relishes (mango, pineapple, star fruit, etc.) and garlic lemon sauce add a great sweet-savory kick. ✔ Fun & Unique Experience – A great local treat that’s easy to customize to your taste. ✔ Perfect Beach Snack – Grab one and enjoy it while sitting by the ocean. Cons: ✖ Long Lines – It’s a popular spot, so expect a wait, especially during peak hours. ✖ A Bit Pricey – For a hot dog, it’s on the expensive side, but you’re paying for the experience as well. ✖ Limited Seating – Not much room to sit, so it’s best to take it to-go. Final Verdict: If you’re in Kauai, Puka Dog is a fun and tasty experience that’s worth trying at least once. Just be ready for a bit of a wait, and take your meal to the beach for the best experience!

Shahbaz Salehi

Google
We visited based on the hype surrounding this hot dog. To be honest, I found it to be nothing special; in my opinion, Costco's hot dogs are tastier and better. The only difference seems to be the way they prepare the bun and add sauce. It's worth trying once to check it off your bucket list, but I wouldn't wait in line for it again. The price is reasonable, though.

Mike Ropicky

Google
Brenecki’s is where tourists go. This is a great location located right near the beach so it attracts folks purely out of its proximity. The upstairs restaurant has fantastic open air seating w views of the ocean. Good food. If you want a vastly overpriced hot dog, usually with a long line - get a Puka dog. But not sure I can recommend it. It’s an overpriced hot dog that has somehow gotten famous. Maybe infamous is a better word. But I think you can get better food options upstairs or almost anywhere. Not worthy the line or the cost. I would give the Puka dog a 3 and the upstairs restaurant a 4. Kauai has a ton of great food trucks and food options. Can’t recommend the Puka dog. If you are one of the people that needs to try one, get there early so you don’t wait an hour. The line often wraps around the building on weekends.

Oksana Zubatova

Google
A line starts outside of the building but moves fast. My choice was a polish dog with a pineapple relish and Hawaiian mustard. And a lemonade with a splash of sugar. Simply delicious, a good fast food option that easy to take on a beach or a picnic. There is no table service, takeout only.
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Krystle T.

Yelp
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!
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Jenny R.

Yelp
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.
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Jonathan C.

Yelp
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.
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John R.

Yelp
Good hot dogs... but that's it; they're good. The are way too overhyped for the 30 minute line. The sausage is like any mid-higher price sausage you get at the supermarket for 4th of July. The sauces are good, I like that they experimented with relishes made of fruits. The bread is ok, a little too much carbs for my liking. The lemonade with half sugar is great though!
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Austin C.

Yelp
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.
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Esh N.

Yelp
I wish I would've been able to order every variety of Puka dog possible but the one I tried was so big and delicious that I got full so quick. What a great place. Right across the street from Poipu beach. Plenty of parking and the shaved ice was delicious too. Overall a great stop and a must if you're ever in the area
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Claudia E.

Yelp
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.
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Brian W.

Yelp
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.
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Eric

Yelp
Great Hawaiian style hot dogs. Line moves pretty quick and is worth the wait - we got 2 dogs, one with hot and one with lava (honestly wasn't thqt spicy just habanero) and I think we did the Hawaiian mustard in both. Good spot would definitely eat again. At the end of the day it's a hot dog but a dam good one. Lemonade was great too. We got it half sweet and it was plenty sweet.
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Ashley H.

Yelp
We got here and there were only a few people in line which was fantastic. We got one veggie dog and shared it which was the perfect amount. At first I didn't really understand why these are so popular but they really do a great job at complimenting the hot dog with the sauces. We walked down to the beach and ate our veggie dog while enjoying seeing the Honu's. This would definitely be a beach day go to if we lived local.
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Sherwin C.

Yelp
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!!!
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Mae T.

Yelp
Puka Dog was another "must" on our trip and everytime we drove by there was a long line. Waited outside but it moved along. Maybe waited about 20 minutes and it was worth it! They have merch for sale as soon as you walk in. We ordered 3 dogs - plain mild, spicy traditional & spicy with pineapple relish & lilikoi mustard. We also ordered 2 lemonades. I like that they offer regular, 1/2 sugar & no sugar. We got one regular and one 1/2 sugar. It is a take out spot. Staff was friendly and service was quick. The pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard went so well together. The lemonades were so refreshing. I get why the long is always out the door!
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Ramonna B.

Yelp
My husband and I loved this place so much that we went twice during our trip! There is public parking in the back. Walking distance from Poipu Beach! I got the polish sausage, mild garlic sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard! My husband got the same thing but spicy garlic sauce. We both loved it! The bun was so satisfying. When I took my first bite, I was in disbelief in how much I loved all the flavors together! The second time we went, I tried the veggie dog! It was still good, but the polish dog is bigger/ more meat. We got lucky that every time we went we didn't have to wait in a long line. But as we were leaving, there was a line. They try to get the line moving quick. Workers were super nice. Would highly recommend!
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Alex L.

Yelp
Puka dog was quite the wait! We wanted to see what all the hype was about. Seen videos all over tik tok / YouTube. We waited in line I would say almost 30 mins and waited another 10 for our food. In all honestly, I don't think it was worth the wait. Pretty overrated to be honest and over hyped. Call it what you want but it was literally just grilled polish dogs and some good sauces. I had the mango relish with their famous sauce. It was good don't get me wrong, I just don't think I would wait in line again. If there wasn't a long line I wouldn't mind at all. Just a hot dog with a some good sauces.
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Audrey R.

Yelp
Came here after our ATV adventure. We had heard about the wait time, I'd say we were in and out within an hour. Thankful they had a parking lot. We opted for the polish beef hot dog with jalapeño sauce and the special mustard. Chips and lemonade. It was good. Definitely worth a one time stop. I did see they offered other items such as shaved ice, ice cream, fruit , yogurts etc. cute shop. Loved the decor. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in town. I'm glad we did!
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Danielle P.

Yelp
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.
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Bob S.

Yelp
Okay, we are suckers for lines. Whenever we see a restaurant with a line, it usually means the food is good or unique. For our final Kauai meal, we did breakfast at Puka Dog. When we arrived at 10:10am, we beat the line. I ordered the Polish Sausage, Spicy Jalapeño Garlic Lemon Sauce, Kauai Special Relish and Auntie Lilikoi's Hawaiian Mustard. It's definitely tasty and unique, especially the bun toasted from the inside. So glad we tried one! The fresh squeezed Lemonade was awesome. We walked across the street to the park to munch on our dogs. We definitely needed more napkins as they get messy when you bite into them. But, oh so worth it!
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Alice B.

Yelp
Simple menu, executed well, requires patience. Good things come to those who wait...in the line that wraps around the building. Lol. The line moves a lot slower than expected and maybe because I hit it right at the lunch hour on a Thursday afternoon after several days of rain so people were happy to be enjoying the sun and beach. Today we had three polish dogs (veggie dog was sold out); one traditional ketchup and mustard for the kiddos, and two with spicy jalapeño sauce and mango relish (we were told the mango was the crowd favorite) with lilikoi (passion fruit) mustard which is a bit tangy and sweet. My favorite part of it all was actually watching them make the food - their grill has a unique shape that allows them to toast the inside of the buns while the other side cooks the sausages. I was sad to see that anytime they overcooked a roll it was tossed into the trash...there has to be a better solution, either for those in need, a food kitchen, offering them to customers at a discount like Jimmy John's does or even for the chickens outside is better than just garbage. Anyhow, I digress. The dogs themselves were very unique and flavorful but mine had a bit too much sauce for my liking and I'm typically a sauce queen. My husband even looked at me weird when I said it had too much sauce, lol. I think it's because some of the flavors fought themselves and I would have liked a bit more mild flavors and not so many sweet elements. You live, you learn. Aside from sausage dogs they have fresh squeezed lemonade which was spectacular even at 50% sweetness. We even added a shot of lilikoi to one and that was the best one. They also sell small bags of chips for a side but that's about it for the menu. Cute, trendy place that apparently was on the Travel Channel at some point. Worth a try just remember to bring your patience because the line takes a long time to get through.
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Julyana T.

Yelp
It's so good that my husband requested Puka Dog the next day! Our lineups: polish, lava, papaya relish, lilikoi mustard. polish, lava, coconut relish, lilikoi mustard. polish, lava, banana relish, no mustard. polish, spicy, mango relish, no mustard. The garlic lemon sauce combined with the relish are the key!
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Jordan L.

Yelp
Just one of those iconic Kauai spots! We came here a few times while on our trip. We really liked the mango and pineapple relish hot dogs. All of them are toasted, hollowed out buns with a hot dog inside and some combination of toppings. Line can be LONG and I don't really know if I'd say there's one time there better to go then another. We usually said if there were more than 10 people out the door we wouldn't hit it. So it'll be hit or miss so plan for anything. Good news is, the dogs are yummy and worth it! The lemonade is also good. Having tried all the sugar levels, I'd recommend just sending it with full sugar - definitely tastes the best!
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Chrisy H.

Yelp
We tried a new location this trip to Kauai (Poipu). Line out the door & around the corner. Auntie standing at the door, directly traffic, taking special vegetarian orders (the hotdogs take a little longer to prepare), taking story with customers in line. Good service, well, organized & friendly. The store is very clean & there is another area inside to buy snacks. Hotdogs were yummy as usual. Walked across the street to the park & ate.
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Ryan S.

Yelp
Puka Dog in Poipu is one of those spots that feels like a rite of passage when you're on Kauai--and honestly, it never gets old. It's a hot dog, yes, but not just any hot dog. The sweet, pillowy bun, the tropical relishes, that garlicky secret sauce--it all comes together in a way that makes you wonder why this hasn't taken over the world yet. I've been before, and it still totally hit the spot. It's casual, quick, and exactly the kind of quirky local favorite that keeps me coming back. Bonus points for being right by the beach, so you can eat your puka dog in the sun and feel like you're living your best vacation life.
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Olivia B.

Yelp
Puka Dog totally lives up to the hype!! this isn't your average hot dog stand. The sweet, slightly toasted bun wrapped around the dog is next-level, and the tropical relishes are what really make it special. I got mine with the pineapple relish and the house mustard, and wow. Sweet, savory, and just a little tangy! Great spot to hit while at the beach.
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Chelsea A.

Yelp
10/10 worth the wait!!!! We waited maybe 30 mins max but once you order your food comes out within minutes so it's very quick. Service was really good and attentive and fast paced. I got the jalapeño salsa (not spicy at all) with the pineapple relish and mustard YUMMMMMMM. We also got the fresh lemonade with full sugar and a lilikoi shot 10/10 recommend getting the shot gives it a nice flavor! Definitely recommend puka dog if you haven't tried it it's 100% worth the wait!!!!! Fyi no seating but it's across the road from the beach soo we just sat across the road!
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sanjana m.

Yelp
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!

ian c.

Yelp
I don't mind that they are raking these silly tourist's dollars with their $12.50 Costco polish sausage dog, but should get the order right. Ordered 3 dogs, one with no sauce for kid, one with habanero sauce, and jalepeno, two with mustard. All 3 came without sauce. So I really can't say what it tastes like and my 2 star rating is for paying $40 for 3 bland ass Costco polish dogs in a crappy stale buns.
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Bryan C.

Yelp
We came here to see the sunset and sea turtles, Puka dog is just across the street and they are frequently mentioned in social media so we decided to give it a try. Overall they are OK, nothing too special. They are pushing customers on buying their lemonade is one thing I am not too fond of. Inside the shop there are one section selling drinks and shave ice and one section selling hotdogs, the staff selling drinks would yell at people in line and tell them to stay outside of the shop until the line gets shorter, but they are very inconsistent and sometime the line gets very long but they just ignore it, not sure about why they yell at people in the first place.
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Monysa H.

Yelp
The puka dogs were delicious. I was hesitant about the taste of an island relish as I'm very simple with my hot dogs. I decided to just try the mango relish sauce to see what the hype was about. It was delicious. The bread was toasted which added a little crunch to it. I will definitely do it again!
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Veruca R.

Yelp
Puka Dog is hands down the only hot dog I'll ever eat from now on. The experience is totally unique and absolutely delicious. The bun is warm and pillowy, almost like a soft roll, and the variety of tropical relishes and sauces is amazing. I went with the pineapple relish and garlic sauce--easily the best flavor combo I've ever had on a hot dog. Sweet, savory, garlicky perfection! The only downside? The line. It can take an hour or more, especially during peak times. But honestly, it's worth it. That said, I'd love to see them roll out a mobile ordering app to help manage the crowd and wait time. The staff was clearly busy and under pressure, but still friendly and doing a great job keeping things moving. Overall, Puka Dog is a must-visit if you're in Kauai. Just pack your patience--and your appetite!
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Paul A.

Yelp
First time I saw this place I thought no way I'm getting a hot dog in Kauai! Well my friends there is a reason the line heads out the door and wraps around the building. The pineapple relish and Lilikoi mustard are a perfect combination to this stuffed but hot dog. Don't be afraid of some of the spicier options as the kick pairs perfectly with the sweet toppings. No place to sit inside so enjoy an amazing ocean front view from Poipu beach.
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Robert K.

Yelp
Hot dog by the beach? Say less! Honestly if you see a line just get in it, worth it. The hotdog comes inside a bun filled with ur selection of relish and or mustard. Make sure to try the auntie lilikois mustard and get a lemonade also! 10/10
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Monty D.

Yelp
What's not to like at a beach side, super small hot dog joint called Puka Dog (really it's a Polish Sausage - but when you're at the beach, does it really matter)? This is an incredibly friendly, easy access and welcoming joint. We arrived right after opening (we had been there a previous day with long lines and those in line assured us the line moves rapidly - BTW, super friendly customers) and we received our order quickly - they have the system down. They share their unit with another restaurant so make sure you get in the correct line. As you can see from my pic, the dog come in all wrap around bun with their spicy garlic lemon secret sauce. While I was very skeptical of their sauce, it was very, very mild and added more moisture than anything. The relishes were served on the side in little containers and were quite good. I'd recommend getting a few and trying combos of them. We also had their fresh squeezed lemonade - it was fairly good, as well.
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Brittany B.

Yelp
When my Husband made it a point to come here, he showed me photos of puka dog and I was a little skeptical. We got in line around 2pm and in my opinion, the line wasn't too bad. We waited about 45 mins to get to the front. The shop itself is small and it's a shared space with a shaved ice business. Once you get inside, stay to the right. The left line is for shaved ice. My husband got the pineapple relish and I got the mango relish. I'd say mango was a lot sweeter than pineapple and it has a nice balance between the hot dog itself. The first bite has a sort of crunch that is satisfying and I actually liked it more than I thought I would. There are some tables at the beach across from Puka dog that we ended up sitting at which was convenient. A must try when in Kauai!
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Brian I.

Yelp
Long line but worth it. One of the best dogs I've ever eaten - Kauai special with Polish sausage. No indoor seating so ate across the street at Poipu Beach Park. Stood in line about 20 minutes in sun so wear sun block.
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Karen S.

Yelp
Loved the polish dog. Never had anything like it. The buns are like a small loaf of bread. They place them on these spikes over the grill and they are toasted from the inside out. Then they fill the heated bun with the topping you choose, slide the dog in and add more toppings. I had the Kauai special, spicy with mango sauce and Hawaiian mustard. Washed it down with a 1/2 sugar lemonade. We walked across the street to the Poipu beach park and sat at a picnic table to eat. A must when you are on the south shore.
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Chauncey G.

Yelp
There are hot dogs... and then there are Puka Dogs--a rare culinary species found only in the sun-drenched jungles of Poipu Beach, where ocean mist meets the scent of toasted bread and tropical relishes. This is not just food; it is a rite of passage. A handheld poem written in mustard and mango sauce. Puka Dog is an institution, yes--but more than that, it's an experience wrapped in a warm, pillowy sheath of dough, with a perfectly grilled sausage slid inside like it was born to be there. It's not a bun. It's a pocket. An edible scabbard. Engineered for beach walking, child wrangling, and one-handed living. My children, ever the seasoned critics of food shaped like swords, adore it. The parents? Equally besotted. It's rare to find a meal that pleases both the gummy-bear crowd and the IPA-and-regret set, but here we are. And yet... there is the line. Always a line. Longer than a TSA queue, slower than lava cooling, but humming with anticipation and sunscreen-scented hope. This is where patience becomes virtue. You wait. You dream. You inch forward under the tropical sun, wondering if any dog could possibly be worth it. And then--it is your turn. The payoff? Absolutely worth it. Spicy garlic lemon secret sauce. Relishes in flavors like starfruit or papaya. A texture so pleasing, you may briefly believe you're in a Pixar short about sentient hot dogs finding their forever home. So yes--if you have the time, the stamina, the sunblock, and the sense of adventure, do yourself a favor. Brave the line. Grab a Puka Dog. Walk to the beach. Bite into bliss. This isn't fast food. This is island food. And like most things in Hawaii, it's best when you slow down to enjoy it.
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John V.

Yelp
Good spot! This was probably one of the most hyped spots we heard about while visiting Kauai. For lunch on a Thursday the store was packed with a line out the door. Still moved along quickly. I got the polish dog, lava habanero garlic sauce, and a mango relish. Very good! Definitely spicy. The house mustard is also a must--its sweeter than most mustards so you'll like it even if you're iffy on mustard. Overall a good experience. Worth a try but I wouldn't say its a must-have.
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Gregg Y.

Yelp
The concept here is not just interesting--it's downright brilliant. Toasting the inside of the bun, creating a cozy, crispy cavity for the toppings, and then sliding in the grilled hot dog turns the ordinary into something reminiscent of a hot pocket, and I love it. I opted for a Polish Dog adorned with Mango Relish and Passion Fruit Mustard. The result? A harmonious blend of saltiness, fruity sweetness, and a hint of sour, all wrapped up in the subtle crunch of the inverse toasted bun. 10/10 would try again.
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Sou L.

Yelp
The line is long! That means the dogs must be good!! It's our first time here and this place is such a vibe! The staff are friendly and the service is friendly! We ordered the polish sausage, with starfruit relish and the lillikoi mustard! The flavors were on point!!
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Felipe A.

Yelp
We have heard so much about this location. We made a Point this morning to visit it before we left back home. This is a great twist on a Hawaiian Version of their Hot Dog Style the bun is sealed all around but there is a. Nice sized hole in the middle to put all of the relishes mustard or your choice of relish. It was the best Hot Dog that had a Mango Relish, Mild Garlic dressing and a Polish Dog cooked to perfection. They also have homemade Lemonade. We. Are glad to have been able to eat there.
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Lizzie P.

Yelp
We were really excited to try this place, and even came back on a different day after we found out they were closed for their company holiday party the first time we tried to go. The polish dog itself had great flavor, and the bun was a nice complement. I enjoyed the pineapple relish with the lemon secret sauce and Auntie Lilikoi's Hawaiian Mustard- it added a unique twist! That said, while the flavors were good, the overall texture, or lack thereof, just didn't hit the mark. By the end, I found myself getting a bit tired of it. The fresh-squeezed lemonade was a letdown too- it tasted more like watered-down lemon than anything else. The real highlight of our visit was the sea turtles across the street. It's a notable, local spot for a quick bite if you're in the area, but it didn't live up to the hype for us.
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Jeff L.

Yelp
Puka dog was good, although I can say that I was still hungry after eating one and wasn't going to wait in line for another 30 minutes or spend another $30 to get one. It was an interesting flavor profile that I wasn't sure I would enjoy (jalapeño lemon sauce, banana relish, Hawaiian mustard) but the flavors were actually quite good together. Tip: get the 1/2 sweet lemonade. Still sweet and sugary, half the calories!
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Chau B.

Yelp
Here's the updated review with your additions: Puka Dog in Kauai completely blew me away! The location is unbeatable--right by the beach, offering incredible views. We tried the Polish sausage with lava sauce and Na Pali Cruise relish (Star Fruit Relish), and it was absolutely mouthwatering. As if the food wasn't enough, it's right next to a beach where you can snorkel with turtles--an unforgettable experience! After a day of snorkeling, that hot Hawaiian dog tasted like pure heaven. If you're in Kauai, don't miss this gem. It's an experience you'll savor in more ways than one!
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Nikka C.

Yelp
These are perfect for the beach! Very unique as well. I've never had a hot dog with these types of toppings (garlic lemon cream that ranges from mild to habanero levels) and a wide variety of relishes (banana, mango, pineapple, etc). The lilikoi mustard was amazing! The bun also added a crunch to it. I had the polish sausage with spicy (jalapeño) garlic cream, pineapple relish, and lilikoi mustard for $11.50 My friends tried the mango relish and diff spice levels too. We all loved them!
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Rosette T.

Yelp
Puka Dog is a must-try when you're visiting Kauai! The hot dogs here are a delicious twist on the classic, with an array of amazing tropical relishes. My favorite has to be the pineapple or mango relish. Both are a perfect complement. Also the Lilikoi mustard is a must! We loved it so much we bought a jar of it to take back home. They are located right across from the beach which is convenient. The staff are friendly and quick. Just a heads-up--the line can get a bit long, especially during peak times, but it's worth the wait in my opinion!
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Vanessa W.

Yelp
Pricey for what you get. Still pretty good though. My party said it was too saucy. I liked mine saucy, so no complaints on my part. Took them to go and ate it over a plate. Got the traditional with habanero. It was pretty spicy but the spice didn't linger. No lines when we went, but we did go pretty late on a weekday. Lemonade was good but overpriced in my humble opinion. But I think everything has gotten super expensive in the last few years ‍. Glad I tried it.
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Melody R.

Yelp
Puka Dog is the place to be. My son had 1 on Valentine's while my husband and I went to a fancier dinner. He inhaled it before we left.....included was chips and lemonade. I tried some of my husband's as he got a lemonade to tide him over. It was really good. A cpl of days later, we all tried it. Situated at Poipu Beach area was perfect. We took beach chairs while hubby got our dogs, chips, and lemonade. It was a bit on the pricey side I think but definitely worth it as we sat there watching the resting turtles at sunset. I got the Pineapple Field which is a fan favorite.It was bursting with flavor and totally filling. I think we should've gone there for our V-day and save 150 dollars that's for sure.
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Monica T.

Yelp
The go to place if you're in Poipu Beach, all you have to do is cross the street and have an amazing hot dog! When we got there around 2pm, there was about a 10 min wait but trust that it will be worth it. We had the polish dog, with the fresh lemonade and chips. The highlight of the meal was definitely the lemonade, you can tell it was truly fresh! Give it a try if you're in the area.
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Raylene M.

Yelp
Decided to try this place to see what the hype was about Service: very fast! the workers were helpful in picking out a couple items to try. Luckily the line wasn't long Food: it's alright, i'm not big on sweets with a salty dog. It wasn't worth the hype but it was awesome trying something new. flavor was nice, but was not for me. My party thought it was alright as well.