Puka Dog
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI, 96756
Puka Dog Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Koloa for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Koloa for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Koloa for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr
Koloa, HI, 96756 - Phone (808) 742-6044
- Website https://www.pukadog.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Mrs W.
Puka Dog is Soooooooo good! I wish that my husband and I had discovered it at the beginning of our trip and not on our last day in Poipu. We both ordered the sausage dog with mild sauce, Hawaiian mustard and mango relish. Delicious. Wish we had a puka dog on the mainland. Probably my favorite meal we ate on our trip!
(5)Santi T.
If you're in Kauai, you should check this place out. However, have low expectations! It's a good concept of having either a polish or veggie hot dog with a variety of condiments to mask the weiner. When you come inside, select the type of "dog", secret sauce, relish and other condiments. I picked the polish, spicy with mango relish. Yeah, unique flavors and all that but it was too "doughy". I ended up throwing away the excess bun! Talk about extra junk in the trunk! The lemonade was "meh". I expected a "Hot Dog on a Stick" type of drink with the sour pucker face but what I got was a watered down lemonade. The +1 was they used Splenda by my request. There is tons of seating outside and the staff was very friendly. Ca$h only!
(2)Janice C.
Love love LOVE Puka Dog! The veggie dog and the polish sausage have so much flavor, and I love trying out their different relishes. I also think it's cute how they stuff the dog and toppings into the bun. Whenever we go to Kauai we ALWAYS make at least one trip here. Thanks for the aloha spirit! Please open a Puka Dog in Los Angeles!
(5)Jennifer D.
Puka Dog serves up the most unique hot dogs I've ever had. Sweet rolls are toasted from the inside with a hot metal prong that is "stabbed" through the roll to create the hole or puka in Hawaiian... so puka dog is an appropriate name for these dogs. There are a few steps before you get to sink your teeth into a puka dog so be prepared... Type of dog: Polish sausage or Veggie dog Type of garlic sauce: Mild Original, Spicy Jalapeno, or Hot Chili Pepper Type of relish: Mango, Pineapple, Papaya, Coconut, Banana, or Star Fruit You can get the traditional toppings like ketchup or mustard but I don't see why you would. So after all of your choices are made, your bread is toasted, the relishes and sauces squirted inside, and finally your hot dog is inserted. I usually get a Polish sausage with original sauce and Mango relish. The garlic sauce is basically a flavored mayonnaise, so mayo haters beware and the relish is actually more like a jelly than a relish. They also recommend their Lilikoi mustard with their hot dogs which I usually get on the side. The Polish sausage has a nice snap to the skin which I like. The bun tastes like King's sweet Hawaiian bread and is super soft. There is usually a short line, but it isn't much of a wait. You can now get your Puka dog for dinner with their longer hours. I remember they used to close in the mid -afternoon but now they are open until 8pm.
(5)Louis V D.
Awesome. Everything I expected and the best you can expect from a hot dog! Besides on the Chicago streets, where they make a mean one.... Obviously get the polish sausage over the veggie. ;) Then the guy helping us told us the mango and pineapple relishes were the best. We got them both, and they were amazing. I preferred the mango. Also get the spiciest lemon sauce. It's not hot at all, and it's a good pair with the sweet relishes. Then make sure to get the Hawaiian mustard!! PS. I can't imagine a trip to this place without also visiting the gelato place right next door: Papalani Gelato. But that's another review!! :)
(5)Kaylan B.
I love this place! I've eaten here more times that I can even count! The girls are always very nice and I've never waited longer than 5 minutes for my food! As a local, I appreciate being treated with so much aloha :) try the lilikoi mustard on the side, it's suuuuper good!!!!
(5)Robyn G.
Way too sweet! I was very excited to try this place especially after our zipline guide raved about it. She talked it up so much that I could think of nothing else to have for dinner that night but a Puka Dog. After tasting the star fruit relish and inquiring about the level of sweetness each relish had to offer I made my selection. I chose the polish dog, with star fruit salsa (I was told it was one of the less sweet relishes), spicy garlic sauce and opted to leave the mustard off. I am so sorry I couldn't get Puka Dog out of my head. Blahhh, Yuck, EEEk - The fruit relish was way too sweet and the spicy garlic sauce reminded me of bodily fluids. The combination of the two almost put me over the edge. I basically wrapped my dog up and threw it in the garbage. I could have had a better meal at the gelatto place next door. After my experience, I am now calling it Puke-a Dog. I should have skipped the relish and garlic sauce and had a plain polish dog in the sweet Hawaiian bun- something I could have made myself.
(1)Andrew I.
I really like their hot dog because of the interesting sauces and flavors they have. There's so many options and you just want to try them all!! But you can't because they're kind of expensive. So for a nice treat, you should at least try their hot dogs, because it really is unique, the way they roll the bread around the sausage. If you want to try hot dog a different way, you should definitely come to one of these Puka Dog places. I like this area because there's a lot of small cute shops around it, so you can stroll around while eating the hot dog. But definitely try some different ones, and you'll be delighted like I was! Yes, this place is fast food, and yes, guess what they serve: Hot dog! It's different style and for that they need to be praised and not compared to ones that you get at a ball park or a cook off competition. They're unique.
(4)Sara P.
I got the polish sausage with pineapple relish, lilikoi mustard, and mild sauce. I also ordered a lemonade. I thought the dog was creative and thankfully neat. I did not have a super even distribution of toppings in the dog, but it was still very tasty. The pineapple relish is very sweet and goes well with the mustard and the salty polish. The lemonade I could have done without. It was sickeningly sweet and not nearly tart enough. I could not finish it. But if you have a super sweet tooth, you may like it. Overall, it was a bit expensive for what it is, but it was pretty unique and I'm glad that I tried it.
(4)Tom S.
Love it. Came twice on this visit. Pineapple is my favorite relish. Don't bother with regular ketchup, you're in Hawaii!! Be prepared for a long line at lunch time. $6.50 may seem a bit steep for a hotdog, but I think you will find it worth it. It's well worth the experience. The bun isn't sliced, but skewered from one end that toasts the inside. Then the dog is placed in the bun with relish and mustard squirted in. The beverage served is a tasty lemonade. They also serve shaved ice, ask for the ice cream on the bottom. It is delicious.
(5)Josh A.
Great lemonade - our favorite. We got a mango and coconut dog and the coconut was our favorite. Both were great. The hawaiian mustard was great.
(4)Melinda B.
Yum! Wish we had these stateside. Visited during my honeymoon (05/2013). Had a puka dog and fresh squeezed lemonade. The lemonade I could have done without, but the puka dog.. I salivate just thinking about it. I had mine with the lilikoi mustard and it was so delicious. Don't pass this up if you're in the area.
(4)Juliane S.
I was told I must visit Puka Dog while on the island and visit we did. Hidden away in the Poipu shopping centre, we came upon the cozy, yellow Puka dog storefront with the surfboard menu up front. My husband ordered the polish sausage with mango salsa, mild garlic sauce and Lilikoi mustard. I ordered the veggie dog with starfruit relish, mild garlic sauce and Lilikoi mustard. Although the hot dogs themselves were pretty standard, what made them great were the tropical relishes. We washed down our dogs with freshly squeezed lemonade, which were a tad sweet, but icy cold. If you're hankering for a hot dog and a bit o' novelty, I say, hey, try this place out.
(3)Karla B.
Blech! Polish dog was way too salty, the mango sauce was way too sweet and the bun was way too big. Just not impressed with Puka Dog.
(1)Laura G.
This was probably the #1 place people told us we had to go when they heard we would be visiting Kauai. So of course we tried it, and I've got to say...meh There was a long line when we got there around 11 am, the prices were fairly expensive for what you are getting (especially the lemonade, it is mostly sugar water with one lemon), and the actual hot dog was pretty much a Costco Dog. The staff was really friendly and hardworking though. One thing I did appreciate about it was the innovation of using a bun that totally encompassed the hot dog. It kept the condiments in better (the condiments were pretty decent too with fun island flavors) and made it a much cleaner experience.
(2)Ron L.
Great concept. We took it togo so that may have affected the quality. had a veggie with pineapple and mustard and 2 meat one mango one pineapple. these are served upright so most of the sauce sunk to the bottom. meat was nothing spectacular. Roll was good. Sauces were tasty. would try again but wouldn't eat here regularly. It's basically a $7 double size kolache
(3)Paul D.
Most Awesome polish hot dog on the planet. Mango, Hawaiian mustard, Hawaiian relish, I almost passed out it was SO good!
(5)Paul N.
My first time here, 4 years ago, I raved about Puka Dog. Any time a friend was visiting Kauai, I would tell them to be sure to eat there, even if they are staying in Princeville. When choosing between Kauai and Maui for my next vacation, I made a pros and cons list and Puka Dog was the deciding pro for Kauai. So I get off the plane, grab my rental car, and head to Puka Dog. I get there at noon so the line is about 15 deep and I'm getting antsy. I order a Polish Sausage spicy, with Pineapple Relish and Lilokoi mustard and a lemonade to wash it down. When I get my order and take a bite, something was off. The sausage was great, the relish and mustard were tasty....but the bun sucked. They had changed their buns and now I will come here only twice on my trip rather than everyday, twice a day for a week. Bummer.
(3)Daniel T.
umm.... its just a hot dog in a different type of bun. Not much place to sit and eat but its easy to just carry around and eat while walking. You get to try different variations of relishes and mustards which is nice but not worth a wait or to go out of the way to go to. We were just at the beach and decided to give it a shot. I'd probably try something else out. the staff is nice and friendly. They do their best to move the line along and with smiles.
(3)Justin E.
The service is crazy friendly, and fast even with a long line. The menu is simple, and oddly lacking prices. The hot dogs are, well, hot dogs. You can't go wrong with a solid polish sausage, but I was expecting a lot more give the reviews and the lines. The hot sauce was barely noticeable, and the sauces were super sweet. So all and all solid, but nowhere near a standout.
(3)Megs B.
This review is really late. I spent 3 weeks on Kauai last December and stayed in Poipu. I found Puka dog while visiting the shopping center on my first day there. Because Poipu is a resort area, reasonably priced restaurants within walking distance from the Sheraton are very few and far between. Puka dog was my go to for lunch on many days when I didn't feel like leaving Poipu or spending $40 at a full service restaurant. And can we just talk about the hot dogs for a second please!? These dogs are delicious! First, you choose between a polish dog or non GMO soy dog. Then, you choose the spiciness of your secret sauce (mild, spicy, hot, lava). Next, there are 6 diff relishes to choose from- my favorite was mango but the star fruit and pineapple went great with the hot and lava sauces too :) Lastly, you can add Hawaiian mustard to your dog or ketchup/relish/reg mustard. The bun they put the dogs in is a Hawaiian sweet roll with an opening on one end. The best way to eat it is to push the dog in a little so the sauces come up around the sides. I must've eaten here at least 7 times while I was in Poipu and now that I'm home I wish we had a Puka Dog here in CA. If memory serves, it only cost around $9 for a dog and fresh squeezed lemonade. The dogs were big enough for me to eat half and take the rest back to my hotel for later.. 9 bucks for lunch and dinner in Poipu- you really can't beat that. The staff was always friendly and they have free wifi. The space is really small and there are only a few tables inside, but the shopping center has outside seating so that's not that big of a deal. If you are planning a trip to Poipu and want a quick and inexpensive meal that tastes amazing, you've gotta try this place!
(5)Suzanne N.
We always have to come get a puka dog when we come to the island. I get the polish dog with hot chili sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi. Best hot dog you'll ever have!! A must have when visiting this island:-). Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to not have to be in a really long line! Enjoy!
(5)A. R.
Glad we tried it but wouldn't go back. The polish dog is good but the bun is way too big for the dog. The lemonade is tasty. Not too tart or too sweet.
(3)Alicia V.
OK, loved this place even more than last time. This time around, got the polish dog still, but had it with the lava sauce (an extra hot version of their garlic sauce). It's a secret menu item and not too hot at all. But it compliments the sweet relishes nicely. Then got the pineapple relish and the lilikoi mustard. Had the lemonade, but asked for half sugar...a tip from our zip lining tour guide. Great spot! Can't beat the price either. Less than $20 for two dogs and a lemonade.
(5)Michael F.
"Doin' it Doggie-style" It's a hot dog. It ain't no second coming of Christ. It tastes fine. Vegetarian or Polish. Comes on a fat roll. Kind of like I do when I'm with an obese girl. Had mine with mango relish. The two girls at the counter fell in love with me. And I didn't even have my Crown Vic LX with leather interior. Puka's in a strip mall. Everyone there wants me to strip. Dollars in my jock strap. All night long. But there are no nude beaches in Hawai'i. So fall out of love with me, child. Now. You'll be happy you did. But not nearly as happy as me. ;)
(3)Monica M.
4 stars for the polish dog. On this one occasion, 1 star for the bread because it tasted a little stale. The bread could be amazing sometimes but this one time it wasn't. No excuses, they should not have stale bread. Too bad I didn't take a bite until I reached my hotel, otherwise I would've returned the dog for another one. I'll still return as this is normally a great hot dog spot!
(3)Daniel K.
If you're on your way to/from spouting horn and need to grab a quick bite to eat this is the spot. This was one of the best quick eats we had while in Kaua'i. I had a polish dog with mango relish and their specialty mustard -- so good! Also, if you're parched the freshly squeezed lemonade will really hit the spot.
(5)Suzanne A.
Awesome veggie dogs with speciLty relish. This is not to be missed. I crave puka when I'm on the mainland.
(5)Eric C.
My verdict: try this once and that's enough! We ordered the polish dog with lililokai mustard and mango relish. Verdict -- a tasty dog, overpriced, and uber sweet. If you're craving hotdogs, come here. Otherwise, don't spend the effort to come here just for a Puka Dog!
(3)K H.
Great hot dog. Loved the flavors of all the different sauces. We honestly ordered one of everything and shared between our group. Spicy is not that spicy. So don't stress. But I don't get the hype. We waited in line for 20 mins - and waited another 10 mins for -- hot dogs. I could have had a sit down meal by this point. And there was no place to sit - very crowded. I saw give it a try - just not when there is not a crowd.
(3)Justin L.
This is not just a hot dog in another type of bun like some douche mentioned. He is stupid...very stupid. Puka is amazing. During my stay in Kauai, I have eaten at Merriman's, The Beach House, Tortilla Republic, and a few others. I liked it so much that I have visited it 3 times. Puka is a perfect blend of salty, savory, spicy, and sweet. I enjoy the polish sausage with hot sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard. It is bliss. The reason why I call the previous reviewer a douche is because I have had some amazing sausage and dogs. Top Dog in Berkeley is pretty good but this takes the cake. It is a must visit.
(5)Brittany D.
Amazing hotdogs! They have different sauces you can add on, including mango and pineapple. Delicious! Very reasonably priced and worth going to if you're visiting the island. They are located in a shopping center in the back corner, so make sure you look for it! You also can get the combo option which includes chips as well, very tasty.
(4)Charlie B.
Yuck! I read many a rave for this place and can't figure out what the big deal is. It just isn't my type of dog! We had two different dogs, and the bun contraption they use is too much bread for me. Also, my mango sauce was overly sweet and pretty icky, so was the other fruity sauce my husband got. We thought this would be a fun cheap place to check out, but I've had better hot dogs many a place!
(1)Aram B.
Hot dog tasted good, but I think it was a little pricey. I ordered my hot dog with the "spicy" sauce, and it wasn't really spicy at all. The fresh lemonade was pretty good as well, but it was a little too sweet for my taste.
(3)Thomas L.
I think this is a bit overrated. The dog itself is nothing spectacular but the way it's presented is in its own ways. Love it that you could eat a puka dog in one hand and handle a sword in the other. The relish that makes a puka dog a puka dog. Anyhow, if you really want a decent dog but a bit overprice, then go to puka dog but I guess you could fine better on the other islands or on the mainland.
(3)Jenny F.
Love Puka dog Waikiki. This place though had the typical line out the door but only out of the polish, only some bites had relish. So many of my bites were disappointing, with very little flavor from their awesome relishes! Nevertheless, check out Puka dog if you haven't, the concept is different and the combination of sweet and salty is so ono!
(3)Krystal C.
Similar to my review of Puka Dog in Oahu, the dogs here are good but very much over priced. It's $6.25 for a sizeable dog until you realize when you get to the bottom that it is mostly bun in the last 2-3 inches. But I can't deny that it is different and a unique taste on the classic hot dog with delicious tropical mustard flavors that really packs a punch. For the spicy lovers like myself, they have 3 levels of heat, non spicy/jalapeno/volcano- the volcano is seriously not spicy at all, barely even a kick so you are really just choosing a jalapeno twist or some pepper flavor to add.
(4)Dawn G.
No trip to Kauai is complete without a trip to Puka Dog. These are big polish sausages stuffed into a fresh roll with a hole cut through the center. I had the spicy which was not very spicy, they use a lemon garlic butter on the sausage. I had it with the coconut relish and liloki mustard. It is the BEST thing ever. It is a truley unique and delcious experience. My 10 year old daughter even loved it. They even fresh squeeze their own lemonade which was pretty good. Also afterwards, if you are still hungry grab a Hawaiian shaved ice, very good too!!! I look forward to my next trip to Kauai so I can have another (or two).
(5)Helen W.
the lilikoi mustard is truly amazing. with the mango relish it's perfect. i love that it's way easier to eat then regular hotdogs. the only sad thing is, they run out of mango relish often ): also, they put a little TOO much of everything for my liking. i would not recommend getting more than one a person. by the end of the first one, youre looking at the second one ruefully.
(4)Debra G.
After a long, tough morning of snorkeling (I know, life is rough) we decided to see what the fuss was about (there are always lines at this place). My husband enjoyed his polish dog, I was less impressed with my veggie dog, as it tasted pretty ordinary. The bun was nothing special, just a white bun with a big enough hole in it to envelop the dog. The relishes are yummy and hawaiian in that they are fruity, so that was something a bit unique. So it didn't blow me away, but let's face it, every experience in Kaua'i is a memorable one, so 3 stars.
(3)Q D.
I liked it. The fruit relishes gives the spiciness a well balanced contrast. It's about $6.25 for each dog. It's a good snack for the beaches.
(5)keri r.
I really wanted to try Puka Dog after seeing Anthony Bourdain go to the Waikiki location on No Reservations. He said it was really good, so I thought I would love it. When we went to Kauai, I made it a priority to go. My boyfriend and I ordered 3 polish sausages with mild garlic sauce to try the different relishes. We got papaya, coconut, and pineapple relish, and one of them had the lilikoi mustard. I tried getting starfruit relish but it wasn't in season (we were there in July). When we ate the hot dogs, we both agreed that there was too much relish. I guess it's because the relish was like a syrup, and after reading reviews here I guess they used to be chunkier. We removed most of the relish, and the actual sausage was really good. I think if we went again I would just get the lilikoi mustard and skip the relish. I liked the lemonade, but didn't feel that it was anything special.
(3)Ariella S.
yes a dog costs $7, but it is totally filling. Where else are you going to find a vegan hot dog on the island, let alone a vegan friendly hot dog stand? truely unique and delicious, you can go with your meat loving friends and everybody wins! tons of exotic flavored relish, this place gives you hot dog an island kick.
(4)Rosie P.
My husband and I love this place! It is a simple hole-in-the-wall hot dog joint with only a couple of tables, but the hot dogs are the best ever! The hot dogs are grilled and placed in some type of a Hawaiian sweet bread (kinda like a bagel dog but softer bread) and then you have your choice of several relishes and mustards. The Hawaiian mango relish is very tasty. You can just sit outside on park benches in the center of the Poipu shopping village.
(5)I. K.
the best hot dog i've ever had, and i'm very picky with my meats. the bun is toasted with a rod that creates the hole for the dog, so it's surrounded by bun 360 degrees (the picture someone else posted must not be puka dog). the sauces are scrumptious. i got mild spicy garlic sauce and mango relish. yum! very very casual (no seating except outdoor tables in the strip mall). cheap eat (for kauai) too!
(5)l c.
I have to say I wasn't impressed with Puka Dog, and I was so looking forward to it. I got the polish sausage with the spicy sauce and mango relish. Maybe it's because I don't like a lot of bread with my meat, or I don't like sweet sauces very much, but the whole thing just didn't come together for me. And considering the dog and lemonade cost $8.50 pre-tip and took a 15-minute wait, I was definitely hoping for more. I ended up squeezing the dog out of the bun and just eating that straight. The lemonade is fantastic though!
(3)Jennifer D.
I don't tend to like hot dogs, but this stuff's good. The dogs are good, but nothing special. The special stuffs are the Hawaiian sweet bread and tropicl relishes. Yum!
(4)Steve H.
I'm giving Puka Dog's three stars for quality ingredients and hot food, but my whole family was disappointed overall. Main problems: too much bun, the tropical sauce is like mayonnaise, and the relish is the consistency of baby food- not really a relish in my book. The price and the wait were negatives, and the lemonade, although good, only had 1/2 lemon per glass. I was leaning toward 2 stars, but what the heck, I'm on vacation!
(3)Ronald T.
I haven't eaten anything here, but whenever I pass this place there are always many people eating wonderful looking hot dogs and many more are standing in line. This place must be good, because it's not easy to find. I'm looking forward to my first dog here.
(4)Kelly M.
yummy!! this is the second time i've had puka dog and it's really good. we usually come by the shopping center they are located in after going to see spouting horn. i had the polish sausage with mild secret garlic sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard. and omg....sooooo good and tasty. they also have a veggie dog choice as well. i'm giving minus one star because i think they put way too much of the sauce, relish, and mustard. everything comes squishing out when you bit into the puka dog. the bun is really good, nice and soft. and the polish sausage is just a polish sausage. nothing too special about it. i guess what makes it so good is the extras. will come back again next year if we go to poipu. oh yeah, thier lemonade is pretty good as well.
(4)Emily Y.
If you're staying at a resort/hotel on th south side, and want to get away from the tourist-mobbed restaurants, then Puka Dogs is a good place to get a quick fix. Try a dog w/ mango relish.
(3)Food C.
Too expensive for a hot dog ! Also it is not filling. Why spend $15 on hot dog and lemonade (they frown at you if you do not order any drinks) if one can eat to bursting at any nearby fast food restaurant ?
(1)Koy S.
Ok, not sure what the hype is all about, but this was a disappointing meal for us. We paid $6.75 for a hot dog that both my kids took out of the bun. Their sauce was way too sweet for me. The lemonade was good and refreshing. The spicy was not spicy at all. Now that we've been here we can cross it off the list and never returned. My son renamed this place "Puke-a-dog."
(2)Ruby J.
DELICIOUS!! It was our first day here and I was craving a hot dog and we yelped this place... Lived up to the stars! I was curious about the different relishes on the dogs but so glad I tried one instead of going traditional. If you're going to do traditional, you're wasting your tastebuds. I got the sausage with spicy garlic spread and Pineapple relish and they recommended the pineapple mustard to go along with it. I wasn't sure so they gave it to me on the side. I also got one of their fresh squeezed lemonades. Both were finger licking good!! So glad I got the mustard too. My friend got the mango relish and that was great too. This is a must place to visit! We have been craving another and will be stopping by before our way back home. YUM!
(5)Sheryl I.
Not really a hot dog fan but this polish sausage was delicious! Had spicy, pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard and was super yummy!! If you like heat I'd suggest Hot cause spicy was mild. Great service too! The sausage itself was really good! Definitely give it a try!!
(4)Austin A.
Far too good! We wanted to get a good hot dog on the island. So after reading reviews and stories of this place we decided to come. We stayed on the north part of the island. So when I looked at my map the closest one was in Poipu, but the one in Hanalei was not posted on the map so we didn't know about it. So after the Long Island drive we arrived and it was in the shopping center. It was right there in the entrance, so then we came in and there was a bit of a line. You got to see the lemonade get made up front and the hot dogs get cooked. Then we got our food and the order was all correct. There were hardly any tables so we had to wait a little for one then we sat down and ate. I took my first bite and it was the #1 hot dog. If I wanted a hot dog on the island this would be my choice.
(4)Nicole N.
They grill frozen hot dogs but make their own relishes and lemonade. It was a good hit dig. The relishes are in the sweet side. The lilikoi mustard is really good...not too sweet. Overall a good place to grab a quick , inexpensive meal.
(4)Lewis M.
First food we hit up in Kauai. Totally worth it! I wish the hot sauce was hotter, but I loved what I got none the less.
(5)Kassie T.
So glad we found this place! Heard about it back home and had own friends recommended we try it! And there is no regret that we did. I am not a big got dog eater during family bbq's I avoid the hot dogs. So I got the lava secret sauce (not on the menu) while a pineapple relish and an awesome lilikoi mustard. The young man behind the counter was so nice and welcoming helped us understand the menu a little better and recommended the hawaiian mustard I am glad he did. He also made us some lemonade that was refreshing on the hot day. Seating is limited but we took our lunch and enjoyed it there! Keep up the good work Puka dogs
(5)Patrick M.
I'm not the worlds biggest fan of hot dogs, but I do appreciate a good Polish Sausage every now and then. Puka Dog offers both the polish sausage and a veggie dog. However, you really go to Puka for the flavored relish. It is not typical pickle flavored relish, but more of a sweet treat to your Puka Dog. They are mostly all Hawaiian flavors such as coconut, guava, pineapple, etc. They also recommend a Hawaiian mustard that was delicious. I found it very odd that they do not display the prices. I ordered the dog, and waited for the surprise of how much it would be. The cost....$6.75 for each one. Hawaii is pricy, so I was expecting about $4-5 per hot dog. This was a bit outrageous for a hot dog. If the prices were more reasonable, I could see this hot dog (polish sausage) being 5 stars. However, I also do have a sweet tooth. The girls working behind the counter were very nice. Good service for a fast eatery. Just weird how the prices are not displayed anywhere...
(4)Jen T.
PUKA DOG is a winner! My friend told me to come and check it out while I was in Kauai! So we came by in the evening time and I had their polish sausage with their pineapple relish I believe.... I don't remember I just got whatever they recommended it because it was my first time there. It was awesome! I love how they figured out how to taste their bread from the inside. Delicious! And they make the lemonade right in front of your! Fresh!
(4)Avi R.
This place has the best Dogs ever! Must try if you're in the island. We got the pineapple sauce and the Mango sauce. It was delicious...
(5)Kimberly R.
I was excited about trying this place since I read so many great reviews. I had a regular dog with mild and the Hawaiian mustard. It was just okay... Maybe I should have ordered the spicier sauce because the sweet sauce was way too sweet for me. They also didn't seem that fresh which maybe didn't help the sweet sauce on a semi-warm dog. My husband and I were just not that thrilled with our dogs. They also have fresh squeezed lemonade which was tasty.
(3)Jennifer C.
What I liked most about Puka Dog is the Hawaiian influenced sauce choices. I would prefer to have a bit less of the bread but understand why there is the need for it. Maybe a suggestion would be to give an option for a larger dog! Yum!
(4)Joseph V.
Had the spicy puka dog with pineapple relish, and lilikoi sauce. Super tasty and the bun was soft and sweet. The food was so flavorful. The location is in neat little shopping center. Highly recommend.
(5)Max S.
Puka Dog, even though your name sounds like what someone would do after having food poisoning from street food in a dark Bangkok alley, you are far from it. Please open in Dallas, TX. Please. I ate too many of you when I visited Kauai, way too many. Even after spending $100 at a fine restaurant, I would stop here on my way back to our hotel. Genius. Stuff a closed bun with a polish dog, flood it with mango/pineapple cream, flood it again with Lilikoi mustard and deliver to an unassuming diner. I love you Puka Dog.
(4)Captain H.
Was good, not mind blowing. Service was good food was par. I did notice the fresh lemonade that they were making. Looked good, didn't try it.
(3)Seanessy G.
Delicious coconut relish coupled with friendly service and great deals. Also fresh squeezed lemonade. Glad to have a low key casual dining option in this area of Kauai.
(4)Jamie Q.
Came highly recommended! It was good but I'm not really a hot dog fan and the relish is blended to a purée which made it strange to me. The flavor was gross, I ate it. But i probably won't be back. It's worth trying if you like hot dogs.
(3)Dana L.
My kids LOVED this! My daughter had the veggie dog and my son, the sausage. There was a line out the door and the young woman running the front (taking orders and explaining the different "puka options") was a real pro. I sat there in awe of her "stage presence." She was really handling the crowds, it was impressive. We loved the experience.
(5)Nancy C.
ONO ONO ONO! After having seen Puka Dog featured on food network some time back, I was really excited to try this place on my most recent trip to Kauai. And it lived up to every bit of my expectations. I love how the impaled buns gets toasted and crusty on the inside keeping the bun texture distinct from the polish sausage and how there are so many exotic relishes to choose from! The relishes DO tend to run quite sweet, for those of you who are not fond of the sweet savory combo. However, I love sweet things, so I enjoyed the relish immensely. I tried both the mango and pineapple ones, and I like the pineapple more, though both were great. Some of my friends who enjoy spicy foods complained that the spicy garlic lemon secret sauce tasted the same as the mild one, so if you have a high spice tolerance, you may want to go for the lava sauce instead. One of said friends also complained of the excessive bread:sausage ratio and actually ordered a "double barrel" puka dog where they stuff two sausages in one bun! (I know what you're thinking, get your mind out of the gutter.) And he seemed to have really enjoyed it. So whatever floats your boat. A puka dog and a lemonade and you have yourself one happy hawaiian lunch. I love how they have free shaved ice samples floating around too.
(4)Michael C.
I've eaten at the one in Oahu before. For some reason I remember them having a larger selection of Tropical Relish and bread. Having said that, this is the original location. The dog and the bread are standard, nothing spectacular about it. The specialty of this place is the relish. Sweet & savory.
(4)Mel T.
Unimpressed. When Puka Dog used to be on Oahu right at the outskirts of the International Market, I'd walk on by time and time again. Now that its only location is on Kauai, I figured I had to make a stop, since who knows when I'll be back. What makes Puka Dog different from your regular hot dog stand is: - the various sauces. From varying degrees of spicy garlic lemon secret sauce to six tropical relishes, the worker was nice enough to put together a relish sampler - the toasted bun, with only one opening! This is great, as it prevents your hot dog from getting too messy. Also, the bun is toasted all around on the inside by an oddly (I'm just going to say it) phallic looking contraption Alas, this was still just a hot dog to me, and not worth the $6.75 price tag, but at least I can say I've tried it.
(2)Andrea G.
This place was soooooo delicious we ate there twice while staying in Kauai. I had the polish dog with spicy garlic sauce, coconut relish and Hawaiian mustard. It's had great flavor but wasn't too spicy. My taste buds were in Awe!!!!!
(5)Aubrey B.
So nice to enjoy such a fun & tasty vegetarian option! This place is an absolute must to stop at during your vacation. My husband and I are even thinking of coming back tomorrow to grab another Puka Dog before our flight leaves. We loved the fresh lemonade and fell in love with the veggie dog and pineapple relish with Hawaiian mustard. I know it sounds like an odd combo, but I promise it will not disappoint!
(5)Nicholas S.
I am honestly stunned by the amount of great reviews about this place. We ordered the puka dog spicy with mango relish and "fresh" squeezed lemonade. This meal should be classified as a dessert. First off the lemonade does use half a lemon but the rest of the mixture is a lemonade sugar blend that if not mixed correctly will sit at the bottom of the cup and you will end up taking in a bunch of sugar lemonade mix while you drink. Now the main attraction, the puka dog. Nice size big enough for two people to share. The dog has a nice bite but not enough spice. I think they gave us an original dog because the level of spice was extremely weak. The worst part of the hotdog was the relish and everything else they put in the dog. We ordered it the way they recommended not American style and it was very disappointing. The mango relish is more of a jam that is overly sugary and injected into the bun. It isn't real relish like most people are accustomed to. It was so sweet we had to throw half of it away because the flavor combinations were overwhelming. I think if we had it American style we would have enjoyed it more but i do recommend staying away from the relishes. It ruined our experience with the puka dog.
(2)Lizzi M.
Yummy hot dog!! Love the sauces!! The roll Was nice and fresh. The food was great temperature! The staff was very friendly! We liked and had the habanero sauce and the mango sauce.
(5)Andrew S.
Update: Just tried another dog with the hot garlic lemon sauce. It was definitely hotter than the spicy but not too hot. I preferred it, and would recommend it for a little extra kick and a complement of the sweeter mango relish. So delicious. They toast the buns from the inside out with a hot skewer. I added spicy garlic lemon sauce, mango relish, and hawaiian mustard. It was amazing. Wish I had another to be honest. The service was great, they helped me choose what to add being a first timer. Took about 5 minutes and I was enjoying a delicious puka dog.
(5)Joe R.
Spicy polish dog with mango and lilikoi mustard. So good!! We ate here like 4 times for lunch when we were in the area.
(5)Margaret H.
It Was Ok. Probably the only lunch we had that was under 20 dollars and it tasted like it. Not bad, not awesome, but A-okay.
(3)Kim M.
Completely average. I ordered the pineapple relish on my polish dog. Good, but nothing to rave about. My daughter ordered the original with mustard. Literally, there was at least a half a cup of mustard on that dog. She was not a fan!
(2)Ty I.
Real good dog with a cup of fresh lemonade. Best part was the wife was happy too because they had veggie dogs.
(4)Yolanda L.
Delicious! Had lilikoi mustard with mango chutney. The lemon garlic aioli was nice touch.
(5)Stephanie K.
Terrible. Unless you like jelly on your hotdogs? Dog to bun ratio is off. Not spicy at all. Save your money and go to Costco.
(1)Tarheelfoodmonste R.
This review is based on the veggie dog. It was okay. The spicy flavor is not hot at all and the mango relish is sweet. Lemonade was really good. Nice snack but not a must see.
(3)Rachel H.
Novelty street meat with Kauai cred! You'll find Kauai's original Puka Dog in an outdoor mall stall with a food truck attached and a line about twenty deep of seriously enamored fans. After being featured on Food Network and Bon Appetite Magazine, things have been looking up for Puka Dog and they are planning a second shop on the North End of Kauai in Spring of 2014 at the Kong Lung Shopping Center, so North End fans can get their fix without driving across the island. So, is it really all its cracked up to be? I'm a fan of the hot dog in general, and atypical preparations, so for me it qualified as being worth a visit. Think of this as a nifty novelty lunch, and a tasty one. If you like a hot dog, do it! Why not? All dogs are large and either veggie or meat and wrapped in a packaged enormous soft bun. A lemony mayo garlic sauce is generously applied in your choice of a regular, spicy or hot preparation. Spicy garlic sauce turns out to have very little heat, so plan accordingly. Maybe hot is better? (A little too much mayo sauce for me, but the creaminess itself is a no brainer.) Next, add an island relish: basically a sweet jam. Flavors include: pineapple, mango, star fruit, banana. We tried mango together with lilkoi mustard, a nice combo. We had another Puka Dog, plain, with everything on the side., to do some trial tastes. The star fruit and banana relishes were the most interesting to us, with mango as a close runner up. If you can hang with the idea of maple syrup on your breakfast meat, than hey, you'll absolutely "get it." It's easy then to relax into the idea of meat and sweet island jams paired together with garlicky dairy, all on a giant hotdog with an even bigger bun. As novelties go, this a pretty fun one! Good, but not up to Vancouver's Japadog, at least for me. Still, an original, and certainly not something you'll eat again outside of Kauai, so why not give it a go?
(3)Charles S.
High-quality sausages, served in unique and delicious ways, by friendly people. What more can you ask for in a hot dog stand? Not much.
(4)Maz M.
Was really excited to try this place after hearing about it... My review has nothing to do with the food because I did NOT get to try it I love hot dogs... I mean I really love hot dogs... And in the past 8 to 10 years, hot dogs have finally come around to being offered in an all beef alternative... Something great for someone who loves hot dogs, but doesn't eat pork... Sadly though, all the dogs at this place are pork blend hot dogs big bummer as I was looking forward to trying this place. Definitely a hole in the wall and not quite sure I can categorize a place as a top hot dog establishment if they don't offer all beef dogs?!?!
(2)Beth R.
Oh, Puka Dog, thanks for not forgetting about us vegans! That's right ... the hotdog bun and veggie dog are vegan. Yeah! Just make sure you avoid step 2 (the garlic lemon secret sauce) when you order because it is dairy based. The tropical relishes are vegan friendly. I stuck with the pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard at every visit. No regrets. A yummy, quick meal. I washed my veg Puka dog down with freshly squeezed lemonade. They make each to order, so they'll cut the sugar in half if you ask. Puka Dog, please come to Maine!
(4)Amanda M.
Fun atmosphere! Too bad about the sour expression on the lemonade girl's face. Lemonade was super tasty, though. Hot dogs were muy delicioso, and a local rooster totally stalked us for it. I had the polish dog, mango relish, and house mustard.
(4)Mystery E.
I must say that I was greatly disappointed with the service that I received. A young lady and a young man working the counter clearly wish they were elsewhere instead of working. No "hello" or any sort of greeting at all. Just a blank droll face waiting behind the iPad at the ready to take your order as quick as possible. No offering of any suggestion or help in selecting the quite pricey hotdog. As I give her my order the young man is on the side getting it ready. Polish with mango relish, original sauce and Dijon mustard. Ah and a lemonade as well. They weren't very good at all and that makes me quite sad as it USED to be very good. There was too much bun vs hotdog and way, way too much mustard. The mango relish was like it never existed in it and my lemonade was just so-so. I had to toss my hotdog as the Dijon was just too over powering. I'm wondering what happened to this place. It was a place I used to recommend but no longer will.
(1)Edwina M.
Oh Puka Dog you have given me the happiness of what I found while in Austria. They serve hot dogs in this manner on the streets in a baguette. I had missed them so much. I'm glad I was able to have them once again. Puka is a whole in the wall place, seating is limited. Pick your dog, your sauces and get to movin'. They only offer fresh lemonade or water bottles. This is the only thing I didn't like. As much as I liked the lemonade, I could've killed for a coke. The hotdogs are really delicious. I would just make sure to ask to be light on the condiments. The bottom of my bread had a pool of condiments and I couldn't eat it.
(4)Alison M.
There is a lot of hype about this place, and a line out the door. The hot dogs were tasty and unique, do not go expecting a typical ball park dog. I am not the most adventurous eater, but when in Rome, I opted to try fruit with spicy mayo on a dog and it was worth a try.
(4)Rachel M.
Four stars for the service, but three for the food. It's a solid hot dog, but on its own nothing to write home about. I did like that the bun was toasted. The mango relish was sweet and a hint tangy, and the lilikoi was delicious, but for the price, I'd rather get a Costco dog. The service, however, was fabulous - overall a fun, quick bite if you're in the area and need to quiet some hunger pangs.
(4)Suzy H.
I ordered a spicy jalapeño polish sausage dog with mango relish. It was so tasty, and I washed it down with some fresh-squeezed lemonade.
(5)Derek L.
Great hotdogs. I need to find how to make them in the buns like that- only a hole in the top. No mess... Go for the medium sauce. Mild has no kick! Also, the line was long and no places to sit inside. Oh, and lemonade is good too.
(4)Lisa I.
Of all the years we've been going to Kauai, and certainly ever since Puka Dog made its appearance awhile back, my family and I have somehow managed to not pay a visit to this place...until yesterday! Not wanting to sit down anywhere, we headed down to Puka Dog for one of the Polish sausages and their special relishes/mustards. There wasn't a line when we got there, so ordering went pretty smoothly. We ordered two Polish sausages with their mild garlic lemon secret sauce and mango relish with Auntie Lilikoi's Hawaiian mustard, and two Polish sauges with their spicy jalapeno garlic lemon secret sauce and mango relish. I'll admit, when I looked at my hot dog, I was skeptical. Aren't you supposed to eat hot dogs with a horizontal head tilt, and not holding the whole thing vertically? Not when it comes to Puka Dog. Puka Dog impales a soft almost sweet hot dog roll and fills it with the mustard and relishes inside the "puka". The sausage itself is good, but really it's the concept here that's so impressive. I think we'll be returning to Puka Dog again in our annual trips out to Kauai :)
(4)Lynn N.
Hawaiian buns toasted from the inside out with a polish dog inside and tropical condiments. Need I say more? If you're a spicy fan--just go all out. The mild was not spicy at all. Had the pineapple relish and it was yum! Cheap and good eats! OHH and get the lemonade. It's freshly made.
(4)Shelby M.
I was dying to try this place after hearing about it on tv. Conveniently it is located in the poipu shopping center and we were staying right down the street. This place is definitely popular, as we got there before 11 am for an early lunch and it had a steady stream of customers already. Being vegetarian I got the veggie dog which takes 7 min to prepare (as opposed to the polish dog that is pretty automatic). The veggie dog is a pretty standard veggie dog you'd find in the grocery store. I had the pineapple mustard and the mild garlic relish. I sort of wish Id gotten at least the spicy but I wasn't sure how spicy that was. My husband had the polish dog with papaya mustard and hot garlic relish. He says it was not that hot at all, probably bearable by most people. All in all, this is a fun Hawaii experience. Each dog is pretty big (mostly bun) so it is a good light lunch. Also I don't see this listed anywhere but we also saw a Puka Dog location on the north side of Kauai in Hanalei.
(4)Trent G.
Because of all the Yelp hype, I think I was expecting more. After a long drive back to our condo after exploring the east shore up to Hanalei, we were ready for some grub and had been looking forward to Puka since we arrived. I got the Polish, original sauce, with the Mango relish. The dog itself was pretty good and the bun was okay as well. But, as others have said, for the price there's way too much bread and too little meat. The relish was fine too, nothing mind-blowing. It's a problem when I left remembering the lemonade more than their signature item. Wanted to love it, but don't envision coming back any time soon.
(3)Shawn M.
I went for lunch because of the good reviews but I wasn't impressed. I got the polish dog with the mango relish. They used too much sauce and I didn't care for the flavor of the relish.
(2)Sherilyn T.
13 years ago I remember eating my first Puka Dog from a stand in the guy's backyard, nice to see that he was able to open up, not one, but two storefronts on the island. V and I went here twice during our stay on Kauai. Loved it. I wish the bread was less and the meat was more...but isn't that always the case?
(4)Jeff C.
Cheap eats. Its basically a hot dog inserted into a precut hole in hawaiian bread toasted on the inside instead of using a traditional bun. We got two polish sausages with pineapple and mango relish with lemonade to drink. The guy forgot my pineapple relish and gave it to me as a side. Both were very tasty but I couldn't really tell the flavors between the relishes. Lemonade was like sugar water to us. Its probably was the predominant taste for the tourist crowd but it wasn't for us. Also still a little hungry afterwards. For guys with bigger appetites, probably get 2-3 dogs. Definitely come to see their unique presentation and a quick snack.
(3)Julie S.
Delicious hot dogs that come in an enclosed roll, making it more convenient to pile on the toppings and not have to worry about being messy. Gotta love that! The bun is deliciously toasty on the inside using a pointy toasting/piercing contraption. That was the most memorable part for me. As for the sauces, I wasn't too fond of the fruit relishes. I had the mango relish which was face-smackingly sweet, and the bf had the pineapple relish which was kick-to-the-groin sweet. Definitely skipping the relishes next time. The secret sauce and lilikoi mustard sauce are a must however. Another must try is their fresh lemonade. When I say fresh, I mean that it's freshly squeezed and shaken for each order. This is what holds up the line but... yummy! This is unrelated but I also saw a cute feral baby pig happily rolling around on the dirt in the bushes next to Puka. Tugging on my guilty conscious much?
(4)Christina S.
A definite stop in Kauai, original Puka dog location. Get one with a fresh squeezed lemonade and you cant go wrong.
(5)Jason F.
Had the polish sausage, spicy, with pineapple relish and lemonade. All were good but the spicy was not very spicy. Would order hot next time. Good experience here.
(4)Jenn Q.
Disappointed here. Maybe I was expecting some delicious gourmet tasting dog with a warm and toasted bun and yummy sauces....extra fixings and different flavors. It wasn't this way at all. Wish I spent my money somewhere else.
(2)Hector M.
This is one of those obligatory tourist stops to try once (and it is forever scratched off of the list). I went with the following: - Polish dog - Spicy Secret Sauce - Pineapple Relish - Lilikoi Mustard The relish, mustard, and serving style (the roll is impaled on a hot spike to carmelize/toast the inside) are different, but it is still a hot dog. If you buy 2 Puka Dogs, you get a free lemonade (you just have to mention it when ordering). Burping it hours later is amusing and satisfying at the same time (especially when you do it in a car with the windows rolled up).
(3)Hayley C.
The first time we came here a couple years ago, we nicknamed this place Puke-a Dogs. Our experience wasn't super great. Part of this might have been the fault in our orders - I got the banana relish, don't ask me why - and we didn't get lemonade. This time though, Puke-a Dogs redeemed itself. We were starved after a trip from the North Shore and a helicopter tour, and more conservative in our condiment choices. We also got the lemonade which was bomb diggity. Yes. It was delish. I got a regular hot dog with the mango relish (when in Rome, but seemed safer than banana) and Dijon mustard. If you get the regular relish, they put it on the side so it doesn't sink to the bottom and get the bun soggy, and I was pleasantly surprised at their thoughtfulness. Looking at their yelp page, these pictures don't look very appealing to me personally (like melted Velveeta cheese on a hot dog...?) but I apparently didn't notice this lack of appeal as I ate mine, so don't let it deter you too much. As a side note, there also isn't a lot of seating around/in the restaurant, so keep your eyes peeled for tables as you order. And please, for the love of everyone else's present and future eating experience, don't feed the freaking roosters. Just say no. Even to the little baby ones and the mid size teenage ones. Just don't do it. Overall, I'm newly loving the Puke-a Dogs (I should stop calling them that but it's so fun) but beware of their more exotic combos! And always, always get the lemonade.
(4)Bernice R.
[Sorry for the hiatus Yelp. I couldn't make it to 100 in 2013 but I'll try my best for the new year!] Should I like any other hot dog besides a Chicago style? Hmm... I hate to say it but YES, of course, if it's a Puka Dog! My first lunch in Kauai was at Puka Dog, and immediately, I fell in love with this local strip mall snack shop. I thought it was ingenious that they stab a hearty roll through a heated metal spear. Why you ask? Well, it toasts the roll from the inside, keeps all the delicious sauces from seeping through and allows you to eat every ingredient in every bite because its all snugged into the breaded pocket. So what was my combo? I went with the polish dog, habenaro secret sauce, papaya relish, and the Hawaiian mustard. It was spicy, sweet, fresh, filling, and oh so Hawaiian. And to accompany my hot dog, I shared some onion flavored kettle potato chips and a freshly squeezed lemonade with my new groom! :) Overall, great lunch stop. There is this huge common ground where you can just sit down and people/chicken/rooster watch. Only warning: it's a popular spot so expect a line. The wait is about 10 minutes.
(5)Doug E.
Delicious!!! I had a polish with mild sauce and mango relish, it was amazing. My friend had hers "spicy" it was not spicy at all so don't be afraid. The lemonade is HORRIBLE, don't waste your money, you will regret it.
(5)Allison D.
Best. Hotdogs. Ever. Tips: - Expect a line, especially around lunch time - They do not have a lot of indoor seating but there is plenty of seating around the mall area - Do not, I repeat, DO NOT get a regular hot dog with ketchup and mustard. Live a little and try papaya relish and lilikoi mustard, you won't regret it! - Don't forget the delicious, sugary, fresh squeezed lemonade!
(5)John M.
Ate here twice during trip to Kauai. My parents had pitched this place to us as something they enjoyed during their trip to Kauai. We came here twice, and enjoyed it. 3 stars because the hot dog quality wasn't super impressive for the price... Mine had some grittiness at one point. The flavored relishes are good but they put a bit too much on. Thankfully the hot dog buns are sealed which makes for less mess. The spicy mustard didn't turn out to be spicy at all, which I was really hoping for. Again, I did go back for a second visit even after the above experience and I'd go again.
(3)Michael D.
Expect a line, but there's a good reason for it. The workers there were so friendly and helpful in their recommendations and making sure we were happy with what we were ordering. Now to the food, sauces and drinks: The homemade lemonade is made each cup individually squeezed, with the water, ice and sugar added and then "shaken not stirred" and put in your own cup. Deliciously refreshing. The buns that they will put your dog in are fresh and delicious and happen to be a fully enclosed bun that only has a whole in the top that the dog is slid into with the sauces. Great for preventing messes and especially for keeping in the great sauces. When ordering your dog, Polish Sausage or Veggie, you get to also select the spiciness of the garlic lemon sauce, which is delicious. Of he garlic lemon sauces the hot is not actually spicy, but is the most flavorful. Your next option is for the different "island relish" that you want added. You can pick none, one or multiple. If not sure which "island relish" to add you can ask for the sauces on the side and mix and match yourself. My favorite, in order of preference, is coconut, mango, pineapple, papaya, starfruit and then banana. They are all delicious and flavorful, and literally made with small bits of the fruit included in the relish. Lastly, The lilikoi mustard is a must add. It's flavorful, yet not overpowering. And unless you have the taste buds of a 6 year old, skip the ketchup. This is a great food spot and low-cost. There isn't much space for seating within the walls of the location but plenty of seating in the outdoor mall. Enjoy!
(5)Emilio M.
This was pretty good. It was a cool Hawaiian twist on a hot dog, the bun was really good, kind of sweet. As far as hotdogs go it was good and it was neat that there were so many different relish flavors though we would have wanted the relish to be chunky rather than pureed like it was. The lemonade was really good. Overall, if you're looking for a good lunch for $6 you can't really beat this, there aren't many places in Kauai that you can get as cheap of a meal while still being good. *Update: minutes after i finished this review we found some mold on one of our buns. Really!?
(3)Larissa A.
YUM! Fast & friendly service. Casual, comfortable atmosphere. DELICIOUS! I had the polish dog with the coconut relish and Auntie's mustard. If you buy two dogs and mention the ad in the Kauai magazine, you get free lemonade! The lemonade is fresh squeezed. I would come back here!
(4)Jake T.
Another example of over hyped Yelp location. $7 for a joe average hotdog and $3 for a lemonade. The best thing was the lemmonade. But the service was average. Inflated resort prices. Better off to go to Whalers General store and get a random hotdog and a coke for $3!
(1)Elle Elani Whatever C.
When in Kauai .... Gotta have the Puka Dog! Scrumptious and flavorful - Love the Auntie Lilikoi's hawaiian mustard and mango relish! I always get that on my polish spicy hot dog ...consistently yummy :-)
(5)Tova H.
It is a must do if you are on the island of Kauai! Its very fun tourist attraction! Not to mention pretty unique hot dogs!
(4)David S.
A Tasty World of Fruit Relishes and Sauces Awaits This is the most unique sausage sandwich I have ever eaten! Puka Dog starts with a freshly baked Hawaiian sweet roll, with the inside of the bun toasted as you order your meal. The sausage link is grilled to perfection, the right combination of a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Then you can pick and choose from different spice levels of garlic lemon sauce. Next are the fruit relishes: pineapple, mango, banana, coconut, star fruit, and papaya. If you are having trouble making up your mind, ask for tasters of the different relishes...this is an important choice. I found the pineapple, coconut, and star fruit to be my favorites. Lastly, don't miss the lilikoi (passion fruit) mustard. This specialty mustard has the perfect balance of sweet and savory. If you are feeling less adventurous, they also offer more traditional condiments. Don't miss the Maui Onion potato chips! I bought these all over the island. Puka Dog has a small seating area, and accepts cash or credit card.
(5)Alyson W.
If you're looking for a spicy hot dog or one with bite, this is not it. The sauces--even the "very hot" house sauce-- is basically just yellow mayo w no kick to it. My husband got the regular dog and I opted for the veg. We finished them, but mostly because we were hungry.
(3)Paul G.
After eating at so many upscale restaurants, we were ready for some casual dining at a reasonable price. Had read some very positive Yelp reviews of Puka Dog, so when we walked by it, we were raring to go. We had the Polish sausages, mild garlic sauce, mango relish and Hawaiian mustard. The combination was a little sweet, but we loved it. And the fresh squeezed lemonade was excellent. All in all, a very satisfying meal at a low price and we went back two days later for a second round!
(5)Joshua R.
Amazing hot dog shop in Kauai, has been featured on the travel channel. There are 3 key things that make these dogs unique and awesome: 1. They are toasted within a full bun. 2. They use exotic fruit flavored relishes (starfruit, papaya, mango, etc) 3. They use a spicy lemon garlic sauce, i'd recommend getting the hot (its not that hot). Also insider tip, you can get a free lemonade if you buy or wear a puka dog t-shirt to the shop.
(5)Tina H.
I think this was the best dog I ever had. I've never had anything like it on the mainland. I had the polish with mild sauce and mango salsa. The buns are very unique and really make it a treat.
(5)Kelly I.
YUMMY! Got 3 polish, 1 veggie, all 4 had different relishes with lillikoi mustard. Can't go wrong with any of the choices. Fast friendly service. If you order 2 dogs and mention the Kauai Dine magazine you get a free lemonade. And you don't want to miss out on one..
(5)Diane B.
While this was a fun, inexpensive lunch, and they offer a variety of hot dogs/sausages, sauces, and toppings (ranging from fruity to spicy), it wasn't my favorite meal. The service was good (long line, went fast) and it's a fun idea (hot dog/sausage in a tubular bun). The food was good and tasty, and all four of us got something different. I would recommend giving it a go, but for me, I think once was enough.
(3)Jen A.
Went for lunch - delish! Veggie dog with mild sauce and mango relish - very good but next time will get the spicy sauce. Lemonade is great - refreshing and not too sweet. Don't miss for a quick bite!
(4)Joye W.
Loved this! They have vegetarian and sausage varieties. Very cool Hawaiian take on a hot dog. I had a veggie dog with mango relish and dijon. It was delicious. Not much seating though, so you may find yourself standing and eating.
(4)Alexandra T.
I dream about this place when I'm on the mainland. I love the lilikoi mustard... And the lemonade is fabulous. I only wish that there were more chunks of fruit in the relish. I remember the relish being chunkier when I first tried Puka Dog about 10 years ago.
(4)Marc S.
I found Puka Dog a few years ago. My favorite is the spicy sausage with papaya and lilikoii mustard. The fresh squeezed lemonade goes great with the dogs. Eat there for lunch. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Madisyn S.
Love the Puka Dog! We island hopped from Oahu and before we left we mentioned to a friend we had heard about Puka Dog. Her response? "You HAVE to go!" We both got the classic dog with the mango relish and it was amazing! The chickens like it too! As soon as we came outside we were surrounded by chickens who wanted some of our bread! Many of the reviews say the Puka Dog is huge so we came with big appetites. Maybe we are just big eaters but we were a little disappointed in the size. Maybe slightly bigger than the average hotdog, but not enough to really make a difference. Definitely get the lemonade!
(5)A T.
I'll start out by saying that the girl at the register was so sweet and very friendly. Good service here gets an extra star. The Hot dog ( polish ) is not really a Hot dog at all. Unique? Yes. Delicious? Eh.... A bigger variety of dog choices would be awesome.
(3)Mr. J.
I give Puka Dog 4 stars for what it is -considering everything is relative. There is no doubt that this place has great dogs on (actually in) fresh, soft buns. As you can read in the other reviews, also a great selection of relishes and sauces. Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY! Is it a fun place to go if you are in the area and need a quick bite? Without a doubt, yes again. PD is also reasonable $$ in a place where everything is quite expensive. With this said, I would not recommend a 40 minute drive just to have a Puka -!unless you are a real hot dog fan. Yet, if I were a local, I would be drawn back to try many PD combinations. Then again, I love what my Japanese friend calls "class B working man food"
(4)phillip l.
Wow, surprisingly good and authentic to the islands. Really happy to find this place and will definitely go back! We ordered one dog to try and my wife immediately bought another! The sauces are unique, worth every penny and wait.
(5)Paula P.
Finally got to try my first puka dog today and it didn't disappoint! I got the polish dog with regular garlic sauce, pineapple relish and Hawaiian mustard. The combo created amazing flavors in my mouth and I loved that the inside of the bun was toasted but the outside was still soft. I also added a fresh squeezed lemonade which was the perfect combo of sweet and bitter. I need to go back to enjoy the flavors one more time before I leave.
(5)Megs H.
I could eat these all day. My husband wasn't as thrilled with his plain dog with regular mustard but mine with the pineapple & mango relishes + their specialty mustard was a DELIGHT!! Tip 1: Get the fresh squeezed lemonade with HALF THE SUGAR!! Trust me... it's more than plenty. Unless you don't want to own your teeth any longer, which is cool... Tip 2: Ask the locals what they refer to this hotdog "bun" at... hahahahaha
(5)Scott G.
Not really a hot dog fan, but these are not hot dogs, they are super dogs. The tropical flavors leave you wanting more. It's where sweet tropical fruit meets salty juice polish dog and best of all no mess. It's the perfect lunch to grab on your way to the beach for a quick grab and go. Get it spicy, mild, or medium and pick your fruity relish. Enjoy!
(4)Jennifer H.
Not sure how this one can earn anything less than 5 stars! I know what you are thinking, it's a hot dog ... but really, trust me it is more than a hot dog. The girls working the place are super cute and very nice. I ordered a 'spicy' polish dog and had them add the island mustard. The combination of these things with the 'island slaw' that comes on the hot dog (and whatever other standard bits are on there) was absolutely delicious. I come from Chicago where we know our hot dogs (Portillo's and Hot Doug's) and this competes right up there with one of the best hot dogs I've ever had. Highly recommend this joint, this is a don't miss! Cost of hot dog was around $6 with a drink, chips, and tip came out to around $12.
(5)William G.
Puka Dogs are GREAT. I came to this location back in 2009 when I visited the islands. Wasnt disappointed. Came back the other day.....5 years later and it's still great. The reason I gave 4 stars has to do with the fact that the sauce inside the bun wasnt much. ):
(4)Pook M.
After I wrote my last review, the manager sent me a nice message on Yelp. I appreciated the effort, so when I found myself back on the island a year later I decided to give it another try. This time around no one messed up my order and the veggie dog was delicious and dairy-free! I would eat here again for a simple, quick meal with more of that fantastic coconut relish.
(3)Mike P.
Never being more than a "Polish dog with the works" at Costco kinda guy, we hit Puka Dog with more than a little anxiety, but with lots of referrals from friends! With some prodding from the counter person, i ordered 2 polish dogs, one with Hawaiian relish and one with Mango relish. I was not disappointed. Yes, they ARE more expensive than the Costco digs, but OMG are they good! By the way, also try the home squeezed lemonade.... To die for!
(5)Matt G.
The dogs were awesome, secret sauce a nice addition and loved the unusual relishes that I've never seen anywhere before. We asked for a couple relishes on the side and they had no problem with that. Staff was super busy but still found the time to be very nice and helpful to us. Lemonade was overhyped though and just about every customer bought one. Too much ice and lemon wedge made the volume not worth the price and I can make it better at home. Overall they are a tad overpriced but what isn't on the island and the original nature of what they make makes it worthwhile to check out. Plus it wasn't a terribly overpriced lunch and a fun new experience.
(4)Minh C.
Not bad for a hot dog joint! I like that the hot dogs are in a roll, one end of which is closed, so no risk of it falling out. Check out some of the photos for the surfboard menu - the items are a novelty, at least for those from the mainland ;) If the weather's hot, try Puka Dog's lemonade! Sweet, cold, and fresh! Will be back here if I find myself back on K'auai in the future.
(4)Adam H.
What a uniquely Hawaiian way to prep a hot dog, more specifically a polish. Great tropical favors with the Mango relish and lilikoi mustard. Wash it all Dow with a fresh squeezed lemonade and you are set.
(5)Katty C.
The dogs here are okay. I would give it a half-star more but that is it. Beware, the so call "hot" sausage is not no spicy at all. Not that it tasted bad, but just not spicy. PROs: 1) Sausage is big, hot and freshly grilled 2) The hole in the bun where the sausage goes in is lightly grilled 3) Many dressings to choose from, from traditional ketchup/Relish to Hawaiian themed mango, pineapple, etc dressing CONs: 1) The lemonade is so blend. They use only 1 lemon for each cup. Taste like diluted lemon juice. Not even cold. 2) Wait is long. The cashier also prepares the lemonade while the hot dog guy stands there and watch. 3) For my dog, the sausage is not pushed all the way in and the bottom is filled with the mango dressing. I cannot finish the last few bytes as the hot dog has become a soggy bun soaked in sticky mango dressing. Overall, good enough I went back one more time to try a different dressing.
(3)Kevin M.
We generally go here once on a trip to Kauai, and it has lost a little luster over the years. The people running it are pleasant, but they don't have the same enthusiasm as the owner used to. The buns are still soft and sweet, and the fancy sauces are very good, but the veggie dog wasn't very hot, sort of like they hurried it off the grill to move our order along. We probably will try it one more time on another trip, just 'coz it's so unique and close by our condo, but it didn't generate that "omygosh this is good" excitement it did the first few times we ate here.
(3)Maile M.
Best hotdog I've had in my life! I can't believe I waited so long to go here. The pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard were to die for. The staff was friendly and eager to make recommendations based on your likes/dislikes. It's a little pricey but worth it.
(5)McKane D.
Delicious and unique. We went twice on our trip and really enjoyed it both times. I loved the mango relish with the Hawaiian mustard.
(5)Ethan G.
Was told that Puka Dog is a must, and boy I'm glad I went! You have the selection of a polish dog or a veggie dog. From there, you pick a sauce (mild, medium, hot) and a relish (tropical/traditional selections). People that are vegetarian/vegan have options which is nice! I don't usually like mustard, so when they asked if I wanted it I said no. They lady offered it on the side, so I said sure. I'm glad she made that suggestion, 'cause their mustard is delicious. I hate yellow mustard, but theirs has a nice tang to it. I kinda was bad and dipped my chips in it. Nom nom nom. I'd def stop by again, and recommend this place to a friend. Only reason it gets 4 stars is the cost. It's basically a CostCo Polish Dog, but with all their sauces and a special bun. If you're on a budget, I'd just make a stop at the food court instead.
(4)Aaron B.
Ok hotdog. Good bun. Long line. So after you wait through a decent sized line you get to order a hot dog. I went straight up traditional ketchup, mustard and relish. This was on a hot polish with the special sauce. Well hot is all relative I guess as this was slightly above the temp of ketchup. The dog was a bit over cooked but the bun was good. The garlic, special sauce, was a bit greasy for me but not horrible. Price commiserate with a baseball game dog but not as good. It's a great tourist trap but nothing extraordinary in terms of culinary delight. Go to say you went not to have a life changing gastronomic event.
(3)Matt P.
Most unique dog I've ever had. Was pretty sceptical that I'd like it, but was quite pleased. Don't worry about the spiciness of the different sauces- I had the hottest and didn't note any heat. Staff was friendly and quite quick (we came at a busy rush right at the start of lunch). Certainly worth going out of your way to give one of these a try.
(4)Steven A.
This is a must in Kauai.The line was pretty long but worth the wait. The puka dog and lemonade will hit the spot. I love Kauai!!!!!!
(5)John C.
To quote my GF more like Puke-A dog. Way , way, way too much of the garlic lemon sauce and the syrupy sweet tropical relish. I had two bites and had to throw mine away. If you dare to give it a shot go sauce on side.
(1)Aaron S.
A bit over rated. It's still a hot dog. The sauces lacked a bit of flavor. Checked off our list and not necessary to return.
(3)Kasey K.
Loved the puka dogs! My husband went with pineapple and I went with Papaya. Both were good. I preferred the papaya because it was sweeter. Be aware there's a long line to get your dog but it's worth it.
(5)Hannah C.
Summary: fun and different local twist on the traditional hot dog, but the flavors were blander than I expected and could've been much bolder and stronger. Yes, this place was featured on the Travel Channel, as they prominently displayed on a sign out front. And yes, they have an innovative twist on the hot dog (toasting the bun from the inside out and fully encasing the sausage in the bun, which keeps everything intact and not splitting/falling apart). But they could really make this place shine with a few minor improvements. First, the tropical relish/condiments: good idea. Tropical tasting? Not quite. The fun punchy flavors I expected in the mango, lilikoi, and pineapple relish ordered by my family was more creamy than fruity. This was exacerbated by my #2 gripe: all of our sauce was at the bottom of the dog... There has to be a more effective perhaps scientific way to spread the sauce so that there is an even distribution throughout every bit of the dog. We all had puddles of sauce at the last few bites of our dogs. :( A tip: get a free fresh-squeezed and well-balanced (not too sweet or sour!) lemonade by mentioning the Puka Dog ad in the Kauai Dining magazine. Fun to try, but nothing that I would recommend as a must-eat to friends visiting Poipu.
(3)Gemma R.
Long lines that went fairly quickly. I asked for a polish with hot sauce (jalapeno),mango relish and mustard. The relish was really good but it was not spicy or hot at all. I guess I'll go with the Lava next time. I really wished the buns were toasted all the way around instead of just in the inside. I do like the crunch when you take at bite though. Another good thing was the lemonade which is freshly squeezed. Very small shop so don't expect a lot of seating. Lots of outdoor seating but beware of the crazy ass birds that apparently aren't afraid of humans. (lesson learned, don't feed the birds.)
(4)Kris R.
Ono hot dogs!! Whenever we vacation on Kauai we always have to stop in and get the best hot dog on the island! Love the concept and the flavor. My favorite is the polish sausage with the Mango relish. Definitely recommend anyone visiting Kaua'i to stop in and try a dog. They have so many different flavored relishes. Broke da mouth!!
(5)Randall W.
Note this is for the puka dog shaved ice. Not the restaurant. Ok...so overall , price Is the average from what we've seen around kauai. Since we've been coming here biennially since approximately 1996. We came here back in 2012 and it was decent, and so since we were staying nearby we decided to swing by again after going to bubbas. There were three of us, and all of us were a bit dissapointed. I hope it was just an off day. The girl working the stand was pleasant but didn't for the ice very well. She didn't pack or shape the ice at all, which resulted in major reduction in ice to water as the flavoring was added. The flavoring didn't reach 3/4 through the ice. And the ice cream underneath was wimpy and literally one sided...so small ice, little flavoring, wimpy ice cream =unhappy us. We'll try one more time when we come back later this year, but don't have much hopes for it being better sad to say.
(1)Bri O.
Yesss, meat in a bun, what's not to love? Puka has such a simple concept with their menu, and it's so genius. So at Puka you order your sausage: Polish or veggie, how spicy you want it (mild to really hot), a tropical relish (I know pineapple and mango sounds weird on a hot dog, but trust me it's good), and condiments (hawaiian honey mustard, etc). It's touristy, so there will most likely be a long line whenever you go, but it's worth it.
(4)Gaynol F.
We stopped on in our vacation and I'm so glad we did. This place isn't much to look at and only has a few tables but you can usually find seating outside in the shopping plaza. I thought the hot dogs were good and really unique. The garlic lemon sauce and fruit relish combos were great together. Plus the buns were awesome! In order to toast them on the inside, they jam the buns onto a heated spike that reminds me of a medieval torture device but when the buns are pulled off they are toasty and delicious. For the island, I thought prices were great and it was nice to pick up a meal for under $20.
(4)Allie F.
My order: Polish dog with papaya relish, hot sauce, and Hawaiian mustard. This place is AMAZING. The staff was friendly, the service was prompt, and the food was delicious. I highly recommend trying this if you're in the area. Also--their lemonade is freshly squeezed and fantastic. 10/10 would eat again.
(5)Amber T.
Can't believe I've waited 28 years to finally have a puka dog! I've been to Kauai numerous times before, but only have tried it now. The puka dog is like a pig in the blanket, with whatever sauce you want put within the bun. But what really makes the puka dog, is the lightly toasted buttery inside of the bun. It makes all the difference! I tried the Polish dog, Waimea Canyon (Banana relish) with lilikoi sauce. The lilikoi sauce and waimea canyon is delicious, adding a sweet kick to the hot dog. Rather than ketchup and mustard. If going Kauai you have to get one of these! I heard there is a Puka Dog on Oahu, but not sure? Have to research into this.
(5)Lauren T.
After seeing this place on the Travel Channel and Food Network, I was super excited to finally have the opportunity to try a Puka Dog! I had the polish dog, with spicy jalapeno, and pineapple relish. What makes this dog special are the toppings. I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of them, however the spicy jalapeno was really weak in terms of spice level. I was kind of sad that my bun split right down the middle, so it looked more like a traditional hot dog. (The puka bun's are supposed to be fully enclosed with only the top open to put the hot dog and sauces down the center.) Puka Dog was the highlight of a very small and sad mall!
(4)Lily L.
I was expecting something really awesome based on all the reviews. I wouldn't say it wasn't good but I don't know that this was much different than a Costco dog with the option of a fancy sauce and toppings and a higher price. Not a bad stop but I don think we will go back.
(3)Lauren F.
Definitely not your average hot dog. When we got here I'll admit I was a bit overwhelmed with all my choices for toppings and all the possible combinations. I ended up going with the Polish Sausage (huge! delicious!) with Hot Chili Pepper sauce, Lilikoi Mustard, and Pineapple Relish. The Hot Chili Pepper sauce wasn't spicy at all, heck I didn't even taste it, and next time I would go for their lava sauce which is HOT and not even listed on the menu. If I had to do it again I would just get the lava sauce and mustard and ask for small cups of a few of the relishes so I could try them all. Definitely delicious though, I just wish we were staying closer to Poipu so we could go back for more!
(4)John Y.
Innovated way of preparing a hot dog! We loved the presentation and low key vibe of the establishment. Our favorite was the Spicy hotdog with the Mango relish. A bit out of the way if you're on the eastern side of the island, it's definitely worth the trip. Highly recommended!
(4)Antonio D.
Wow this place is a true Hawaiian Gem!!!! The line was long , but it went fast and was well worth the wait for this hot dogs stuffed in these buns that are indescribably delicious with one of Their unique relishes.
(5)Salina Z.
We LOVED Puka Dog the first time we visited Kauai and was quite disappointed this time around. The bread seemed dry, overtoasted, or old. They seemed a bit stingy on the sauce and the dog was pretty dry/overdone. We had the mango relish which was delicious again and the lemonade was very refreshing (even if they pour a cup of sugar into it in front of you). Hopefully it was just an off day.
(3)Vivian N.
Amazing hotdogs. So simple yet so genius! The bread is a Hawaiian sweet bread that completely engulfs the hotdog. Sweet and savory! The bun is toasted inside so it's crispy when you take your bite into the bun. The different types of relishes are a win! super win! Coconut, mango, pineapple I love them all! We were in Hawaii for 4 days and ate here twice! Must try! Cheap, hole in the wall - the best kind of food anyways!
(4)Nicole I.
A Poipu staple! I love grabbing a veggie dog from this insanely popular stand. As a vegetarian, you are usually left with the choice of a salad or a veggie burger at most restaurants but I have never seen a veggie dog in any restaurant that I have been to. On occasion I do miss a BBQd hot dog (as long as I don't think about what I am actually eating) and making them at home doesn't always end up as a success. So when I noticed a veg friendly option on their menu, I jumped at the opportunity to actually have similar food to what the rest of my family was eating rather than have to go scrounging for food at a different restaurant. Their regular hotdogs are impressively large so to compensate, they use two of the veggie dogs, add your customized sauces and wrap that sucker up in a delicious coating of carbs. They are so freaking good but you do have to give yourself some extra time as it is always packed with the line exiting their rope door. As everything is made to order, it takes a while for your food to come out especially if there's a line but trust me, it is totally worth it!
(4)Al P.
What can I say, ids awesome. We even had to go here twice in one week when we stayed on kauai. If you like spicy, ask for the lava sauce! I had lava sauce, pineapple relish, and lilikoi mustard, which is was amazing, sweet spicy, and nice neat complete package.
(5)Phung D.
If you stay in Poipu, lucky for you! We stayed in Kaapa so it was quite a drive. Since we were going to Poipu beach, it was just around the corner for us. I can imagine the line at lunch time. Went at 3 so if was not too bad. You won't see this from outside the parking lot. It's behind the Whalers general store. 1. Pick your dog. Polish or veggie. We went with polish that day 2. Pick your spice. Mild, hot, spicy. We picked spicy and was told that they have LAVA as well. We got lava and it has a slight kick to it. Spicy was nothing...not even one bit spicy! 3. Pick your relish. Their popular one is mango relish or pineapple. We tried one of each and I like pineapple better. Mango was TOOO SWEEET! 4. You can also get traditional mustard on the side and their popular one is LILIKOI. I thought it was okay. Kinda sweet too. So imagine if you mix that with mango..double the sweetness!!! The hot dog itself is nothing special but I really like the bread! The inside is very crunchy, which is so good! The sauce was awesome too. Get their fresh squeeze lemonade. It goes well with the dog.
(4)Lisa D.
Perfect post beach treat! I had the polish dog with coconut relish, and Hawaiian mustard. Wow..... the sweet coconut mixed with the salty dog is incredible. By the way, the relish isn't your typical chunky relish, it's almost like a paste. It reminds me of the filling you'd find in Chinese cocktail buns. my hubbs got starfruit and mango relish in his dogs, both we're also a delish mix if sweet and salty.
(5)Kelly R.
Holy mother of god. Ok so I've never had Hawaiian hot dogs so I don't know anything except that a friend recommended this place. I got everything she told me to order, read: HAWAIIAN MUSTARD. Delicious!!!!! Also the lemonade is really good. Not too sweet but not sour. Kids that work there are really friendly and service is fast. You can't do Kauai without stopping by here.
(5)Katy A.
This place was so good. I was very impressed while we visited here. Great flavors and the staff are wonderful.
(5)Ryan J.
Amazing place I had the polish hot dog with the original garlic secret sauce with cocoanut relish the most addictive recipe of a hot dog hate to leave this island and go back to california
(5)Erica W.
The pineapple relish& Hawaiian mustard easily makes this hot dog one of the best! Their Maui chips (sour cream and onion) got me hooked and I spent the rest of our last trip trying to find them everywhere we went- delicious!
(5)Leah L.
My husband and I ate here three times on our honeymoon. We thought the dogs were filling and pretty great. They also have delicious lemonade. We also ate at two other fast food restaurants while we were in Kauai- Chicken in a Barrel and Shrimo Station. We both thought Puka Dog was the best of the three, by far. They are kind of pricey for hot dogs, but everything on the island is pricey. They are tasty and fill you up.
(4)Liz P.
We LOVE this place. I mean LOVE. The only reason I don't give it five stars is because, well, it's a hot dog that you eat sitting outside with paper towels, and 5 stars seems excessive. :-) We have tried all the Hawaiian relishes, and I think pineapple and mango are our favorites. Tip: the spicy sauce isn't very hot, and tones down the sweetness of the relishes quite nicely. Another thing that keeps them from being 5 star: the lemonade is lame. It's low on lemon, high on sugar, and tastes more lime water than anything. But heck, you didn't come to Puka Dog for lemonade, right?
(4)Chelsea D.
Food is amazing!! Staff is friendly!! Great prices for kauai! Veggie or polish dog. Tried the veggie dog and loved it. Honestly the best hot dog I have ever had and my husband loved it as well.Loved the sauces that they put on the hotdogs, I wanna say it's a mild garlic sauce. The relish is amazing and the bread is crispy on the inside. The hot dog is in-cased in the bread. Very unique place to eat
(5)Mark G.
The hot dog itself was tasty, but it had too much sauce for my liking and the "Lava" garlic lemon secret sauce was far from hot. This dog walked away with his tail between his legs.
(2)Aimee B.
My family has gone to Kauai, and stayed at the Kiahuna Plantation many times (my husband 10+ times over his life). Puka Dogs is our favorite lunch spot near Poipu. It is cheap, unique and totally delicious. My favorite "standard" combo is pineapple relish for the tang + lilokoi mustard. I'm for the veggie dog, but both are yummy. If they have it (only gotten it once), the starfruit relish is pretty tasty too! Even the buns are fresh and delish. Grab your dogs and go sit on the grass in front of the Kiahuna condos staring at Poipu perfection... You cannot beat that lunch. PS I'd pay a LOT for that moment right now!
(5)Glenn R.
I've been coming here for a few years since I saw Puka Dog on the travel channel. They accept cards now which is a plus (no need to use the ATM anymore!). I always get the polish with the Hawaiian Mustard and the Pineapple relish and am never disappointed. I always make sure to go to Puka Dog when I return to the island of Kauai.
(5)Tori L.
Confession: I really like hot dogs. Sometimes I even eat them for breakfast. Anyway, my point is I have had many a hot dog in my day. And dare I say it but this is the best I've ever had. I had a hot dog+pineapple relish+secret sauce+Hawaiian mustard+ketchup and had to force myself to eat it sloowwwllly to savor it. TRY IT. Get a lemonade and Maui chips with it and you will have an excellent lunch. For us it was worth the walk from the Sheraton on the side of road and past the construction site where we made awkward eye contact with the workers that were getting high in their trucks.
(5)Bianka V.
Interesting flavors! If you go don't just get a regular dog, you have to try it their way!!! I got a spicy dog with their mustard and mango jelly! Amazing!!
(4)Emily D.
Cute little place in the shopping center. Very laid back and local-feeling (though I'm not a local Hawaiian so what do I know). There is definitely a lot of bread but there is also a lot of sauce so it was good to have something to soak it all up. Definitely not a refined meal you will have that delicious mustard sauce all over your face but it tastes great so who cares. I got mine with the mango relish, mustard, and standard garlicky sauce. Really yummy with some onion flavored Maui chips.
(4)Mary R.
Worth a visit. Vegetarian and sausage. Definitely go lava on the spicy - the spicy is not spicy at all! My daughter declared it one of her best meals ever!
(4)Shayna L.
The lemonade is a must to drink with your puka dog. Granted, the drink is mostly sugar but it's still good. I like the mild and spicy garlic lemon sauce. The lilikoi mustard is popular with the people I've gone with, but it's not my type of condiment. If I would recommend a relish it would be the pineapple one. Bread comes nice a toasted and the dog inside has a nice snap to it too.
(5)Benjamin G.
So... I always catch that Hot Dog Paradise show on the Travel Channel and since Puka Dog is featured... I figured I'd give it a shot. They grill their dogs on a Char Broil grill and you can get a polish dog or a veggie dog. The interesting part is how they take these Hawaiian style bread rolls and skewer them on these heated spikes that toast the insides of the buns so the dog slides right in with what ever fruit relishes or sauces you have chosen. Spicy really wasn't "spicy" but the relishes and mustards were really tasty and enjoyable. The bonus for this place is the hand squeezed, cocktail shaken lemonades... each lemonade order gets fresh squeezed lemon juice, C&H sugar, and water all shaken in a stainless steel cocktail shaker like you just ordered a martini... this made for a damn good lemonade!
(4)Stacy I.
Two words, Lilikoi Mustard!!! Best Mustard in the world. It's another stop whenever I make it out there. If you've never tried a Puka Dog, you should have started yesterday.
(5)Amy M.
Yum! We had this twice in three days just to check out the different combos. My recommendation, mango relish with the hot sauce and polish sausage. Seriously good stuff!
(5)Bobby L.
I've had Puka Dog on Oahu and here in Kauai. They're both just as good. It does happen to be on the pricier side of a hot dog but I can assure you, you won't get this flavor anywhere else. The tubed bread roll that allows for minimum spillage of delicious tropical condiments in ingenious and while the little metal vertical stakes used to toast up the bun seems straight out of a medieval torture chamber, it gets the job done and is quite entertaining to watch, once. The hot dog itself is filling and while these relishes, mustards, and garlic sauces seem to be a dissonant combination, they work surprisingly well. They lines may be long but they go by fairly quickly for island standards. In case you're having trouble finding the place, it's located within the Poipu Shopping Village. Enjoy!
(4)Thomas V.
Service was quick but I should've known better when I came and there was no one else eating there...we got 2 polish dogs and a lemonade for a little under 20 which is cheap considering the area but immediately wished I had gone elsewhere once I started eating...although the first couple of bites were interesting there is way too much bread and not enough sausage/sauce. Glad I tried it but won't be back.
(3)Morgan H.
Came here while on vacation and I am so glad we stumbled across it while shopping in Poipu!! Ordered the hot polish sausage with pineapple relish and Hawaiian mustard. The hot dog comes in a bread roll that is slightly sweet, and let me tell you this makes regular hot dogs seem bland and boring!! The food is inexpensive and totally delicious! Order the fresh lemonade, they make it right in front of you by the glass. I saw how much sugar she put in it, so I asked for Splenda and it still tasted great. Our new favorite!!
(5)Jack L.
Simply put, a mecca for hot dog fans. Why else would people pay over $6 for a dog, when at Costco a dog + drink costs $1.50? Is the Hawaiian garnishing really worth $4.50 plus a drink? (the answer is yes, as evidenced by the long lines)
(4)Sara W.
Checked this place out yesterday based on everyone telling me, "if you're going to kauai you HAVE to get a puka dog!!" Boy, am I glad I listened. These puka dogs are outta this world. First, pick your dog: polish or veggie. Next pick your garlic sauce: mild (original), jalapeño (spicy), or chili pepper (hot!) Next up: pick your relish...mango, pineapple are the most popular, but they also have papaya, banana, coconut, and star fruit. Then you can add ketchup/mustard. I highly recommend the polish with jalapeño sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi (passion fruit) mustard. I now know the puka dog's greatness and I want to go back again bc there are so many good sounding combinations!! Didn't take long to order or pickup my puka...not a big joint so not a lot of places for you to sit and dine inside, but lots of benches outside to enjoy the weather. It's only breakfast time and already I want a puka dog...DAMN FINE HAWAIIAN FOOD!! Go get some!
(5)Glenn R.
Best dawgs in the world, period.
(5)Becka C.
Such a cool idea! The hot dog is inside freshly (daily) baked bread!! Plus the different types of condiments - I love the mild garlic spread. The owner was so nice and friendly! Plus their lemonade is so good. We also had their shaved ice - I had the coconut beach with ice cream - yummy! Everyone must stop by when they are here!
(5)Graham K.
So a 4 star hot dog? Well, really a polish sausage with really good condiments. The mango relish was awesome. I love the buns. I wish I could buy hot dog buns like that. The lemonade was perfect. The service was super friendly. I'm a fan.
(4)Jeffrey S.
One of the best hole in the wall places I have been to in a very long time. The menu is very simple but beyond delicious. They offer a variety of toppings and sauces to go along with your choice of polish or veggie dog. The bun was genius! The bun completely encompasses the dog so it doesn't slip or fall out and is even toasted on the inside! I ordered only one dog but wish I had more and more! I'll definitely miss this place once I go back home to Las Vegas.
(5)Christina S.
Wasn't expecting to like this place as I have a pretty bland taste pallet. However, I was shockingly surprised and loved it! I had the polish dog with mango salsa and yellow Hawaiian mustard x2 with lemonade and 2 chips for $23! The lemonade was freshly squeezed and paired perfectly with the dogs, yum!
(5)K P.
Best food we had out all week! Best price too. Mango & pineapple with Lilliko mustard was amazing. Sounds weird, but this is why it is a must. Kids loved it too. Near a bunch of cool shops & save room for Gelato right next door. You can buy products at a shop on the island or order & ship online. We did!!
(5)Orville C.
I want more Puka Dog! The lines can be long and might be worth the wait, that'll be up to you. But it is good they say the hot is hot but it's more medium than anything, mix the sauces I like the passion fruit with mango.
(4)Ryan D.
Great tasting Polish Dog with Spicy Jalapeño, Mango relish and Lilikoi mustard. Very tasty, very friendly staff. Dog, chips and lemonade for $10...great value!!
(4)Greg V.
Great different take on the traditional hot dog. I recommend that you don't get ketchup on it even though I always do (I skipped ketchup). Try the Hawaiian mustard with your dog. Skip the fresh lemonade. It's the only drink they offer and its freshly made but it has absolutely no taste.
(4)Jeffrey B.
BAD DOG very bad dog!!!!! Anthony Bourdain what the hell were you smokin when you praised this crap. My wife is still ill a day later from eating there!! She had the veggie dog. Beware of this place!!
(1)Sarah L.
Kind of disappointed after hearing so many great things about this place. The hotdogs were good, but very overpriced. The fruit "relish" is nothing more than goopy jam squirted into the bun. While the flavor is okay I think $20 for two dogs and lemonades is too much. I'll continue going to Costco for my hotdogs.
(2)Kimmie A.
Loved the Puka Dog!! Had the polish dog with spicy sauce, pineapple relish and the Hawaiian mustard. Nom, nom, nom. The way they toast the inside of the bun on a spike is pretty neat. I enjoyed the crunch it added. We also had the same dog with the mango instead of pineapple and it was great too. Decided to try the shave ice. Not the best I've had. The coconut syrup tasted slightly like soap. Wish they had sweetened condensed milk for the snow cap. Didn't like the coconut cream so much.
(4)L T.
Only con: not enough seats when it's raining We managed to get a spot on the coveted bench Sausage with lilikoi mustard spicy was da bomb!!!
(4)Eric R.
Service was excellent. Good advice on mustards, toppings, and kids options. Quick delivery of the food. And then the food. Its good, but not light-my-hair-on-fire great. The spicy jalapeno mustard is not spicy. It is very tasty. The polish meat dog is tasty. The bun is very good as well. Try this place. It's iconic.
(4)Lindsey S.
Puka Dog is overpriced and has young girls working, which means that they are sassy! But it is so delicious I don't mind! The bun is so well proportioned to the sauce and polish sausage that every mouthful is amazing! When looking at mild spicy or hot secret sauce spicy is not really spicy, it more just has flavor. My favorite is the Polish, Spicy, Kauai, with Lilikoi mustard. And the lemonade is delicious and made fresh with about half a cup of sugar, just again, overpriced!
(4)Giulianna N.
Whats so great about a hot dog in Kauai??? ..... thats what I thought.. before I tried it. This hotdog stand is tucked away in the Poipu shopping center village, it may take a little time to find.. but its so worth it! The staff are young locals, all super friendly who talked us through all the different options available.. we ended up ordering veggie (soy) for me and polish sausage for the hubby. Their unique bun envelopes most of the hot dog, and although it may not look beautiful and all that appetizing in the pictures, their creative secret sauces more than make up for the presentation!! I ended up pairing my veggie dog with amazing mango relish and their recommended tangy lilikoi mustard for the perfect balance of sweet and sour! When I tasted it.... dudes-- I was literally drop kicked in the taste buds when I took a bite into my hot dog! What a crazy delicious idea! This original twist on a traditional staple is brilliant! And I cant wait to come back and get our Puka Dog fix!! Highly Recommend!!
(5)Marti L.
Hawaiian style hot dogs. Simple options for customizing your hot dog. 1) hot dog: polish sausage or veggie 2) garlic lemon secret sauce: original, spicy or hot 3) topping: traditional (ketchup, mustard, sweet relish) or tropical (mango, pineapple, coconut, starfruit, papaya, or banana relish) Kauai Special ( yelp.com/biz_photos/puka… ): polish sausage with original secret sauce and mango relish. Sounds definitely better than it looked and tasted. After standing in line for 15 minutes, I ended up with a lukewarm bagel dog with unappealing orange ooze. The polish sausage was bland. The pillow of bun around it left little to be desired. There was too much of it and was weirdly soft without much taste and texture. The most disappointing part was the so-called relish. For $6.75, I expected something fresh like real mangoes and made with more effort. Not an orange ooze that looked like something from a squeeze bottle. It didn't even taste like mango. The secret sauce was the only thing that was right. But since it was pumped in first, it was all the way at the bottom. By then it was just too late and not enough to correct my disappointment. Not worth the time or money.
(2)Clogozm C.
I had the polish dog with the mango relish and lilikoi mustard. I asked for it to be spicy but didn't really taste the spice. I liked it regardless. But I like sweet things and the relish and mustard were on the sweet side. I would like to give this a 3.5 star rating but can't so I went with 4 because it is unique and definitely worth a stop if you're in Poipu though not worth driving to from farther just to try out.
(4)Linda F.
Mild Polish Puka Dog with Papaya relish. The bread was toasted & amazing but hot dog itself was pretty cold. It was fun to try em but don't think I'll have to go back again.
(3)Vindya D.
We had the vegetarian/vegan Hot Dog and fresh lemon juice. It was very delicious. The condiments were a nice touch, a little too sweet.
(5)Amanda H.
Great staff and wonderful hotdogs. The idea and flavor profile is very unique. They should seriously think about bring it to the mainland. Also, the staff there is always ready to give you ideas and do not be afraid to get a sausage with a little heat.
(4)Stephanie H.
Literally one of my favorite parts of our recent vacation to Kauai!!! Puka dogs are RIDICULOUSLY DELICOUS!!!! Thank goodness we discovered this place on our last day or we probably would have gone every single day. The lemonade is so good too. I can't wait to visit again when we return to HI!
(5)Milena P.
Amazingly tasty hawaiian style hot dogs! Must stop by and try out if you are visiting the garden island. I had mine mild, polish sausage, mango relish, added the recommended house mustard. My husband had the same but with pineapple relish. Yummy!
(5)Min H.
We had a spicy sausage(not spicy at all) with mango relish and lilikoi mustard, a mild polish with sweet relish and lilikoi mustard, and a fresh lemonade, which was the best part of our meal. While the relish and mustard were fragrant and favorful, we thought the sauces were on the heavier side in proportion to the sausage. As another reviewer mentioned, the bread is way oversized for their sausage. I had a huge hunk of bread left over oozing with fruit relish at the end. We only have 5 lunches to fit into our trip to Kauai, and do not think we will be retracing our steps to have another overpriced average hotdog.
(2)Sher R.
Pretty good for a hot dog. The relish outshines the hot dog and bun by far. I had the veggie dog that was sadly tasteless; I was hoping that it was homemade or something a little different than a packaged soy dog. But the mango relish was delicious as was the lemonade which very welcome with the hot temperatures. Hubby had the polish sausage which he said was very good. I'd go back again if I was in the mood for a hot dog.
(3)Grayson S.
For sure try this place while you are here. Honestly, the dog itself was not like to die for or anything but the food is unique and the flavor combinations are interesting.
(5)Adam F.
This is a no joke dog. A Hawaiian treat for sure. Had 2 in the week I was on island and enjoyed both. Did the polish dog, spicy (and then hot) with the mango relish and special mustard. The roll is a warmed Hawaiian bun. Little known fact. There are TWO Puka Dogs on the island. Hanalei and south side. The menus are the same EXCEPT the Hanalei location also has Lava sauce. Hotter than the hot I got. This was NOT on the menu on the south side location. Just a heads up if you like the hot stuff. Can't comment on how hot - didn't order it (should have). The Maui onion chips they sell are fabulous and the Lemonade is fresh. Gota go here at least once when you're on the island.
(4)Cindy S.
I enjoyed the polish sausage dog that I tried here! The bread is kolache-like and very soft. Try it with Hawaiian mustard and mango relish- pretty tasty! Also had a fresh squeezed lemonade (half sugar) for an additional $3.
(4)Julie P.
Update! The first thing I did coming off the plane (after getting our rented car) was head to Puka Dog for lunch. This place was just as good as I remembered it. Everything hit the spot. I had to bump it up to 5 stars. You can't go wrong with the Polish mild (or spicy) garlic secret sauce with pineapple relish and lilkoi mustard! *drool* ^__^
(5)Chun P.
Yes, you can get an IKEA Hot Dog for only 50 cents, or a Costco Hot Dog(with a soda!) for only $1.50. At $6.75, a Puka Dog is probably one of the most expensive "hot dog"s you'll ever eat, but its unique, original, and delish! Chun P's Fav Combo: Polish Dog + "Spicy" Garlic Lemon Sauce + Coconut Relish + Lilikoi Mustand. FYI: "Spicy" is like a 2 or a 3 on a scale of 1-10 at a Thai Restaurant. So its really not that spicy at all. Hawaiian cuisine isn't exactly known for its spiciness. SIDE NOTE: The Hotel Del Coronado: $11.50 is the outrageously ridiculous cost of a foot long hotdog at The Hotel Del Coronado. WTF?
(4)Deborah S.
My husband and nieces and nephews love hot dogs, so this was a must-stop during a recent visit to Kauai. We were not disappointed. Had the veggie dog with the pineapple sauce. It was amazing. We enjoyed it so much that we went there three more times in two days. Not too bad. Service was a tad bit slow, but I think that has more to do with the freshness of the dog than anything. The kids loved chasing the roosters, so it was not a huge burden to wait.
(5)Bonnie L.
Absolutely loved it!!!! I got a regular polish dog with ketchup, mustard, and the sweet relish which is just regular pickle relish. The best part was the garlic sauce that they out inside it. AMAZING!!!!! Totally worth it!
(5)Amy B.
Came here from day one of our Honeymoon after a high recommendation from a friend and he did not disappoint! We ended up eating here 3 times, and easily could have went there more! So happy they have a veggie option!! Homemade lemonade was so delish and the relishes and Hawaiian Ketchup were outstanding! Already missing this wonderful little gem. Next trip to Kauai this will be my first stop!
(5)John P.
If you're visiting Kauai this place is a must visit. I had the polish sausage with pineapple relish and the Hawaiian mustard and wow what a unique array of flavors I never knew a hot dog could have. Sooo good.
(5)Bri B.
Heard this place was a MUST while visiting Kauai. Thank god we listened! I went with a polish sausage dog with mango relish, the spicy garlic sauce, and the Hawaiian mustard and WOW! This dogs are by far some of the best I've had. Along with the unique toppings the buns are toasted from the inside out giving it a wonderful toasted texture. I would also recommend you don't skip the lemonade. It's just the right amount of tart and sweet and is very refreshing. We loved this place so much we had to make a second trip. Last but not least the staff were incredible, so friendly and engaging. DO NOT skip Puka Dog!
(5)Jadan W.
I'm not really a hot dog person, but I can easily see myself becoming addicted to this place. I'm so sad there's not one where I live. It's definitely not your average hot dog, there's no ketchup involved! You have your 3 steps, choose a dog, a sauce, and an island special relish. Absolutely delicious. I would recommend this place for anyone visiting the island of Kauai.
(5)Shanisse I.
I agree with Chun P. Puka dog is one of the most expensive hot dogs you'll eat but it IS DELISH!! My sociology class takes a trip to the neighbor islands every semester and we just so happened to travel to Kauai. On our last day of the trip, we stopped by Puka dog after spending the day at Poipu beach. Very Very yummy hot dog. It kind of reminds me of a super sized pig in the blanket. They have all of these different types of relish and sauces you can put in your hot dog. I got the banana type relish and that was really interesting. It was a nice change from the same old ketchup that I put on my hot dog. I even got that lilikoi topping that they dollop right at the tip and it was soooo goood. Their lemonade, Idk if it was because I was just thirsty but it was so refreshing!!!! Too bad I didn't get my own and practically drank all of my boyfriends one. Definitely should give it a try the next time you are in the area. 31 Yelps Review Challenge: #14/31
(4)Celestine J.
A favorite hotdog stand on Kauai. Its a bit pricy for a hotdog, but I love the fact that they have different flavor polish. Customer service is alright. Great combination of hotdog and lemonade. Menu is user friendly and simple to follow.
(4)Bryce R.
Little hot dog stand in a mall. The hot dogs tasted good and they had a number of unique and "Hawaiian" toppings that sounded odd but actually tasted quite good. There was a pretty decent line, and I understand why. Good stuff.
(4)Greg J.
I think it is good for what it is - a hot dog stand. The hot dogs are grilled and putting a hole in the bun toasts it so that was good. I can't remember what we had on ours - just went with what was recommended. I think mango salsa and some kind of garlic mustard. This is one of those places where I am glad I tried it but I don't know that I would use as a limited meal choice on another vacation.
(4)Shana K.
Hands down the best hot dog. This one is definitely worth the hype. The wait staff is fun, the atmosphere is great, and the food is filling and satisfying. It was a bit of a walk from Poipu Bay where we were beaching it for the day, but it was worth the excursion. Get the lemonade was well!
(5)Danielle M.
Yum! Veggie dog with mango relish and a fresh squeezed lemonade. Heaven in a bun! This place is a hot dog joint and shouldn't expect anything more. Food is delicious and the staff is super friendly. As a vegeterain it's nice to be able to have a yummy option.
(5)Chris S.
Awesome stuff. Went with the basic dog with the magical garlic mayo. How do they do it? Don't mess up your dog with ketchup and mustard...stick with the specialty. Oh. And don't forget the fresh lemonade.
(5)An N.
So this hot dog little hut has this basic menu where you pick the kind of dog, and sauce and if you have never been you don't know if it's going to be good or not. I had no idea it was going to be that good for being a hot dog. So I the first day I got the regular polish with mango sauce with the lilikoi mustard. When I got my dog I was surprised to see my dog. So it's a hot dog bun only open from one end and they toast it from the inside out, they slip the mango relish and lilikoi mustard then the dog...let me tell you..my first bite I was amazed at how good this tasted. It's different but in a good way. So good that my family had ate here twice for our dinner. That must tell you something. The 2nd time we ate here for dinner, I got he same thing but a spicey polish dog. You can't even taste the spiceyness, but they have this secret atomic sauce that you just have to know since it's frm their secret menu. Dip your dog in that and it makes it taste that much better if you like a little extra kick. Puka dog is deff a stop you must try when on this island. The place is very small and they do have seating inside but since it's in a plaza you have ouside seating as well.
(4)Jenn L.
Probably more like a 3.5 because it is a hot dog joint after all, but I am indeed a fan and we did eat here twice during our Kauai trip, so I'm rounding up. Puka dog is definitely a unique treat, especially if you get some of their "unique tropical relishes". I tried pineapple, mango, banana, coconut (on different occasions) and although it's kind of difficult to distinguish the flavors once they're all mixed into the dog, the hot dog is delicious nonetheless. The bread is also really awesome! It's super soft and is a little crispy near the actual dog itself, and reminds me of yummy, moist Japanese bread. Definitely worth a trip if you're in the area and craving a quick meal. I will note that it is a little overpriced for a hot dog since it'll cost you around $6.50, but I mean... you're in Kauai and everything is expensive in Kauai.
(4)Katie P.
Very simple concept here. The lemonade is fresh squeezed and is amazing I would go back just to get it. Dogs are good quality but if you are looking for fancy go elsewhere. I'm usually against dining in a shopping center but this place felt local and the dogs were good. You can pick polish sausage or veggie.
(4)Megan L.
My family is obsessed. Three times in one week. As a vegetarian, I love the option.
(4)Howard C.
This is essentially a Costco polish (but smaller) in a big azz piece of bread with some unique sauces. The bread was a good 1.5 inches longer than the polish, which left a big chunk of bread (yes bread, not a bun) with residual sauce at the end. For $6.75, it is definitely not worth it unless you absolutely must have a hotdog while on Kauai. I'll take 4 Costco polishes instead! Anyway, the girl working there was friendly, but check out the Kauai food truck or something else if you want a cheap bite.
(1)Ryan M.
Not bad but definitely overhyped. I could not taste the spicy garlic sauce but the pins pol relish was yummy. It was the perfect amount of good for a quick lunch and reasonably priced.
(3)Tim H.
Had the mild Polish dog with mango relish and lilikoi. Unique twist on the regular hot dog, but I liked it.
(4)Brett H.
Second time this week. Enjoyable and affordable meal. We rely enjoy the food. The employees are great and make the food as requested. Really appreciate a quick place to grab a tasty meal. Tried a few of the garlic sauces and they are all great
(5)Karin S.
Best hot dog in years-Bourdain is right as usual. Hawaii must have! The fruit relishes are amazing, and lilikoi mustard a must try.
(4)Charlotte W.
Yummy hot dogs. Eat here if you are really hungry, because the hot dogs are big. If you're just little hungry, no problem! Split a Puka Dog with a friend! My favorite hot dog place!
(5)Joe T.
Oh so good. Again. The girls here are working their butts off and still very happy and friendly. The dogs are just so different you gotta try them. Too bad they were out of t-shirts, I wanted one!
(5)April V.
The best Dog I have ever tasted. I'm not a huge hot dog person so coming from me, that says a lot. I will be returning to have another before my flight home! Don't miss out on this island treat! Locals even rave about this spot! You will find locals and tourists at this spot on Kauai.
(5)Ken V.
About as simple as it gets -- essentially a barbecue grill, a cash register, and a table with all their sauces, relish, etc. But don't let that stop you. These dogs are delicious, and you're not likely to find the same thing outside of Hawai`i. Two things make them unique. They use a solid bun, which they puncture down the middle. ("Puka" is Hawai`ian for "hole".) The squirt the sauces, which you specify when you order your dog, into the puka and then put the dog in. The sauces are definitely Hawai`i. Mustard and lilikoi (passion fruit), coconut relish, etc. Definitely worth trying a couple of them out. Seating is sporadic at best, but there are a few picnic bench tables strewn around the shopping area. Grab a couple paper towels -- you'll need them! -- and go find a seat. Oh, and the fresh squeezed lemonade is a nice way to wash one down. It's a little on the sweet side, but you can no doubt ask them to hold back on the sugar. They squeeze it for you, one cup at a time. If you're looking for a simple and casual lunch, be sure to stop at Puka Dogs.
(4)Christine B.
So, here's the disclaimer. I love, Love, LOVE hot dogs...so my polish sausage with hot sauce (not really hot at all), pineapple relish (more like pineapple jelly) and lilikoi mustard was less than satisfying. Too much bun, albeit I'll give them props for creativity - a bun that fully encased the hot dog. For almost $7 a dog, my expectations are a bit higher. Lines are long. Service is friendly. Fresh made lemonade is tasty (mention the Kauai Dining Ad for a free bev).
(2)Christina W.
We *of course* went here twice on our vacation! And if you're looking for a snack, one dog is enough for two to share! Our favorite was the polish with pineapple relish & spicy sauce with Hawaiian mustard. Get the mayonnaisey white sauce on the side though! The staff was friendly and hand made each lemonade, made me want to get one!
(4)Angela B.
We were in the area and had the munchies. Checked out Yelp and knew our next stop. This place is in a shopping center, kinda deserted. Puka Dog is smack in the middle and was the only busy shop there, but it was mid-week afterall. I'm sure it gets busy on weekends. They have a very simple menu, pick 1-type of dog, 2-spice level, 3-relish flavor, 4-Lilikoi mustard. They put everything in an inside-toasted, closed bun. LOVE! Their fresh squeeze lemonade is yummy too. Kinda expensive but worth a try if you like eating fun things.
(4)Lauren A.
Delicious! I wish I could eat five more dogs with different toppings. I really enjoyed my dog (sausage, original garlic lemon sauce, mango relish, local mustard) and it came fast. Not sure that $6.75 is the best value for a hotdog, but it was mighty good.
(4)Bob S.
Any meal enjoyed in the midst of a dozen or so roosters, hens and other variety of fowl is, by definition, epic. Puka Dog lived up to the hype and then some. Ended up with Puka for one as the bride didn't feel adventurous. Polish sausage with hot (chili) sweet garlic sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard on the side. Bread was fresh, sausage was good, sauces were smooth and flavorful (and there is not a spicy thing to be found here, no matter how you order it), and the fresh squeezed lemonade was a great compliment. I'll be back before we say aloha!
(5)John F.
I'm not a big hot dog fan, but this place is cool and a fun experience while visiting the island. I recommend for lunch or a quick snack.
(5)Karen M.
We love Puka Dog. The vegetarian sausage is good, and the Polish sausage is good too. Add the garlic sauce (go for the hot or lava, mild is reeaally mild), and the selection of sweet relishes, plus the lilikoi mustard. Fantastic, filling, a great value. Hint #1: ask for a sampler of all the fruit relishes! They will give you small cups of the 6 flavors (coconut, banana, starfruit, guava, papaya, mango) to sample, you can pick your favorite for next visit! Hint #2: There is likely a special offer of a free lemonade in a local dining magazine/tourist food magazine that you just need to mention for your free lemonade with purchase of 2 dogs. We recommend eating inside if there is space, the clientele is diverse and amazingly interesting for people watching.
(5)Susan S.
What a nice surprise and an awesome find! I found this place completely by accident just driving by after a walk by the beach and a little hungry for lunch. I'm a foodie who seeks out the street food, food trucks as well as the five star experiences. Lucky me to find this little gem. Grilled spicy polish sausage in a fresh baked doughy bun that completely encases the dog and all of its deliciousness. Add a fresh squeezed lemonade made without sugar added upon request and you will experience a little bit of Hawaiian Heaven. Super nice guys working the counter and I even found a fellow 49er Fan in Paradise. You guys Rock!
(5)Stephanie H.
To visitors from the mainland, like I was, the menu will look bizarre. My first reaction was, "Fruit on a hot dog? I don't know about that..." But.... when in Rome, right? In Hawaiian, "puka" means "hole", and that's exactly how these delicious dogs are served- in a hollowed hole in the center of a roll that is like a softer and slightly sweeter version of a portuguese roll (in a more baguette shape, of course). To cater to vegetarians, they offer a choice of a standard polish sausage dog or a veggie dog. They you have your choice of garlic lemon sauce- mild, spicy (which isn't very spicy), or volcano (which also isn't very spicy, but has a nice bite; apparently, Hawaiians have a very different spice gauge than I do). You also have a choice of 5 or 6 Hawaiian fruit salsas. Again, this all sounds weird... but DO IT! You won't be sorry. You have a choice of mustard as well- standard mustard (boring, but familiar) or Hawaiian Lilikoi (a.k.a. passion fruit) mustard. I gave the Lilikoi a try. It paired very well with my volcano sauce, but I could imagine it being too sweet without something spicy to cut it a bit... especially if you get the Mango or Pineapple fruit salsa. I don't like lemonade, but since I was pretty parched, I ordered their hand pressed lemonade... and it was AMAZING. Not that sugary nonsense you mix with a powder, and not super sour like a lemonade you might get at a county/state fair on the mainland. The line was long both times we went, but the staff is well prepared and kept things moving very smoothly.... all the while with smiles on their faces. The only reason it gets a small deduction is that it is a taaaad pricey, and could use to be maybe a dollar less (it's $6.75 for a dog... that is the standard price, but it does include all the toppings listed above). I gave a half-star deduction for that. The other half-star deduction is due to the fact that there is EXTREMELY limited seating. It is a stand in a small shopping plaza, so I can understand the lack of tables inside Puka Dog, but they should really invest in a couple of benches or small tables for the courtyard directly outside.
(4)J B.
Hey, it's a hole in the wall. Simple and understated. The dogs are great....the Hawaiian pig in a blanket. I would eat here everyday if it wouldn't kill me. I just wish they had beer. The staff was friendly and helpful.
(5)alanna m.
Veggie dogs are great sauces are delish! Staff is friendly and really helpful the bun is really good!
(5)Belle N.
11/12/11 Tried the mango relish spicy with lilikoi mustard...this place was really interesting...not to be mean but they could have had more seating available...folks were just standing around trying to eat their food...the concept was pretty unique...I had looked forward to having lunch here but was left less-than satisfied afterwards...I had a lot of the bread left with the sauce that was a bit too sweet....
(3)Caroline L.
Yum! Creative hot dogs with unique packaging. Makes eating hot dogs much easier. Only thing is that I felt there was too much relish drenched on. I loved all the tropical relish flavored you can choose from. The fresh lemonade is great too!
(4)Arden B.
When I saw the menu for Puka Dog, I was both intrigued and revolted. Fruit relishes on a hot dog?! Lemon and garlic sauce too? What is this place? I'm a classic ketchup kind of girl, but hey, I love my hot dogs, and I'm in Kauai, so why not? They give you the option of either Polish sausage or a veggie dog. I was actually somewhat tempted to try the veggie dog, but in the end realized that probably wouldn't give me the ultimate Puka Dog experience! Side note: I love when menus are as simple as this. The girl taking my order was adorable and super friendly. I wasn't sure which relish to go with. She told me pineapple and mango (which I loathe, P.S.) were the two most popular, but that her personal favorite was coconut. I know how disgusting this sounds. A hot dog with coconut relish, and the super hot garlic/lemon sauce, but hey, I'll try anything once! Well, I kick my judgments aside, because this was outstanding! I loved the roll for a bun - it reminded me of a hot dog I had in Paris as a kid that was served in a similarly hollowed out baguette, but I digress. The sauce, even in its spiciest form, is not at all spicy. The coconut relish, however, was perhaps one of the most ingenious and delicious condiments I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. I would gladly come back and drop another $7 on these crazy dogs.
(4)Andrew C.
Great spot for a quick lunch. The fruit relishes sound a bit weird but they're really good. Make sure to your sausage the "standard" or recommended ways (with a fruit relish and one of the mustards).
(5)william p.
Yes is a hot dog stand, but it's good. Located in a small mall there is little atmosphere but there are great dogs, so who cares about atmosphere. The mall has plenty of space to sit and enjoy. I like the polish with the mango relish. The buns are fresh and the relishes imaginative. My wife liked the veggie dog. If I'm in Poipu at lunch time, Puka Dog is where I'm going for lunch. On warning, the dogs can be a little messy so eat carefully.
(4)Paige S.
Loved this place!! I got the veggie dog with recommended toppings, and my husband got the same in the traditional polish dog. Both were awesome. Our son loved his plain hot dog and lemonade. We love this restaurant idea, which is like Chipotle: offering only 1 thing, and doing it well. Too bad the "Hawaiian" chips are just Frito Lay! Otherwise we think it's a winner. Taking off 1 star since it has only 1 offering, even though it's a great one.
(4)Joy L.
Drove from the North shore today just to have a Puka Dog. Delicious!! Pineapple relish with a polish & spicy garlic lemon sauce. Oh my!
(5)JD S.
I wasn't in love. I came in expecting more topping options (e.g, grilled onions, veggies, etc.) but it was pretty much just sauces. The garlic one that comes standard was too sweet for my liking. The hot chili pepper sauce was only detectable on my last bite or two, and the bread wasn't as fresh as I expected. The bun kind of overpowered the Polish Dog (which was good but you can find the same thing @ Costco for $2). Two dogs & two lemonades came out to $19--prices weren't on the menus for some reason. Pass.
(2)Rob N.
We stopped here before doing a local hike with our kids, 5 and 7. They couldn't decide on which type of "relish", so the cashier recommended getting a plain puka dog with the various flavors on the side - which worked out great (and allowed us all to try various combinations - some of the best which were things like pineapple + papaya + ketchup!). All in all, this was a good hot dog - but it was not as great as I was expecting. The bun was a little too bready, and the polish sausage, while good - was nothing you can't get at a decent place on the mainland. But the relishes were unique, and made for a tasty treat. I had the "hot" flavor (the rest of my family had mild), and it wasn't very hot at all. If you like a little spice, go for the hottest flavor in step 2.
(3)Karla B.
The dogs are so good and it's all in the bun! The bun was served hot and fluffy! We ordered veggie dogs (one with traditional flavors and one with coconut relish and lilikoi mustard) and they were excellent. That relish is insane! Make sure you try some of their unconventional toppings an be sure to avoid the special sauce if you're vegan!
(4)Marisa I.
One of the best hot dogs I've ever had! They've crafted the bun to be a perfect cocoon for the delicious polish dog (veggie is also available) so that none of their sauce creations escapes to your hand (or lap). The garlic sauces and tropical relish really steal the show. I had the basic garlic sauce and the mango relish and it was superb. My husband had the jalapeño garlic sauce and the pineapple relish which was flavorful and not overly spicy. We would definitely recommend checking it out!
(5)Danny W.
Shaved ice was terrible. Lack of flavoring was an issue as well as the icecream. I got ice cream on only one side of my cup... And it was like a teaspoon amount. Ehhh don't come here for shaved ice.
(1)Michelle P.
I absolutely love this place, worth every penny. I make sure to stop in every time I'm in Kauai. Relishes are delicious, the mustard is sweet nothing like regular mustard and hot dog is awesome on its own.
(5)Bee Z.
Delicious food for a cheap lunch. A hot dog experience like no other. Staff was friendly as well. Highly recommended for a midday meal. Hot dog wrapped in a sub sandwich type bun, with choice of garlic sauce, ketchup, mustards (highly recommend the lilikoi mustard), and specialized relishes.
(5)Kaila V.
I was a bit skeptical looking at the short, yet interesting, menu. To me it seemed that hot dogs, garlic sauce, ketchup, and fruity relish would not be a good mix. Boy was I wrong! I got the polish dog with hot garlic sauce, ketchup and mango relish. It was great! I also highly recommend the fresh squeezed lemonade! I cannot wait to go back.
(5)Nicolle S.
Hotdogs! We had two hotdogs with star fruit relish and a Hawaiian mustard that the friendly cashier recommended. They were tasty and hit the spot for lunch. Pricey at $16.25 for 2 hotdogs and 1 lemonade. There was a long line at lunchtime on a Monday and everyone took their dogs and sat outside to eat -- there was seating at a few tables, 2 parkbenches, and an unused stage area nearby on the lawn. This place advertises on their sign "as seen on the Travel Channel" and they were recommended in my Lonely Planet guidebook, which explains the line and the price. A fine place for lunch.
(3)Amanda A.
This review is mainly focused on the service I received. When I lived on Kauai (moved away 4 years ago) I used to come here whenever I was on the Southside after a day at the beach. It was always busy and packed with tourists, which hasn't changed, but the service did. Before the workers were really friendly and had knowledge about their sauces, which is one of the things that makes a Puka Dog. I also witnessed some workers explain what makes the Puka Dog so special which is the bread. As a newbie, the workers would help me pick a relish and sort of explain the type of flavor they had to help me decide. Let's say they were really helpful. After awhile I already knew what I liked and I knew how they operated. While visiting home, this time around I did not have a good experience at Puka Dog. It was busy, like always, but when I walked in the workers were playing around behind the counter, taking pictures of themselves with their cell phones. None of them stopped what they were doing as I and others walked in. Instead they looked at me but then just continued on with what they were doing, which was so unprofessional and a huge turnoff. As I approached the counter the girl working who took my order was sitting down and asked "What can I get you?" Whatever happened to "Hi, welcome to Puka Dog! Let me know when you're ready to order. Then ask me step-by-step what I wanted. I used to love that experience and the friendly staff and now it just turned me off. I ordered and got my order fairly quickly but the workers were still talking about their private lives and sitting around behind the counter while one guy made the Puka Dogs. The service was just horrible. The Puka Dogs still tasted awesome however and are def worth a try. Oh and I always used to receive a Kamaaina Discount whenever I went but this time I didn't get it which was another turnoff. Let's say the next time I'm craving a Puka Dog, I'll wait to go to the one on Oahu in Waikiki where the service is awesome, they treat me like a friend and they always give me a Kamaaina discount :)
(2)Brett J.
Such a good dog. The dog is put together on the spot after you order so it's piping hot when you get it. Great price, great food, friendly staff.
(4)Manoj N.
Yess !! We are vegetarians and this place had vegetarian hot dogs. It tasted really good and the price was at low end which is surprising for Kauai. Also they got us refills in our water bottle for free. We got the one which had the pineapple flavor/sauce on it.
(4)Spenser W.
Wonderful. Went twice during my recent trip to kauai. Their method of toasting the inside of the roll then squirting sauce and shoving in the hot dog is genius and makes for an awesome hot dog. Highly recommend the pineapple relish and the lilikoi mustard. My one gripe is that I ordered my first one spicy and my second one hot...didn't get any sort of heat from either. Guess there's also a lava option that I was not aware of at the time. By no means does it damper the experience, just wish that hot meant hot. If you're unsure about which relish you want, they are more than willing to give you a side so you can try it out without having to fully commit!
(5)Jessica L.
Super good hot dog with the Hawaiian mustard and mango relish! Pretty sweet though. Make sure you grab a fresh squeezed lemonade to top it off! Yum! Would definitely go back.
(4)Sam W.
This place is a great! Not expensive, super tasty, and unique. The hot dogs are huge, the buns have a great flavor and texture, and most of the condiments are unique and delicious. My advice: go with lilokoi mustard (awesome), pineapple of mango 'relish' (more like a sauce) and get their 'special' garlic lemon sauce on the side. The garlic lemon sauce is kind of mayonnaise-y, and I didn't really dig it. The relish and lilokoi mustard, however, are amazing. If you ruin one of these hot dogs by putting ketchup on it, then I hope you spill some on your brand new white board shorts. It's a walk up counter, and the restaurant itself is TINY, but it's located in an outdoor mall that has some benches and outdoor picnic tables, so you can just take your dog for a walk to the nearest bench and eat it there. This place is worth checking out no matter where you're staying on the Island!
(4)Nicole V.
Delicious with a veggie dog option!! The mango relish with Hawaiian mustard was our favorite. The bun is perfectly toasted on the inside providing a nice crunch right at the center. We were thrilled that this place serves veggie dogs since we are vegetarian. Definitely will be returning.
(5)Marc G.
Another place we were told we had to go... also to get our friend a shirt. Damn good dog... Stuffed into a crazy bun... and filled with mustards and relishes until it explodes into your mouth like a volcano... Delicious... I did not get the fact that the very same t-shirts were cheaper at the table right outside the restaurant rather than inside, but that was a good tip. We bought a shirt, went in... got FREE LEMONADE because of the shirt...and saved money... Have to like that!
(4)Tu-van L.
Not a restaurant, barely even an faster-food casual eatery. Looks more like a roofed tikki hut that serves amazing foot long hot dogs. Yes the package is special. Instead of the standard hot dog bun it's essentially a soft, long and narrow loaf of bread hollowed out with their hot spear to make a hole big enough to fit their food long (polish or vienna sausage) and actually toast the inside around the hole. Dogs are pretty tasty but the selection of aiolis and relishes are what sets this place apart from your typical hot dog stand. I liked my mango relish with the spicy aioli, and the hubby actually liked the pineapple relish more than my mango. Either way - everything comes together quite nicely for a hearty meal. Lemonade also freshly squeezed and refreshingly good.
(4)Jamie G.
Oh my goodness, this place is GOOD~! We have been saving money by eating sandwiches for lunch at our condo during our stay in Kauai...but after reading the rave reviews of Puka Dog, I put my foot down and said I neeeeeded to try this place. IT WAS DELICIOUS! I listened to the worker and ordered basically what she recommended. The mango relish is highly recommended from this girl! :)
(4)Tonia S.
great Polish Dog. This place was amazing and is a must eat at in Poipu. We discovered it on our first day and I had to go back a few days later to satisfy my craving!! Delicious fresh cooked hot bun wrapped around a polish dog. Instead of trying to cram into this tiny little place with 4 tables, take it outside to the amphitheater steps and watch the chickens or enjoy all of the beautiful plants and trees. If you don't like sweet w your meat, skip the fruit relish options. they pour it down the inside of the bun so you won't be able to scrape it off if you change your mind. The lava chili spice is not too spicy. It will have flavor but won't make you grab a drink or sniffle. I'm used to eating mexican food all the time & I think hawaiian's may consider ketchup spicy. Don't be afraid to order the spicy or lava version of meals on the island.
(4)sonya h.
Those relishes were wayyyyy too sweet. We ordered one with mango and one with pineapple relish. I did like the lilikoi mustard . Anyhow, we did not care for this. I gave up about half way...the creamy sauce was too rich and fatty...Just not that good halfway through.
(3)Larry B.
I dream of this place anytime I come to Kauai. If you've never been here, check out the Food Network Diners Drive ins and Dives, and see what this place is about. They have a unique bun, dog, and three sauces. Obviously get the garlic lemon butter, your own choice of sauce, and the lilikoi mustard is a must!
(5)Sarah B.
This was our first experience and we're so glad we stopped by! Wish there were more locations as we're just passing through this area and probably won't be back. Don't be fooled by the simple menu, it's more than enough to please!
(5)Michael P.
Believe the Food Network hype.... For $20 bucks, two glorious sausages inflused with pineapple, banana, lilokoi, or you can eat like a hot dog(don't do that!). The bun itself is glorious as it is a thick sweet bread. You can also find a location in Wakiki if you are there...either location great!
(5)Sabrina O.
Was excited to try this place after reading a lot of reviews online. Had the veggie dog with mango relish. It was okay but way too much bun! Interesting idea though. Lemonade was really good and refreshing.
(3)Andrew M.
This place is fine, but over-priced (more than $6/dog). Also, there is VERY LIMITED SEATING. Also, I didn't find any of the sauces to be that special or good (and they were kind of skimpy, too). Also, the polish sausages weren't so large... basically, just a fat hot dog in a hot dog bun. I would definitely NOT make any effort to go back... The place gets three stars for the food, but dock a star for the price. Service was a little slow---especially considering they weren't actually that busy when we were there.
(2)Evey G.
We had a dinner here on the recommendation of a friend who had recently visited the same area. I was super excited to see the option of a veggie dog so I could try it out, too! I got the veggie dog with mango relish, hot sauce, and no mustard. My husband got the polish sausage with pineapple relish, mild sauce, and no mustard. We also both got a lemonade which was delicious. Good job on the lemonade! The dogs were also very tasty. I enjoyed the veggie dog greatly, and found the relish and sauce to be quite nice. The only thing is that the spicy sauce didn't seem very spicy. Maybe they gave me mild by accident? If not, I would definitely recommend getting the hottest one if you want any heat at all. Can't comment on their mustards since I detest mustard and stayed away. Due to the configuration of the dog and the bun and the sauces, both my husband and I ended up with a pocket of bun full of sauce squishing out at the end, and no more dog left. It was a little messy, very tasty, and a fun little experience. Note, there is very limited seating.
(4)Jenny S.
I love hot dogs! So add in a unique Hawaiian local twist to them and I'm already in line! Not having much expectations, the boyfriend and I were looking for a snack to hold us off until dinner time as we were wondering around the area shopping and spotted the Puka Dog and decided to just get one each. Each polish dog is wrapped in a slightly sweet bun and comes with a number of toppings and sauces. I chose the pineapple relish and it was delicious, it added more of a tangy sweetness to my hot dog. The boyfriend skipped the fruity relishes and went with more of a chili spice one, which was great too. I like how each hot dog is wrapped in the bun, more like a pocket for your dog to go into, not just a bun that can easily tear or is not proportional and you end up with all bread with your last bite. Puka Dog is simple, understated and great if you're on the go and need a tasty quick bite.
(3)Katie S.
Wah wah... Before last week it had been almost 10 years since my last Puka Dog. A bad experience with morning sickness and hotdogs earlier in my pregnancy may have made me slightly disenchanted with hot dogs altogether, but my recent Puka experience was pretty lackluster, pregnancy-related hot dog events aside. For one, the bun seems to have increased in size. The thing is massive, sweet, and makes it hard to actually taste anything else encased in it's cold doughiness. The dog itself was fine--nothing special but not bad. But the major disappointment was that our dogs had hardly any mustard or tropical relish in them, and that both the mustard and the relish were so sweet that the whole thing felt more like a weird meaty dessert than a hot dog. They aren't bad exactly, they just weren't near as good as their former glory.
(3)J. P.
We went to Puka Dog for our wedding reception after having gone a few times during our stay on the island. We had a little over a dozen folks come to the island for our destination wedding, and coordinating all of it was more trouble than I expected. So when it came to planning a small reception it just didn't feel like a vacation. When we were at Puka Dog we noticed an amphitheater area that would be great for relaxing and eating. We didn't tell them we were coming, make "reservations" or do anything that in hindsight would have been polite. We just showed up and had our people all stand in line and then we paid. They were AMAZING. So gracious, calm, personable, and professional. Not only is the food really good, phenomenal, etc. But the staff and owner gave such really great service. We need more establishments such as this one.
(5)M. O.
Couldn't decide 2 or 3 stars. I like the grilled part, that helps a lot. Nice staff, pretty quick too. It's a neat concept, just wish it had more taste. The 'hot' was not hot at all. My boys and I went there and each got separate sauces: 1 with chili pepper hot, one with jalapeño hot and one with garlic. We got them confused and seriously could not tell which was which. All the flavors sound interesting but in the end it all tasted the same. My 1 son ordered ketchup so that was the only thing that help make the distinction for him. Lemonade is powder with a fresh half of lemon in it, nice touch but falls short. I wanted to like it more but ultimately couldn't, it just didn't deserve it. Fine for a quick snack, but $28 for 3 dogs & drinks is a bit of a steep snack.
(2)Lisa T.
I had heard about this place and seen it on TV so we decided to give it a shot. I was a bit concerned when the choice was Polish sausage or Veggie dog. I always think of Polish sausage being fatty and having a thick casing. However we chose Polish sausage and I am happy to say that is not the case here. Taste and texture is like a hot dog...and a good one too! I thought the dogs were delicious. Yes the sauces are sweet but the flavors are complimentary not off-putting an far as I am concerned. My husband got one with the spicy sauce too and said it was really good. We will definitely have these again next time we visit!
(5)Doyer Y.
Best hot dog... i suggest Polish with spicy garlic. Pineapple relish and Lilikoi mustard
(5)Hannie S.
Yummy! Hot dog, spicy, with mustard and likiloi sauce! Lemonade was okay but the hotdog was delicious! A must try if you are round the area!
(3)Sarah D.
Lives up to the hype- an island must. Only drawback- always a line. Takes a long time to get your dog. So, if your girlfriend/wife/friend insists they don't want one, and will maybe just have a bite of yours, get an extra one anyway. You'll be glad you did. Because waiting in that line again is not an option- and there's no need for a tense car ride, because princess ate more than she said she would. Yes, I am calling myself a princess- but the tense car ride comment was indeed an exaggeration. Just sayin- even though the dogs are huge- you'll want one all to yourself. They have veggie dogs for those that don't eat pork- and we both recommend the lilikoi mustard to add to your relish options. Definitely worth the stop.
(4)Danny S.
This was one of the best hot dogs I've ever had. Get the lilikoi mustard. I got the mango relish and there was an explosion if flavors in my mouth. The kids at the counter are very polite and quick. I will be back!!!
(5)Peter G.
I haven't really craved hot dogs since I was ten years old. That said, I would definitely come back to Puka Dog on my next Kauai visit. I'd even go out of my way. The hot dogs here are delicious.
(5)Kim O.
My husband & I got polish dogs. One with pineapple relish & their delicious lemon garlic sauce; pretty good. The second with banana relish, spicy lemon garlic sauce, & lilikoie mustard; very good!
(4)Kailyn G.
Located in the Poipu Shopping Center - you can't see it from the parking lot. Took the boyfriend and I forever to find it (it's right by the tropical burger restaurant). FOOD: First, you obviously have to like hot dogs. If you do, these are great. They're fully covered by a bun - think a really large corn dog but with a normal hot dog bun instead of breading. Love it because it's so much cleaner to eat - the condiments don't drip all over the place. Highly recommend getting it with the secret sauce and hawaiian mustard (which is really just slightly sweeter mustard). I couldn't tell the difference between mango and pineapple salsa, so I don't think it matters what you choose. Lemonade could be more lemon, but totally refreshing. ENVIRONMENT: Tiny store, with only a couple tables. But the shopping center has a great courtyard, so sit under the huge tree to eat. SERVICE: Friendly and fast. I like that they recommend the hawaiian mustard. Keep up the great job!
(3)Mark J.
Puka Dog is pretty much a food stand that sells relished hot dogs and lemonade. Sounds lame, but in reality is not. They sell a delicious polish sausage (or if you're into vegan sausage they serve those), wrapped in a sweet Hawaiian bun and a variety of fruity sauces! Then, to top it off with freshly squeezed lemonade...sooo refreshing! It seems expensive but it's Kauai...everything is expensive. Worth the money for the taste bud party. Only "fast food" in the Poipu Shopping Center.
(4)Kai R.
How could I forget to review these guys??!?!?! Gotta say, the creativity involved in the additional toppings was crazy! We ended up eating here more than once during our vacation, and it lives up to its reputation. Yummy yummy yummy :)
(4)Trish P.
SO MUCH BETTER than the one on Oahu. probably b/c this is where Puka Dog came from, yeah? the sauces were slightly sweet, but not over powering, the dog was beefy and good, but my only gripe is the huge amount of bread at the end of the dog. it was a good 2 inches worth of just bread :( the fresh lemonade is good too - refreshing! try Puka Dog on Kauai.... but avoid Puka Dog on Oahu
(4)Robb J.
Love their sweet Hawaiian bun toasted in the middle to fit the grilled hot dog like a glove. Love all their special sauces and their lemonade. Was visiting the island for a week and made 2 visits -- definitely coming back next time I'm in town. Your order is made when you order and the wait is pretty short -- you'll. Be eating your Puka Dog in no time!
(4)Stacey B.
We went here twice during our trip to Kauai. Very yummy. Both times, I ordered the vegetarian dog. It's a bit more expensive than the Polish dog for some reason, but delicious nonetheless. The first time I got mango relish, hot sauce and Hawaiian mustard. The second time I got pineapple relish, spicy sauce and Hawaiian mustard. Both combinations were excellent! So glad we stopped by.
(4)Karen C.
I did not try the actual hot dogs here. I just had their shaved ice which was delicious. The shaved ice comes in only one size - BIG! You can either pick one of their flavor combos or pick your own flavors (up to 3). Then you can have ice cream on the bottom and/or coconut cream on top. I did their Hawaiian Dream combo (pineapple, coconut and lilikoi) with the ice cream on the bottom. It was so yummy. I thought it would be too big to eat it all. I just about polished the whole thing off. The hot dogs look interesting.
(4)Gary M.
I met the ingenious Puka Dog about 9 years ago. I loved it from the start: Big soft bun impaled on a heated steal spike leaving the inside slightly crisp. (it's how they heated baguette hot dog buns in Paris back in the day you know) Lovely Polish Dog. Exotic lilikoi mustard and tropical relish. Just so you know there's a lot of bun, but who cares. It's just so good. Just so you know the sauces are quite rich, but who cares. It's just that good as well. These days a whole puka is a but much for me. So I share it with my bride. That and a fresh squeezed lemon aid. A perfect snack the day after you get disappointed with the food at the Grand Hyatt. g
(4)Victor W.
Amazing spot to stop by for some creative takes on the traditional hot dog. They put polish dogs inside the bun and then put the sauces and relishes inside the bun such that there isn't any messiness oozing out from the side. Very tasty and cheap! The lemonade is also outstanding.
(5)Michael H.
I can board an airplane in less time than it took to buy 2 hot dogs here today. Maybe it was just the group in front of us (they ordered 25 dogs!), but the wait was inordinately long. Dogs were interesting, too much sauce for my taste. Liked the bun. Not worth an hour standing in line. I guess 130pm on a Monday is rush hour here! If you sense more than a 10 minute wait, move on.
(3)Kimmy K.
The best way to describe a Puka Dog is a Polish sausage slipped inside a tube-like-bun that's garnished with Lilikoi mustard, a garlic-lemon secret sauce, and a tropical relish of your choosing. They have a selection of sauces and relishes made from local ingredients to pick from. We enjoyed both the pineapple relish and the mango relish. It's the perfect afternoon snack after a day at Poipu beach.
(3)Diana M.
I'm not even a big fan of hot dogs (or I guess technically Polish sausage) but WOW this place is worth going to! I'm not too adventurous when it comes to all the fruit relishes but the garlic lemon sauce alone as well as the fresh squeezed lemonade were worth going to this place to twice during our stay in Kauai. My husband had a Puka dog with mango as well as pineapple relish and he couldn't get enough. He probably would have eaten one every day if he had the choice. Definitely worth a visit!!
(5)Tida S.
Neat bun warmers, fun to try but too sticky sweet for a real meal. Had the mango and star fruit relish. Star fruit way too sweet. Volcano hot = mild for most
(3)Darron N.
A must have for the hotdog fans in the world, don't miss this treat when you are on Oahu, or Kauai, tropical relishes with the Lilikoi mustard and the Jalapeño or Hot is wonderful. Just so you know Hot is not hot.
(5)Dan M.
Hot Dog Fans This is a Top Dog Destination Love the soft buns warmed on the spike Dog goes down the center like a rabbit down the hole Flavor additions like coconut, banana, star fruit, etc. Hearty dog that truly satisfies Dont miss this meal Enoy! Note: Dont fall for "Fresh Lemonade" A half squirt of actual lemon mixed with all tap water and sugar scoop Get the shaved ice (other side of booth) instead Banana flavor is incredible
(5)Andy W.
i had on of these in Honolulu about 5 years ago and wasn't impressed. My wife was told she had to go this trip so we did. Damn tasty polish sausage and the lilikoi mustard was an excellent addition. The bun is way better than any other hot dog bun anywhere, you just have to get past the visual innuendo of how they toast it on the inside. Everyone giggles at it. don't be ashamed. It's funny.
(5)Jeff C.
My favorite hot dog ever! This place lived up to the hype for me. You choose your relish and you choose your sauce and a polish dog is served slathered in the sauce all neatly tucked inside a piece of bread that encases everything nicely so your relish/sauce doesn't go spilling everywhere. Think of it like one of those Chinese hot dog buns... I got my dog with the garlic lemon sauce and the mango relish... amazing! Such unique ingredients for a dog and it went well with the sweet roll. The dog itself was pretty large as well and we were definitely full. We also split one of their fresh lemonades, which was nice because they make it right in front of you. The lemonade was great, but super sweet (we saw lots of undissolved sugar at the bottom of our cup, meaning it was totally saturated). All that sugar left us a little too full for gelato and the dog itself is pretty "heavy" because of the sweetness and mustard. Not a place that my body could handle every day, but I'd definitely make more than one trip here if I were staying in Kauai for a week!
(5)Tyler S.
I just got polish dog with ketpup on it was amazing I plan to get one before I leave with mango relish and the mustered there limeinade is good. When I went back the Hawaiian mustered was amazing
(5)Nicole Z.
A must if you are in Poipu. They have great veggie dog and Portuguese sausage options. Tropical sauces are fun and delicious and the "sleeve" sweet bun is heaven.
(5)Kristyn L.
What a Yummy Surprise!!! A Puka Dog is like nothing you have had before. The magic all comes together with unique fluffy bun, the mango relish, jalapeno garlic sauce that is nice and oozy.... Its a great treat and is very refreshing with the fresh squeezed lemonade. --- its a must stop when you are close. And.... the service is GREAT! Super nice guys!!
(5)Angela C.
The flavors of the hot dog were good, but the pricing is ridiculous for what you get! The dog itself wasn't even a premium sausage, it was just a thin ballpark link you can easily buy at the market. Then they incase the whole thing in a huge bun and top with with the relish/sauce of your choice. My husband ordered the polish dog with pineapple relish and I just ate off him. By the time we were finished with the dog, there was still about a third of the bun left! That's how bad the dog to bread ratio is on this thing. For $6.25, there's nothing "gourmet" about this dog except the special sauces... that's what really makes it so good. We then got shaved ice (yes, Puka Dog sells shaved ice too!) and it was probably the worst shaved ice we had on the island. The ice was crunchy and the syrups had a weird aftertaste. Don't get shaved ice here.
(3)Nicole V.
Puka Dog is a must for any polish lover out there! We were told to make sure to stop at Puka while on our honeymoon by a number of friends who had been to Kauai. They told us it was absolutely one of the best dogs they had ever had and one of the most unique fast food spots on the island. The store is small but the staff is very friendly. When you walk in you are faced with a number of decisions. One thing you don't have to think about is the Hawaiian bread bun, that's a staple. Next...veggie dog or polish? We went with the polish of course...we're from Chicago after all! On to the next choice...garlic lemon secret sauce: mild, spicy, hot or lava? I went for the mild. Last but not least, you have to choose your relish: Mango, Pineapple, Papaya, Coconut, Banana, or Star fruit. My choice was the pineapple...but I have heard you really can't go wrong. Last step was to add Auntie Lilikoi's Hawaiian mustard. It was only moments after ordering that our dogs were ready and we were taking our first bite...WOW! This is one delicious and unique taste experience! We both absolutely LOVED our Puka Dogs! We liked them so much we even tried to go back, unfortunately we didn't make it on this trip. Guess we will just have to make a return visit to Puka Dog in Kauai for our anniversary. ;)
(5)Daina B.
I'm a Chicago gal so Chicago style dogs is where my heart will be fo-evah. I came here with an open mind and empty stomach and couldn't wait to try out some puka dogs. I've recently given up pork so I stayed clear of the polish and went ahead and got the veggie dog. I think this is definitely something you should try if you are into hot dogs. The dog is nestled into a large roll and this tasty mayo-garlic sauce is put in. Don't forget the mango relish. I will say that they amount of sauce is way too much. The hot dog to sauce ratio was not optimum in other words. Would I return? Yes, but only for da killah lemonade. Seriously, I wanted to get another before we left but I refrained. The line can get long and they only have two tables to sit so either beat the rush or plan on a long wait and eating at da beach.
(3)Kathy A.
Wow I miss the days before Puka Dog was on the Travel Channel and 8 billion tourist flooded it at lunch time. They do there best to keep things moving, but it still takes forever to sit in line and order. They offer Polish and Veggie dogs and mild, spicy, or hot sauce. Then you get to pick one of the tropical flavors. I recommend Papaya or Coconut. Also, make sure to get the Hawaiian Lilikoi Mustard mmmmm... It's a tasty lunch option if you are willing to wait a while and put out what I consider an absurd amount of $$ for a hot dog ($6.25 each).
(3)Schel H.
woo hoo this was an awesome time... as seen on the travel channel their sign says... sadly I know it wasnt Man vs Food but alas we will live I pray... at least this time! None the less this is a unique polish dog. Like many of the others here I do not want to pay $6 for a polish. Seriously Costco has them for a $1.50 with a drink and they are soooooooooooooo tasty... ok back to the subject at hand Puka Doggies uniqueness! The bun for these dogs and the special relishes make this place a truly unique combo, let alone its close to the beach and there are no bacon wrapped ghetto/danger dog vendors around... So the puka bun is unique in that its a freshly baked light and airy roll which is slightly steemed prior to loading and delivery for consumption. This is where the difference lays though. There is no slice/slot in the bun to place the dog. Instead they are impaled on and steamed then the relish or condiment of your choice is injected into the tunnel. Once loaded with the tasty *nom*nom*nom* stuff, the dog is slid into place and you end up with a unique and very tasty treat! If you are on kauai, seriously you only live once, and this is something worth trying. So get off your duff and give it a whirl. Now the best part of Puka Dogs IMHO is their freshly squeezed lemonade made by hand. WOW! this alone deserved a 6th star as it was super tasty and was right on the money for tartness, sweetness, drinkability, and all around tastyness. Perhaps the best lemonade I have had. I suggest you get one of these to go with your puka dog. To make it even better, there is a gelato place next store that will give you 25% off for a yelp check in while you are there for desert!
(5)Calvin John B.
"They always come back for more." It's something that comes to my mind when I think of Puka Dog. I have a ton of family in Kaua'i - I often travel there, by the way - and didn't know this even existed in Po'ipu! After watching a short piece on the Travel Channel, I knew I had to try it! Located in a small shopping place in an even smaller lot, I would argue that the charm of it definitely tops my list. With that, I can also say that lines will extend outward on really busy days. Now, enough about the place, let's get to the good stuff! I was intrigued by the simple yet effective design of the bun. Warming them on short, metal poles, the worker would then take the bun and fill it with your choice of tropical relishes and other sauces to make your mouth tingle. To cap it off, both literally and figuratively, the hotdog is then secured in the bun and in the process displacing some of the sauces outward. The comination of savory meats and sweet relish flavors are brilliant! Words can't describe how amazing this simple food item is to me. There are no tricks, no fussy ingredients to leave you with more questions than answers, nothing. It's straightforward, melts-in-your-mouth-and-sometimes-in-your-hand goodness and I'd go every chance I get!
(5)Kurt C.
We stopped in here after a long day of exploring cliff edges east of Ship Wreck Beach and a few recommendations from coworkers. The location itself is a bit hard to find, but if you explore the Poipu shopping center for a few minutes you will eventually find this little place next to a gelato shop and across from the central stage where they have dance shows. It's pretty hard to screw up a hotdog, so I can't exactly give these guys amazing reviews, but it is a pretty tasty treat. That said, there are no posted prices, so don't be surprised when a dog and drink costs close to $10. Also, bring cash as plastic is not accepted here. As for the dogs, you can choose sausage or veggie. (A veggie hot dog? Really? Just go eat some grass clippings and be done with it...) Then you can add one of three sauce flavors and a tropical relish on top of that. They also have the traditional ketchup and mustard if you are not feeling adventurous. The drinks, on the other hand, are stopping this place from getting more stars. I don't know what they have besides lemonade (if anything), but we were forewarned that they use a fourth cup of sugar in each drink. Trying to be more health conscious, we ordered to drinks with Splenda instead and regretted every bitter sip of it. Good lemonade doesn't need a lot of sugar, it just needs the right mixture. This was definitely not a good mixture. It kind of tasted like they mixed the lemon juice from those little plastic lemons at the grocery store with tap water. I suggest you get water, enjoy the sugar rush, or bring a packet of sugar free crystal light to mix in with our water. As I said, except for our awful lemonades, this place was a pretty good find.
(2)Megan V.
A MUST if you visit Kauai! Lillikoi mustard and mango relish is a must. The long line is definitely worth it! Located in Poipu shopping center tucked away in the corner.
(5)Daniel G.
Unique hot dogs but way too many selections for anyone there for the first time. Get everything on the side and have a blast! The line was a little long and finding seating was hard but that's from the hot dogs being cooked as they are being ordered and not just warmed up.
(4)Marvin J.
Okay, not gonna lie.. 1 word - BOURDAIN. Yup, after seeing him on No Reservations having a Puka Dog, I absolutely HAD to have one. Well guess what? They're website sucks as I tried to look them up to see if they had a location in Kauai, which it didn't show. I was SAD! But on my last full day, I was driving through Poipu and instead of normally leaving the beach, made a hard left and after about a mile, lo and behold, what do I see? A sandwich board on the side of the road promoting...PUKA DOG!!! Yay me! I pulled over immediately, found the joint after wandering around and asking for directions and go there! Filled my Puka Dog with the coconut relish (trust...just TRUST) and chowed down and some awesomeness! I had the red hot chilli to go along...amazing combo! Yes, it's $6.25 for a dog, but worth to try at least once in your life!
(5)Tucker H.
Probably 3.5*, but I'm rounding up for the bun, which was pretty close to a New England style (sweeter and chewier), but wrapped all the way around the dog. Overall a good place to grab a bite, and a unique stop on Kauai!
(4)erika c.
The fresh lemonade has the perfect amount of sweetness (I like mine sweet, not tart, but they include half a lemon to adjust the tartness), and I love how the bun is crunchy on the inside! I ordered Polish, mild, pineapple relish, with lilikoi mustard on the side (mustard on the side is the best). I confess, I went back and ordered another one. And yes, I ate the whole thing.
(5)Stacey D.
This place was highly recommended by a co-worker of mine who just moved here from Oahu. She said, "if you go to Kauai, you've got to try Puka Dog!" So we did. Boy, was she right! Ordering the hot dogs is a little tricky but there's a nice wooden stand in the shape of a mermaid and surf board with directions. Smart and cute. I had the polish sausage with spice garlic sauce and mango lilikoi mustard. A delightful island combination that blended really well together. The kids all liked their hot dogs and the place was cute and the food was delicious--as promised! The kids loved the freshly made lemonade too. Service was friendly and fairly quick. Definitely a must have if you're in Kauai!
(5)K L.
pretty good, the relish is good and the service was good, but the dogs are nothing spectacular, and the lemonade, although very cool that they make it and shake it right in front of you, was very, very mild and needed more than one lemons worth of juice for the size of the drink, especially at that price. It's a novelty for sure, but it could've used a lot more lemon (tasted like mild sugar water). Was good though.
(3)Jim H.
A must do while on Kauai!!! I just ate my first puka dog and I know I'm gonna return to the mainland wanting more. Awwwwesome!!!
(5)Ryan R.
Its a hot dog with dressings, nothing more. The kids thought it was a neat idea to stuff a hot dog in a bun, and although they use a sausage rather than a hot dog, it was a hot dog. My wife had the vege-dog which really tasted like a 'no flavor' hot dog.. It had the consistency of a hot dog but no flavor odd.. So what is it? Basically they take roll, and with a medieval spreading device (as described in a previous posters review) they jam it down into the roll and spread it open. They then squirt some flavored sauces inside and drop a dog in and there you go... Better than a normal hot dog because of the sausage but nowhere near a 5 star for me...
(3)Alex R.
Should be renamed puke a dog. Best part is the bun, seriously. Those who compare it to Costco are being kind. A hebrew national beats this crap box 10 to 1. When ur bun is the only edible item you should be ashamed. All members of our group had indigestion for HOURS! Even those who selected the veggie. For shame......who ever tells you to eat here, question their tastes...DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!! $20 for dogs that got thrown out and a lemonade that would make WIlly Wonka take pause.
(1)Rosie l.
Awesome a must
(5)Sam J.
A Hawaiian take on the stateside Hot Dog on a Stick but done much better. Don't let the "hot" sauces scare you off.....even the hot is not all that much. Buns toasted from the center with crunchy goodness and none of the typical hot dog condiments falling all over. Fresh squeezed lemonade is not bad but could use more lemon for a bit more flavor. All things considered we will be back to try other tasty combinations!!! Well done PukaDog
(5)Betty C.
What is with the hype Anthony Bourdain? After watching a special on Hawaiian food I wanted to make sure I tried Puka Dog. Located in an outdoor plaza with a Whaler's Market and a Roy's, Puka Dog is a little restaurant/stand with about 3-4 tables (but there are plenty of tables outside in the strip mall/plaza. I guess what makes this place special is the local sweet mustards and ketchup (think pineapple, passionfruit, mango etc). I had pineapple and the hubs had mango (i think) and we both got the lilikoi mustard. I thought the hot dog was okay, nothing out of the ordinary and definitely not a place I would recommend. However, the thing that bothered me the most wasn't the hot dog, mustards, or the restaurant. While we were eating, we saw at least 10 people order hot dogs with regular ketchup and regular mustard. It boggled my mind that someone would pay $7-8 for a regular hot dog! Crazy people that's for sure!
(2)Erich D.
They serve up a tasty polish dog here with all of their relishes and sauces but it's just not as good as the one you can get in Honolulu. Not only do you get fewer choices in terms of the buns to encase your dog, but you also get stuck with a lot more leftover starchy bun which isn't cool and frankly (pun intended) is a waste.
(3)Colleen W.
Very good hot dogs. Simple menu. We did wait because its a little place in the shopping center. There are only 2 people working so its not going to be speedy. And its Hawaii, you cant expect people to move as fast as they do here on the mainland. But when it was my time to order the girl that took my order was very helpful on my first trip. She made some suggestions and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got the spicy (jalapeno) sauce, with the pinapple religh and the hawaiian mustard... SOOOO GOOD! She made a great suggestion. We went back for seconds and tried some different combo's. My only complaint is that the bun is so big and so filling, I wish it wasnt so big so I could have had 2.
(4)Vivian K.
A glorified Polish Dog.....2 Pukadogs and 2 Lemonaids= $18.00 Yes it was good but not to die for delicious or anything. I could drive over to Costco and get a polish dog for $1.50 AND do you really need 5 kids working the hot dog stand? Explains the mark-up.....
(3)Mariella D.
Yesss. The sauce. Lilikoi mustard and I don't even like mustard.
(5)Nina B.
This would have been 2 stars but I'm giving them another for having a good veggie dog option since I don't eat hot dogs. We stayed very close by so went a couple times. The first time they were out of the mild sauce which we lived with so we went for the spicy one. The second time we went with a friend since she's never been and they ran out of buns. It's a hot dog place, I think it's wrong to run out of buns! In any case, the dogs aren't bad and I enjoy the soft bread. The tropical salsas are a bit goey but not bad. I tried the mango and the starfruit. I'd recommend getting the lilikoi mustard too. The spicy isn't spicy so I'd probably go for it over mild. I think it's a little expensive for a hot dog of sorts but it's different and worth a shot if you haven't tried it.
(3)Marcus L.
Been to Hawaii numerous times and I havent even heard of Puka Dog until I was searching yelp. This place reminds me of how Austrians serve their street sausages in Vienna. They take a roll and stab it on this metal rod which heats up the inside of the roll, then they stuff the sausage in the opening. The only difference is that Puka Dog includes a Hawaiian flare. They offer 8 different types of tropical relishes from papaya to coconut flavored. I got the polish sausage with the hot spicy sauce, the pineapple relish and the lilikoi mustard (a Hawaiian mustard). The sausage is actually cooked on a grill, so it has a char-ed taste to it. I'll admit it is difficult to taste all the sauce individually because it is all mixed in the roll, but it was still tasty. This is a great snack, but a little pricey. 4 polish sausages for $25. I guess its good only once per Hawaii trip.
(4)Dustin T.
Hot dogs are unbelievably good. Mango relish with special Hawaiian mustard. On fresh-baked bread. Wow.
(5)Jun W.
I'm not a fan of hot dogs, and after eating here, I'm still not. The bread to dog ratio is too high...you get way more bread than meat. The problem with the dog is that all the relish and condiments sit at the bottom of the bun. So by the time you get down to the last 1/4, you're eating nothing but relish. The only reason people come here is because it's gimmicky. The dog and bread is nothing really special.
(2)Niambi M.
I was traveling along with 19 people throughout Kauai doing a humanitarian trip with a person who was OBSESSED with going to Puka Dog. I mean for NINE DAYS all this man talked about was PukaDogPukaDogPukaDog....ENOUGH!!! We finally broke down and let him drag us from Hanapepe over to Poipu just to get this damn hot dog. I mean, Doubleu Tee Eff is the big deal son? His wife (also on the trip) said he had been talking about this place since he last visited 1.5 YEARS ago!! One bite into my Veggie Puka Dog I began to see what got him so amped. The big, fluffy bun is spiked on a toasting spike-thing until done, gets puka'd with a veggie/polish dog, and finished off with 'relish' and condiments. The tropical fruit relishes are the other big draw but if you are looking for a traditional mainland relish (chopped pickles) you will be in for a surprise. I was left with a lot of leftover bread but over all the dog was worth the trip--and ensuing SILENCE from Mr. Puka Obsessed! :)
(4)John F.
I wanted to love this place. A strange island delicacy in the sort of "pig in a blanket" theme. We approached the giant line which slowly lumbered forward. Three young folks worked the front of the line and were in clearly no hurry. We stood in line for maybe 25 minutes before ordering and waiting another 15 minutes. The point of this place is to get one of the unique Hawaiian spreads on your dog. They give you way too much bun to go with your over-sized puka so most people were taking the butt of their bun and feeding the birds in the mini-park. The taste however was very good and you get a decent selection to compliment your dog. -.5 Star super super slow -.5 Star for overpaying for just a really good hot dog
(4)Aaron B.
Go to Puka Dog. +Good quality polish dog +Good bread +Go with the spicy garlic sauce +Fun novelty +Fast cycle from purchase to consumption +Great lemonade -It's in a strip mall, you'll survive, eat in the courtyard -Not open very late -$6+ for a hot dog -Meat to bun ratio is too low, add a second dog option please Kids and grandma's love this place, along with everyone else. Vegetarians even get an option.
(4)Jake R.
Makes for a fun little meal, though definitely not for everyone. Just be prepared for some seriously sweet relish. I'm tempted to tamper with the recipe and make my own at home. The place is colorful, but a little dank. These are the kinds of things you want to grab and eat in the car anyway.
(4)chelsa v.
fuel for snorkeling!! we stopped here after driving down from our hub on the north shore. had no idea what we were stumbling upon but enjoyed every bite of our dogs! i went veggie while hubby had the real meat- so good. of course, accompanied by fresh squeezed lemonade. my veggie had the pineapple relish w lilikoi and hubby had the lava spicy sauce with the mango relish and liliko. the owner was there- seemed super friendly and we eavesdropped on his convo with other customers- sounds like he is super passionate about what he does and appreciates his customers!! win/win!
(4)dustin g.
I originally wasn't going to try this place. I know being in Hawaii and eating the food isn't ever a cheap affair. But $6.25 for a hot dog, come on.... So after seeing other people enjoying them and catching the smell of one, I was going to risk this and go all out. I asked for the lava hot type in polish sausage, sweet relish, lilikoi mustard and ketchup on the side, which is what they suggested. Handed over my bucks and walked out into the courtyard to try this sucker out. The first thing I noticed is that for being a guy who doesn't like mustard, this was pretty damn good. The second thing I noticed is that this wasn't lava. I'd give it a six out of ten, maybe even a five. I'm not one of those five star thai kinda guys, but my nose wasn't even running after one of these guys. I will say this was amazing and I ended up going back for a second try a couple days later. There is a bunch of bread on these and somewhat filling, so even though it was spendy, it was near a couple of the value burgers at the fast food joints, elsewhere on the island. My only real complaint is the no credit card thing. When traveling, I don't carry a ton of cash and I just find it puzzling that there are place in America that do no accept credit/debit, even in a popular little place like this.
(4)Adele T.
stop by and get a puka dog! they are yummy, quick, and probably the only food under $10 in the whole shopping center. They have yummy fruit relishes and a lilikoi mustard to make this a twist on the classic hot dog. I recommend the hot garlic sauce as it is barely hot, I wish it was hotter in fact. The bun is just hollowed out and toasted from the inside only which makes it easy to eat as well as adding a bit of novelty.
(4)Heather H.
Puka translates to ass in Sri Lankan. Let me assure you, this is no ass dog! I read about Puka Dog in our guidebook, and was totally psyched to try it - they have veggie sausage, tropical relishes, and they cut out a puka (hole) in the bun so everything fits nicely and doesn't drip all over you. This is genious! I admit, I was a bit disappointed to find them in a mall, but it still had that outdoor Hawaiian feel to it. The shop was very cute, and we took tons of pictures. They have a surf board outside explaining the process and the menu: Step 1: What kind of dog? (meat or veggie sausage) Step 2: Which garlic lemon secret sauce? (mild, spicy, hot, hot-hot) Step 3: Which uniquely tropical relish? (7 different, each sounding more amazing than the next) Next, you wait your turn (yes, there was a line) and then mosey up to order. The staff was friendly, answering peoples questions, but I knew just what I wanted. I had the Veggie with a wheat bun - mango relish, spicy jalapeno sauce, and lilikoi mustard. Also ordered some chips and some fresh squeezed lemonade. Now, I'm not sure if it was the novelty of the whole thing, but this was the best f'ing dog I've ever had! So yummy and tasty, and did I mention while loaded with tasty relish, it doesn't drip all over because it's contained in a hole?! Oh wait, yes I did. At first I thought it a bit pricey - it was over $6 per dog, but then I figured a) I'm on vacation, suck it up. b) Those specialty relishes can't be cheap. c) They are that good, it's actually worth the price. Turns out you can also order the relishes on their website to have them delivered to you. I'm planning on doing just that.
(5)Courtney K.
Puka Dog...love it! Like so many people I saw Puka Dog on the travel channel and after planning a trip to the islands I had to go stake it out. I recently cruised Hawaii and I visisted both Puka Dogs - Koloa and Honolulu. The bread was fresh and the polish sausage was meaty. Yum. I tried various relishes but only tried the mild garlic sauce. Everything was tasty. If you go to Puka Dog please don't be lame and get mustard or ketchup on your dog! Have fun with this unique Hawaiian experience!
(5)Frank D.
Seriously. How can you give a hotdog anymore that 2 stars? Lemonade was good
(2)Mariah C.
Went back to Puka Dog on my latest trip to Kauai... I didn't think it could get any better than it was last time, but somehow, it did. I found the BEST combo for your veggie dog - Spicy Sauce (the "house" sauce), coconut relish, and lilicoi mustard. Heaven on a bun!
(5)Eric C.
On our return to Kauai we talked about Puka Dog as we were getting off the plane. They were so delicious the last time we were here and we were hungry. We went there first thing for lunch and it was great again. I had the polish with spicy sauce and mango relish. It was so tasty and really hit the spot after our day of travel. My wife had the mild sauce and pineapple relish which she loved too. A great place to grab a quick and delicious meal.
(5)Colin B.
I hate to say it, but Puka Dog hot dogs were probably our best/favorite meal in Hawaii. We ate it twice and would have gone back for a third had it not been too far from the airport. Get the hand squeezed lemonade, a polish sausage dog with anything in it (experiment, they're all good) and enjoy. The bread they wrap the dog in is epic. Every Hawaiian sauce is brilliant on a hot dog. I want one now... Wonder if they franchise...?
(5)Karen T.
Yummy customizable dogs with lots of unique sauces. This stand is located in a shopping plaza with lots of other nice restaurants in Poipu.
(4)Kay A.
We love PUKA DOG! It's a good thing I don't have one here because I would be eating it everyday! They start off with a nice soft bun, cut a whole, and then insert this iron that toasts the inside. They insert a delicious, juicy polish dog, along with your choice of secret sauce and tropical relish. It's super simple but super yummy. We had it twice on our trip! We tried the pineapple, mango, papaya and coconut relish. I think the pineapple and mango are better.
(5)Kristin P.
Ah! Puka Dog! Why don't you exist in San Francisco? I love the idea of a tube bun. Anything in the shape of a tube is delicious in my book. The banana relish sounds weird but it went really well with the spicy jalapeno sauce (as our cute cashier had suggested). I also liked the mango relish. Great quick lunch in Poipu. Wish these guys would expand to the mainland!
(4)Henry L.
Eating here is a process. Study their menu. Step 1: Polish or Vegetarian. Polish if you eat meat at all. Step 2: Garlic sauce. Go with the chili. It's got a kick, but not that much. If you can't stand any spice, then at least go with the medium. Step 3: Sauce. Any of them are good. Pick your favorite. Step 4: Mustard. Just go with the passion fruit one because you know you will. The other ones are just ordinary. (You can also add ketchup and relish if you wish as well, but focus on the mustard.) That's it! The dogs come inside of a bun where it's been drilled out for the dog. _I_ thought it was kind of neat. Just a little different. I really enjoyed the dog, but my dining cohorts suffered from some bad heart burn so eat at your own risk. The lemonade is pretty yummy, but I think the secret is the 183,373 spoons of sugar that's been dumped in. Psst. Here's a secret. If you can do without the bun, it's $1.50 cheaper!
(4)Kim J.
Love. We go here every time we come to Kauai. It would not be a trip to Kauai without it. The best is the polish, and you should get one of all 3 sauce options: the spicy is not SO spicy, if you want any kick, get it; the best fruit relish is the pineapple or mango; and definitly get the lilikoi mustard. SO YUM! They used to sell the mustard in the shop, but now they don't. We were bummed. Our first trip we bought a jar to take home with us and used it so sparingly, but have finally run out.
(5)Shazam L.
Puka Dog" was great. Tasted good. Fast food service. There was only 1 problem, it was that the hot dog was too short for the bun, so, when eating the "Puka Dog..you run out of weiner and suddenly surprised as you are holding onto a remaining empty 5 inch wad of French bread type of Hawaiin Bun..with nothing inside. Need to find a Weiner shortage remedy...to fill the big bun. Hah, such as life. But other than that, it was an enjoyable first 3 to 4 bites..delicious. For those of you who like "spicy".,,go for.max spicy relish level. ... as the regular spicy tasted like sweet sauce relish..not much. Must go.Expect minimal and you will be pleased even with holding an empty "Bun".
(4)Tim S.
Every relish is different. I ordered a polish dog with star fruit relish. Delish. The lillikoi mustard is super awesome. Coconut relish is awesome, but super sweet. Puka just has to do with the use of a hot metal rod that they poke into the sweetbread bun that is toasted on the inside by the rod.
(5)Tom C.
The dogs were great! I had a polish sausage dog on a white bun and had it hot with pineapple relish and Lilikoi mustard. Definitely get the lilikoi mustard it goes well with the fruit relish on the dog! My Wife had the same as me but with Mango Relish. We really enjoyed both of them. Get the fresh lemonade and the Maui Chips and you're in for a great lunch! Be Warned: they don't do refills! So sip slowly and enjoy!
(4)Cindy H.
I don't like hotdogs, but I'll give it a try if it's a specialty one! I ordered a puka dog with with banana sauce and mild garlic sauce. You would think that banana is kind of weird, but it added a settle flavor. There was also lilikoi mustard in my hot dog, but I didn't need it because there was too much sauce already. I also tried a hot dog with mango sauce, and it was slightly sweet/tart, but I like banana better. I think Puka Dog would deserve 5 stars if it toasted the hot dog buns. Make sure to get the lemonade! It's refreshing.
(4)Mike S.
This is in a very cool location. I went after the sun went down and there was a really nice ambiance. Tiki torches, nice restaurants, and a good over all vibe. It's a unique idea having a hot dog with something other than ketchup and pickled relish, but it works. I had the polish dog with jalapeno sauce and coconut relish. It was really tasty! The only thing I could have done without was how much bun there was to the dog. I ended up taking some of the bun off and it was great! Maybe a bit pricey at $7.00 for a polish dog, but a good over all experience. Good to try at least once.
(4)Aimee P.
This was undoubtedly one of the most unique hot dogs I've ever had. As other reviewers suggested, these do have a sweeter flavor profile than your traditional hot dogs, and some people are put off by this. Most, however, can't get enough. I mean, what's not to love about relish in six fresh, island flavors (pineapple, coconut, guava, mango, banana, papaya, starfruit)? Add to that your garlic lemon secret sauce, as well as the highly recommended lilikoi mustard, and of course, a polish sausage, and you have one amazing dog. It's a good thing these come wrapped vertically in a bag, because the garlic secret sauce can get pretty messy. I had to scrape half of it off - I think just half the amount would have been appropriate. This place definitely has the island feel, with tanned high school kids behind the counter and a casual atmosphere. If you sit at the courtyard of Poipu Shopping Village, you will see patrons all over the place consuming their $6.25 hot dogs, while a line of tourists pours out the door. This, clearly, is the place to go for a quick snack in Poipu.
(4)Dee C.
We are in Hawaii and just HAD to go here. I ordered the veggie dog with the pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard. It was a pretty good hot dog, but then again, I am vegetarian and I haven't had hot dogs before. There was a little bit too much bread at the end and no veggie dog left, but overall a must try if you are on the island. The lemonade was just ok....nothing spectacular.
(4)Myle S.
Absolute deliciousness! Mild original Puka dog with Pineapple relish and Lilikoi mustard. The bun was fresh and fluffy and housed the Puka dog and all its sauce glory. To top it off it was very filling. The lemonade was also just right, not too sweet, not too tart......and tasted amazing. We might hit this a second time while we are here!
(5)Nyapet S.
Yep, it's as good as everyone says. I taste tested the mango relish, the pineapple relish and the coconut relish. My favorite was the pineapple. They will give you little cups of the relish on the side if you can't make up your mind. It was good enough that we went back again on another day. Mmmmm, puka dog.
(4)Kyle M.
Take it from this connoisseur of fruity wieners, the original Puka Dog on Kaua'i can't be beat. Match any dog with any sauce and any relish from this place and I'll gladly eat it. The dogs plus fix-ins are rather sweet, so I don't recommend the cup-of-sugar lemonade. Come on, you have to save room for dessert next door at Papalani Gelato.
(5)Jessica F.
Excellent hot dog joint! I think that any choice in sauces would be great. I would definitely recommend this place to others.
(4)James B.
Finally! I can now say I love shave ice. This was the best I've tasted! Yes better than north shore! The ice is fluffier and doesn't taste like tap water. And, the flavors are better!
(5)carol c.
Blech!!! We had two polish dogs. One with "hot" sauce and pineapple relish, the other a traditional mustard, regular relish and a "super hot" sauce.It's sad when the best thing you have to say about a hot dog is not actually about the dog but about the bun it came in. Don't get me wrong tho', I don't think the bun was great, it was a bit too sweet for my taste and the bun to dog ratio was waaaay off. The bun overpowered the dog, which, in this case, might be a good thing. Sad excuse for a polish sausage (first time I've ever had a flavorless sausage outside of an airplane meal), disgustingly, cloyingly sweet relishes (both), NO heat on either "hot" sauce and Bun to dog ratio was about 3:1. Giving it 1 star for the great lemonade
(1)Joy L.
This review is for the Vegans/ and Vegetarians out there. Go here. It is awesome. On our week trip to Kauai, we were there twice. If you plan on going to Poi Pu then there is no way you should miss this little gem. They have vegan dogs, and the buns are vegan. The relishes are and they are fantastic. The garlic sauce unfortunately is not vegan.. but it sure is vegetarian. and again... it was fantastic. My only advice is to ask that they cook the dog well done. If your veg then you've probably had a not well done smart dog.. and they are never as good as when well done. The staff is crazy nice and helpful, and it's reasonably priced. We can't wait to get back. Oh yeah! It is in the mall/shopping center on the side of the road... it took us a while to figure that out. And the Gelato shop next door has vegan gelato as well... a perfect ending to a perfect hot dog.
(5)Sabitha R.
Loved the polish sausage with their garlic sauce and mango and pineapple relish.. Veggie sausage was not so good..their hawaiin mustard added nice flavor to the polish dog..it is a must try when you are in poipu..
(5)Rob F.
Fantastic idea, average execution, over-priced attraction. A soft, fluffy, mini loaf of bread was speared through the middle and stuffed with a grilled polish dog and some condiments. I chose mango relish and lilikoi (passionfruit) mustard, but it all blended together to just taste a little sweet. I couldn't taste the sweetness of the mango, the slight tang of the lilikoi, or the kick of the mustard, and also couldn't taste much of the dog itself. For 7 bucks and a line, I expected more.
(1)Daniel H.
Ate here 3 times on our trip. The best pukadog is a polish, hot lemon- garlic, lilikoi mustard, and pineapple relish. If you go in the evening, keep an eye out for the geckos!
(5)Celina A.
I LOVE PUKA DOG. We have been going here every time my family visits Kauai. They are soooo delicious. The best part? You can order the sauces online to recreate these lovely little treats at home!
(5)S K.
I never thought I'd review a hot dog place, but this joint is phenomenal! A very unique dog. Do not go traditional ketchup/mustard here. Go Hawaiian! Don't be intimidated by the long line, it goes very fast. There is basically a guy with a Kenmore grill cooking hot dogs and a couple of girls taking orders and assembling the dogs. When in Kauai, this place should not be missed!
(5)Ralph O.
After water tubing we cane here to try a Puka dog. I wanted to go based on the Yelp reviews. I got a Polish dog in a white bread with mild lemon sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard. I also got the fresh lemonade. The dog had a crispy shell and good flavor. The bread is a hot dog bun with only a hole on one side of the bun where the dog is inserted (kinda sounds dirty!). The relish and mustard made the dish too sweet for me. The lemonade is out of this world. Overall I thought the dog was okay (maybe I was expecting too much based on the Yelp reviews) and the lemonade was fantastic. I suggest coming here if you happen to be in the area.
(3)Morgan S.
More like PukeA dog. Blech. Too much sauce, too much bread, not enough hot dog. Definitely overrated.
(1)Joy C.
Absolutely loved Puka Dog! I had a Polish dog with Mild garlic lemon secret sauce and Kauai Special relish and it was delicious! I would've gotten a second dog if only my tummy had more space!
(5)Sascha B.
Ever have a craving that lasts two years and has no end in the near future? Then DON'T go to Puka Dog whilst on vacation because there isn't anything like it here in the boring old mainland. Dying, dying, dying for a Puka Dog: lilikoi mustard, pineapple or mango relish, garlic lemon or jalapeño sauce...mmmmmm. Went there twice in as many days while on vacation two years ago, and I'm hungry for another vacation!
(5)AL K.
3.5 stars just because the staffs are nice. Lemonade is the bomb on a hot humid day. The hot dog is AOK. The sauces are a bit too much for me although they tastes good at first bite. I still like my hotdog the costco way cheap and simple.
(3)Tyson G.
Been coming here for years. A great Hawaiian spin on a hot dog that is a must have anytime you're staying in Poipu. Sweet warm bun and nice assortment of sweet sauces and relishes. Very addictive sugary lemonade as s well. The Puka shave ice was not that great. Go for gelato next door instead for your dessert.
(4)Christine N.
I loved it! It's basically a costco polish dog stuffed inside a hawaiian sweet bread bun, but what sets this place apart is the variety of mustards. Where else can you find lilikoi, mango & pineapple flavored mustards?!?! They need to open one in Cali! They'd make a killing! =)
(4)Lissete D.
Let me start by saying that I am not a huge fan of hot dogs. But I really, really liked the Puka Dogs! I loved the bun, the mango relish & lilikoi mustard! I must have gotten a bum lemonade though, it was pure water & ice!
(4)A.J. S.
$7 dollars for %80 breading and %20 meat (or veggie dog?) I was surprised to see such good reviews. The relishes were way too sweet and after I ate the meat, I still had a fist full of breading. No thanks.
(2)Anna R.
okay, this was the strangest, most unique hotdog i've ever eaten. The bun is lovely, nice flavored sausage and the sauces unusual. Mine had lemon garlic sauce, hawaiian mustard AND the mango salsa. My suggestion is ask for it light on all 3 sauces, 1/2 way through it totally overpowered. But I think everyone should try it. Would be best with a cold beer instead of lemonade. But that just me.
(3)R B.
This was good, sorta cheap, and fast.
(4)Ryan H.
Lets put it this way, I'm from Chicago and these were the best dogs/polish's I've ever had. A delicious take on hot dogs, with different sauces to choose from that you would never had thought of to put on a hot dog.
(5)Raymond W.
Food was delish, great flavors. Love the relish, special sauce, and Hawaiian mustard. Not much seating space but you don't need to sit to enjoy a hot dog, easily enjoyed in motion.
(5)Emily B.
I don't think this place is worth the hype. I agree with other reviewers that the hot dog is tasty, but I would prefer a regular bun, since the bun to dog ratio seems too high to me (and I love me some carbs! Weird.). I got the lilikoi mustard and mango relish. I thought this was unique and I did like the taste, even though it was on the sweet side. The lemonade was a let-down and not very lemony at all. I thought it was okay, but wouldn't go out of my way to come here again.
(3)Kelly S.
i appreciate the fact that puka dog offers a veggie dog (yay!) but i didn't appreciate the overall product i got there (boo!). i still award 3 stars because the service was friendly/fast & the lemonade was FANTASTIC. the concept is pretty cool: -pick your marinate -pick the amount of heat you want (mild to hot hot spicy) -pick your relish (fruit based options like pineapple, mango, etc) -pick your mustard the bun & dog are steamed & a hole is poked into the bun to be filled in with the relish and mustard you chose. i opted for a veggie dog (weird, hard to bite into casing) with mango relish (slimy, overly sweet, no chunks of fruit like i would expect with something called a relish) and the signature mustard they make there (recommended by the staff). the whole thing was super sweet & the dog was not a good texture. i couldn't finish it. maybe i just constructed incorrectly? the lemonade was fresh, sweet & REAL, i could have drank 3 cups.
(3)Jennifer W.
Yummmmmmm Puka Dog. It is one of the best hot dogs I have ever had. I got mine with pineapple relish and the fantastic lilikoi mustard. The combo of the two with the dog were out of this world. I might have even set a world record for how quickly I inhaled it. Lemonade was ok, I have had better, but it did its job of moistening my mouth so I could breathe again after snarfing down the dog. If you are in the Poipu area do not miss this place!
(5)Bubbles T.
Yummy but very saucy... Had polish dog with mild garlic sauce, mango relish (like a purée nut chunky relish) and Hawaiian mustard (like a honey mustard... Not too hot). Yummy! Say "puka shells" for a free lemonade with your meal. All ties together well! $6.75 for the dog... Slightly pricey but yummy! Worth it!
(5)Tawny A.
I really really recommend buying the Puka Dog jars of relish if you love this place. Last night I went and bought some spicy polish hot dogs, big french rolls and used my lilikoi mustard and banana relish that I saved from my trip.....of course, it was not as good as the original, but it was nostalgic and delicious just the same!
(5)Sandy F.
LOVE Puka Dog! Especially because the owner is from Pittsburgh , like me!. He followed his dream and opened up this innovative Hawaiian Hot Dog stand in Paradise! My favorite is the vegan hot dog with lilikoi mustard and pineapple. Every puka dog is specially made and served on a hot steamy Hawaiian roll! Alohaaaa ! Love it!
(5)Becky M.
So, they take this gigantic polish dog and wrap it in the most wonderfully soft blanket of carb loaded bun, then they add spicy mustard, mango (or the tropical fruit of your choosing) relish AND their "special sauce" and this is one long piece of meat that you wont be able to keep out of your mouth! It's so good and squishy and tasty and dirty - just the way Aunt Becky likes it! I'm not a fan of the hot dog, but this shit was delicious. It's definitely one of those things that you have to try to understand. Who would have thought mango relish would rock my world? Do it. You won't regret it.
(4)joyce d.
I agree with lots of other reviewers here, this place is SO overrated. Yes the sauce is tasty, but not amazing. The bread is too huge, and I usually like a higher bread to meat ratio. The polish dog itself is good, but nothing special. The first few bites of the dog are good, but then the "relish" and "mayo" start sinking to the bottom and you get this gushy, saucy mess at the end. Even my hot-dog loving kids thought this place was just okay. I guess the main problem is the price - for what you are getting this place is seriouslly overrated. Really how much does is cost to make flavored sauces which get pumped onto a standard polish dog in a giant mediocre bread roll? The owners of this business are making a killing. Try Suekoa's snack shop in nearby Old Koloa town instead for your hot dog fix. (And like Puka Dog, they're also open later, unlike many Kauai places that close at 5 or 6).
(2)Penny R.
Veggie dog spicy was terrible. I am a bread lover but this was too much for even me. The whole thing was a disaster and expensive to boot.
(1)Ingrid C.
Ohmigosh. I haven't enjoyed a dog like this in a long time. They stab the bread. You can choose a veggie dog or Polish sausage (I like real meat). Mango relish (sweet and delicious). Lilikoi (passion fruit, I believe) mustard is so delicious. Yum yum yum. The buns get stabbed on a toasting spear. Fun fun fun. (Lemonade was watery, nothing special. Just get two dogs instead.)
(4)Guy N.
Puka Dog doesn't seem like it should do any good in this tough economy. An overpriced dog in an over-sized bun doesn't sound like a good investment. Nevertheless, we had to try it. The verdict??? Hey, at least we tried it once in our life... First of all, it wasn't a dog, it was a sausage. You get a choice of sausage or veggie dog. WTF. You get your choice of sauces and condiments. All of them seemed weird but we decided on the Lilikoi Mustard and spicy sauce? I really forget. So we were grubbing on our dog at one of the little tables because we were starving after our long day. It looked and smelled great. I took my first bite...SPLAT! A big glob of sauce overflows over the bread and right on my pants. Given the fact that I was eating at the table, you can guess where it landed. So there i was with a mouthful of bread (no dog yet because the bread was so huge) and a pile of oddly colored yellow goop on my junk. I tried wiping it up but it was soooo slimy that one napkin didn't do the trick. Also there must have been a ton of sugar in that sauce because my hands were completely sticky now. After much chewing, wiping, and purell, I was ready for my next bite....or was I? This time I wised up and left the bottom of the dog on the plate, stood it up on end, leaned over the table, and bit down on the dog, but taking a small bite this time of mostly dog. Smart right? Wrong. Sauce all over my hands just from that small bite. What did they do, fill this thing to the top with sauce? It was kinda gross after just my 2 bites. Sausage was tasty but I was too preoccupied with worrying that bugs were going to smell my lilikoi hands and start attacking. I squeezed out the excess sauce onto the plate this time and I was fine after that. Wayyyyyyyyy too much bread. Felt so wasteful because i threw away a lot of food. Maybe I should have taken it and fed the pigeons/doves/chickens or something. The whole time we were there, the staff was just nonexistent. A bunch of tweeners talking to another employee from the nearby Starbucks about whatever kids talk about these days, paying absolutely no attention to us and other patrons. Not very aloha. I don't mind paying for the food but they need to make sure that the quality is the same for each dog they serve. Maybe I got the proverbial runt of the litter but the ratio of dog-bun was definitely lacking. I'm not sure if other locations are better but there must be a reason that they got on TV. With all the restaurants in Hawaii, this one was picked. I'm not sure of the reasoning so I might give them another chance. Maybe the site in Oahu is better??? We shall see....
(2)Mateja S.
So I went in 2007 in december and one of my co-workers who lived near hear went to work up the raod from this place said that when I vacation I should try this place. so begging everyday from day when we landed in on Kauai we finally had one on our second to last day. I got the polish with the mild garlic special sauce and coconut relish. It was really good. I can see why my co-worker recommended this place as a must eat. I started at the hole side ad I don't recall running out of dog before I finished the bread. Also this isn't like your your typical bagel dog. Placing the order was fast but getting it was a little slow, but considering we had three dogs to make and we all had different stuff I could see why it was a little slow. If I went back to Kauai again this place would be on my places to stop again for food.
(4)Lindsay C.
I thoroughly enjoyed this place. It reminded me of a large perogie - imagine a hot dog engulfed by soft Hawaiian bread entirely. You bite into it and get not only the dog, but the special garlicky sauce and your choice of amazing relishes. Very unique! I also loved how the only choices of drinks where water or lemonade. Sometimes less choices, the better - and healthier!
(3)Carlee P.
Nothing too special, but as a vegetarian, we were stoked they had an option for us. Fun concept that everything fit inside of the big bun.
(4)Dave K.
Holy crap! 300 reviews for a hot dog stand on Kauai? Well, thank you very much Anthony Bordain. What's one more make? I went conservative and got the regular dog this time with pineapple and jalapeno. Besides the fact the the staff acted as if they had been sampling the Hawaiian ice, the dog was good and hit the spot. If you are on the south shore of Kauai and want a little snack to tide you over, this is a great option. There are bathrooms and a small ABC-like market in the same shopping center. Now when are they going to franchise on the mainland? Auf.
(4)Katie S.
Woohoo! As good as a hotdog gets- so I give Puka Dog 5 stars. Don't go in expecting a gormet meal, just a quick and tasty lunch and you won't be disappointed. My husband wants to go back, and I wouldn't complain- I enjoyed my Puka Dog, with pineapple relish- it was almost like a custard? Weird, but in a good way.
(5)Diana H.
Hooray for Puka Dog! This was a must-stop on our visit. I think the sauces may have changed a bit, but they're still goood. Yes, it's a hot dog place, get over it all youze with one stars! But it's an awesome hot dog place with great relish! You want fine dining? Go across the shopping center to Roy's! Geez. Line up early. By 1pm, the line was winding it's way down the strip mall. Luckily, by then we were on our way out. They now have mustard and relish in jars. Notify the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum! Friendly, different, yummy. It's good. We'll go back.
(5)T S.
Really good, just a little pricey. Be sure to get some shaved ice to go with your hot dog.
(4)Anthony V.
Very interesting hot dog, the relishes certainly add some interesting Hawaian flavor as does they awesome mustard but ... the hot dog itself is unremarkable. Its a cool spot, worth a visit in you are in the area and looking for a quick bite but i wouldn't go out of my way for it. 'Rutts Hut' will remain the best hotdog I've ever had.
(3)L S.
Excellent food and even better service. Friendly people. I got the veggie dog, mango and Hawaiian mustard.
(5)Marie C.
Be hungry...because these hot dogs are really, really good. The Lemonade is freshly squeezed. It is a must try in Kauai.
(4)Tim H.
Was in Kauai and had good ratings on Yelp so we had to try. I like the idea of how the dogs are put in the bun, but the sauces were a little to overboard for me. Not in flavor but literally too much. I felt like I was searching for my dog in the sauce. It was "okay" -- I can say I had a Puka Dog. Lemonade was fantastic.
(3)Ryan J.
Nearly impossible to find something for under $10 on this island, let alone something decent. This is the exception. Stands with the Sonoran Dog as the most important innovation to happen to the Frankfurter since the Dodger Dog.
(4)Franci G.
Check! This was def. a fun and interesting place to eat. Gourmet dogs with mango sauce-o so good. I like the experience and would try other flavors if I ever run into a Puka Dog again :)
(4)Samir S.
I had the polish with spicy sauce, coconut relish, and hawaiian mustard. I felt like I had a hot dog with strawberry preserves and wonder bread. If there was any spice in that concoction, I think I missed it. If that sounds good for you than go for it. Its a trendy place, but I would rather spend the same amount of money at Savage Shrimp down the road, And feel like I had a great meal.
(3)Ashley R.
Polish dog with mild garlic lemon sauce and papaya sauce was amazing!! Never thought I would say something like that! Genius!!
(5)Fred T.
Its Puka Dog!!!! This is our 4th time here but our first review. While yes its a hotdog place with a unique bun (wraps) all around with no split. They have 3 levels of heat for thier garlic sauce and 6 tropical relishes you can have as well. Fear not for the traditional folks you can have the same old same hot dog with mustard, ketsup etc if you desire. The lemonaid is off the hook and made 1 glass at a time. Its a bit on the sweet side but so gooooood. Puka Dog is one of those places where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Decent food + decent prices (for the area) + friendly / efficient employees is always a recipe for good eats
(4)Lesley K.
I was dreaming about my Puka Dog on the plane. Everything I hoped it would be and more.
(5)Jill D.
If you are like most of the people in the USA and are overweight, obese and suffering from a variety of health complaints because you don't eat healthy then this is the place for you to continue your self destructive pattern! Seriously folks, this is NOT traditional Hawaiian food! It's a known fact that the chain is owned by Brazilians who moved to Hawaii a few years ago. Now that I've shattered all your hopes and dreams let me also enlighten you to the fact that these hot dogs aren't that good. To the average 3rd grader...yes, these are the best hot dogs in the world...for an adult (especially if you are an adult from NYC) you will be horrified. First of all, the bun to hot dog ratio is completely off with there being WAY more bun than dog. While I understand you need to be able to have a receptacle for the sweet syrups you pour a la shave ice style on the dog; this means that you have at least 3 bites of "hot dog" sans the dog. This is sacrilege. If the ratio were reversed it would be totally fine but as it stands I'm not impressed. The "toppings" for your hot dog are so packed with sugar that I'm not sure if it's a hot dog I'm eating or a bowl of shave ice that's oddly hot dog flavored. The cost for all this "goodness" is ridiculous as well but hey you're a tourist and you budgeted for this fine dining, right? I can honestly say that my first Puka Dog will be much like my first Big Mac...my last.
(1)Randy K.
Fantastic!! Got the polish dog with pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard!!! What a great place for a island dog! A must for anyone in the area. I hope to be going back tomorrow before our flight back to the Mainland.
(5)cynthia w.
Puka Dog let us down! We were expecting this great yummy polish made similar to how it's done in Vienna with the heated pole and all. What we got was a chubby and kind of soggy hot dog with lots of super sweet sauces and super sweet mustard. The bread was way too thick, and I think a slightly crustier type would be better. The dog would definitely have been better if it actually was a spicy and garlicy polish with some snap to them. The sauces also weren't spicy at all even though we ordered the spicy ones. All we could taste was sweet. The sauces also totally masked the little flavor of the dog. We ate in the plaza, and everyone else was tearing up the bread to just to be able to taste the sausage, too. The birds and chickens love Puka Dog, though!
(2)Steve L.
These dogs have unique taste. Nice place. Price is fair. They give you a lot of bread and dog. Pretty cool place. Try it!
(3)Brady K.
I love me some dogs. In the San Francisco Bay area I'm a regular at Underdogs and Top Dog. After touching down in Kaua'i, reading rave reviews about PD in the Hawaii Blue Book, and seeing that PD was close to our hotel we zipped over for lunch. The two, baby faced kids working the shop were friendly and hard working. There was a line out the door which bode well. Here's where it went wrong. The buns were made out of wonder bread. To make way for the dog the buns were viciously reamed on a metal bun reamer. Ok ok, in honesty that part was pretty clever and fun to watch. The dog itself was grilled on a large Weber - I would have liked mine to be grilled longer. Before inserting the dog into said, reamed, bun, they pump 2-3 good squirts of a mayo special sauce with mango or pineapple into the bun hole. Has this review been censored by the republican family values committee yet? I couldn't taste any mango in the mayo. You can top it with some special relishes but it doesn't matter by then. You're left with a sticky sweet goopy mess and a feeling of regret the next day. It desperately needed an acidic foil, some veg, onion or something to cut the cloying sweetness of the bun, sauce and sausage. I really dig the vibe of this place, and that they keep it simple by having only one veg dog and a polish dog. But maybe adding a whole wheat option would help. Try skipping the gloop and opting for the traditional ketchup and mustard. The lemonade is pretty good. 2.75 * stars
(3)Michael H.
Couldn't say it better than Hayley and Jana. The lemonade isn't "fresh squeezed" and the "relish" is more of a sauce. Relish should be mostly solid bits of food and not syrup. They also serve the dog to you in a paper bag because all that syrup is going to ooze out of the bun and make a mess if they don't To top it off they take cash only and it cost us 15 bucks for 2 dogs and a lemonade. Don't bother waiting in line for this.
(1)Crysta S.
Puka Dog was recommended by our cab driver upon our arrival in Poipu (we are staying in the condos across the street). Seeing as they offered veggie dogs (we are vegetarian), my boyfriend and I immediately tried it out. This is a very unique hot dog, as has been described. The sweet rolls are delicious, although it ended up being too much bread for me. The veggie dogs take a few more minutes to cook, so be prepared to wait about eight minutes or so. The garlic sauce is basically a garlic mustard, and was delicious. The fruit relishes are less chunky than I like a relish, and are squirted down the tube of the bun next to your dog. Next time, I will ask for my relish in a cup so I can dip each bite into it. I got the pineapple relish. It didn't taste very pineapple-y, just syrupy sweet. It was a strange combination with the garlic sauce and the hot dog. We had the lemonade, which was delicious. I wasn't blown away by my experience, but I would return and just get a veggie dog with the garlic sauce and plain ol' ketchup. Can't go wrong with that. Cash only!
(3)Rashmi V.
ordered a veggie dog with mango relish and ketchup..yummm..definitely yummm buttttt there was more bun than dog..wtf? and it was like 6 bucks for this damn thing..only got to half of it cuz the bun was the other half..what the heck am i gonna do with a bun filled with mango relish..ehhh ended up feeding it to the birds... definitely disappointed...and sooo overrated... only pro-mango relish con-not enough dog ALLLL BUN =/
(3)Linda T.
I read about Puka Dog in a magazine and had to try it. Like everyone else has said, it's really good! The toasted bun, the crunchy external layer of the dog...drool worthy! My fiance and I liked it so much, we ate ther twice on our trip. The first time, I had all the sauces piled in (lilikoi mustard, mango relish, and hot sauce). The second time we ate there, I had the sauces on the side and I liked it much better. My only minor complaint is that the bun to dog ratio is slightly off, more meat or less bread would make it even better! FYI, you can order the "lava" hot sauce that's not on the menu.
(5)Tony C.
1. Dog to bun ratio was way too low (I expect a ratio of 1.0 or higher, don't gip me!) 2. "Spicy" jalapeno sauce was neither spicy nor tasted like Jalapeno (at all!) 3. Lemonade was way too sweet. Let's see the Travel Channel print this
(2)Dina P.
We came because of the decent reviews. My husband and I got the polish dog with pineapple relish and jalapeño sauce...I never tasted the jalapeño . My 8 year old knows his hot dogs and got the polish dog with sweet relish and ketchup. There was way too much bread. So unless you really like bread you end up tearing half the bread off. however this leaves you with a huge mess of relish and sauces dripping on the table and your shirts. My son ended up eating just the dog and dipping it in the excess sauces left in the torn open bun. I'd rather have had a regular hot dog in a regular bun. The lemonade was basically sugar water with half a lemon floating in the ice. And 3 hot dogs with 3 lemonades cost $28.00, a little pricey for the quality.
(1)Ali W.
Only could Puka Dog charge so much for a hot dog. That's okay, I didn't expect less at a popular touristy attraction. I like my Polish sausage with mango, coconut, or starfruit relish and lilikoi (passion fruit) mustard. I think it's cool that the sausage is slipped into a tube-like bun. Kinda phallic, but I won't take any stars off for that. 1 star off: $6 for a hot dog
(4)Patty K.
The magic was the variety of sauces. I thought the dog got lost in the bun. Half that size of bun would have given each bite more of a burst in flavors. $7 per dog. I'd suggest the fresh lemonade to wash it down.
(3)Yoon P.
WHOA. VEGETARIAN HOT DOG WITH MANGO RELISH?!?? I AM IN!!!!! PUKA = HOLE. Makes sense right? Since this particular hot dog is inserted inside the bun with a hole! Puka dog is a genius idea!!! We absolutely loved every bite of this dog! They have meat sausage & vegetarian sausage so that was super awesome for us two hungry vegetarians on the island. $8 for a meal is really cheap in Kauai in my opinion. Everything in Kauai is expensive if you know what I mean! Btw, spicy here is not spicy at all. It's flavorful and tasty so you have to get it!! Anyways this place is a must-visit if you're on south shore on Kauai, Hawaii!!! We came by and absolutely loved it!
(5)De B.
What's a girl to do after hitting the beach for a few hours with nothing but a few bucks in her pocket but a rumbling in her tummy? PUKA DOG! The polish sausage is a big boy, and it's nicely stuffed inside the Hawaiian bread bun. The 'relish' isn't relish at all, but pureed fruit! YUM. The mustard is infused with lilikoi (which means passion fruit in Hawaiian.) It's sweet, tangy, savory, slightly spicy all in one beautifully wrapped puka dog. Yes, it is $6.25 each, but I guarantee, it's one of the cheapest good eats on the island! And when you're done gorging yourself on hot meat, wander over to the gelato place next door, it's a chocolate lover's heaven and tropical fruit lover's paradise!
(4)Karen D.
This is better than your average hot dog. First, you get your choice of polish sausage or veggie dog, then they insert it into a bread wrap that totally encloses the dog except at the ends, hence the name. You choose a special tropical relish or sauce (or purists can stick to classic toppings) that is squirted inside, and the result is a puka dog. It's about twice the size of a normal hot dog and four times the price. The "fresh" squeezed lemonade consists of powder mixed with water with half a lemon juiced over the top but tastes okay. Hardly any inside seating, which when it's crowded, means that your face is literally next to someone's backside anyway. Plan on carry out. Cash only. This place caters to tourists (hey, nothing wrong with that) but offers NO kama'aina discounts (not feelin' the aloha...). At least the cashier was friendly.
(3)Dorcee S.
I just remembered another old favorite we visited - Puka Dog. Last year we were very disappointed (compared to other years), not near enough goopy sauce, relish or mustard. This time we asked them not to skimp on any of it - yep, it glopped right down the front of Hubby's shirt first bite (that's how it's susposed to be). Polish sausage, original mild sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard. With their fresh lemonade - 5 stars
(5)Al F.
Must visit place on every trip to Kauai. Puka Dogs are polish sausage stuffed inside a bun with some great tropical relishes. My favorite is the Mango Relish. Be sure to get a fresh squeezed lemonade to wash it down.
(5)Karen L.
A must visit if you're on the island, but honestly over hyped. If I'm here I have to have one, but then I think I'm done after that, I wouldn't be able to eat it everyday. A bit overpriced too for $6.25 for one! It's huge, but too much bun. Between the two of us we had three, really good dogs though. We had the pineapple, papaya, and mango relish, the mango being our favorite on a polish jalapeno! Banana was sort of interesting, too sweet. They have more relishes here in Kauai, but I'm eager to try the guava as they didn't have it here but they do in Oahu! A good hot dog in that it balances your sweet and salty taste buds...3.5 stars.
(4)Mel A.
These hot dogs are amazing! I always get the polish sausage with HOT garlic lemon secret sauce + mango relish and lilikoi mustard. I also ask for some ketchup on the side just to cool things off. I agree that it can get kinda goopy but I love to dip the toasty bread into the sauce at the end. It's too amazing to pass up. The staff is also very friendly (like every other place on the island)! Way better than the one that opened up on Oahu. Make sure to get some of their fresh squeezed lemonade! I can't wait to go back to Puka Dog on Kauai!!
(5)Lizzie V.
I LOVE YOU Puka dog! I went with the polish sausage, mild garlic lemon sauce, lilikoi mustard, and mango relish. What a combination. FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE FOR TWO BUCKS! Believe the hype!
(4)Nicole W.
SO GOOD!!!!! Vege-dog with papaya relish and hawaiian mustard! Fresh squeezed lemonade is excellent too!!! This IS a fast food joint, so seating is limited- but grab your puka dog and go explore Poipu!
(4)Cyndi V.
On the positive side, the sauces are great. That's what makes these puka dogs good. However, the dogs are so small and there is way too much bread. The bread is very doughy. You finish the dog, and you have all this bread left over. Personally, I think they should reconsider the size of the bun and also think about putting some of the dogs on 100% whole grain buns. I remember my mom mentioning whole wheat bread to the owner, and he just shrugged that idea off. In regards to the lemonade, I've had it before and it's sickening sweet. I always ask for half the sugar; that way it's at least palatable.
(3)Rossi K.
Mango mustard with spicy sauce is a must. Hot dogs were pretty good except they overcooked (burnt) our dogs once. Overall, a must try while in Kauai.
(4)David B.
Definitely a "novelty" type of meal. Where else but in Hawaii can you chow down on a hotdog encased in sweet bread bun with specialty relishes of coconut or papaya? The hotdog is sizeable so it makes for a decent meal. The quality and preparation of the meat, bread and sweet condiments is very good. HOWEVER, personally I'm not a fan of a hotdog tasting so much like a dessert. Just way too sweet. I'd rather have the dog prepared with kraut, relish, onions, peppers and deli mustard. A Puka dog will set you back $6.75. But then again, this place is located in a touristy mall.
(3)Anita L.
I'd have to say I was highly disappointed with Puka Dog. Your choice of polish dog or veggie dog was fine, but it was sandwiched between too much bread.... sweet white bun for that matter. We definitely didn't get a sourdough bun! The relishes as they were called did not have the relishy consistency, but rather, a smooth saucy texture. My 5-yr-old had his plain which tasted great, just like a hot dog should. I shared one with my friend's boyfriend and both of us were not impressed. The polish dog itself was good, just as a Costco one would taste if grilled. Other than that, the relishes weren't all that appealing.
(2)Ashley M.
I came here with my husband on a Friday around 2:45pm. There are about three tiny tables inside and a couple benches outside. The service is friendly and I'm sure the food is made just fine... I just didn't like it at all. There's only a sausage and a veggie dog,and the polish sausage has no flavor. The toppings are sickly sweet and all go to the bottom so the whole thing is dry until the last three bites. The bun is a lot longer than the hot dog. The fresh lemonade was undrinkable to me. Lemonade is supposed to have a certain tartness, which this did not. It was sugar water with barely a hint of lemon flavor. I felt gross after eating it and I couldn't get down the lemonade.
(2)Susan L.
OK.. doesn't live up to the hype. Very sweet and sticky like others say. Lemonade is waaayy too sugary as well.
(3)Martine M.
Puka is a great spot to pick up a delicious hot dog - and - some great conversation with the nice lady behind the counter! We loved the pineapple salsa and different sauces. An inexpensive lunch!
(4)H T.
New way to have a hot dog- choose your sauces and your hot dog is inside a sweet bun- kind of like a giant pigs in a blanket. The flavors are interesting and tasty.
(4)Robyn A.
I think you either love Puka Dogs or hate it. It is only a hotdog. Don't expect gourmet. The mango and pinapple relishes are unique. Something I never had before. I thought it was yummy. I threw away excess bun with excess relish-mayo.
(4)Jennifer M.
I was very excited to try Puka Dog when I was on vacation in February. Friends had recommended, and I also had read the reviews on Yelp. I was a little disappointed with the whole experience. The dog itself was fine -- but nothing special. The sauces were very, very sweet and overpowered the dog. The toasted bun was a nice touch and I liked the idea. But the actual dog wasn't so great, especially for the price.
(2)John H.
My husband ordered the polish dog with the hot lemon garlic sauce, and the mango relish. He really enjoyed his hot dog!! Wants to go back for another, but this time would get it without the garlic sauce.
(4)Nali M.
between my friends and i, puka dog is known to us as puke-a dog. there was a time where i went every-other-day eating a puka dog, but, more recently, i can't handle them. i'm not really a big fan of polish sausage, but i don't exactly want a vegetarian hot dog. also, it's wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too expensive!! six bux for a hot dog, 2 bux for a lemonade (they will stand there and mass produce a whole bunch of lemonades...so when you get up to the register, the ice is melting already!!! (ask for a FRESH one, you'll probably get stink eye, but it's worth it)). lastly, too much sauce. i ask for it on the side. that way, i can control how much there is. you'll always end up with extra bread. it's not a total bad thing, though. you can always feed the chickens!! remember, cash only. it'd suck if you got up to the front of the line and had to get out of line to run to an ATM.
(3)mallory o.
Good hot dog. Unique presentation (a hole stabbed deep into a sweet hawaiian hot dog roll) and delicious house made fillings. Try - a sausage dog, spicy sauce, pineapple salsa, and hawaiian mustard. The best. Definitely worth a visit while cruising around Poipu. Point. Blank. Period.
(4)Kevin A.
It is hard to describe a Puka Dog but very essy to enjoy. My favorife is with Papaya Sauce snd Hawaiin mustsrd. If on Kauai you have to enjoy one.
(5)Kristine P.
Puka Dog is expensive for a hot dog, but we had to try it. The dog itself was pretty big, and the bread was tasty. It's served in like a tube of bread, which is different and creative. I thought the sauces I chose were good and gave it a unique flavor, but they put way too much inside of the bun for my taste. If I went back, I'd ask them to go light on the sauce and it'd be much better. The lemonade was fresh squeezed but kind of tasteless - like water with a couple lemons in it.
(3)Susan H.
This is my 2nd or 3rd visit to the Puka Dog. Decided it was time to finally write a review. The first time was about 4 years ago. Unfortunately, I did not think the Puka dog tasted as good as the first time I tried it. Although the mango relish was still delish. I found my bun to have little hard pieces of bread throughout. Not sure if this was because it was late and near closing time so the bun had been sitting on the warming pole too long or I just got a bad bun. I read that "puka" means hole. Basically the hot dog or sausage fits snuggly in a hole in center of the bun with the relish/sauce of your choice. There are many diffferent sauces to select from so it may be hard to decide which combination will tickle your tongue. Then there is the option of adding lilikoi mustard. The mango relish is my favorite, but that's probably bias since I haven't tried any of the other sauces. I like the mango relish with the polish sausage because it makes the perfect blend of sweetness to saltiness. A bit on the pricey side, but definitely worth trying. (at least once anyways)
(3)lauren p.
Yes, it's pretty touristy now that it's been mentioned on several different Travel Channel shows. But it's also a great place for a tasty, filling, CHEAP meal, which you will be hard pressed to find on Kauai. The husband and I both went for the Polish, both spicy, both with lilikoi mustard, but I had coconut relish and he went with mango. Being a coconut freak I liked mine better, but they were both really good. The combination of sweet toppings enhanced the saltiness of the dog- which, by the way, is why there is no reason not to put ketchup on a hot dog, AHEM Chicago people. But I digress. We split a bag of Maui chips which didn't really add anything to the meal, and each had a cup of the way-too-sweet lemonade. All in all, it was a cheap lunch, we ate outside on a bench, and was on our way pretty quickly.
(4)Liz W.
YUCK!!!! The dog was fine, the bun was great actually - but unless you like sweet sugary syrup on your hot dog - then go with basic mustard and ketchup. My first bite was so full of "relish" (right - it was just plain syrup - there was no cut up fruit in there!) that I gagged. My advice - try it normally unless you LOVE sweet stuff on your hot dog. And - like the rest of the food - the lemonade is sweet sweet! In fact - I sipped sugar clumps up my straw. I won't be back - even if it were around the corner from me. But it just might be your thing ...
(1)James H.
Choice of Polish or Vegetarian dog. They are inserted into a bun that has a hole down the center. Choice of mild, spicy or hot(not very hot), choice of one of 8 Hawaiian relishes, we had the pineapple, and the normal condiments plus a Hawaiian mustard that was great. Chips and lemonade(only drink they serve) round out the menu. For what it serves it is very good. Anthony Bourdaine has written about on his website. Make time to visit.
(4)Kelly J.
Yumm! I'm not a hotdog fan but this place was good. The Lillikoi mustard is amazing, like the other reviewers have said. Ditto the jalapeno sauce and mango salsa. Definitely a great place to pop in for a quick bite. The people running it were nice and we enjoyed the atmosphere very much.
(4)Rebecca P.
Wait, wait, wait... How have I NOT written a review for Puka Dog yet? I visit Kauai every August with my family. We stay in Princeville. Princeville is inconveniently far from Puka Dog. Every year, however, I force my family to make the hour or two trek across the island so that I can get my Puka Dog fix. Why? (1) Veggie hot dog option (2) Fresh, thick, toasty bun (3) Garlic mayo + pineapple salsa... sounds bizarre and possibly even gross, but this is actually unforgettably, mouthwateringly delicious (4) Perfect lemonade (5) Friendly service I have tried to find something like this in Los Angeles, but nothing comes close. This is definitely one place you need to try while vacationing in Kauai.
(5)Cat C.
YUM, YUM, YUMMMM! What a great idea!! A warm sweet onion bread filled with your choice of dog with numerous types of tropical relishes and mustards!! For $6.50 for a Puka, it was a great cheap lunch everytime!! (Note: I like pretty spicy and I found even their hottest dog didn't have much spice to it at all! :( )
(5)Drew M.
Best dogs on the island!
(4)Henry P.
Don't believe the hype. This place is way overrated. Waited way too long, paid way too much for a hot dog. The relishes and sauces are basically mayo. So if you don't like mayo, you're waiting a long time and paying through the nose for a mediocre dog. The lemonade had hardly any lemon in it. It was sugary water. Poipu Tropical Burger next door was SO much better. A real burger, 1/2 pound, hand formed patty at a reasonable price. Nice people too!
(1)Khristine D.
Loved the food. Try the hot dogs and lemonade if you are on the island.
(5)Jessica L.
This review is for the shave ice only. I never had the famed Puka Dog... Anyway, I was here twice in the last week. The first time, I stood at the window of the shave ice area for at least 10 minutes waiting for service. I finally gave up and got in line at the Puka Dog just to get to the front and be told that someone would meet me at the back window. So, back to the window I went and the guy who came to help me clearly had never worked back there before. I ordered my Lilikoi shave ice with azuki beans and sweet milk and he told me there were no azuki beans. I pointed out that they are on the menu, and he ran and asked for help. Finally, he returned and made me a very large tower of shave ice, topped with about 8 azuki beans. I gave up on addressing things and just took my tower of ice and walked away. The good part is that, because he didn't know what he was doing, he completely undercharged me. The second time, I went right up to the counter and asked for someone to come to the window to help. This time, my server knew what he was doing and, although they were out of my favorite Lilikoi, he made me a delicious shave ice with the azuki beans on the bottom, like they should be. It was a much better experience.
(3)Todd B.
Excellent hot dog and worth the steep price. I had the original sausage with pineapple relish and Hawaiian mustard. The bun was outstanding, I liked the chargrilled sausage, and enjoyed the gourmet condiments. The fresh lemonade was a treat as well.
(4)mindy y.
Ok hot dog, overhyped but I guess we all want to try and check it out. Relish was like baby food. Blended sugar sauce instead of freshly chopped mango in the relish. Crazy price 6.25
(1)Chris M.
Since all of the other reviews for this place sum it up, I will just throw in my two cents....This place is way overrated. I mean, if you're expecting me to give a great review to a hot dog stand in Hawaii when I live in Chicago, you're dead wrong. I give them all 3 stars for creativity. I was impressed with the way the dog is made. They poke the bun through a rod that's heated, which toasts the inside of the bun, which is a real nice touch. I toast my own buns on the grill when I cook dogs, so I liked the idea. Like I said, the relishes are real creative. I had the mango special relish, which was flavorful but not too overpowering to the dog. My one big issue though was that I had eaten the entire polish sausage, but there was alot of bun and sauce left over at the bottom of a bun. Puka, make your dogs proportionate to the length of the bun. Lastly, they only serve lemonade for drinks, and preach that it's hand squeezed and great. It sucked. I felt like I was drinking sugar water with a lemon squeezed into it. This place is worth eating at for a twist on the typical hot dog. But typical is good for me, as I'll take a Chicago dog over Puka any day.
(3)Alex H.
Pineapple relish! Maybe the best hot dog I've ever had. Neat and never messy.
(5)Robyn B.
Ok Yum! This made my mouth very happy. Go!
(5)Katie L.
The secret is the sauce...a hot dog is just a hot dog, but the sauce makes all the difference. PLUS, the buns are toasted on the inside and it really is THAT GOOD!!! MUST TRY!!!
(5)Liza M.
I feel lucky to have eaten here approx. 4 times during a 5 day vacation in Kauai. Once you try Puka Dog you won't want to have hot dogs in the traditional fashion ever again. The roll, so fresh, so soft on the outside yet toasted to perfection on the inside with the original garlic lemon sauce, Hawaiian mustard, any choice of relish (my favorites in order of highest down to still really damn good are mango, papaya, coconut, pineapple, banana & they have 1-2 more I didn't get to try) with the big polish dog it is DELICIOUS....and it's the perfect meal after a day of snorkeling or body surfing at Poipu Beach. And don't pass up the ice cold fresh squeezed sugary lemonade. Thankfully I had room in my luggage to bring back 5 jars of their secret sauce & mustard. I love you Puka Dog. I miss you.
(5)jen r.
oh puka please move to miami or i might just steal your idea!! loll this was amazingly delicious. i saw a lady after me ordered 2 dogs in 1 bun and i wish i owuldve done the same!! the bun does have a little too much bread but if you have enough sauce its great! i had the polish with mild sauce, relish and regular mustard. i even bought the pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard to bring home and try to recreate this at home!! the chips were good, just like cape cod.
(5)Kristi C.
This place was very hard to find even with the GPS. Once we found the shopping center we asked for directions. It is located inside of a shopping complex near Roy's. The hot-dogs were 6 dollars but they were HUGE. Really it was a complete meal. The girl in the parking lot near by told us to order lemonade, which was a great tip because it was perfect. They hand squeeze it and add and sugar, YUM. The hot dog is huge, sits in a large bun with a hole in (hence PUKA=hole) and taste great. I ordered the hot garlic sauce the sweet island mustard and the starfruit relish. Don't be afraid it was great. Go hungry! There are outdoor tables that you can sit in you swim suit and enjoy your food.
(4)Catherine W.
There are so many reviews on this place, I will try not to repeat it too much. It's fast, it's convenient and it's pretty darn good. The bun is wrapped like a sleeve around the hot dog and you choose your fixings from a list on a surfboard. I went with the mango salsa and nothing else. Sweet and good, but it tends to slide down to the bottom, so squeeze evenly. My husband got the coconut, which wasn't much of a compliment to the nicely charred dog - a bit too sweet. Friendly service and tasty ice cold lemonade makes this a reliable staple.
(4)Matt P.
Yowza! Best hot dog I've ever had! They take a regular ol' hot dog and switch up the bun to make it mega delicious. Imagine a jumbo-size twinky. Now, instead of golden sponge cake this twinky is made of a long Hawaiian sweet roll. And instead of cream filling, this contraption is filled with a delicious hot dog, Hawaiian mustard, and your choice of tropical relish. Super mega delicious taste sensation! They have a bunch of tropical relish options (mango, coconut, pineapple...). I went with pineapple and Hawaiian mustard on my dog. It was fantastic. For traditionalists out there, you can skip the relish entirely and load your dog up with old-fashioned fares like mustard and ketchup.
(5)Teal H.
It was OK for what it is, I guess, but every element BESIDES the dog itself is sweeetsweetsweet!!! Thank god it's a Polish, which somewhat mitigates the sweetness, but COME ON. The bun is super-sweet (like portuguese white bread, or typical sweet hawaiian white), all of the sauces (you get three) including the mustards, are super-sweet, and it's like, YUCK. Even the garlic mayo is f*cking full of sugar. ENOUGH. Never again, sorry. Also, it seemed expensive, especially since we couldn't find the prices posted anywhere. It just costs what it does, I guess...
(2)Amber M.
Super-delicious combination of classic mainland grub with a Hawaiian touch. I think the best part was not necessarily the meat, but the bun - a little crunchy outside, soft and chewy inside, with that slightly sweet Hawaiian bread taste. (I'm starting to drool as I write this...) Also, be brave and get some mango relish and lilikoi mustard on that dog. The risk is definitely worth the reward!
(5)Eunhee K.
i dream about this place. i'm sure being in hawaii makes the food taste a thousand times better. seriously, who cares what you eat when you're in paradise?! but i love how this place has vegetarian dog and love all the topping and sauce choices. i actually paid a huge sum of delivery charges ordering the sauce online and having it shipped to NYC. the closest thing to that dreamy sauce is kyochon's garlic sauce.
(5)Carman C.
overpriced for what it is :( I suppose that is generally the case on an island but still. $6.50...cold bun and boiled polish sausage came straight from a bag from grocery store. garlic sauce was good but not worth the price tag. A LOT of bread and not so much sauce/meat.
(3)Anderson H.
Flavors are great but the other reviews are right...dog to bread ratio needs to lean more to the dog and when you get to the bottom it's all sauce and bun.
(3)Jonathan C.
Someone needs to open this up in san diego. This was super good. I guess it's the special lilikoi mustard or the mango sauce they top the dog with. But the overall package was delicious. Just sucks that i wasn't able to go back for more on my short but sweet visit to kauai!!!
(5)Bianca T.
Not a GREAT dog, but not a bad dog. We tried this last week on our last day of vacation. I think the idea of it is fabulous, but the execution isn't quite there. Here's the rundown: First of all, CASH ONLY. Hit up the ATM at Bank of Hawaii. Second, a bit slow in service. Eh, kids...what do you expect. Third, no veggie dogs at the time of our visit. I didn't bother to ask why, but an earlier yelper said their supplier is MIA. I got the polish dog with spicy sauce and pineapple relish; hubs got the polish dog with spicy sauce and mango relish. We both got lemonade. I was impressed with the presentation. The dog was nicely snuggled in the warm bun, and squirted with a dollop of something tasty at the top. Not sure what this dollop was as it didn't appear to be either the garlic sauce or the relish that was inside. The bun was soft and tasty. A little too bready, but I like bread. The dog was juicy and hot. Unfortunately the 'spicy' sauce was anything but, and the relishes were too sweet for our liking (duh - fruit). Finally, as others have mentioned, once your dog is gone, you're left with bun and relish/sauce. I was full anyway. Lemonade was pretty sugary. If I try this again I'm going to up the ante to the habanero sauce, and maybe try the lilikoi mustard that others have raved about. Overall, I think the concept is terrific, but I'd prefer they have more savory flavors.
(3)Jen C.
First stop after our flight into Kauai after a recommendation by someone who absolutely raved about it. Located in the Poipu Shopping Village. We got the puka dogs - one with the mango relish and one with the pineapple relish, and with the lilikoi mustard. I love hot dogs - so it was a great snack, but I didn't see the crazy hype. It's a big hot dog - only need to eat one - and kinda fun since the hot dog is fully encased in the bun (better when the bun is a little on the crispy side in the middle). I definitely liked the pineapple relish better than the mango - it was a more distinct flavor. Love the Maui Onion bag of chips. Next time would also pass on the "fresh-squeezed" lemonade. Minimal seating. I would definitely eat here again for a snack, but wouldn't necessarily make a special trip out here for this like other tourists do. Also one located in Waikiki in Oahu.
(3)CW L.
The dogs were good, the sauces are strange. Overall average.
(3)Amanda T.
Delicious! Try the spicy sausage with mango relish! Party in the mouth!
(4)O O.
The dogs are pretty good but there is a lot of bread and a lot of the secret sauce which is very mayo-ey. it's pretty good but not something to write home about really. had both the polish and the veggie dog, one spicy, which wasn't very spicy at all! the plaza is nice right outside of puka dog and my two year old loved chasing all the wild chickens around. guess that's a good thing.
(3)angie b.
I ate here a few times on my honeymoon because I liked it so much! I love hot dogs, and these were really tasty. My favorite combo was the Veggie Dog with spicy sauce and mango relish. Cash only, $6.95 for a dog (but it's Hawaii). Definitely the best value for your money in Poipu - everything here is expensive and the food selection is limited, so a consistently good hot dog is worth $6.95. I wish we had a Puka Dog in Santa Barbara!
(4)Astrid O.
Wanted an inexpensive lunch before heading to airport. Thought we'd try a hotdog stand and so we visited Puka Dog. Quick service. Interesting choices. The veggie dog was tasty and good. Chose the quava sauce - the sweetness didn't quite blend well for my tastebuds but I'm glad I tried it.
(3)Cat Q.
There is a lots choice of sauce, but for the rest, it's just a standard big hot dog, that's all.
(3)Heather B.
What a tasty lil snack after a day in the waters of paradise! The pineapple relish and mango relish were so good!! I would never have thought to put fruit flavored relish on my hot dog. And the bun does not open, it's just a bun with a hole down the center and they stick the hot dog and relish in there. Oh, and the fresh squeezed lemonade! So refreshing! Definitely find this place and enjoy!
(5)Brenda S.
We got the veggie dog and loved it. My son had the pineapple relish on his and I had the mango relish. Only problem was the last couple of bites were bun & relish. Hotdog needs to be a little longer or the bun a bit shorter. The lemonade was delicious. We also got shave ice here (on the other side of the business). Service was iffy at the shave ice counter. Waited in line, then went to other side to request help, came back and other people who came after us were served first. The shave ice texture was perfect, loved the flavors we chose, but they were out of lillikoi for a week! Overall, we recommend. Just remind yourself you're on island time.
(4)Lily B.
Wow. One of the best things I ate on my trip. Had mine with the coconut relish - unbelievable. In hindsight, I'd take this lunch (with the fresh lemonade) over the dinner that was served to me at the Kauai Grill (which was about 10x the price)
(5)Chris C.
Similar to a bagel-dog but the roll is super-soft and the relishes offer a taste of the local flavors. They offer mango relish in addition to the rest of the traditional spreads. f you're craving a hot-dog, give this place a try. They were featured on the Travel Channel's Best Hot Dogs and we'll worth trying, even if you split one.
(4)Jinny S.
This is a great little place to check out while you are in Hawaii. The menu is straight forward and simple. The line can get long but the small three person crew keeps the dogs coming at a steady pass. You have your choice of tropical fruit relish..pineapple, banana, mango, coconut. And a lemon garlic sauce that has different levels of spice (being from Texas the hottest was JUST right, a nice little heat). The price is great. The fresh squeezed lemonade is refreshing. We stopped here twice during our week stay.
(5)Shaun L.
For a hot dog stand, Puka Dog satisfies locals and visitors alike. The service is friendly and quick, the sauces taste great, and the prices are cheap. It's an easy place to recommend. On a side note, I appreciated the fact that they sold veggie dogs in addition to their standard dogs.
(3)Tricia C.
Yes, I kinda think this place is a tourist trap. I had seen a piece on it on TV and was way excited about checking it out. It looked like a little hut that could have been out on a beach somewhere, with a line out the door. I ordered the polish sausage dog with the pineapple relish and spicy jalapeno sauce, along with a lemonade. The hubby had one with mango relish and the mild garlic lemon sauce. Yes, they were very sweet but for one, I have a mad sweet tooth so they were like candy to me, but two, I appreciated the hawaiian twist on the hotdog. I did eventually get a bit of mustard to cut the sugar, but it was delish. So was the lemonade, and the maui chips. Yummy stuff!
(5)Gina T.
Every tour activity we went on Kauai, all the guides recommended Puka dog. So we drove 20 miles in the rain, hard to find a parking spot, and only 3 small tables to eat. The bun is way too big for the dog, and I had mango relish and hubby had pineapple relish and both had lilikoi mustard, which we could've concocted at home. Way over priced and over rated. We could've had Costco hotdog for $1.50 with a free drink.
(3)Catherine H.
Sigh. Perhaps overexposure on cable television has made Puka Dog cocky and willing to rest of its laurels. All I know is *something* is going on, because our experience yesterday was really, really average and not at all up to the Puka Dog standard. I can overlook the Totally Bored Out Of Their Minds teenagers that reluctantly took a break from texting to help us (although, as an aside-- WTF? how do food places not have a "no phones out while working" rule? I get it, food service sucks, but I know when I was in high school and was sweating it out at a mall pizza place that rhymes with, um, "Fbarro" I actually had to WORK). And I can even look past the eyerolling that was clearly taking place while my husband was debating relishes (come on, mango or pineapple? These decisions are huge!). What sucked was the serious downgrading in food quality-- pureed, syrupy relishes with no discernible actual fruit, no spice in the spicy sauce, huge quantities of mustard. The dog wasn't bad, but it wasn't the island treat we were anticipating.
(3)Cindy C.
5 stars = the guy behind the counter. Very hilarious. 4 stars = interestingly delicious/slightly addictive hot dogs with yummy relish/mustard/sauce combination wrapped in yummy white bread blanket. Pretty tasty. 3 stars = someone in our party cannot stop burping Puka Dogs for the rest of the afternoon which made me puke a little in my mouth every time I smelled it. He also proceeded to have heart burn from it for the next two days. The rest of us were fine, but seeing him all pale looking forces me to give Puka Dogs a 3 star. Not to mention, $6.25 for a hotdog, kinda pricy. World famous lemonade... Way too sweet.
(3)Shane H.
I thought Puka dog was amazing. My girlfriend and I ate their three times during our 7 day visit. The spices were definitely unique. I recommend getting the hot (It's not that hot) polish sausage with the mango relish and lilikoi mustard. The staff were extremely friendly. They reminded me of the cheerful attitude you are greeted with every time you walk into In N Out Burger.
(5)John T.
Tasty dog with a garlicky sauce.
(5)Shana O.
This is definitely an expensive hot dog, but it's so unique, it's worth the splurge while on vacation. The bread was very soft and really good, even if the bread to meat ratio was a bit on the high side. I had the Polish with mild garlic sauce, lilikoi mustard, and star fruit relish, and I enjoyed every bite of it. Wasn't worth the money for the one we got for our toddlers with just plain ketchup as the sauces are pretty much the whole point of it, but we had a fun and tasty lunch, and the boys were too interested in the chickens to start with their usual food-related antics, so it was well worth it.
(4)Justin W.
I would say that my experiences here before have been better. Today we went while we were down on the south side. Now I have been to the one in Waikiki as well and this is definitely the better of the two. But today's experience left me a little upset. I ordered the regular dog with pineapple relish and the lilikoi mustard along with a lemonade. It used to be when you ordered these things they are loaded with the relish and mustard of your choice. Except today, the two were very scarce which is kind of upsetting because they use such a big bun that you kind of the the condiments to compliment the large amount of bun that is leftover after the dog is finished. As for taste the hot dog was delicious and the bun was toasted perfectly. The lemonade was alright but I have definitely had better here before. So if you are wondering if I will be back, of course, it is Puka Dog, Definitely an experience if you are in the area. P.S. the line for lunch starts about 11 am.
(4)Jesus R.
Puka Dog is amazing! The hotdogs are perfect and charred from the BBQ grill that they cook them on. I had the puka dog with spicy garlic lemon jalepeno sauce, pineapple relish and Hawaiian mustard. Unbelievable! I was worried that there would be too much going on with all the condiments, but everything worked well together. I also had the coconut relish, which was a little sweet but also very tasty. My wife had a plain puka dog with ketchup, and she loved it so much that she wanted to come back the next day. And the freshly baked bread that they use is also great! The freshly squeezed lemonade was also a great drink. Definitely worth going to if you are in Kauai.
(5)Hayley W.
What the hell people? Raise your standards. Am I missing something? How did they think to put lemon and garlic in their mayonnaise? *gag* Then think to couple it with a very sweet (what they call) relish? *gag* Their "relish" is syrup, there is absolutely no way to avoid that fact... no fruit or opaque ingredients = syrup. And it is not even good syrup. Mmmm aspartame for lunch! Oh yes, let us not forget the "fresh squeezed lemonade". The husband and I watched as the girl heaped scoops from the Country Time powder container. It is laughable. This place is a very bad tourist trap. Puka Dog has insulted the hot dog.
(1)Karen Y.
You can't call it a hot dog if it's 90% bun and 10% dog... and the spiciest sauce is not spicy, more like syrup, GROSS...
(1)Charles P.
A little hard to hard to find at first. I liked the idea of the "subway" idea for hot dogs. Choose your kinda of toppings and sauce. But I wasn't all that impressed. I think its more of a gimmick for tourist but whatever. At least I tried it. It wasn't bad but not great. But still go see it for yourself.
(3)LookingAtCars L.
Visited a few times during vacation after seeing them on the Travel Channel. Interesting concept. The relishes and flavorings to go with the hot dogs (or veggie dogs) are pretty tasty and different, but there's nothing special about the dogs themselves. Too much bread, not enough relish or meat. Good for the novelty or if you're looking for a cheap meal. Also, it's pronounced "poo-kah," not "puke-ah." Don't make the gross-sounding mistake of saying it wrong.
(3)Oscar V.
Best dogs in Kauai. Try the pineapple sauce.
(5)Noe'lle M.
yes it is a big bun... .but if you are in one of those i don't care what i am about to eat moods because all you can think about is how good it looks and smells and like the idea of a big bun getting warm and toasty on a hot metal warmer thingy protruding upwards and you saw it being done on the travel channel and you wanted to see and taste for yourself? well then....go for it. i got the veggie dog with a spicy something and had to split it because it was too much at the moment...but it was fun and the fresh squeezed lemonade that they squeeze right there for you as you order it was just right. that was fun puka dog.
(4)Dan A.
PUKA DOG!! Now that I am home I may end up having withdrawals...... A MUST have experience if you visit. The mango relish withe the Hawaiian topper is great!!
(5)Mark F.
It's not fair that there isn't a Puka Dog location on the US Mainland. Went multiple times in my last visit to Kauai. I have probably been here 5 times total & tried many combinations on the menu. Every visit has been good, and I've enjoyed every meal. Service is always pretty relaxed in Kauai. My first review is 5 stars, way to set the bar for yourself idiot.
(5)Erika C.
Fantastic hot dogs! Be sure to ask for the mango relish. Yummy!
(5)Kait B.
Great! Delicious! Hubby got the polish dog and I had the veggie. Went back as many times as we could before vacation was over! Great service great fruit relish
(5)Andrea S.
I love hot dogs, and these are some of the best I've ever had. The lilikoi mustard is amazing, don't pass it up! Their lemonade is mostly sugar but delicious. Instead of spending a bundle on an average meal, save your money and go to Puka Dog instead... Then if you have any appetite left (you might wanna walk off some of that food first) there's the great gelato place next door.
(4)Cass J.
OMG! I'm in love with Puka Dogs!!!! While on vacation with my family last year, we stayed a the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation Resort in Kauai and we found Puka Dog right across the street in a little plaza. And boy, were we happy to find puka dog. First off all, their buns sweetened so it had a different taste and texture than normal hot dog buns. For relishes, I had a mix of Banana and Mango. The first bite into the dog was all that was needed to get me addicted. The relishes ooze out of the top of the dog and drip down your lip forcing you to lick the sweetness off...what a great feeling!! =D My dad had a normal puka dog with no relishes, and even without it the dog was pretty damn good. Whoever came up with this super cool creation of putting tropical jams and relishes in a one sided hot dog is a genius! Not quite sure of the prices, as we were on vacation, but even still, I would pay close to anything for a Puka Dog. Too bad they don't have them here in the Bay Area....I would be getting fat off of those so quick!
(5)Alison M.
Expensive for a hot dog (6.50) but interesting flavors. Be willing try something more adventurous than most are used to. It is a bit difficult to find. Park in the parking lot where the whalers store is. It is in the center of the shopping center.
(3)Bonnie F.
Really yummy for what it is -- well prepared hot dogs with unusual and delicious toppings. I did not find any of the spicy toppings particularly spicy but all were very tasty. The buns are very fluffy and the entire dog is pretty filling. The staff is friendly and efficient considering the mayhem of many hungry tourists that could erupt at any time. The freshly squeezed lemonade is terrific and shouldn't be missed if you are into that kind of thing.
(3)Miran E.
came here with my fiancé and his dad because the reviews were so high. Ummmmm not sure what the hype is about. It's like the jelly fill from a donut is smothered in with a hot dog and giant marshmallow bread. First you pick you special sauce... I picked the "hot" chili one. Then you pick a relish. I got the mango since they said it was popular. And finally their famous mustard. There was no essence of chili or any heat in my hot dog nor was there anything that resembled a relish. It was just some sweet syrup jam slathered in there. And as for mustard? Again couldn't taste anything that resembled mustard either. We shared a table with a couple who had just about finished theirs when we came up. We had asked them what they thought and they were silent about it until we stated what we thought aloud. They then chimed in and said they felt the same way. We spent the rest of our lunch cracking up about how awful it was and how yelp let us down.
(1)Kristopher V.
The last time I was here was in 2005 and I still crave it to this day. I don't even recall what I ordered, but it was yummy.
(4)Bert M.
Visit #1: Greeted island-style by several teenagers working behind the counter. Nice enough. One itty-bitty teen repeatedly used the "N" word while talking to his counterparts, despite his clear lack of street cred. Offensive and not as cool as he meant it to be. Tasty veggie dog with mango relish on a toasty bun. Visit #2: Brought our friends back for tasty dogtreats. Greeted by nobody, despite the five teens working behind the counter. A woman in front of us took a great deal high-maintenance time ordering specifics for her spray tan BBQ party. During that time, three of the employees exited to chat with waiters from the nearby restaurant. Later, "N" Word came back in to show something on his phone to a fellow Puka Dog homey. Still nobody acknowledged us. Friends finally got tasty dogtreats, but I withheld my business. Yummy. Poorly run. They need better supervision for their lame-ass employees.
(2)Ana R.
You get mostly bun and hardly any hot dog. The sauces are super sweet and who even got the idea that hot dogs would taste good with jelly on them. Honestly you're eating jelly hot dogs people. Yuck.
(1)Christine Y.
yum yum yum!!! they make their own kind of sauces and fruit relishes! the bun is soft and yummy! minus one star cuz even the sauce that is supposed to be the spiciest still wasn't spicy at all to me! oh well! still yummers! they even have veggie dogs for any non meat eaters! we ate there twice I think?! or was it three times?! haha! worth trying at least once and I know you'll be hooked after!
(4)G L.
Great hot dog with the Mango relish. Yummy. Don't forget to buy a lemonade with it. Downside even though I give this full stars, too much bread not enough meat. 5 stars for taste and concept.
(5)AJ A.
Puke-ah dogs is right. You're paying over $6 for a giant, white hot dog bun. There is a little hot dog inside but it's smothered in chemical goop. I was sorry I listened to Kauai Revealed and wasted a good $7 here when I could have had a Bubba Burger.
(1)David D.
The hotdog isn't like the hotdogs used stateside. It kind of tastes like the low quality ones they serve you in elementary school (or maybe just my elementary school. ha!). Having said that, the hotdogs are really good. The mango relish and lilikoi is obviously unlike anything we have here and it's really tasty. Yummmmm.
(4)Roxy A.
After seeing this place on Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" I was pretty stoked to have me a Puka Dog!!! It was pretty yummy but the amount of bread in proportion to the hot dog was kind of too much. I did really enjoy the different selections of relishes and mustard. I had the polish dog w/ lilikoi mustard and mango relish. I really didn't like the lemonade..there was waaay too much sugar and not enough citrus to it..so I'd definitely opt for different beverage choice next time.
(3)Amy C.
Came back for a snack.. Asked for all the sauces on the side.. LOL.. big mistake! This time also ate it in the light.. the Bun was over-toasted and so was the Polish Dog.. I didn't expect such a big difference.. but it was.. not sure how to feel about Puka Dog anymore.. :T
(3)John Y.
Dang good dog. Best lunch by far. Cheap too at $6.50 a dog.
(5)Josh L.
This place is great and if I had a choice, I'd eat here a lot. The hawaiin bread is money and the polish dogs. I love the the relish choices and the sauces, they are really creative and delicious. The lemonade is good too
(4)Tina O.
Save your money and get the costco hot dog, so much better and worth it. Anthony Bourdain will eat anything. A regular weiner would taste a lot better and the sauces were too sweet.
(2)Jessica Y.
It is a must try just to say you have had one. Tell them to go easy on the relish and the mustard and you should be good to go. The fresh squeezed lemonade was a nice treat.
(3)Erin K.
This is a must do in Kauai. We went here for lunch while shopping around Poipu. The staff was super friendly and helpful since we weren't quite sure what sauces to pair with our puka dogs. I ordered the Jalapeno sauce (even though it says spicy it isn't AT ALL and I don't like spicy stuff) with the mango relish. DH got the Hot sauce with the banana relish which he loved. Rest of the group got similar dogs and my unadventurous sister :) just got a plain one which she loved. Everyone was raving about theirs trying to decide who had the better dog. The only thing that I thought was just ok was the lemonade which was good but not anything to go out of your way to try. If you still have room afterwards stop and get some gelato next door, its delicious as well.
(4)Sheila N.
I saw this place was popular on Yelp, so we went to check it out. There were 20+ people in line, and I wasn't waiting in a long line for a hot dog. We went to the burger place next door. (Which was very good, by the way.) A few days later we were shopping and saw there was no line at Puka Dog so we went in. It was delicious! Glad we got to try it.
(4)Vareen O.
It's such a good dog. A must if you're on the south shore.
(4)Rowena N.
I had high expectations to begin with when ordering a Puka Dog. It's basically a pig in a blanket, but more bun than you would like. We ordered 4 different flavors of the sauce which the pineapple relish was the better tasting one than the mango relish. One of our dog choices was a vegetarian which isn't bad. You have beef or vegetarion option on the hot dog. They basically have the bun cook with a hole in the middle and squirt all the relish fixings inside and then slide the hot dog inside. So you could potentially have no relish on your first bite until you get to the end. Then at the end, you have majority of your relish and bun...but no more hot dog. I would suggest they use the longer size hot dogs so that every bite gets relish, bun and hot dog. It was okay, but I wouldn't stand in a long line for it.
(3)Michael G.
A lot of bun but I like it because it's like a sweet roll. There is nothing like this on the mainland and if there was I would probably be a lot heavier. The relishes and mustards are really good and despite the mixed reviews this was one of my favorite hole in the wall places to eat at in Kauai.
(5)Brianne S.
MORE LIKE PUKE A DOG!! Nah, not really. These hot dogs are actually rather delicious. The sweetness of the mango relish really complements the hot dog. Maybe too well that every time I have a hot dog now, it sucks.. and all I crave for is a fruity component.
(4)Beverly R.
Wow!! Good stuff!! Wish they had it here in San Francisco. Had the spicy with mango relish with mustard which was sooooo yummy. Their lemonade perfectly complimented it as well. Like hawaiian shaved ice, this is a must try while in Kauai!!
(5)Penm H.
I applaud the creative effort, but it just didn't tickle my fancy. The bun to dog ratio sucks. I'm a strong believer that the dog should be bigger than the bun, not vise versa. By the time I finished the dog, I had at least 3 solid bites of just bun left. Thats just not fair, its cruel. Now their claim to fame is there unique relishes. Mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut, banana, and star fruit relishes to be exact. The relish actually isn't bad, but just not in the hot dog please. They flood the bun with the relish, which overwhelms just about everything else. I first saw this place on TV from different programs, but I think they were selected only because they prepare the hot dogs differently, not because they taste so much better than the rest. Try it if you wanna just to be able to say you've tried it, but prepare to pay a hefty price tag.
(1)Toni M.
We were disappointed this time. I remembered their special tropical fruit relishes as being chunkier. These were syrup. Not good. The lemonade was pretty good, at least it cut the sweetness of the relish, but not made fresh in front of us as in years past.
(2)Van D.
Have been to Kauai a few times but never had a chance to try Puka dog until this visit. Its in a shopping mall so a little difficult to find. Lots of unique relishes and sauces. They do put a lot of it on so if you are not a big fan of condiments ask them to go easy. Spicy sauces also were not very spicy at all. Hot dogs though were pretty big and very tasty. Staff very friendly. Definitely worth in a trip if you are in the area.
(4)Tifani G.
Best hotdogs in the universe!!!!!!
(5)Angie J.
Punching a hole down the middle of the bun and toasting the inside is cool. The buns are bigger than I'm used to and it seems all the relishs are good but too sweet. I'm glad I split a dog rather than getting my own.
(3)SH M.
This place is overrated. The $1.50 polish dog at Costco tastes just as good as their $6.75 dog. The only difference is the addition of flavored relish, which is actually a fruit puree, and flavored mustard. We ordered the original with mango relish and lilikoi mustard, which was good, but a bit sweet and sticky. Like other Yelpers, we realized that the dog is not as long as the bun so we just tossed the remaining. We stayed away from the lemonade after watching one of the girls pour a couple of cups of sugar into the cup. You're paying $2.25 for basically sugar water with a squeeze of (one) lemon. Costco's polish dog includes a free drink!
(2)Molly G.
My husband and I went to Kauai on our honeymoon. In five days, we came to Puka Dog twice. It is just that good. My favorite was the polish dog with lilikoi mustard and mango relish. Hubby liked the lilikoi mustard with pineapple relish. I'm drooling just thinking about it...
(5)Sarah R.
YUM! I had the veggie dog with hot sauce and pineapple salsa (no mustard) and it was diving. My husband had the polish sausage with hot sauce, mango salsa and yellow mustard. He is not normally a fan of mixing sweet and savory, but he really enjoyed it. Awesome lemonade was had as well. This is a definite MUST for any visit to Kauai.
(5)K G.
Delicious. Perfectly toasty bun. Great lemonade, not too sweet or tart. I had the classic sauce with mango and mustard. Awesome. The bun tastes like Hawaiian bread too. Soooo good. $8.50 for dog and lemonade. Yes.
(5)james m.
you better have patience if you come during lunch. they should learn to have a 2nd cashier when the line is out the door. otherwise it's worth the the flavor of the puka.
(4)Vicky T.
YUM! what are Dodger Dogs 9 bucks and Puka Dogs 6.25? Get the mango relish.. the folks who work here are hella nice... the lemonade is also rather tasty..especially on a hot day.. I can't wait to go back in July and get another
(5)Jeff G.
So seven years ago we're on Kapaa. It's3 weeks after 9/11 and there are practically no tourists in town. As we're driving up to view the Waimea valley we see this strange looking stand on the road with no customers. It's basically a hut and they're selling juices and something they call a Puka Dog. It's the most bizarre looking hot dog. The owner gives a an interesting explanation about how she came up with the Puka concept and how many experiments she made with the sauces. At the time, the cast of Baywatch were there biggest customers. The Puka Dog was probably the best thing I ate on that trip. I've been dreaming of Puka Dogs ever since, so it was one of the first stops we made on our recent trip. It's kind of funny that now they're in an ultra-chic mall right Along with Roys, one of the fanciest restaurants on the Island. The place is more slick now, with lots of smiling kids behind the counter, a tropical themed look and T-Shirts and Hats for tourists. But they still do just Puka Dogs. No Puka Burgers or Puka Fries, or, god forbid, Puka Pizza. Just the dogs and the sauces and it's still awesome. And I still can't wait until my next time, which hopefully won't be another seven years.
(5)E L.
Wow! Great hot dog. You may not feel great after you eat it, but it tastes like God handed it to you. I got the pineapple relish and spicy sauce. Rad.
(4)Amy C.
I instantly fell in love with Puka Dog. Had one while on a family vacation in Kauai. The lillikoi mustard they put in, along with your choice of exotic relishes (I chose pineapple relish), is amazing. What's unusual about a Puka Dog is that it's more like a giant pig-in-a-blanket. As they grill the hot dog, they take a roll and push it down on a tube that acts as a warmer/toaster for the inside of the roll. They take the roll off, add the lillikoi mustard, pineapple relish, and insert the hot dog. I ate at so many different places on the island of Kauai, but Puka Dog is the place I'll remember the most. Very unique, tasty, and inexpensive. Afterwards, we went right next door to a little place that serves really good Hawaiian shaved ice. It was the perfect meal!
(5)Rebecca L.
Wonderful!!! Ate there 3 times during our trip. Loved the lemonade (really not a lemonade person but that was all they had to drink but I liked it a lot) and the polish dog, mild sauce and coconut relish. So sweet but in a natural sweet way not sugary sweet. The dogs are put inside the soft bread bun that is toasted on the inside only, sort of like a pig in a blanket.
(5)Skip R.
Very unique take on a hot dog. It's a sausage stuffed into a bun with their special mustard. Then you pick your sauce. I went with coconut. Very, very sweet. I am glad I tried it once, because I have fun explaining it to people. I wouldn't try another one though. I still give it 3 stars though because it is in Hawaii. How bad can it be?
(3)Melanie F.
everything about this place is amazing....except the price! the lemon garlic sauce is so good and the bun is soft and all sorts of wonderful. i like the different "relish" options you can get. i got the coconut relish and it was tasty. on the sweeter side but good. yum yum.
(5)Erika C.
I'm a ketchup kind of gal - Heinz ketchup, to be precise. I douse it on every burger and sausage that I consume. Hunt's, homemade.. nothing else will do. But this is one hot dog that goes without. Mango relish? Garlic lemon secret sauce? Lilikoi (guava) mustard? Just one of those condiments would be heaven, but all three combined on a polish sausage.. now I'm just getting sad there isn't one of these on the mainland. No trip to Kauai and/or Honolulu is complete without it. And don't forget the fresh squeezed lemonade. So sweetly refreshing, in that non-I'm-still-thirsty-from-sucking-on-a-lemon sort of way, typical of when I normally drink bottled lemonade. Hands down the best hot dogs EVER. Puka Dog tops even Top Dog in Berkeley, Pink's in Hollywood. And that's saying something.
(5)Jonathan L.
A South Shore must on any list. Try the coconut relish!
(5)Marylan S.
Had to try Puka Dog. Afterall, it was featured on the Travel Channel. The concept is unique. The bun is soft and delicious. The polish dog is pretty good. The garlic sauce makes it tasty. The relish is doused on heavily which can kill the experience. Kind of pricy for what it is, but definitely worth trying it once.
(3)Jerry W.
I love hot dogs. I know where they come from, and no matter what people say, I still love hot dogs. I was really looking forward to Puka Dog and for the most part was not disappointed. The relishes are tasty (tried the papaya and mango), but unfortuantely the spicy mustard was not spicy at all. The hot dog was good, but there was too much bread. Overall I liked it quite a bit, but I wish there was a better dog to bread ratio, and maybe a little less relish since it started dripping everywhere. The fresh lemonade is really good too. One thing to note, the prices are a little high, but if you like hot dogs it is worth it to try.
(4)J H.
Yeah, ok it tastes pretty good but 6 bucks for a polish dog when you can get something only slightly inferior at Costco for $1.50? The menu says fruit relish but it was more like sauce.
(2)Victoria A.
the hot dog itself was good. the bread had a semi-stale quality to it, like it was a previously frozen bun. the concept was great and the lilikoi mustard was tasty. however, because they pump the mustard into the bun, there is a little puddle of mustard left at the bottom of the bun once you're finished. the lemonade wasn't very lemony or tart. it was more sugar-water than lemonade. the only thing going for it was that it's made fresh and you could probably request a little more lemon juice to be added to the drink. i think the best part of the puka dogs is the experience & it's not something that i'd crave or really go back for over a nathan's hot dog at bubba's.
(3)Arik C.
Who knew you could get amazing hot dogs in Kauai? I have taken many trips to Vienna and loved the "wurst" stands that offer large dogs in a long bun with your choice of relish. Pukadog is the same idea but with Hawaiian flavors. Mango relish, starfruit relish, Hawaiian mustard..Loved every bite. Yes the dogs are $6 but its a meal. You won't need anything else. Spicy is not that spicy, give it a try. Sweet relish and spicy dog equals great contrast and a delicious meal. I had to go back after a brief trip to the Big Isle, made it the first stop when we got back! The lemonade is homemade and very good, loads of sugar in them so its very sweet.
(5)Frank P.
Pretty good hot-dog. Service was good. A little bummed they only except cash.
(3)Jessie R.
After a week of doing nothing but relax on the beach and boogie board, I suddenly realized that I had not gone in search of a Puka Dog yet. We were leaving for the airport in a few hours, but I NEEDED to have one. We were staying literally 5 minutes from the Poipu shopping center, and if I watched another segment on the Travel Channel about how amazing they are, and I hadn't had one, I think I would have to kill myself. So off we went. And boy was it worth it. Sweet and spicy mango relish and a tangy mustard tucked inside a warm bun with a polish sausage. What a perfect ending to a perfect week.
(4)Cooper G.
On vacation for 6 days, ate there 8 times. Before going to airport to fly home I stuffed myself at another restaurant for breakfast and still managed to get one more dog before flying out. I loved every flavor combination. When someone I know is going to Hawaii I have to recommend Puka Dogs.
(5)David G.
After watching Man vs. Food I had to try this place. I was happing surprised by the unique hot dog presentation. A must try and the sauces are great
(4)Su-Lynn T.
Puka dog was probably our favorite quick bite or snack in Kauai. Honestly, the first time I went there, I had to get one even though I wasn't hungry. It's honestly like the perfect fast food, large, tasty and very portable. I really enjoyed the sweet bun they place the hot dogs in, and also the fact that they grill it from the inside using those special tube bun grills. It makes a huge difference in flavor and texture than a regular hot dog bun. I tried the polish sausage with the hot garlic sauce, lillikoi mustard and mango relish. The next time I tried it with hot garlic sauce, coconut relish and regular dijon mustard. Both were great, with my favorite being the coconut relish one. I think the flavors of the sauces definitely have a sweetness to them, that sometimes it might be a little to sweet to have lillikoi mustard AND mango relish on your dog, but it is a very very tiny complaint. Just find the right combo (and there are many) that tickle your taste buds the most and you'll have the most innovative Hawaiian fast food on the islands! The polish sausage was very large, think of a jumbo hebrew national dog, but a bit longer. Love the fresh fresh lemonade too...made right when you order. yummmmm
(4)Brooke M.
Puka Dog...where have you been all my life! I made a yelp account just to give this place five stars and to recommend this to other travelers. My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this lovely restaurant the first day we went to Kauai. We came back everyday we were on the island, even with the forty minute drive there and back from our hotel. We had the spicy sauce, pineapple relish, and lilikoi mustard on our polish sausage dogs. AMAZING! Now being back on the mainland all we can do is look back at the pictures of our encounter with Puka Dog and salivate over our past experiences of this truly remarkable establishment. Make one in VEGAS!
(5)Miriam S.
Puka Dog is sooo delicious - but CASH ONLY! It is a great lunch, especially after being out on the beach - I just wish it was closer to the beach instead of in a shopping center! The line was about 10 people long but it moved quickly. The menu is cute and interesting - you have a few choices to make, including which fruit relish to choose and the spiciness of the garlic sauce. The "garlic sauce" is more of an aioli (mayo-based), it's tasty, but I never would have thought to put it on my hot dog, as I'm not much of a mayo person. If you like spicy food definitely go with the "hot" one, because I couldn't taste any hint of spice in the "spicy". The bread is very yummy - it has a hint of sweetness and works perfectly with the dog! I had mine with the starfruit relish, which was tasty but didn't have a unique starfruit flavor - I'm sure all of the fruit relishes are similar as they are quite mild flavored. They also have veggie dogs, which I hear are good. Also don't miss out on their lemonade - they squeeze it fresh for every glass. I highly recommend this tasty place. It's under $10 a person - but still pricey for a hot dog! It's more of a take-out place, as it's pretty much just a stand with a table or two, but there are places close by to sit in the shade and eat.
(4)Amy T.
don't go out of your way to go here. It's really just a hot dog with some island toppings. Nothing special and not worth the hype. The lemonade is to die for though . There is very minimal seating inside and one picnic table outside.
(2)Greg N.
the bun the, the sauces, and dog are sooo good
(5)Alan W.
Good fast fare in one, if only a few areas in Kauai that's over 3 miles from a Mickey d's. I had two polish dogs (spicy (not spicy at all really) with the mango relish on one and illioki on the other. They both tasted great but there was more bun and sauce than dog. If they doubled the diameter of the dog and used half the roll thickness and half the sauce then this place would be 5 star in my book. You should try it out no matter what!
(3)Angela F.
I wish I could say I ate here but we drove all the way over here and they did not accept anything other then cash!!!!! So CASH ONLY EVERYONE! Which doesn't really make sense to me considering anyone coming from the mainland doesn't have a bank in Kauai Maybe next time...
(3)Jill M.
I was intrigued by the name of this place when I saw it on the Food Network, so I was happy to see it was located across the street from my resort! It's a unique meal, definitely worth trying. Sam W. described it well. I, too, will vouch for the quality of the lemonade. It will never replace corndogs from the State Fair of Texas, but the Puka Dog has a special place in my heart.
(4)Antonio L.
I have to echo the sentiments of Eileen C. when I say I am not sure what the hype is about. I ate a dog here after enjoying some gelato next door, due to its reputation. The dog was perfectly fine, as it was stuffed in a giant thick bun, which was also perfectly fine. However, I thought the pineapple relish would have chunks of pineapple, as a relish generally is not a sauce. I found the garlic sauce to be quite gross honestly, and wiped it off. Overall, I just do not see what the big deal is. I was expecting to be blown away by the unique options such as pineapple relish and garlic lemon sauce, but they were quite disappointing, leaving an otherwise average dog with an above average price.
(3)Scott D.
Pineapple & mango relishes were fantastic. Also had the lilikoi mustard on our polish sausage. A little too much bun. Lemonade was good, a little too sweet for me. Overall a great lunch.
(3)Britt G.
Calorie splurge, but worth it. I have to eat here at least three times when I vacation in Poipu, just to get my fill for the year. I can only speak for the veggie dog, but it's awesome. Yes, there's a lot of bread, and yes the sauces are pretty sweet. But you're in Hawaii, not Chicago, so you have to be open to a new hot dog flavor experience. I get the spicy jalapeno sauce (it's not spicy but has good flavor), mango relish, and lilikoi mustard. TO DIE FOR. My husband gets the LAVA sauce that's not on the menu. It's significantly hotter. If you buy a shirt and bring it in each time you get a free lemonade! The lemonade is delicious but also different than you might be used to. Not overly sweet, but made fresh and you can taste the little sugar granules. I LOVE THIS PLACE and crave it all year long. I try not to go around noon because the line gets really long, but most other times of the day there is no line at all. CASH ONLY
(5)lori p.
This place is da bomb! Fresh and tasty, I am still craving one. The owner mentioned that he was thinking of coming to the mainland when we chatted with him..... of all places San Diego! Alas, it has yet to happen but they still reign in my heart and taste buds as a damn fine way to finish off a day on the beach. *I was so pleased to see Tony B. go there*
(5)Jonathan W.
Ahh, Puka Dog (pronounced poo-kah, but I like to say "puke-a")... What a guilty pleasure this could be. It's basically a hot dog baked inside a sweet doughy bun/roll, with your choice of sweet fruity/relishy/misc. sauce injected into it. Unfortunately, once my palate developed a certain level of sophistication, I could no longer eat hot dogs, due to the dull, dirty flavors of unsavory meat parts, along with the twangy notes of the chemicals used in their manufacture. And Puka Dog could not overcome this obstacle. At the end of the day, it was still a hot dog, albeit a fancy, $6 one. "World famous lemonade" was about 3 squeezed lemons and a buttload of sugar + tap water. If that's enough to make something world famous, I think we need to raise the bar a notch or 2.
(3)Christine T.
Not impressed with: -Sullen expressions from the employees -Spending ~ $20 on two hot dogs and a drink for lunch. However, quite impressed with: -Hot dogs served piping hot. Temperature of food is always important. -Fresh squeezed, refreshing lemonade -How pineapple relish can actually taste good on a hot dog -Nice location in Po'ipu Shopping Village (very airy and good places to sit and eat), and also right by Po'ipu State Beach. I'm not that big a fan of fancy hot dogs (I prefer Costco hot dogs to Top Dog.. in fact I've never eaten at Top Dog despite my 4 years in Berkeley!!), but I went here from a friend's recommendation and it was worth the visit.
(3)Big Room Nine X.
Hot dog place. The dog comes stuffed in Hawaiian sweet bread with a big variety of sauces to pick from. I picked either the mango or pineapple sauce. Pretty good.
(3)James T.
Who wants to open a Puka Dog in San Francisco? Tawny C. has the killer combos. These are great after tennis or grab some for the beach. A bit too much bread great but the grilled dogs, relishes, and friendly atmosphere is killer. If you need to score some bud there I am sure the local kids with the red eyes could maybe help you out. I'm just saying...
(4)C C.
We ordered a polish dog with mango relish and some kind of mayo-mixed mustard. The bun was toasted. It was very yummy. For the food I would give it 4 stars. However, the two girls working there were kind of rude. They asked what we would like to order. We just got there for like 20 seconds and were still reading the menu. We told them we were still trying to decide. They laughed to each other and said, "They are still trying to decide." Then they took our order. When we were leaving, they said, "They think they have better jobs than we do." Now I am not sure who that last remark was about. But I would not let these rude girls run the store if I were the owner. Very disrespectful.
(3)Christine K.
Puka Dog was highly recommended by friends that frequently visit Kauai. I had the veggie dog and the texture and taste seemed too much like the real thing. For you lacto-ovo-vegetarians out there I am used to the Big Frank hot dogs by Worthington. I love mango and pineapple, however both relishes were too HFCS sweet for me, and I did not see any pineapple in the pineapple relish nor mango in the mango relish. Why not just call it mango flavored or pineapple flavored. Would I go back again? probably but I would order just a plain veggie dog with the mustard none of the super sweet relishes.
(3)Victoria J.
I wasn't impressed. I know there are some people that really enjoyed their Puka Dog experience but not me or my husband. We ordered polish sausages, I got the mango relish, and with their reg. sauce, special mustard and husband got the jalapeno spicy with papaya relish and special mustard. My puka dog didn't taste like it had polish suasage and was sweet, it was pretty good, I can only describe it as a sweet hot dog with lots of bun. Personally I like things to taste more vinegary. My husbands puka dog was not spicy at all, it actually tasted sweeter then mine which I thought was not cool, especially when you ask for spicy. We shared a lemonade, it was refreshing and good. The place is dark and not really inviting, the cashier was nice, and there are about 5-6 chairs and 2 tables inside, I suggest getting your dogs and taking them outside. It is a cheaper option on this side of the island, but it still isn't worth it to me. I am glad I tried it, but would I eat here again? Nope.
(2)Philip M.
Be prepared to spend $6.25 for a single dog. Yes it was super yummy at first, but then the flavoring gets to be too much at the half-way point and very messy also. There were about 8 of us in the group who had one and 2 got stains on their shirts. LOL They also sell fresh lemonade for $2.25, but not worth it as the cup is filled with so much ice and it's a very watered down version. I'm glad I could say that I tried a puka dog, but overall not very impressed. My wife had the veggie puka dog and the flavoring was really weird.
(3)Chili L.
in my order they are all good and I love the different relishes they offer at puka dog 1. Grays Papaya (NYC) 2. Puka Dog (Kauai) 3. Pinks (Los Angeles)
(5)ken l.
I'm a huge fan of relish and the different types of relish they had here was great. Interesting twist to a hot dog. Only negative was the rude service we got from the young girls that worked here.
(3)Alexandra D.
My boyfriend is what you call a hot dog fanatic. He would eat hot dogs for every meal... if I allowed him :-). So, of course we had to stop here while on this wonderful island (it is kind of a tradition of looking for unique hot dog places wherever we are... which is interesting seeing as I am a vegetarian). You may think that sweet and hot dog don't go together, but au contraire, they do! The first time I had a veggie dog with spicy sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard and it was DELICIOUS. Towards the end of the dog I did get a little sweeted out, and was a little disappointed with the spiciness (or lack there of), but delicious nonetheless. My boyfriend got the polish sausage with spicy/papaya relish/lilikoi and I think he agreed with me. The second time we got out respective dogs with hot/mango relish/yellow mustard. I decided to go with the yellow mustard to help cut the sweetness of the relish a bit (although the lilikoi mustard is yum). And boy, the hot sauce is hot. My eyes were watering halfway through. If you are in the area, I highly suggest stopping at Puka Dog!
(4)Megan M.
Did not like. At all. I think this had to do with my own personal taste, b/c everyone else I've talked to loves Puka Dog. But I couldn't stomach the garlic mayonnaise-y topping (this was the "spicy" part, when you order), and I already can't stand "warm fruit", so all of the Hawaiian toppings were immediately out for me (no mango relish, no way). I ordered mine spicy, with traditional mustard and relish on it. The combo of the spicy garlic mayonnaise w/ the mustard & relish was not. good. My husband ordered one of the Hawaiian ones (I think he got mango relish?), and he didn't like his either. I think we're just too traditional or New England for these...
(1)Starla L.
Tasty hot dog, but a little too much doughy bread for me. The mango relish and the sweet hot mustard added to the deliciousness of the dog. Worth checking out, since there is not too much out there on that island.
(3)Farah F.
Okay okay, so I'm giving it a 3 star, much to the chagrin of ppl I expect. Thing is, I didn't have the polish sausage, on the account of not being able to eat pork, so I can't attest to how good that might taste. The veggie puka dog however, i did have, and it was okay but nothing to write home about. I had the veggie dog with hot sauce, lilikoi mustard and mango relish. The sauces and mustard definitely made the 'dog, 'cause honestly the veggie dog itself was kinda meh. Careful when squeezing the 'dog, they are very generous with the sauces so if you're not careful, it gets pretty messy. Definitely smthg to try if you're in kauai.
(3)Danielle Y.
Went here on recent mini-vacation with beloved A. Enjoyed it so much that am contemplating delving into Waikiki to visit the new Honolulu location. And that says a lot. Anyway, this place is in a shopping center that I couldn't find a map for, but you can easily find the place by the smell/line. Mmmm. Anyway, as other have said, basically a long hot dog fully encased in a sweet-ish roll, with lots of tasty additions (6.25). Your choices are limited- which I think is often the sign of a Tasty Place. You can get a veggie or polish dog, with one of three special sauces (mild, spicy, hot) with a variety of relishes, and some more common toppings (ketchup) and lilikoi mustard. You can also get lemonade and a tshirt. I had the veggie dog (polish dog has pork in it- damn) with the spicy sauce, lilikoi mustard (the man at the counter insisted), and a papaya relish. A had the polish dog with mild (original?) sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard (the man at the counter was really insistent). You order your dog, and then wait for it, then take it somewhere to eat (it's really more of a stand with 3 walls- though there are a couple of tables- but why would you want to eat near all the hungry people who look like they might kill you to get to your food?). I loved mine, though I wish I had got the "hot" instead of the "spicy" as it wasn't really spicy. The lilikoi mustard is a huge tasty plus. Anyway, super enjoy it. They get 4 stars for, once again, being a really expensive hot dog. I'm a little surprised people compared this place to Hank's in Honolulu, as I don't think they are really very similar at all.
(4)Brian R.
These hot dogs were amazing. I only discovered these at the end of our trip but I probably would have gone more than once if not. Calling them hot dogs isn't even really fair - the delicious relish and mustard kicks it up a notch as does the way they toast the inside of the fun so it doesn't get soggy. You do have to be a bit careful not to drip the relish out as you bite in. The lemonade is awesome also. Fresh made with real lemons and sugar + Staff are friendly to boot.
(5)Esther D.
like some others have mentioned, they basically serve a hot dog in a roll with some fresh fruit relishes and various condiments. it's tasty and good enough to try at least once (unless you hate putting stuff on your hot dog). you have to admit they're pretty creative with all of the relishes! i wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if i'm here and hungry, i wouldn't mind grabbing something to eat. it's worth a try at least once. =)
(3)Alicia C.
Puka Dogs are amazing, and well worth the time and effort. They only take cash, so be prepared for that. We went here 4 times during our week in Kauai. I'm recommending them to everyone I know that goes to Hawaii. I had the polish sausage, with mild garlic sauce, pineapple relish, and lilikoi mustard. My husband has the polish, hot garlic, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard. They were both fantastic! Plus the lemonade is good too. Love the puka dog!
(5)Jonny H.
So this place got really good Yelp ratings, so we had to try it. We came here for dinner and got two Puka dogs. They added some sweet stuff that made the dogs different and the buns were warm and toasty inside. Besides those two things, the dogs weren't much better than a Costco hot dog, but Costco hot dogs are WAAAAY cheaper. We were still hungry afterwards and ended up driving to Pizzetta. The dogs were unique enough to get a 2 star rating.
(2)Paul B.
Always one of our must see places every time we visit Kauai, It's a long drive from Princeville to get to Poipu on the south shore but well worth the time and gas.
(4)Rachelle E.
It's a hot dog in a bun with special relish. You have a choice between the vegan dog and polish dog. My husband and I tried each. You have to pick how spicy you want the sauce and what kind of relish you'd want included (mango, pineapple, star apple, coconut, etc). It's nothing special but just come so you can say you've tried it.
(3)Mike M.
Do you want the best hot dog in the world (or USA)? Well then get your buns over to the Puka Dog in Poipu, Hawaii. The polish dog is specially made for this company from an old family recipe that has been handed down over the years. There is also a vegie dog offered. The buns are also unique, fresh and made just for Puka Dog. Unique in that the hotdog does not lie down in the bun, but, is shot thru an opening on the side of an enclosed hot dog bun. So you eat it more like a corn dog (But without the stick and with 2 hands). The choices of sauces and relishs are unbelievably good since they use local ingredients like papaya, mango, coconut and lilikoi. My wife and I agreed that the polish dog with mango relish and spicy garlic sauce was the best. The atmosphere is very casual since it seems like they just put a fancy hot dog cart inbetween 2 buildings and posted a menu. But, make no mistake about it, this is the best dog in the world (Well, besides my dog, she can sit, lay down, speak, shake hands and wears doggles, see profile pic).
(5)Randall J.
Best Polish on a bun on the planet. Get the original fixings and you will never look at a hotdog in the same way again.
(5)Tom D.
Not impressed. Bun is not toasted nor is the relish a relish, it's more of a sauce. So with the "relish" and the garlic sauce and the hawaiian mustard you are left with three sauces that are super sweet and had no spice. When I heard mango relish I was expecting fresh mango, not the case. On the flip side their lemonade was awesome. They are clearly living off the "as seen on Travel Channel".
(2)Jeffery Y.
Good food, simple to order and fresh lemonade. I would go there again, not expensive either.
(5)Amy T.
Awesome for a hot dog place. I had the pineapple flavored relish with the special mustard. The lemonade was too sweet and I didn't have enough room to eat my potato chips but i'd go back just for the puka dog.
(5)Ramon L.
Yup this place got some good dogs! Really unique condiments too....coconut, mango, pineapple or lihikoi relish. Local mustards & mayo too. Two options on dogs....polish or veggie. Tried both and the veggie dog wasn't all that bad. I would say the only down side is the size of the bun. If you're trying to watch the carbs the buns are pretty huge. The way it's cooked and the distribution of sauce makes everybite a winner though. My favorite combo was the polish with mango relish & Hawaiian mustard!
(3)Roach D.
EXT. TROPICAL ISLAND, DAY A warm tropical breeze. A cute hot dog & lemonade stand in the most gorgeous spot on the planet- KAUAI, HAWAII. We see a few colorful outdoor tables at this stand and focus in on the COUNTER. Enter a fresh bun. It looks so soft and yummy. THE CAMERA PULLS IN-- we see the bun up close... the camera zooms in further still, until we are INSIDE the BUN. Now fully enveloped in the bun, we see the polish sausage (or is that a veggie dog?) steaming, being cooked from inside the bun. The relish of your choice (and you have a lot of choices) is co-mingling with a tasty, tangy secret sauce. More choices have to made... Mild, spicy, hot or HOT HOT secret sauce? It's all inside, and it's all good. ZOOM OUT We see in the background the list of relishes on the surfboard that has ever so cleverly been turned into a menu. We PAN down the brightly colored MENU and the CAMERA HOLDS on each offering... Mango, Pineapple, Papaya, Coconut, Banana and Starfruit for the less adventurous there is always just ketchup or lilikoi mustard... We PAN ACROSS the TABLES Then, a SERIES OF SHOTS We see many patrons have wisely selected a bag of Maui chips to go with their Hot dogs... we see how everything is so perfectly encased in the bun, with a little sauce dribbling out one end-- the end where you take your first delectable bite... CUT TO THE FIRST BITE... eyes closed, mouth watering and finally... A look of pure bliss comes across this dog's face... - My Face Now we ZOOM OUT and see the tasty hot dogs being consumed by many a happy customer. They are talking with the friendly owner and slurping luscious lemonade that he has made fresh for you and me. We FADE OUT and FADE SLOWLY back in to reality here in Los Angeles: Dusty, dreary light comes pouring into a half opened window CLOSE UP on my dog bed, where I lay dreaming... Dreaming of the day when I get to sink my mouth into my namesake; the PUKA DOG! (I hear now they even have puka dog treats for dogs!!)
(5)Michael S.
While visiting Kauai this is a must try if you are a hot dog fan. Get the lemonade as well!
(5)Tara L.
Delicious!! I wish I had thought of this great concept. The dogs are great and a welcome break from the high-end and expensive hotel food. The only downside is the lemonade is super sweet and that's the only beverage they have, but no fear...there is a mini mart just down the way. The bread is sweet to contrast the flavorful (but not spicy) toppings. I would recommend asking for half the sauce....and going with "spicy, lilikoi mustard and sweet relish". Yum! I came here twice in our 8 day stay and am still craving them as we speak.
(4)Erica B.
Surprised by all the great reviews! A Hot dog should be about the meat, and puka dogs are about the bun and sauce. It was frankly a rather nauseating experience.The hot dog is too skinny for the big bun, and the meat isn't even good. You don't get that nice click when you bite into it. With each bite you get a mouthful of bun and a huge squirt of sweet gunk, and very little meat. It's more of a dessert experience than a savory one. At the end you are left with so much leftover bun in your hand. Ridiculous. Even the lemonade was bad. Not lemony at all, just very sugary. Not for the hot dog purist, or for anyone who knows what a good hotdog should taste like. Skip it.
(1)Tim G.
I saw this on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations and this is the only food in Hawaii that isn't overpriced. They bring a nice twist to the hot dog with their toasted buns and selection of relishes.
(5)Wendy P.
Loved it!! We were staying across the street for a week on vacation and I hauled my ass over for a puka dog every chance I got. THE most delicious vegetarian hot dog ever and the sauces...OMG, there are no words to describe. I've never found anything like it since. This is one of those few, totally unforgettable places that you just keep dreaming of going back to. Given the choice between Puka Dog and Roy's next door, I'd take Puka Dog....because they are THAT good.
(5)Kristin Y.
Very popular lunch spot. the dogs were on the travel channel and serious eats. I the pineapple relish was delicious . the hot sauce is not very hot just leaves a nice kick in your mouth. I had the veggie dogs and they give you 2 dogs in a huge bun. My bf had the original and like the dog. We both agreed it was a lot of bread. The best part is all the sauces.
(4)Chris B.
We saw Puka Dog while getting some breakfast at a nearby shop and went there for lunch the next day. Basically, they take a sub sandwich roll, poke a long hole down the middle, stuff a hot dog into is and then squirt sauces down inside. It's a novel way to serve dogs and I must admit, it is a nice and tidy package which doesn't goo all over your hands, but really, it's a freekin hot dog, which isn't all that original. The fresh squeezed lemonade was more sugar water with some faint essence of lemon... I've made better at home. It's about $9 for a dog, lemonade and a bag of chips. I wouldn't say it's not worth it, but don't drive way out of your way for the experience. Find a local snack shack or get some fresh poke for a better lunch.
(3)Patty S.
Being from the land of brats, italians, and polish sausage, I thought the Puka dog was just OK. It was by far the least expensive lunch we had during our stay, but everyone in our group thought it was very average.
(2)Sam O.
Unique take on the good old hot dog, Kauai style. Choice of a tropical relishes is a forgone conclusion. Dog seems to have gotten smaller over the years. But even after coming here for six years, it is still a must for us for a lunch.
(3)Sarpreet G.
Very pricey for a creative hot dog, but we were SO excited that they had a veggie dog, that we had to give it a shot. There are different options of local flavours to add to your PukaDog - I had the passion fruit sauce with the spicy garlic. It wasn't spicy at all, but it tasted great. The fresh lemonade was very refreshing on such a hot day. It will leave you a little hungry still, but I think it is an experience everyone should have.
(3)Susie G.
Arrived Tuesday about 7:15, place was empty. If its a hot dog you want you will be disappointed, they serve either a veggie dog or a polish sausage. We inquired about what's most popular, and were told either the mango or pineapple relish, with their garlic lemon secret sauce which comes in mild, spicy, hot or habanero and their Lilikoi Hawaiian mustard. We decided to go with the "Hawaiian" experience, I choose hot which the cashier said was a 4 out of 10 in terms of hotness, hubby took mild - I would say her rating was pretty accurate - a little heat, but barely. We also ordered two lemonades. Total bill $19. We both thought they were really yummy, a different take on a traditional polish dog on a bun with mustard, nothing like I've tasted before. When I think garlic lemon sauce, I think about what shrimp is cooked in, but I didn't taste any garlic or lemon, so don't let that discourage you from trying. Also my vision of relish is the sweet pickle relish, so was expecting chunks of mango or pineapple, but got neither, truthfully had I not ordered a particular kind I don't think I would have known what type it was. As for the bread, well I am all about bread, because if it's not good, sorta makes the whole thing not good, and the bread was awesome, super fresh, looked and tasted homemade, maybe even a little sweet - only issue was the bread was much larger than the dog, so after your last bite of polish you still have quite a bit of bread remaining, with the sweet mustard, sweet relish and somewhat sweet sauce - more dessert like. As others have noted the lemonade is really sweet, ok if you like it that way. They only sell lemonade or serve water (I think tap). There are 3 small round tables with chairs inside, and some park benches and picnic tables close by for use by any patrons of the shopping center. I definitely recommend trying one, don't expect to get full, but a fun tasting Hawaiian experience!
(4)Thomas D.
Well it may be a tourist trap, but its damn good! Always get the polish sausage with some kind of relish, ketchup and volcano sauce. Only downfall is the volcano sauce isn't very hot. Still a great spot for a quick lunch.
(4)David S.
Grabbed lunch here with the family. Everybody loved it including some who aren't normally hot dog fans. The sauces and relishes have a tropical flair and are great. Fresh squeezed lemonade was good and a nice change. If you're near Poipu get some lunch at Puka Dog.
(4)DANIEL R.
Amazing. The only $7 hotdog I've ever had and it was so good we went back again!
(5)Andrew P.
It really wasn't that good especially for $6.
(2)Bob D.
If you've had one you already know. Puka Dog is a weird little local "hot dog stand" in Kauai that sells exactly 3 things: 1. fresh squeezed lemonade (it's pretty good) 2. grilled polish sausage Puka Dogs 3. grilled vegetarian Puka Dogs that's it... it sound too simple to work... or be good right? And yet, like a freshly deep fried corndog from the state fair... the Puka Dog holds a mysterious power over people. The two secrests are the variety of chutneys and sauces to combine inside of the brilliant hollowed out bun. you only need one to be full... but later, you are thinking about the next time you are going to have another.
(5)Ivan D.
I like Puka Dog. It takes hot dogs and definitely goes about them differently. This place was in a mall and there was a line of anywhere from 20-40 people the whole time i was there and it was 2:30pm !! Take a polish dog or veggie dog, stuff it into a roll they have made from the top and choose your spiciness level and fruit relishes. I think the hawaiian mustard they always ask you if you want is a little overpowering for the rest of the stuff in there, but that is subjective. Recomendations?? Toast the whole bread, inside and out. Also, I think they should bake the bread there. How hard would it be to offer more hot dog options(italian,traditional)? Place is efficient....only cash and they can move a line quickly. Definitely worth a try...
(4)L. R.
Oooh, delicious vegetarian dogs! Mango relish. Jalapeno sauce. Homemade lemonade. Need I say more? This is a bargain at $7 and they only do two kinds of dogs - veg and Polish. It's a cute little restaurant (very little) with friendly service and a smile. They also have shave ice until 5:00.
(4)Vincent N.
Great, unique hot dog. A bit much bread, but it was very fresh and tasty.
(4)christina g.
Just had to write about the most delicious hot dog I've ever eaten...the crispy center of the bun being my favorite part. If you like sauce, doughy, warm bread and polish dogs, you will be in heaven.
(5)Mr. C.
Agree with most, try it once if you are in the area and then that's pretty much it.
(3)Deirdre M.
Holy crap. Best hot dog I have ever had. I crave it on a weekly basis, you must have it with the mango relish. A little spendy for a hot dog, but this is totally worth it.
(5)Aaron R.
Puka dog is a great priced snack while you're out and about. Nothing more than polish sausage with a variety of toppings but it was exactly what we were looking for.
(4)Tiffany B.
puka dogs- well the first question is-, are you willing to pay $6 for a hot dog. Yes it's beenon the travel channel and yes it's something you should try. at least once. Bottom line, iyou can get either a grille dpolish or veggie dog. They put the dogd in a grilled bun and what makes this place unique is their specialty mustards, relish, and sauce. I personaly don't enjoy sauce period so i always ahve to ask for lite sauce and it's still toooo saucey! Fun and pretty good. Messy YES! They squeeze leamonade and only leamonade and maui chips. Oh yeah, can't forget-cash only!
(4)Aaron G.
Great veggie dogs. They were out the first day that we came by, but restocked the next day. Interesting flavors and we'll be back on our next visit. Good lunch spot when you're spending the day at Poipu.
(4)Grace T.
These hot dogs are uniquely delish. A friend of ours said that they were over hyped, but we decided to go with our gut (and our hungry tummies) instinct and try it. I had the polish with the mild garlic sauce and the papaya relish, while the bf had the polish with the pineapple relish, as well as the onion kettle chips and lemonade. The service is slowish, but what else would you expect from a bunch of teenagers manning the stand. Once I bit into it, I was immediately smitten. I usually don't like hot dog, but I loved this one because of the unique condiments that go along with them. Totally worth the long wait.
(5)Scott M.
Watch out NYC & Chicago...I just ate the next great hot dog. Imagine a succulent & spicy polish sausage stuffed inside soft Hawaiian bread and filled with a sweet coconut relish and a local Hawaiian mustard called Lilikoi. That was fantastic.
(5)Brian J.
The very definition of a tourist trap. Just a regular-ole dog in a whole lot of extra bun. Do yourself a favor and get a polish dog at Costco instead. It's five bucks cheaper, and it comes with a Coke.
(1)Duncan M.
puka dog along with savage shrimp were my two favorite places to eat in poipu. i'm not really a big hot dog fan i go for the occasional one at a backyard barbecue or at a soccer game, but that's about it. based on yelp though i decided to give this place a shot and i'm glad i did - everything here is great, there's not much here, but it's all good. the dog they use is top quality and cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender in. they use hawaiian bread for the bun which is soft and slightly sweet and unlike traditional buns is more of a pouch. they have some odd, but delicious relishes like banana and mango. apparently some go really well with specific condiments so you may want to check. i particularly liked the spicy garlic sauce which was the hotest they had on their somewhat confusing spicy sauce menu. along with the good old standards of ketchup and mustard (hawiian sometimes, regular others) they also serve fresh squeezed lemonade which after a hot, salty day in the ocean is about the best thing you can have. and for the island it's pretty reasonable priced.
(3)Beth P.
Love this place I only wish they would offer franchising cause I would open one wear I live in a heart beat! Love the sweet savory taste of their hot dog, sauces and bread! Yum yum it's a must see on your visit!
(5)Sau y.
Interesting concept, but wayyyy overpriced. $7 for a hot dog and you're not in a stadium!? That's criminal! So you get this sweet loaf type bread, they pierce it onto this wrought iron stick and leave it there to toast (so inside gets toasted), they throw in a polish dog or a vegan dog... and then you pick b/w what relishes you want (all sweet-- pineapple, papaya, mango, starfruit, etc)... and then you can get hot sauce, mild or whatever... and then you can also get their mustard. We got the hottest hot sauce... and it was like a mayo with a little heat thrown on-- not very hot at all. All the relishes were way too sweet, and after tasting a few, we decided on the papaya as it was OK. The bread was way too thick/ too much for the amount of dog you get in it... and overall it was just way too expensive. I'd give it a 4th star if it were $3 or something reasonable, but $7 is out of this world for what you get. In the times of $1.50 Costco dogs (WITH DRINK!) and $5 footlongs, Puka Dog is outrageously overpriced. Something to try... and you may love it if you love eating hot dogs... just OK for me though.
(3)Craig G.
It's a freakin' hot dog with some fancy sauce on it. Sure the sauces are inventive and Hawaiian - Lilikio mustard, mango or papaya salsa...but I didn't think it was really a culinary breakthrough. First off, the Bread to Dog ratio is out of proportion - ESPECIALLY on the veggie dog. Wayyyy too much bread. The Polish Sausages are big enough I suppose, but the veggies dogs are like 2 mini-veggie dogs stuffed into a huge loaf of bread. The lemonade is actually quite good. Lemon, Sugar, Ice, Water - plain and simple, the way it should be. Perhaps a little heavy on the ICE, so your drink is gone in like 3 sips, but still very good. The bottom-line, It's just a hot dog people. Don't drive too far out of your way but if you are close and the line is not ridiculous - get a hot dog. It isn't a street vendor in NYC where hotdogs are a buck, it's a resort town in HI - so its priced as such, although not too terrible.
(3)James M.
You would have to experience this hot dog to believe how wonderful it is. Maybe it's not everyone, but everyone I know who has been loves it. At least give it a try.
(5)J J.
Fantastic! What a great surprise. The dogs are large, get the hot lemon garlic sauce and Hawaiian mustard. The mango relish was great too. Inexpensive and worth waiting in line for!
(5)Gamebebe C.
It is not bad, but quite expensive for 6 dollars. You can choose either veggie dog or polish sausage and the pinepple, mango, starfruit, coconut relish and their sauce( even hot is not hot). It is a quick lunch, but nothing special.
(3)Tiffany V.
If you love hot dogs, you have to make a stop at Puka Dog!! In fact, it was so good that my husband and I stopped here twice during our 6 days on Kauai. The hot dog itself was delicious and contained in a toasty and soft bun. The best part though are the sauces... I got the jalapeno spread (it is labeled spicy but it wasn't really so if spicy is what you are going for, you may be a little disappointed) and the lilikoi (passion fruit) mustard. YUM! I am back home on the East Coast now and seriously regret writing this review because I am now craving a Puka Dog and am a 12-hour plane ride away... If you are in Poipu or Koloa, or anywhere in Kauai for that matter, you have to try it!
(5)Nada N.
DELICIOUS - Have had to go every time we visit the island. Service can be a little slow but its worth it. Lemonade is great too! Can't wait till we come back again.
(5)Keith H.
I "Heart" Puka Dog! I was just thinking of one today as lunchtime hunger snuck up on me. Too bad I live in California. This is not your ordinary hot dog people, it is where all the good hot dogs go after they die. It is hot dog Nirvana. Each hot dog comes in a delicious roll that serves as the transport mechanism for the delicious sauces. I have tried several of the sauces and liked them all. Must go now, before I book an airline ticket just to get a Puka Dog
(5)Jolyn H.
These dogs are simple and delicious. Choose between polish sausage or veggie dog. I got polish sausage with ketchup and pineapple relish while my husband got polish sausage with ketchup and garlic sauce. To do again, we would both skip the ketchup because their sauces are amazing. Lemonade and water only. Cash only. Can't wait to go back and try the other sauces!
(4)Megan G.
I'm home and so mad I didn't buy any of that relish in a jar stuff. These hot dogs are SO tasty! The buns are made so the hot dog slips in leaving no leakage or oozy mess. So handy!! Great lunch stop...plus where else do you get to eat and have chickens beg for a bite (and for the meat no less!??).
(4)Heather T.
Oh man, puka dog... Where do I even begin?! No matter what you order, it tastes fantastic. Bun is toasted perfectly, and the relishes are to die for. This place will continue to have my business and support.
(5)Lindsay B.
loved! i only wish they were smaller so i could have tried two! we really liked the big bun(lol) because you end up with a lot of extra sauce that the bread can be a vehicle for.
(4)Lisa Ann P.
for $10 bucks I must say this was the best hot dog and lemonade I've had! Fortunately they offer a veggie dog, I had mine with the mango relish, and spicy mustard "Yummers" I am not really a hot dog fan but these were definitely worth while! The rolled bun they put them in helps keep all the toppings from falling out while you eat it, and they are very filling really hard to finish one as they are big!
(4)Chris S.
Puka Dog's are definitely all about the sauce. The dog itself was good but I've never really been super ah-mazed by the dog itself. The sauces were fantastic. I tried their spicy sauce with the mango relish and that combination was fantastic. My biggest complaint about this place is they give you way too much bread for the size of the hot dog. If you can find a way to get two dogs in one bun, I think you'd have the best dog ever. If I can get that I'd probably up this a star.
(3)Russell B.
This was my first stop after we landed in Kauai so I could quickly check off this must try place from my list. After our week in Poipu I ended up coming here a second time too tosatisfy my craving once again and change up my toppings. Although their "polish sauage" I probably wouldn't categorize with most polish sausages, it is still at least a quality hot dog with good flavor and a great snap. The bun is amazing with a very slight dry crust and a thick pillowy center that cradles the sausage and toppings. The first go around I took it easy and went for the spicy garlic lemon sauce, mango relish, and ketchup. Overall it was pretty good with a light spice from the sauce and sausage and a strong sweetness from the relish. The second time I decided to up the spice with the hot garlic lemon sauce and lilikoi mustard with pineapple relish this time and ketchup of course. This was definitely the tastier version with the definitely spicy, but smooth sweet mustard and the extra spice from the garlic lemon sauce. Still, I was dissappointed with the quality of the relishes. I was expecting something more chunky and fresh, not an artificial tasting syrupy sauce. It was good, just not quite the pure fresh mango or pineapple flavor I was hoping to match with the other quality ingredients. Needless to say, I was hooked despite this minor drawback.
(4)Kelly O.
If you love hot dogs come here. Yes, $7 for a hot dog is a lot but it's still a lot cheaper than a meal in other restaurants. The night we came here we had a good experience. I had the polish sausage, with hot chili garlic sauce, lilikoi mustard, and the coconut relish. The coconut relish was a bit too sweet I preferred the pineapple that my friend had. Yes, there is extra bread the other reviewers are correct but the hot dog was really good. It filled us up but we had enough room for dessert which is always a good thing when there is a Lappert's around.
(4)Yang H.
Hubby said It was too sweet
(4)beno h.
a whole mess of my married friends recently vacationed on kaua'i, and my wife and recently returned from our babymoon there. before we left, our friends gave us lists of places to visit. they were all food spots. yeah, many of my friends are bay area foodies (after all, that's why many of them yelp). the lists of kaua'i food stops all included: 1) hamura's saimin stand, 2) the shrimp station, 3) jo jo's shave ice, 4) puka dog. of these, i found hamura's saimin stand to be the obvious best by far. the shrimp station was the next best place. maybe it was because accidentally went to the "bad" jo jo's location and not the "good" one, but jo jo's was a disappointment for me. i mean, hey... i've got bay area dining standards here. puka dog? well, was it cos i was visiting them later in the week? it's just that when someone tells me i have _got_ to visit some hot dog stand, it had better be phenomenal cos i've realised that too many people have too liberal of standards for "american" food. during the snow months, i spend most weekends up in tahoe for snowboarding. i eat plenty of burgers and hot dogs. really, if i am told that i hafta try some hot dog, it really needs to be very good. well, puka dog? the sausage itself (if you ask me) isn't much better than a costco dog. its the sweet relishes and sauces that make this place. the nice, soft bun also probably is a high point. this place is located in a touristy mall near poipu. it has lots of tourist trap shops that charge really bad prices. while the prices at the similar coconut marketplace mall in kapa'a by our condo weren't great, they were at least better than what we found at this mall. i don't like how this place is cash only. in fact, the prevalence of cash only businesses on kaua'i really annoyed me cos i couldn't even find an atm for my bank anyway. i think the hot dog was liek $6.50 here, which is a bit pricey, isn't it? dude, you don't know. i prepare a 86.page binder full of information for this kaua'i babymoon. in it, i included a print.out of the puka dog menu from their website. i had really high hopes about trying out puka dog. maybe it's only cos i set my hopes so high that i felt a bit disappointed. hrm, i guess take that all into consideration while reading my review cos you _know_ that most people really love this place to death. maybe i was also annoyed by how i tried to eat this hot dog while driving n' ended up dripping fruit relish and passion fruit mustard all over my shirt. i mean, the hot dog _was_ decently tasty; and, as i keep saying, _most_ people love this place to death.
(3)Maureen K.
This was the yummiest hot dog I have ever eaten...my boyfriend agrees. We were in Kauai for 3 days and we had to go back a second time before we headed to the airport. Secret garlic sauce and the special bun are great. If we ever make it back to Kauai, this is where we are eating first.
(5)Little Tuna's Mom X.
We are on our honeymoon here in Kauai. We stopped here today for lunch. It was a 10 minute wait in line. I LOVE hot dogs, and thought the 'dog' itself was yum. But the line was LONG and so the anticipation was raised (not for the better). .... By the time I got to the front and bit into my dog, I thought "huh... this is it?" I kind of thought it was overrated. I mean, it was good... just wasn't as amazing as everyone told me. But hey, I'm biased, I lived in Chicago, the land of the dog! BTW, I think they are CASH ONLY. P.S. That Adrienne gal is right - the ratio is 80% bread, 20% meat. Way too much bread for me. And I agree, for me, the relishes were too sweet.
(3)Stan W.
Well, one of the very few options for lunch around here on the south side of the island - that has to be the reason its so popular. OK I guess but nothing spectacular. Their "relish" is really more of a sugar goo they pour into the dog. A neat concept but WAY too much bun for the dog. One of these left me longing, but if I had two I'm sure it would've been diarrhea city for me.
(3)Scott J.
This place is damn near worth the flight from the mainland - the beach is just a bonus. If I'm lucky enough to get back to Kauai, I'll be sure to go back to this place ... several times.
(5)kahau m.
reading and seeing sooooo many rave reviews on this place. I was expecting the best damn hot dog i ever had!!! it was interesting.... i will say that. but so is a freakin' root canal. dog was actually quite good and so was the bun. the sauces were too sweet, no texture, too much of it and too much bread for the dog. maybe they could shove two dogs in there and call it a supa puka dog! i would probably get spicy mustard only.......
(2)Adrian F.
Interesting. Good but not great.
(3)Dave M.
The relish is deliciously amazing. Combined with a tasty polish sausage and wrapped in sweet bread made this one of my top dogs.
(5)L O.
I don't eat hot dogs but after spending the day at the beach I was starving. We stopped there and picked up a couple and they were sooo good. The condiments sound strange but they were really tasty.
(4)V J.
Something very addictive about thier hot dogs. Loved it! Loved the polish sausage, the tosted buns and the fruit relish and spicy sauce. Looking forward to having some puka dogs when I visit again. YUM!
(5)Albie L.
I know my dogs. I've eaten at the best - Top Dog in Berkeley, Gray's Papaya in NYC, and all the hot dog carts in Lower Manhattan, Nathan's, Rosamunde's in SF. Puka has truly unique dogs. It's a good quarter pound dog in this sweet bun that's hollowed out and toasted on a dildo-ish heating element like a condom in use. The "spicy" sauce isn't spicy at all. Get the "hot" one if you want some bite. Get the Hawaiian mustard on it, too. All the tropical relishes are awesome. $6 may seem pricey for a dog, but this no hot dog cart. I loved the place so much I bought a visor. The bonus is that any time you wear it into the store, they'll give you a free lemonade forever and ever.
(5)Danielle H.
I lived in Lihue, Kauai for awhile and me and my friends would often make special "PUKA" trips to get these masterpieces, (45 min. drive)! I am not a hot dog fan, but these babies are a blissful mouthfull. The owner is often working too and his staff is a lot of fun. If these disappoint you, you might just need a taste bud replacement! Also, if you go... can you bring one back for me??? :)
(5)Dee V.
A puka dog is pretty much just a huge kolachi with condiments inside. I love hot dogs and kolachis so I enjoyed my puka dog! I just had the lilikoi mustard on mine - sweet but not too sweet (I tried the relishes and they were way too sweet for me). The lemonade was really good too. The one bad thing is that the condiments really did settle all at the bottom, but the solution to that is to just keep your puka dog horizontal while you eat it. Problem solved! You naturally would eat it vertically because of the way it's presented to you. It was a nice place for a snack or a quick bite (I'm a big eater so I probably wouldn't go there if I was looking for a real meal)
(5)Jen S.
One of the best hot dogs I've ever had! There is a nice variety of sauces, and the hot dogs are crispy with a tasty soft roll. We went once for lunch during our stay, and made the mistake of going to Poipu Tropical Burgers another day... we were looking longingly at Puka Dog as we could smell the hot dogs cooking while we ate mediocre flavorless hamburgers (I'll save that for another review). The only drink they offer here is lemonade, which is a shame, and your only side choices are bags of chips. Seating is pretty limited as well. These are the only negative comments I have - try it! I'll definitely return next time I am there.
(4)Kim M.
Puka Dog only deserves 2 stars because of the sauce. It tasted like lemon cheese wiz-gross! The consistency of the sauce combined with the doughy bun made it difficult to stomach.
(2)KAREN B.
wow, THE best hot dogs EVER! a local recommended these during our visit to poipu in kauai. i'm not a fan of hot dogs, but these were absolutely amazing! wish they would open one in southern cali.
(5)Zé M.
It's okay. As others have said, nothing special here. Its only benefit is being in a small outdoor mall as the only to-go food place that I saw.
(3)nathan w.
I suppose it is still a great place for non-vegetarians, but they no longer carry the veggie dog option as of October 09. They indicate that their old supplier has gone bankrupt. Hey, it happens, especiallly these days! But they don't have a new source yet. When they will they don't know. So if you are veggie, don't get hopeful whenseeing a sign taped to the menu saying they are out of veggie dogs. They aren't getting any any time soon. Hence my low rating for what was once a veggie friendy place.
(1)Beatrice L.
Definitely a place you want to try at least once. The hotdog itself is pretty good and their unique bun is fun to eat with the hotdog. I enjoyed it, but as most food in the islands, it was a bit overpriced.
(3)Caroline T.
I first became aware of Puka Dog after watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, and I'd decided that it was going to be one of my first meals if I ever visited Hawaii. My husband and I had a couple of dogs for lunch our first full day in Kauai, and we were not disappointed. I had the spicy Polish dog with mango relish and Hawaiian mustard, and my husband had the regular Polish with coconut. His dog was refreshing, and mine was sweet and spicy. The sweet fruit relish contrasts so pleasantly with the spiciness of the mustard and the hot dog itself. The dogs are also huge, so you can definitely make just one into a whole meal. Be sure to wash down your dog with a cup of the deliciously sweet Puka Dog lemonade, too.
(5)Colie J.
I had a polish with pineapple relish and ketchup on the side. It was pretty good. Only reason I can't give 5 is be prepared that last bite will likely be all sauce (because of the way they put it together) and it kills the good taste in your mouth. The freshly squeezed lemonade is just ok, not enough lemon or sugar for my taste.
(4)B Q.
The best hot dog I've ever had. I ate here everyday I was in kauai. Sometimes twice a day. Going back in November
(5)Melissa S.
I really miss Puka Dogs. We even stopped one last time to say goodbye before we taking off to the Lihue airport. I think the secret to these amazingly delicious dogs is how they heat the whole buns (they haven't been split yet) from the inside out with that super special piercing contraption of theirs. So that it's all crispy on the inside and the juices from polish seem to seep in but not. All mixing perfectly with the tropical sauce. Ick. That sounds kinda porny but it's true. That's why they're so unique. I have to agree with Albert L. You really need to get the spiciest out of the three choices to get a kick with your polish. I got the mango once but I'd go with the banana one. As weird as it sounds, it is sooo effin' good!! I can't wait to go back.
(5)M+J K.
I ordered the chili sauce with mustard and classic relish. The Polish dog (its not a REAL Polish Dog...it's just a hot dog) tasted average but I did not like that I could not see the dog. The bun was covering the whole dog... too much bread! All the condiments fell to the bottom of the bun. I like to make sure that I have even distribution of all the condiments. For $6 I expect more! My lemonade was just average and it was mostly ice. Actually I walked away hungry. I will not go back.
(1)Randall H.
What a great dog! I was very excited to try this place and I was not at all disappointed. I had checked out their website and pretty much knew what I was going to order, but I apparently still reeked of 'newbie.' The young cutie behind the counter picked up on that right away, and she was very helpful. I got a polish sausage with the 'spicy' jalapeno sauce, pineapple relish and, thanks to the young lady there, the Lillikoi mustard. My original plan was to get one "Hawaiianed up" and one more basic, but as it turns out, I didn't need more than one to make a meal. While they aren't cheap, just one can probably fill the bill for most normal appetites so the value isn't bad at all...especially for being here in paradise! Anyway, back to the dog. All of the flavors just worked together...I took a bite and just sighed and made a little happy sound. I am sooo glad for the suggestion of the Lillikoi mustard....it was the perfect complement to the other flavors. I also had the fresh, made right before your eyes, lemonade, and it was great, as well. One word of caution...toward the end of said lemonade you might end up with a little sugar bomb on the bottom of the cup. Not a big deal, but it can be a bit of a shock when you are expecting lemonade and draw up pure sugar through the straw! All in all, I gotta say this place is absolutely worth checking out, and if you aren't too far away, you should probably do so more than once...you won't regret it!
(4)Raduga N.
Blech! The staff was really friendly, but that's about the only good thing I can say about this place. The dogs are steamed, the buns are airy and dry. And the sauce! Oh, the sauce. If you would enjoy eating lukewarm mayonnaise out of the jar with a spoon you might enjoy the sticky, soggy, overflowing dribble that oozes out of the middle of these hotdogs.
(2)Kurt W.
Went here twice during our stay in Kauai. Love the dogs here! It's a little on the pricier side for a hot dog but well worth it....easy step by step ordering....tired the mango and pineapple relish. Fresh dogs and fresh buns. One of the best dogs I've had.
(5)Eric S.
great hot dog and bun. good lemonade. sometimes very busy, but in a nice shopping mall. i will visit whenever in Kauai...it was casual and the hot dog was good and i liked the unique bun.
(4)Derrick H.
Enjoyed the mango relish. The spicy mustard was a little much and way top much bun left over. But the birds enjoyed it.
(3)Michael L.
I heard about this place from the Travel Channel and I have to say, it looked a lot more appetizing on TV. I had the spicy dog, which was not spicy at all, with lilokoi mustard and I tried all the relishes on the side. The garlic lemon secret sauce and lilokoi mustard was very good. Other then that, it was a regular hot dog in a big bun. All the relishes were very sweet and just didn't taste right with the hot dog. I was pretty disappointed after the hype from the travel channel. The lemonade was good but a little too sweet. Very expensive, not worth it.
(2)Norm P.
Kinda pricey for a hot dog, but still it was delicious. I had the mango relish with my hot dog and a lemonade. The hot dog bun completely wraps around, is pretty clever. Why I don't see this more often, I don't know. I think it's genius.
(4)Zee H.
After reading the positive reviews, we visited Puka today to get our hot dogs. Unfortunately, they did not have the veggie dogs any more as their supplier had gone out of business. There was no ETA for a new supplier. The meat dogs were still available though.
(3)brucio r.
I dont get how this place has anything but a 1 star review. My girlfriend and i went there on our vacation a few months ago. the service was fine, it was quite busy. my gripe with this place is the food. Huge, mushy bun that engulfed the tiny wrinkled sausage onto which they put a weird gooey syrup that dribbled down the side of the dog. When we were done with our little sausage we had like...3'' left of bun...so in reality you were eating BUN and plenty of it! We also got the lemonade which was made up of a LOT of sugar, a smashed lemon half and water..but they left the lemon half in the cup so they only gave you half the cup full of actual lemonade. We really wanted a good sausage or hot dog in Kauai and this place was WAY over priced. i think our dog was like 6-8 dollars? for a TINY little dog. When my girlfriend and i were done eating there we were still hungry! we immediately went and got food somewhere else RIGHT afterwards. i am really baffled that the reviews for this place are so positive. i dont know if its because all the rednecks from the mainland visit hawaii and only know Carl jr's and Arbys that they consider such an awful restaurant "favorite meal of hawaii" some of these reviewers need to experience actual decent food before they give this place anything but one star. Wont be going back to puka dog.
(1)Drew B.
Loooooove Puka Dog. I spend 51 weeks out of my year talking with my friends about eating at Puka when we come back to Hawaii. The other week my mouth is full.
(5)Kate S.
They had me at pineapple relish! We had passed the restaurant the day before to get our shave ice (WHICH ROCKED) and came back for our last vacation meal. The cashier & the cook were both super friendly and made some great recommendations. They had a Smart Dog for us veggie-folk and the bun had nuances of Hawaiian sweet bread. I ordered the original garlic sauce, lilikoi mustard and the pineapple relish, and washed it down with their lemonade. It was the perfect pre-flight meal! I kept my dog in the wrapper as I ate, so I didn't have the mess problem others had. I can't wait to go back the next time we go to Hawaii!
(5)Michael V.
Yum. Jennifer D and I shared couple dogs with her mom. Good relishes, I liked the lillikoi mustard too. I will agree with a couple other reviewers, the veggie dogs are surprisingly good.
(4)R T.
Tourist trap? Perhaps. But isn't everything in Kauai? I had a spicy dog with lilikoi mustard and mango relish. De-lish, and I don't really care for hot dogs! I now always have Auntie Lilikoi's lilikoi mustard in my fridge. The lemonade was uber sweet, like, too sweet, but whatevs. It was the experience, right? Everything on the islands is wonderful, even when it's not. -1 star for the price
(4)Jerry L.
Yummy hot tog in an unusual bun. Interesting toppings as well. Excellent fresh lemonade as well.
(4)Suzanne S.
All hail Puka Dog! We've visited the one in Honolulu and couldn't wait to hit this one on our recent trip to Kauai ... I think it's the original. The dogs are delish any way you try them ... I recommend hitting up the place a few times to figure out what your pleasure is!
(5)Allison G.
Young girls with a bit of a bitchy way about them serving up over priced bread with meat it in. Um, why is this place so hyped up? I thought the bread over rode the meat, the dressing was like mayo and the pineapple salsa made the bread soggy. It's more like Pukie Dog! Was so disappointed! Looked forward to this place reading the hype on here and seeing it on the Food Network. Save your cash and calories on this place. Ewwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)W L.
Good dogs, great lemonade. I don't like mustard but the lilikoi mustard was addicting. A ton of relish choices but when you slap on the mustard you'll hardly notice the relish. Spicy garlic wasn't spicy at all. I'm not into hot dogs or relish but this was a good one.
(4)Nina N.
Puka puka...the best hot dog in town
(5)Benny B.
Best hotdogs I've ever tried. Relishes and mustard are unique, just like the unihole bun the dog slides into. Went there twice while visiting the island, and each time was excellent. Liked the place so much even bought a hat :)
(5)theresa s.
i was excited to try puka dog since my family saw it featured on TV and i am a hot dog fan. we made a point to visit on our trip to kauai (i guess we also could have gone to the waikiki location) and try the infamous puka dog. i was fairly disappointed. my bread was cold and the whole thing was just extremely bready and fell apart. i dont know if it was bc we arrived right when they first opened, and the bread was taken right from the fridge, but it made for a very unappetizing meal. i did, however, like the sauces that accompanied the puka dog. the guy that worked there was nice enough to let me try 4 sauces. dont think that i would go back, but when my family visited recently (the ones that saw it on TV), they stopped by and they really enjoyed it! so perhaps i was just visiting on a "down" day... I would just rather go to Hanks Haute Dogs, since I know they will give me a great quality dog anytime i visit.
(2)Sean M.
Great traditional dogs and fast service. Very pleased with the tastes and flavors. There was only one time I had gone where there was a long line because of the fact that there was only 2 people working - one at the register and one making the dogs. Other than that, my experience with this great hot dog place has been well. Good portions too, as it is enough to fill you up, but not enough to stuff you. Great for the kids and great for the adults, too. I would definitely recommend trying Puka Dog as it is worth tasting!
(4)Brad O.
Had the polish with mango sauce. Pretty cool how they manage to toast the inside of the bun, when the bun is only open at one end. Would definitely have another.
(4)Duane H.
stormy and I love our hot dogs. That having been said this was one for the books. It was sloppy and gooey with too much mustard and sauce. What a mess. I could probably have forgiven the goop if it had tasted really good. It didn't.I also need to note that it is one of the most expensive dogs were ever going to buy.
(2)Adam R.
Cool local restaurant. It is located in a shopping village. We tried the mango and pineapple relish and thought the pineapple relish was the best. The Hawaiian mustard was the best condiment. The bun was really good and toasted but there was too much bread compared to the size of the dog. We would come back again and tell friends about this place.
(4)Bob P.
Hype didn't equal taste in this case. It was ok..... Way too much bread. Been there done that! On to the next adventure.
(3)Brad V.
These dogs are great tasting. They are unique. Take a Hoggie bun, bore a hole in the end, squirt some unique sauces with pineapple, mango and other fruits, plus add some heat from jalapeño peppers, and you have a sense of the flavored that await you when you visit the little venue! The downside is one isn't enough to and two is a bit more than you really can eat. So, get but two and share with someone else dining with your party! They accept credit cards. You'll need it because these dawgs are in demand and it ain't Costco. Only two beverages to chose from: bottled water or fresh squeezed lemonade. The meal would have earned 5 starts if they so much as offered a can of diet coke! Lemonade was good, but too much sugar.
(4)Heather N.
I got the polish sausage with Hawaiian mustard & mango relish for dipping & lemonade to drink. Lemonade was very weak but the hot dog was really unique! I was surprised at how much I liked the Hawaiian mustard & mango relish. Such an interesting hot dog, we ate here twice in the 7 days we were in Poipu!
(4)Laura I.
Located in the Poipu Shopping Village, Puka Dog is a perfect place to grab lunch if you are in Poipu Beach area, or more specifically staying at the Grand Hyatt. Don't fret if you are staying on the North Shore, there is another location in Hanalei Bay. The menu is planned out to walk you through your order. There are so many combos to choose from, but I had the polish sausage with spicy jalapeno sauce, pineapple relish, and Auntie Lilikoi's mustard (sorta sweet dijon) on the side. It was very tasty. I am pretty weak when it comes to spice and the spicy sauce was a bit mild, so I would recommend going up a spice level if that's your thing! Love Puka Dog and wish we could have eaten there again (and again) on our trip. If I find myself back in Kauai, I will definitely be returning.
(5)Gwynedd D.
This is a very small hot dog stand in a shopping center. The stand is considered one of the 10 best hot dogs in the US--I can't judge that, not having experienced the others, but it is a unique dog. You get either a polish sausage or a veggie dog. I had the Polish sausage and no one of our party tried the veggie dog. Then you pick a sauce--and definitely get the hottest. This is a creamy garlic lemon sauce (like some pizza places give you.) I didn't, having trouble with some spices but the mild and even medium are too mild. You need that spice. The spicy was reported to be "not that spicy." Then a relish, pineapple, mango, regular, and there may have been other choices. I got pineapple. Then mustard (Dijon, regular or Hawaiian.) Finally, it's all assembled on a big puffy roll of Hawaiian bread, slightly sweet. And that's the flavor profile--sweet on salty, with some spice. My relish was put on so that it didn't appear until the lower part of the bun, but you need to taste all the flavors together. The bun is very large and I ended up with bun and pineapple jam at the end--not so great. Is it one of the best in the US? The Polish sausage is delicious, the flavor is interesting enough, but I won't be nostalgic for it when I go home. The lemonade was watery--tasted like water with lemon soaking in it. There are two small tables but those are mainly for waiting. One table outside in the park-like area, and a small outdoor theater area beyond that are seating, other than that, it's a take-away situation.
(3)Kyle G.
Awesome concept, better way to eat a hot dog without losing much of the condiments. The sausages were great, relishes overall tasty. Recommend the lemonade as it's made fresh and very delicious, especially on a hot day.
(4)Heidi D.
It seems ridiculous that one of the things I crave most from my trip to Kauai is the Puka dog! Mmmmm. I had the POLISH SAUSAGE dog with spicy jalepeno sauge, pineapple relish and Hawaiian mustard. Between the great flavors of the sauces, the heat of the dog and the softness of the bun, I was in Puka Dog heaven. (I'll order a spicier sauce next time to balance the sweet of the mustard but that's all I'd change.) So good for such a simple item.
(4)Kimo C.
OMG BOMB!!! This place has the best hotdog I've ever eaten. The relish isn't your typical relish, this has the Hawaiian fruit blend that comments the sweet bun and polish. I personally recommend the spicy jalapeño polish dog with Mango, coconut & star fruit relish. Lilikoi mustard on the side and you just take one Togo to eat for later, because 1 isn't enough.
(5)Jack G.
Unimpressed, take a costco polish dog and wrap it in a bun with some sauce. Overpriced. Sauces were unique, but that's where it ends.
(2)Miss D.
It's not so much the buns or the hot dogs that make this place. It's the condiments. The buns and dogs are pretty standard, sometimes I've had a crunch to mine. Like the inner part of the bun is slightly burnt. But not a game ender. Like I said, it's all about the condiments. The relishes are very unique. I haven't tried them all yet, but of those I tried I have loved. I have tried the papaya, mango and pineapple relishes. Very flavorful. They always suggest the lilikoi mustard, I recommend not passing it up. Regardless if you get it inside or on the side get it! Lastly, the lemonade. Nothing out of the ordinary, but it pairs it so perfectly with everything.
(4)LL C.
delicious relishes for delicious hot dogs!
(5)Caroline P.
Too much bread compared to the hot dog itself. Very pricey and they expect you to tip!
(2)Kate M.
I have no idea how this place is recommended by so many. We must have come in on a VERY off night- as the hot dogs were not even warm. The relishes were underwhelming and excessive amounts were all over the hot dog. Basically paying for a cold hot dog (neither of the choices of dogs were roasted as we were told they would be, looked like they were boiled long ago) and the bun is ridiculously huge! Who could eat that much bread? I'll stick to my dodger dog, thank you.
(1)Edward L.
Was in the neighborhood and had to see what the fuss was all about. Got a mild polish dog with mango relish and their special mustard. Definitely a unique idea with a hot dog wrapped in soft bread. Reminds me of a big ol' pig in a blanket... but much more expensive. Glad we had a new experience, but I should remember not to mess with such a classic as a hot dog.
(2)Phung H.
It was a good place to try! The staff here was nice and knowledgeable of the menu. The hot dog is quite large and has a sweeter taste than what I prefer especially with the extra toppings. Be careful as you get down to the bottom, as all the sweet toppings falls to the bottom of the bun.
(4)david m.
Hot dog in a big bun with some runny sweet relish. $7. I don't know how this place rates so high, people must be desperate around here. We had a couple lemonades and they were watered down with ice. Ate outside under a tattered palapa and in a run down center
(2)Erin B.
You might think the relish flavors are weird but they taste so good! The veggie dog is my favorite but my husband said the sausage dog was good too. Not messy at all, there could be less bun but I'm just nit picking. The Fresh Lemonade is Amazing!
(5)Sammie B.
A Hawaiian style hot dog is something you should try at least once! You have the option of a polish or veggie sausage and a variety of different condiments (relishes, mustards). Do it right and don't go with the standard ketchup and mustard! We had the Kauai special relish and lilikoi mustard. The hot dog bun is sweet Hawaiian bread that's lightly toasted. There's definitely more bun than sausage, but that's not to say the sausage is small! We always have to have at least one hot dog here when visiting Kauai.
(4)Stef. R.
I could feel this little part of my stomach rumble 'thank you' because I put a Puka Polish dog into it. Plus I heard that silver fox, Anthony Bourdain, hates hotdogs but would gladly have another one of these. Cheers!
(5)Kerlyne J.
Yes, yes, and yes!! You can't go wrong with a Puka Dog! Made this stop as a mid afternoon snack while visiting Kauai. Atmosphere: It's a tiny shop located in a mall plaza so when your GPS says you've arrived don't worry. The shop is tiny with about 3 tables which seat about 3 people, we decided to take our hot dogs to a nearby beach and watch the surfers. Food: The menu pretty much lays out what to do and I don't think you can go wrong with any combination. I got the polish sausage, with hot chili sauce, mango relish and the famous lilikoi mustard. I was cautioned away from getting ketchup with that combo! My friend got the polish with jalapeño, pineapple and lilikoi. Honestly the blend of flavored was delicious and I'm craving one as I write this. Don't forget to get the fresh squeezed lemonade with it. Make this a stop of visiting and you won't regret it. Definitely find the nearby beach by the golf club and enjoy it!
(4)Rita C.
Again, the wait was long and no line. In any case, the polish was okay but the lilikoi mustard and the mango sauce made it amazing. Quite pricey for a hotdog, about $6.50
(3)Jasmine T.
Anthony Bourdain knows what's what. Okay, so he didn't go to this location, but my point is, I saw him eat at a Puka Dog and have wanted to go ever since. Had I been able to convince my hubby, I would have come here every day we were in Kauai. Since it was so close to where we were staying, I was able to get a couple visits in. Line ups were long, longer is you wanted a veggie dog. Puka Dog is so worth the wait. On one occasion, the line-up was long because of a tour bus. I would say "Argh" but I am one of those tourists making the line long. We waited a while, but since it was our first visit there, I was able to read the menu board longer to make sure I knew what I wanted. I half expected it to be like the Soup Nazi... order precision is key. I ordered two polish dogs, both with mild garlic sauce. One had Kauai Special Sauce (Mango Relish) and the other had Pineapple Field Sauce (Pineapple Relish... duh). This time I did not get the Lilikoi Mustard. We shared a lemonade. So good, so fricking good. The bun is soft, but they toast it on the inside using that spike machine that was made for them. Then squirt squirt squirt and they slip the weiner in. Everything works together--the sweet with the meat and the bun. Heaven. I told my hubby we could share so we could try both. I liked his pineapple more than my mango. I would have taken bigger bites, but then can I really be greedy with my hubby? We tried to dine in, but there were so many people waiting. It made it kind of awkward to have people leaning over you while you're trying to eat... this is what I mean by Hong Kong Dim Sum style. So this visit was during the day. Another day, we came during the night and it was a little bit calmer. Still a little bit of a line, but better. This time we both still got two polish dogs with mild garlic sauce. I tried mine with the Coconut Beach Sauce and the Lilikoi Mustard, and my hubby got the Polihale Sunset (Papaya Relish) and the Lilikoi Mustard. I got the lemonade again. I saw some lady before me ask for it to be sweetened by Splenda and they obliged. I thought mine was too sweet with the Coconut Relish. It was good, I still ate it, but Pineapple for me is where it's at. I could easily eat two of these in one sitting. They are so yummy. The staff seem really nice, but anyone giving me food usually seems nice. They have an ipad as a cash register. I paid cash, so it didn't really make a difference to me. One woman was paying credit and had to touch the screen a bunch.
(5)Casey A.
The Puka dog was delicious! And the lemonade really hit the spot on a hot day like today. This time around I tried the Na Pali Cruise (star fruit relish), couldn't really taste it though? My only complaint was that the spicy polish dog wasn't spicy at all, but still ono to eat. Due to limited seating be prepared to eat next to the outside stage area with chickens and birds hounding yah.
(4)Sandy I.
Great place, great people, great dogs, sugar water with a splash of lemon... Skip the lemonade. *yelp wants longer reviews... Ain't nobody got time for that :) So here are a couple of sentences to please the people of yelp who think that people need to keep reading reviews instead of getting on with their lives
(4)Chad H.
The famous "Hawaiian Style Hot Dog" About a five minute wait in non air conditioned open air "Resteraunt" and another five minute wait for the famous puka dog. Three step ordering process starting with choice of hot dog, then secret lemon sauce, then additional island toppings. Friendly staff. Island favorite. 15 bucks for two and one one bag of chips. Minus one point for price.
(4)Benjamin L.
While on vacation in Kauai, a friend sent over a couple of food recommendations on our trip and Puka Dog was at the top of that list. The reviews were solid on Yelp and it turned out to be right up the road from our rental house. With a basic menu of just Puka Dogs, Maui chips, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, Puka Dog knows they make one thing really well and they stick to it. You essentially pick 3 simple items to build your Puka Dog: Polish or Veggie Sausage, the spiciness of the lemon secret sauce, and the fruit relish of your choice. Fruit relishes include mango, coconut, pineapple, and papaya. I opted for the mild secret sauce with mango relish on a polish sausage. While I slightly regret not getting a spicier secret sauce, the Puka Dog truly was a sweet and tangy treat, sort of like a giant kolache. Except Puka Dogs aren't over-breaded like your average kolache. The fresh-squeezed lemonade also incredible and it comes either sweetened or unsweetened. I tasted both but the sweetened was better. Puka Dog certainly isn't fancy, just a humble hot dog stand in an outdoor shopping center. But their namesake Puka Dogs are good enough for people to return again and again. If you find yourself around Koloa/Poipu, you must stop by for a bite!
(5)Eric C.
Love this place! Great dogs and lemonade. Nice courtyard area to sit back with the family and eat. Can get a little crowded, and the line moves pretty slow, but definitely worth the wait.
(5)Anne G.
Yummy! I got the polish dog spicy with pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard. The combo was delicious! My only complaint is the price for a dog seemed rather high. I would also suggest getting a freshly squeezed lemonade to go with your meal - you won't regret it.
(4)Eric K.
Dogs were fine. Didn't take too much longer for my wife's veggie dog. Definitely get the hottest sauce, it is still very mild. The lemonade was solid. In concept five stars but still a hotdog. -1 star for the workers 40+yo making out for the whole time we were there.
(3)Veronica L.
So damn yummy! Ordered Polish Puka Dog with lilikou mustard and relish on the side. Gonna be back for more! Thanks for creating it guys!
(4)Stan E.
These are awesome and they have veggie dogs! Being a vegetarian on this island isn't so easy, so thank you Puka Dog! The hot sauce is just enough hot, slightly garlicky and not lemony at all. I didn't try the traditional relishes because honestly, the thought of sweet things on a hot dog totally turns me off. All and all, I'm in love!
(5)Carissa J.
Overhyped and overpriced hot dogs ($6.75). This place is small and has only a few dining tables available to customers. There are several benches located around the plaza, so do not worry if you can't grab a table in Puka Dog! I was excited to try this place after seeing such great reviews and that it was featured on the Travel Channel, but I left disappointed. I do not usually gravitate towards speciality hot dog places, as I like to order my hot dogs plain (meat and bun only). I saw that this place was known for their secret sauce and tropical relish, so I ordered the polish sausage dog, 'original' garlic lemon secret sauce, and the 'Kauai Special' mango relish. The garlic lemon secret sauce and mango relish was a tasty and sweet combination. The polish dog itself was thinner than expected and lacked any taste. The bun was unique; it was toasted to perfection and had a hole down the middle for the hot dog and condiments. The lemonade ($2.75) was freshly squeezed, refreshing and quenched my thirst! For those interested, the veggie dog takes longer to cook than a polish sausage. Friendly and quick customer service but after finally trying this place, I do not think that I will make another trip to Puka Dog anytime soon.
(3)Javier V.
This place is delicious! Hands down must visit. I recommend the polish with chili spice and star fruit relish. Enjoy!
(5)Emily V.
If you had told me a week ago that I would like this hot dog, I would have laughed. Don't get me wrong, I love a good hot dog---but with a fruit relish and mustard? No way. But I decided to go against my instinct and get what was recommended. Omg. We are there 3 times while in Kauai (both at the Hanalei and Poipu locations). First--pick your dog. Only have 2 choices--a Polish sausage or a veggie dog. Second--pick the spice-level of their secret garlic lemon sauce (I went with mild although my husband and friends loved the spicy!) Third--pick your choice of relish (examples include mango, guava, star fruit, pineapple, etc...) I went with pineapple and it was awesome. Fourth--get some of their special passionfruit (Lilikoi) mustard. I don't even really like mustard, but this stuff is awesome. Each hot dog comes wrapped in a Hawaiian sweet bread bun that is toasted. So delicious. Polish it off with some Maui chips and a fresh-squeezed lemonade (they literally make it right as you stand there) and you are set for an unforgettable meal! Note--yeah, the dogs are $6.75 but it is well worth it. And you can get away with sharing (but I doubt you'll want to). Enjoy your meal at the one covered table or sit on a nearby bench. Just try to keep the chickens/roosters away from your Puka dog!
(5)Liz Y.
Worth the money spent because it's a delicious treat, and different spin on the traditional hot dog. I enjoyed the exotic flavored relish and mustard, and the lemon garlic mayo. I had the veggie dog and it was very close in taste to the real deal!
(5)Josh S.
Great find!!! The concept of this hotdog is genius, it's like a meat Twinkie!!! I Had the polish sausage Hot with pineapple sauce and mustard. The hot wasn't that hot at all, but maybe pineapple relish cooled it down? The sausage is a good quality dog, that is grilled on a bbq right in front of you. Would recommend this place to all my friends and enemies
(5)Gilbert C.
Had the Polish with Pineapple. Heard great things about this place. It's definitely a special type of hot dog but not as good as I thought it would be. The relish is definitely something to try even if you're not normally into relish.
(3)yvette m.
Our family of seven decided to give this place a try. I ordered the polish dog with the spicy Lemon garlic sauce and mango relish. I added Iilikoi mustard only because he mentioned it. The hotdog itself is tasty. However, all the added sauces made the hotdog way to sweet for me. I didn't taste any hint of spice. It was fun to try once, but I probably won't be coming back. Friendly service, but the unmarked hotdogs made it difficult to determine who had which hotdog. Especially with seven people.
(3)Christine F.
I heard a lot about this place and I am so glad I went. I love me a good hot dog, and this place did not disappoint. Each hot dog comes with their lemon garlic sauce and then your choice of a relish. There were a lot to choose from but I went with the banana relish. The only downfall is that I only ate here once while on Kauai.
(4)Sara L.
Puka Dog did not disappoint. Having spent a fortune at various other restaurants in Kauai, I practically wept in relief when we got to Puka Dog. $6.75 for a hot dog? I'll take it!! Then again, anything under 30 bucks at that point would have made me shed a tear in gratitude. I got the Polish Sausage with mango relish (aka Kauai Special) and lilikoi mustard. It was delicious. The bun was nicely soft and toasted, the sausage was juicy, and the relish was sweet. A solid dog. I won't lie to you. I'd probably still choose a Costco dog over this because the Costco polish sausage combo is $1.50 with a drink and frankly unbeatable. But hey, if you need something casual and cheap(ish), Puka Dog is the place!!! P.S. Get the LEMONADE!!
(4)Stacy S.
Yum!! This was one of my must go to stops and it did not disappoint! Hot dogs will never be the same after this! Great selection of sweet relishes and deliciously fresh lemonade! I only wish I could get a spicier option. I had the spicy and the lava throughout my stay on Kauai and while they were both delicious, I wouldn't say they were the slightest bit spicy. So don't be afraid to get the lava habenero.
(5)ashley b.
Great quick unique bite! My husband loved the fresh lemonade! Good for lunch or after beach snack.
(4)Lanch A.
If you like hotdogs then you'll love the Puka Dog. These dogs are so great I stopped by three times in our week long vacation. I tried most of the different relishes they have and I got to say that the mango is the best. Don't forget to add the lilikoi mustard because it ties all the flavors together. Best hotdog I've had hands down.
(5)Ian F.
After visiting this "restaurant" I felt like I was going to throw up. For hours. It took a solid 2 1/2 bottles of water to get the strange, waxy residue left behind out of my mouth. Beyond that, the attitude of employees there was almost as stale as the buns. I specifically asked for very little mayo, and when I received my dog, it was dripping. I took one bite before I threw it in the trash.
(1)Tim C.
I came here for a hot dog because of the good Yelp reviews. I wasn't disappointed at the quality of the food, but it was the price that was a little off-putting. I ordered a polish dog with hot chili sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard on the side. The polish dog was juicy and tasty, and the bun was nice and soft. The mango relish added a welcomed sweetness to the dog, and the lilikoi mustard gave it a nice tangy-ness, but I'm not sure I could taste the hot chili sauce, because my hot dog wasn't spicy at all. Overall, it was a good hot dog, and I enjoyed it. The end was a little disappointing when there was no more polish but all bread left. But I guess that's hard to avoid, given the way the hot dog is made - it seemed like a hollowed-out bun with a polish stuck inside it. Was it worth $7? Meh, probably not. But for a first-time try, I'm happy to have spent the money. Would I go back and spend it again? It depends on how badly I was in the mood for a hot dog... but probably not. It's worth a try, though!
(3)Randy F.
Puka Dog was probably my favorite stop on this visit to Kauai. While the drive was quite far (quite a detour from Waimea Canyon), the Hawaiian inspired hot dogs definitely hit the spot. Located in a shopping mall near Poipu, Puka Dog is adjacent to a few other shopping center food establishments including a branch of Roy's. A low key counter and simple menu greet you upon entrance and you simply choose a Polish or Veggie dog, a spice level for the garlic lemon secret sauce, a tropical fruit relish, whether Aunty Lilikoi's Hawaiian mustard or no. Each Puka Dog takes about five minutes, so prepare for a wait when it's busy. The house baked Hawaiian bread is warmed on a bun warmer and the Polish dogs were perfectly cooked so they were crispy outside yet soft and hot inside. The Aunty Lilikoi's mustard is awesome. As a fan of their Hawaiian salt that I've shipped to the mainland, I now have another item to add to my list. All the tropical relishes are great too -- we tried mango, pineapple and star fruit. The dogs are best eaten immediately as all the sauces can lead to soggy bread if you wait too long and I didn't taste a huge difference in spice level between mild, spicy, and hot, but I didn't mind. There's a hidden option of lava for those really wanting to kick it up a notch. Overall, pairing the Puka Dog with a fresh squeezed lemonade was a satisfactory combo. I hear there's another branch on the island but they need to expand to the other main areas of Kauai like Princeville, Kapaa, and Lihue. I'm sure they'd do well. Puka Dog accepts credit cards including American Express via Square.
(4)Stephanie A.
This is more of a novelty place and we came based on seeing on the travel channel. Overall the hot dogs are good, relish and mustard tasty, the bread below average. There's definitely too much bread to sausage radio, and the bread isn't even good! Also the lemonade is basically sugar water so make sure to ask for less sugar when ordering. Overall, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here but if I was already here, would be a choice.
(3)Randy D.
OMG. These hogs are amazing! Mango sauce or pineapple sauce were both excellent. I also suggest the Hawaiian mustard. Well worth a visit!
(5)Kaci C.
Hawaiian Hot Dogs. Basically huge kolaches with polish sausage. Delicious! We stopped here after working up an appetite playing at the beach. They are in a shopping center area, so the "yelp" dot isn't the most accurate. Sandwiched between a Papalani Gelato (seriously go here for dessert) and a burger joint. A cute little stand that has enough sitting for around 10 people. That can get crowded if they are busy (people brushing up against you as you are chowing down). I tried the polish sausage with a lilikoi mustard and star fruit relish. Kind of wild for me, but hey it is Kauai and I wanted to try something out of the normal. The mustard was delicious! I am not much of a fan of sweet on meat, so the relish got to be a bit much about halfway through. At $6.75 a dog, the average person gets full. If that sounds high, then you want to stay away from Kauai (in my opinion). But for a filling meal, this hit the spot.
(4)Jennifer C.
Omg. So good. That is all
(5)Sam C.
Great tasting little dog. We had the pineapple relish and it was great. I'm going back before heading back to LA
(5)Ziyan C.
The Mango Relish is WAY better than the Coconut Relish. It has more of a tang, whereas the Coconut was too sweet (even for my sweet tooth!). The girl at the counter was super chipper and nice, even though she must have to deal with indecisive tourists like me all the time! No wait on a Saturday around 4pm. Walking distance from Poipu Beach so it was a perfect afternoon snack. I like that they were honest and said the "Hot" Secret Sauce was about a 3 on a scale of 10 (it really was). I love how the dog is grilled with an awesome evenly crisped layer on it. Then there's the bun itself - wow, so soft and moist, and it surrounds the dog (makes for much easier finger food!). Its texture was almost like Hawaiian bread, without the sweetness. pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/puka…
(5)Natalie G.
I love this place! Sweet Hawaiian bread bun + delicious polish hot dog + lilikoi mustard + mango relish is like heaven. I highly recommend going for the mustard and your sweet fruit relish of choice. I wish I could get puka dogs on another island or back on the mainland, but for now it's a Kauai highlight!
(5)Marielle D.
We stopped in here after a tour guide recommended it and we are so glad we did! Puka Dog is absolutely delicious! My husband and I both got the polish sausage with hawaiian mustard. I got the mango relish with the normal garlic sauce and my husband got the pineapple relish with the medium heat sauce. The buns are perfection and allow you to enjoy every last bite without condiments slipping out of the sides. The only note we would like to make is that the medium hot sauce is not that spicy, but we did not get to try to the super hot sauce. We have been dreaming of Puka Dog since we got back to the mainland and hope we can come back to enjoy another one sooner rather than later.
(5)Frank E.
Interesting take on the hot dog. If you like sweet & sour type stuff you'll love this place. All the different relishes makes the dog, the Lemonade is great!
(4)Parul G.
I want to come back here!!! My husband and I absolutely loved the hot dogs here... what makes the hot dogs so delicious are the relishes!! My husband had the pineapple relish while I had the mango one....wow absolutely delicious! The buns are soft and the dog's are flavorful even the veggie dog! Ask the guys behind the counter what are the best flavor combinations and I guarantee that they won't steer you wrong. It's a casual place and meant for lunch or basically a quick bite. Make sure that you try the fresh squeezed lemonade, on a hot Hawaiian day it is so refreshing! So if you're in the area make sure to stop by here for lunch and don't forget the lemonade! :)
(5)Emma T.
I had the sausage dog with mango relish and lilikoi mustard. It was delicious. It is served on a Hawaiian sweet roll which is probably the best part. There is very little seating though (we ended up sitting on the steps of the ampitheater) and the dog can be difficult to eat. Besides that it was a great stop!
(4)Christina G.
Everyone talks about this spot. I'm glad I tired it. The taste and combination of the items are very unusual and different for sure, they get an A for effort on trying to combined Kauai grown foods and local items with the hotdogs but I honesty was not wowed. The lemonade on the other hand is fresh squeezed and made in front of you while ordering, it taste great and is not overly sweet. If you stop by and don't get. Hotdog try the lemonade, you won't be disappointed :)
(4)Jennifer M.
Work up a huge appetite before you come to Puka Dog because, good grief, these hot dogs are huge! I ordered a polish sausage with pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard. The bun was deliciously toasted, the polish sausage was cooked to perfection, and the pineapple with lilikoi mustard created a nice sweet and salty mixture. The lemonade was quite refreshing on a hot day, too!
(4)Madis G.
4 stars!!! Are u kidding me? It's just a polish sausage with fruit jam. Their lemonade is a cup of sugar water with a squeeze of half of lemon. Very overpriced and obviously targeting tourists. DO NOT USE YOUR CREDIT CARD! It asks for 15-20% tip!!! For what???? Waiting 10 minutes to give your order to a teenager for 1 minute and waiting for your hot dog... This is a scam to target tourists. Shame on the owner.
(1)Phillip T.
Amazing hot dogs. Imagine a hot dog that is very sweet almost like candy and that is what you get with puka dog
(5)Shmian V.
I love every other Puka Dog on the island. This one has a young lady who clearly does not enjoy her job. She puts way too much sauce even when you ask for light sauce.
(2)Holly L.
yum yum yum. Try the lillikoi mustard. I found the mango chutney was great but the pinapple a bit sweet. Toasted inside on a bun -- fantastic!!! Buy a drink at Whalers store, the lemonade was a bit pricey and watery.
(4)Eric C.
Great affordable place! Note that spicy is only a 1/10 in spiciness and the hot is a 3/10. Most popular relishes were the mango and pineapple relishes. Lilikoi mustard is also a favorite. We got a polish dog with pineapple and mango relish and the lilikoi mustard. The dog's outer shell was grilled to be crispy which we liked. The bun was also toasted and warm when we got it and is a top loading bun so it's like a pocket for the dog which helps with keeping the condiments in place. The dog was slightly too short for the bun but not excessively so. Relishes were super tasty but a little on the sweet side. Hand squeezed lemonade was great and not too sweet. Staff was friendly and offered samples of the relish when we seemed to be wavering between all the options.
(4)Rebecca D.
Fast, friendly, and delicious. I'm gluten free and enjoyed the dog "naked" (no bun). The buns did look delicious - if I could have eaten it, I bet it would have bumped my review up to 5 stars! The special mustards are amazing - especially the lilikoi. Homemade lemonade was good - not too sweet - but wished it had a little more lemon / tartness...tasted a little watery to me.
(4)Danielle L.
If you're in the area and want something reasonably priced that tastes AMAZING, go here. It's an awesome experience.
(5)Tony M.
Let's start with positives, great service and very friendly staff for such a tight space. Now the real deal, there's nothing hawaiian about the food except the person making it. It's a glorified bagel dog with jelly and garlic cheese sauce. The bread is not hawaiian as the bread is not sweet nor was there a tinge of sweetness to it. The polish dog tastes as good as an Oscar Mayer hot dog. The jelly is just that, jelly. Sorry but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone nor would I ever consider coming back. You're better off eating real hawaiian food from less touristy places and you can have your hot dog fix for $1.50 at Costco instead of $10 with the lemonade at this trap. What's really sad are reviews from people who praise it as the best thing they've ever eaten. Don't be fooled by the marketing and the food channels that review it.
(1)Gene R.
Just gotta have one when on Kauai ;)
(5)Shawna M.
If you're visiting and are heading around the island like the visitors usually do, then you have to stop here for lunch on the southside! They are so good and filling! Always get a freshly squeezed lemonade with your puka dog. They make it right in front of your face. If you're really hungry, add the chips to your meal. It will complete it. You can sit and hang out in the cool breeze under the big tree in the middle of the small shopping center. Always a place we go to when we're in the area. Usually after the beach.
(5)Anna B.
Very good and unique. Just way too much sauce! Next time I will ask for very light on the sauce.
(4)Cat P.
It was a little tough finding Puka Dog, but once we did, ordering was easy! But the seating? Not so much. There were very few tables available. Also, it's very rustic - you'll have to fight off some roosters to get a spot. Despite these issues, though, the dog itself was very good. The bun was unique and the relish/sauce (I went with the mango) was fresh. I also dug the lemonade. We were happy to find a decently cheap place to eat given the prices throughout this state!
(4)Laura C.
Yum! I'm from Chicago (and we have plenty of hot dogs here!). These dogs were refreshingly unique and delicious! Minus 1 star because the service was a bit slow.
(4)Brad H.
Love the jalapeño spice polish with the mango relish and lilikoi mustard. Fresh squeezed lemonade tops it off
(5)Kenneth H.
When I think of Puka Dog I think of a giant Kolache. The hot dog is big but the amount of bread surrounding that bad boy is even bigger. It needs less bread around the whole thing and has a big useless amount of bread at the bottom. My family shared a whole bunch of different relishes and there wasn't a clear winner between of of them but it was agreed that the mayo was only necessary b/c there was so much bread. The lemonade was good but that was definitely the slowest thing to be served so be prepared to wait.
(3)Frank F.
Good hot dogs if you're in the mood. Served on their special bun with no sides nor bottom. Can't worry about the carb intake! Their sauces are not at all spicy. Even the Lava Sauce (not on the posted menu) is spicy. The polish is a good sized hunk of meat. Unfortunately, I found the mango relish and the lilikoi mustard a tad sweet for my taste. It WAS different from the mundane yellow mustard and ketchup combo though. The people behind the counter were friendly and efficient.
(4)Lana J.
We ate here while vacationing in Kauai. I'm not a big "hot dog" fan but this place was pretty good. The polish dogs need to be a little longer because I ran out of dog way before I ran out of bun!
(4)Matthew A.
A local favorite. Just something you have to try. Kielbasa style pork hotdogs with island infused sauces. A must have lunch stop after the beach.
(4)Joy W.
First time here was 4 years ago and forgettable until I came back and remembered the place. The hot dogs are made of real meat and the bread is to die for! It's simple and a great snack. I watched a 10 year old or so kid eat one and he couldn't finish it but for an adult, one is not a full meal. Didn't bother getting the lemonade this time. Last time I had a few sips but it resulted in a bickering between my partner and I (not with him anymore).
(5)Jackie M.
Toasted bun from the inside, hot dog, and flavored exotic sauce!!! Love it and always gotta have it when i visit Hawaii.
(5)Jen L.
What a bummer. We were really looking forward to lunch. Do Hawaiians just not understand what constitutes spicy? There was nothing spicy about my Volcano sauce . . . there were just layers of gushy, cloying sweetness, engulfed by way too much mushy bun. I really disliked it. My husband found it so revolting that he almost threw up. A couple hours later he's still groaning, remembering his first (and last) Puka Dog. He says the place should be called Puke-a Dog instead. The adults weren't the only ones dissatisfied. This was the only time I can remember seeing my kids throw away part of a hot dog. We should've gone to Costco!
(1)Ellen K.
Half of our group loved their meals, the other half liked them. Those who only liked theirs were not hot dog fans and were pleased with the veggie dog but thought the toppings were too sweet. The lemonade was a let down because it was too sweet and not lemony enough. The ratio of lemon to sugar wasn't quite right. There was only half of a lemons juice with a very large scoop of sugar.
(3)Andrew W.
I do have to take a star off and agree with Kinga. I made a mess of myself twice (I went back for seconds). The lava toppings soak their way through the bottom of the bun and end up giving you a sludge bun to eat for the last 1/3rd of the dog. Puka - take note of these comments and make adjustments please!!!
(4)Vandana M.
Cheerful staff, fun menu, and vegetarian friendly! I think this was one of the best food experiences we had on Kauai.
(5)Sara B.
YUMMY! Easy, not alot of choices on the menu (other than the relish choices). Cash pay Tasty food, sugary sweet lemonade and a simple lunch on the patio makes a splendid day.
(5)Gordita B.
Surprisingly good. It doesn't even look like a "regular" hot dog - it's almost like the pig in a blanket kind of a deal. So, anyway, you get to choose from a few different flavors like pineapple, papaya, & banana. It is sweet, and i couldnt finish it because there was too much sweet stuff. in the future, i would get the toppings all on the side. that way i could control the soggage too. the lemonade is a different story. DELICIOUS. best lemonade i've ever had!! Not a lot of places to sit at all, but go on over to the amphitheater under the shade. it's prettier there anyway.
(4)Rob C.
4.5 polish dog with jalapeno garlic lemon secret sauce with mango relish and lilikoi mustard. pricey but tasty. the sauce did spread down the hole evenly and the most important part is that the inside is toasted. wasn't that spicy, sausage not that special but the mix of creamy mayo and sweet mustard should satisfy most
(5)Lily N.
I had seen a segment on the travel channel or food network about Puka Dog and I was super excited that I had a chance to try it. It's a shame that it's only open until 8pm, because it would be great late night snack. All it is is a hot dog, but it's a damn good one! There is a very simple menu. You choose a polish or a veggie dog. They toast the bun on this rod/spike contraption. There is a hole in the middle of a cylindrical bun that is only open on one side, big enough to fit a hot dog and lots of condiments! The best part is picking a fruit relish and lilikoi or guava mustard. I suggest the mango relish, which I think is the best. I can do without the lilikoi mustard, but you should give it a try for your first go around. Definitely way better than the burger joint next door. And don't forget to get a freshly squeezed and shaken lemonade while you're at it! Unless you don't like sugary goodness, because there is a ton of sugar in it! Overall, a little pricey for a hot dog, but Yummo and you can't beat the fruit relish!
(3)A T.
I can't remember what kind of relish I had them put on the polish dog, but it was SOOO good. They put Hawaiian mustard on it as well. The bread was so soft and a tad sweet, and I like the way it's served up vertically. The lemonade was perfect; not too sweet, not too watery. A must eat while in Kauai!
(5)Nicole L.
Puka dog is good but I don't think I'd be able to pick it over having a laulau or poke plate in Kauai. What makes Puka dog special is its list of tropical relishes you can garnish your dog with. I chose the mango relish cause the girl said it was their most popular. The dog = they take a bun, make a hole down the middle, squirts the relish down into the hole, and shoves the dog in on top of it all. It makes for a less messy way of eating a hotdog but other than the relish, it tastes just like what you'd get at Costco for a buck fifty while a Puka costs you $6.25. I can imagine this being a great take along snack/lunch for the beach or to take on a long car ride but Kauai just offers so much more authentic cuisine that this wouldn't be on my priority tasting list.
(3)Wei L.
The menu is very simple, yet I was still shocked as I read it. If I offered you a polish hot dog with spicy garlic/lemon sauce, papaya relish, and passion fruit mustard, would you take it? Never mind how weird it sounds, Puka Dog is awesome. They toast the buns from the inside-out, which is both unique and ingenious. Every hot dog place should do this! The method of making their puka dog is also extremely smart. Kudos to who invented the puka dog. I had the polish sausage with mild sauce, mango relish, and the passion fruit (lilikoi) mustard, which was delicious. I finished every last bit of it! The papaya relish is also fantastically tasty. My brother opted for a traditional dog with ketchup and yellow mustard, which he said was good, but I definitely recommend that you have the tropical relishes, because you don't see coconut relish every day. Note: the spicy garlic/lemon sauce is not spicy at all. Really, you can't even tell the difference between "chili pepper" and "mild." Despite the long line, the wait is surprisingly fast and the food comes very quickly! Service is friendly. If you're looking for a place to eat lunch, Puka Dog is it.
(5)Sophie J.
I stayed in Kauai for a week and out of all the numerous eateries we tried, Puka Dog was one of the few repeat visits we made. Its hard to blame us. How can you say no to a sausage encased in a soft sweet bread with covered in a mango relish? You can't. You shouldn't. You won't. Mahalo to whomever concocted this culinary masterpiece of bread, meat and fruit topping.
(5)Philip M.
This place is good! Went to an awful burger joint next door and am so thankful for this palette cleansing miracle.
(3)Wendy M.
Good hot dogs and awesome fresh squeezed lemonade!! best I ever had! The bun is soft and fluffy not your typical hot dog bun. Space if very limited, only 2 ~ 3 tables in there. The hot dog part is your typical hot dog but what makes a difference here is their topping and condiments you can put on there.
(4)Sparky T.
Had heard of this place for quite a while and always wanted to give it a try. Small shop located in a shopping center. Very limited seating in the shop itself but there are benches and other places to sit outside in the courtyard. Certainly a unique set of flavors that one might not think would go with a hot dog - but it works. Polish sausage and veggie dogs are the primary options with a ton of unique condiment options to choose from. ----------------------------- NOTE: This review (and others on HI) were based on a tourist / vacationers perspective. I would expect that may be different from reviews from locals. Keep that in mind. It would be nice if Yelp allowed a visitor/local indicator on the reviews. Also, I think all of my reviews on Kauai could start with "A bit pricey..." or "Very expensive..." just due to the location. Everything is expensive here and locations near touristy areas even more so. Take that as a given. I also noted that I tend to be giving very high star scores. This was a bit of a concern until I realized we were primarily going to places that were well rated by other Yelpers. If you only go to good places then the reviews will naturally be skewed to the higher end. Thanks to all the Yelpers that helped us find so many good places!
(4)Pink P.
First visited this place in 2007 and it is a must stop when in Kauai. The secret is the relish. We like the exotic relishes and the lilikoi mustard. The spicy polish sausage is really not spicy at all so don't expect it to burn. The bun is nice and toasted and you must try their lemonade. My husband wasn't satisfied with just one dog so he went back and stood in the long line for another Puka dog but it was worth it.
(5)Natalia D.
Hot dogs were good, lemonade was even better. I wish I bought a tank top before I left. You have to try them at least once of you are a sorry excuse for a human being!
(4)Joe Bob S.
The perfect dog and more! The hot dog itself was crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. It was inserted into a hole in the soft bread rather then the bread wrapping around it. There was also some sort of delicious sauce and mustard to top it all off. I can't say exactly why it was so good but I wish I had one now!
(4)Michelle T.
I am in love!!! My bf and I stopped here after some snorkeling at Poipu Beach and let me tell you, this was some serious stuff. I see hot dogs in a whole new light now!! Gooch, I owe you, w/out you I would not have found my true love... We split the Polish sausage dog w/spicy jalepeno sauce, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard. I was a little worried it wouldn't mix well but trust, it does!! The roll is huge, soft and chewy, a little toasty, and the mixture of sauces gets all in there so each bite has just the right amount. These things are filling but you will want your own, too good to share, and the girl at the counter was a sweetheart too!!
(5)Vivian L.
I love wieners... And these wieners are just on another level. I came here on my first visit to Kauai back in January 2012. It's basically a polish sausage wrapped in a toasted bun and you get to pick different relishes (papaya, banana, mango, star fruit, pineapple, coconut) and the sauce (lilokoi mustard, dijon mustard, yellow mustard, ketchup). If you like some spice in your wiener, you should get the spicy polish sausage. To those that are really scared of spicy foods, it's not that spicy. It has just the right kick to it. I honestly can't tell the different between the different relishes, but I've tried pineapple and mango and they both taste very good! For the sauce just get the lilokoi mustard. The liloikoi mustard is the signature sauce for the Puka Dog and it tastes delicious. When you're here, order the lemonade with your Puka Dog! Their lemonade is so sweet, but not overly sweet. I usually don't like lemonade, but their lemonade is so good! If you love hot dogs and you're in Kauai, you need to stop by here! You won't regret it.
(5)Katie B.
OMG delicious hot dogs. They come positioned vertically, wrapped in paper. It makes for an easy, clean eating experience. The lemon garlic sauce and the Hawaiian Lilikoi mustard are sooo good. So far we've had the pineapple and mango relish, and they were both pretty tasty. Perfect mix of savory and sweet. Best part is the lemonade that they make fresh right in front of you. The lemonade maker actually makes each cup individually, adding real sugar to your lemonade. It was delicious, and quite reasonably priced. My husband complained that there's too much bread, but I love my carbs so I didn't mind.
(5)Dayna S.
Def lives up to the hype. Yum. Try a bunch of the relishes. They are great. Tip: Poke your Puka down into the bun so the last bite isn't bun only!
(5)Christine D.
After hiking the Waimea Canyon earlier that day my friend and I figured let's try the food network popularized Puka dog and experience this place first hand! Let me tell you first off that this place is not your average ball park hot dog in a traditional bun with ketchup and french's mustard. These dogs have a very Hawaiian-esque flavor. Tropical and sweet. You have your choice of a polish or veggie dog and a variety of relish flavors. I don't remember all the relish flavors besides coconut and mango. Everyone on Yelp raved about the lilikoi mustard so I tried that along with my polish dog, mango relish, and a garlic secret sauce. The polish dog was placed in a sort of hot pocket style bun. My first few bites were "WOW OH MY GOSH THIS IS AMAZING!!!" Then after a few more bites all the sauce was exploding out of the bun and my enjoyable experience turned into a hot tropical sauce mess. It was probably because I asked for too many condiments and it was too much for my bread pocket to handle. I did like the hot dog and it was definitely very unique. I would probably try it again. Aside from the messy experience, Puka Dog is definitely worth trying though.
(3)Joshua B.
This place has gotten lots of positive press including being named one of the top 5 hot dogs in the world, and I've gotta say, it was pretty darned tasty. Not your average hotdog, this is a bun with a hole in it, filled with, not a hot dog, but a polish sausage, and include relish offerings such as coconut relish, pineapple, guava, mango, etc. The hot dogs are super unique and distinctly Hawaiian. Definitely check it out if you're close.
(4)Samson D.
Very good for a quick bite. Everything was very tasty. I would ask for extra sauce for my bun next time, as the bread was excellent, it was also a bit dry.
(4)Jonah K.
Amazing, unique and addictive are all words that describe Puka Dog. We found ourselves returning here more than four times during our stay in Kaua'i. Though our lodging was on the north shore, we found an excuse to head down to Poipu on more than one occasion so we could swing around this place. It was that good. I tried most of the different sauces and, while they were all pretty great, found that the coconut was my favorite, with the mango as a close second. The only downsides are the price, which, when taking costs into account, is pretty steep even by Kaua'i standards. The hot dogs are from Costco and the buns can't be that expensive either, but really, you're doing okay when you can get a lunch for two for under 20 bucks anywhere on the island, so I can't complain a lot about that. I just think five bucks might be a better price point, but whatever. The spiciest sauce really isn't that spicy. I'd imagine it's that way so as to appeal to lowest common denominator of spicy-food-liking, but I expected more when there are three levels of heat and the highest is called Volcanic (if I recall). Service was decent but a bit hit-or-miss. Those reasons are why this review is a 4-star, not a 5. Definitely worth a visit when you're in the area. Be sure to ask for a sticker or two as well. Busy pretty much any time, obviously more so around noon, but we never had to wait for more than five minutes.
(4)Meredith O.
its o.k but not the best dog ever! I guess if you want a quick bite sure but after making a point to go, i really wasn t that thrilled. Yes the bun is a cool idea, but the indigestion was not! No big deal.
(3)Amy B.
After reading all the yelp reviews, I have high expectation for the hot dogs. I like the concept of picking your fruit relish. We ordered one with mango relish and one with pineapple relish. They are ok, but we were not 'wowed', especially for the price. The freeze squeezed lemonade was nothing special. I think I like the lemonade from the funny hat people (hot dog on a stick) in the mall better.
(3)jenn g.
We loved our food here. So much so that after sharing one we went back the next day to each have our own. The sausage is standard (by which I mean delicious), but the real treat is the tropical relishes. We tried the mango and papaya. Both were great, the papaya a touch better. We got the hawaiian mustard with both sausages and a lemonade. The lemonade is made fresh there, super good, although not recommended if you're a diabetic or watching your sugar intake. Definitely worth a trip. It's uniquely Hawaiian, local, and tasty!
(4)Tom N.
What can I say. The best damn dog around !! Wish we had them on the mainland !
(5)Seanna S.
I have been here a few years back and remember it being so awesome. We went again this time around and I was so dissapointed. It was a little hot dog in a huge bun with barely any sauce. I felt like I was eating bread with mayo on it. Its such a great idea. The sauces are good but its just so much bread. It needs to be half the bread. And the lemonade is so sweet. My kids wouldnt even drink it.
(2)Travis H.
If you don't like jumbo dogs, you will not like this. I just wasn't a fan so not for me...
(1)Beryl C.
Fell in love with the Puka dog in Kauai. Almost went here everyday when I was visiting and staying in the Poipu area. First, a hole is poked through the bun with a hot iron rod and toasted from the inside. It gives it that soft on the outside, toasted and crunchy on the inside texture. Then they pour in the condiments. I love their combination of Mango Relish, Spicy Jalapeno Sauce and Lilikoi Mustard. Finally, they slide in a polish dog. It's a very unique take on the hotdog in a bun. They also had some cute tank tops for sale. I absolutely had to get one.
(5)Jess R.
I am a self proclaimed hot dog bigot, born in Brooklyn, NYC. The Coney Island frank at Nathan's is absolutely untouchable and incomparable. Except that the Puka Dog is a totally different canine, exquisite in itself, tasting nothing like a Nathan's. It is a Poipu must visit. Tiny little shack near Roy's, always a real long line, hot and humid wait, and they are not even cheap, at about $7 bucks. But man are these tasy treats. I've tried all the sauces, mustards and they are all awesome. The bun is totally Hawaiian. Absolutely Da Bomb! I am a hopeless convert.
(5)Kaileen Y.
For the longest time, I never knew what a puka dog was and I couldn't understand the hype. Now, this might sound a little arrogant...but, in my mind, Puka Dog was just another tourist eatery showcasing the flavors of Hawai'i through food. And, when I saw the menu and their sauces, my initial reaction was "coconut relish?? lilikoi mustard?? that's a little odd." I swear though, I'm not normally the type to be snobby & judgemental. However, thanks to my brother and his beach bum friends, I have learned to love it. Sure, it is not something you would want to eat on a regular basis, because after a while you'll get sick of them. But, it definitely makes for a good snack after a long day at the beach. P.S. the important question here is, are you willing to pay $6 for a simple hot dog?? Then again, it's not your average hot dog in a bun with ketchup & mustard...so maybe. With that said, it's worth trying!! If it's your first time and you're unsure what to order, I recommend getting the polish dog (or veggie dog, whatever you prefer) with coconut relish and lilikoi mustard.
(4)James H.
I love the concept and the unique toppings are great. However, the quality of the actual hot dog+bun was more like a Costco Dog. Overall, it's worth trying but not something I would go back to very often.
(4)Jeremy C.
It's been about a month since we stopped into this place... but I can't stop thinking about it. How can a hot dog stand get 5 stars you ask? They do things somewhat different while maintaining loyalty to hot-dog goodness. Instead of putting a hot dog on a cut open bun like everybody else. They use their special contraption to put the hotdog actually inside of the bun. So the hot dog isn't even exposed. They put their sweet and spicy condiments inside of the bun this same way for you. This all combined with a good quality hot dog and freshly made bun = easy 5 stars!
(5)Cynthia M.
Yummy Hawaiian style hot dogs. I followed many yelpers recommendations and went with the sausage with mild garlic sauce with mango relish and lilikoi mustard. The bun was soft and fluffy, the flavor of the sausage itself was very tasty and the condiments added a nice sweetness to go with the savory dog. My only complaint would be that they put a bit too much mustard and "relish" (be prepared, the relish is smooth and not chunky like sweet relish at all) on my dog. Don't get me wrong I love my condiments and usually I love them piled high on, but this was a bit too much even for me. It drowned out the flavor of the dog itself. Other than that tho, it was yummy and the lemonade was perfect alongside. Highly recommended!
(4)Ron M.
So good! If you want a great dog with some incredibly creative condiments, COME TO PUKA DOG! They have veggies dogs! (If they didn't I would have never tried them). They were featured on Anthony Bourdain's show and I have always wanted to go. Last week I finally made it to Kauai and I loved Puka Dog. Ate there FOUR times on my trip!
(5)Jennifer H.
Overall just...weird. Maybe I'm too much of a hot dog traditionalist to "get" this place? The Polish sausage itself was good, the bread was good, the condiments all tasted good. Put them all together, and it was...ok. In the end, you get a squishy piece of bread soaked with sauces/relishes. I was debating whether to give this place two or three stars, and went with two because "Meh. I've experienced better." Although I found it a little lackluster, honestly I will probably try it again with a different combination of condiments, and hope for a different end result next time!
(2)Ty T.
Puka dog made for a quick and easy lunch find last week. The Puka Dog held about a 3:1 ratio between the fluffy bun that enacted as a slipcover (much like a corn dog) for my chosen ingredients: mild polish dog with mango relish, and the Lilikoi mustard. It is entertaining to watch the bun toaster contraption at work. Although, the sauces themselves tasted very artificial.. It reminded me of the distinct taste of gelatin, and glucose syrups in those small gummi hamburger candies. Although, I believe if one were to reimagine this menu, it could hold much much more potential (hence my 4 stars instead of 3). Great concept that has much more potential, so try it out to help keep those gleefully cute shop-girls employed! Girls* please offer wheat options for the buns.
(4)Laura S.
Best dogs ever! I'm vegetarian and the combination of their homemade relishes with their veggie dogs are the most delicious! My family was so obsessed with Puka Dog once we discovered it that we found times to go back every day on the remainder of our vacation. I had the veggie dog with mild flavoring and Pineapple Relish along with their lemonade....delish!! I did get the chance to also taste their coconut relish and their Hawaiian mustard....simply mouth watering! yum The ONLY negative about Puka Dog is that there are none located in California and we can't purchase the dogs, and buns along with the relishes to be shipped to us.
(5)Pearl V.
Expensive for a hot dog, yes, especially in these days of $1.50 Costco hotdogs but you must remember you're on vacation, in Hawaii. Practically everything in Hawaii is outrageously priced. That being said, we had to try this out especially since Bourdain endorsed it. I had the Polish with mild sauce, lilikoi mustard and mango relish. The hubby got the same but with pineapple relish. I thought it was a little too sweet, especially towards the bottom of the bun where all the relish and sauces pooled into. The lemonade was a little plain, I'm surprised it wasn't any sweeter especially with the theme of the place and their sweet relishes and sweet bread buns.
(3)Eileen C.
Not quite sure what all the hype is about Even when you look at the pictures you can tell that they serve you all bun. I ordered my puke... I mean puka dog with the famous Mango relish. It's in liquid form! How sad, I was expecting cut up little mango chunks like how you imagine real relish to be. It's okay. A very sweet polish hot dog. Their lemonade tastes great because they add in 1 cup of sugar. ~$7 is too much to charge for hot dog.
(2)Stephen S.
I'll have to say, I don't get it. I got a veggie dog, so maybe it's the meat that really does it. Considering my vegetarian leanings, I think I did it right, veggie dog, mango relish, lilikoi mustard, and habenero sauce. I thought the condiments kinda slipped to the bottom making it inconsistent throughout bites. At first, I thought it wasn't spicy at all but even when I got to the habenero sauce I was a little let down.
(2)Ashley N.
Puka Dog is the best! YOU MUST TRY it when your here on kauai :) we go there every month at least a couple times a week! prices are Kinda pricy now for a hot dog and lemonade. but i guess its worth it! wish they made a discount for kama'ainas here!
(4)Jennifer O.
This was a definite favorite on Kauai for the BF and I. In fact, we went 3 times...in 1 week. I guess the combo of flavorful food, convenient location, and relatively cheap price won us over. The puka dogs are very tasty. They are italian sausages (which I normally don't even like) with a semi spicy garlic sauce (I got the 'hot' and it was just slightly spicy), a fruit 'relish' (more like a sauce), and some Hawaiian mustard (if wanted) all in a circular bun (like a bagel dog, but made out of regular bun bread). My favorite combo was hot garlic sauce, mango, and Hawaiian mustard. I think there is a technique to eating this thing where you aren't left with a bunch of bread at the end...You need to squeeze the sauces up while pushing the dog down as you eat...just sayin....it worked. This is a must try on Kauai!
(4)Jeff S.
The hot dogs were pretty good! We did have high expectations because we read they were in the top 10 hot dogs in north america.
(4)Jocy C.
I got the polish sausage, with original garlic secret lemon sauce, and pineapple relish. Definitely worth it! picture of hot dog - yelp.com/biz_photos/RLiz… menu - yelp.com/biz_photos/RLiz…
(5)Elissa D.
I don't know what these people are talking about, this place was terrible. I like hot dogs, no, I love hot dogs. All sausages. This place was supposed to have great sausages/hot dogs. It was disgusting. Cold white bread bun, lukewarm microwaved hot dog with mango syrup drizzled over it. That's what you get. I can't believe this place has good ratings. Skip it if you care for sausage.
(1)Valerie R.
This is the busiest place in the entire shopping center! The line for a puka dog was out the door, and rightfully so. I tried the mango relish on mine since I didn't think to look on the traditional condiments side for the lilikoi mustard. Kinda jealous when my husband got it, but hey, he let me have a couple bites, so it was all good! Usually I pull the extra bread off so I don't get too many flavorless carbs with my hotdogs, but these buns were worth it - I gobbled every fresh buttery bite. Then I washed it all down with some freshly squeezed lemonade and thanked my lucky stars for Yelp, which had once again steered me in the right direction.
(4)Jeff W.
not sure if jumping on the bandwagon for a $6.25 hot dog smothered in sweet mango "relish" was worth it. the "relish" was all liquid in a texture that was pumped into the roll. now at least I can say i tried it while I was in Hawaii. the hawaiian sweet bread roll that was impaled so it can fit a grilled sausage inside of it. that was kinda cool. but the sausage was kind of small. yes ladies and gents, size matters. the other optional sauce was a house made lemon garlic sauce in 3 levels of heat - mild, spicy (jalapeno) and hot (habanero chile) i had the jalapeno and it was not spicy at all. let me recap: lots of sweet bread not much sausage lots of sauce. not really a fan of this place. i did taste the passionfruit mustard and it was tasty. next time i will just have this condiment in the roll and call it good. JYW is a mild fan.
(3)Chris S.
If you are from a place where there are great hotdog vendors in your downtown area, like there are in Seattle, you will probably be underwhelmed by Puka Dog. Having said that, it is worth checking out if it is convenient, I like their creative concept and the relishes are unique (I had Mango relish). They also make the lemonade there, which is always nice.
(3)Drew S.
Really unique way to have a polish dog!! The combination of flavors with the mango relish, lilikoi mustard, with a polish stuffed bun is crazy good. Probably the tastiest dog I have had and that's saying something since I lived in Chicago for a decade. The only two cons is the price, but I certainly paid a lot more and got less in terms of good eats on the overpriced island of Kauai; and probably a little too bready of a bun. A calzone style bun with these flavors might make this the tastiest dog on the planet.
(4)Brian B.
I was really pleasantly impressed with Puka Dog. I thought it wouldn't be much, but they have a really unique hot dog stand set up with some awesome combinations. You start by choosing your dog: veggie or Polish. From there, you have a choice of some garlic sauces: normal, hot, or chili (I think). Then you get to pick your island relish. The pineapple one was ridiculously amazing. I don't like mustard, so I forwent the island mustard, but the dog gets placed into a bun that's more like a pocket, and the epic consumption begins. So great. Not your typical hot dog stand. Go...and go now.
(5)Gail G.
Cheerful place with nice sauces, but bun was boring. Polish dog. Ok but not great. Nice service.
(2)Steve M.
I knew when I came to Kauai that I was going to have a Puka dog, and boy am i glad that I did. This hot dog transcends all others. The bun is toasted from the inside by them using a hot poker to make the hole in the bun. Then they add the sauces. All I can say is the sauces make the dog. Don't go with ketchup. Go all out and do the Hawaiian sauces. You won't regret.
(5)Michael K.
Average dog shop. Small menu not much to choose from. Decent for the area but nothing special. Great lemonade.
(3)Christine N.
Worth the hype. So much so, we rushed to pack up our little condo to make it to Puka Dog before our flight. Puka means hole! Hot dog stuffed in the puka of a soft, squishy Hawaiian roll. Served with garlic, lemon sauce, (really yummy) passion fruit mustard, & pineapple relish - that was a win win combination. Not a tourist trap. Definitely recommend grabbing one before going to the airport. It'll make leaving Hawaii a little less of a huge bummer.
(4)Roxy R.
Someone staying at our hotel was raving about puka dogs, so we walked to the shopping center to try one. :) If you have heard of kolaches, that's basically what it is. Only about 2-3x the size. I had a veggie puka dog and my husband had the sausage kind. We both ordered it "Hawaiian" - with the fruit sauce and Hawaiin mayo. I would probably rate the puka dog 4 stars if I had stuck with ketchup and mustard. I love sweets, but apparently not mixed with my dinner food. The bread was delicious, though. Definitely try one if you are nearby - or split it with a friend/loved one. Keep the wax paper on - they leak!
(3)Tracy P.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I can't wait to go back just to have one.
(5)A C.
nice little hot dog spot that has full bun wrapped hot dogs with special blend sauces. got the pineapple sauce with lilikoi mustard. tasted better than the mango with lilikoi... wood return
(4)William T.
yes the toppings are uniquely "island" but the hot mustard is not hot, the bread is typical hawaiian and very soft, the polish (or veggie) sausage is inserted vertically into a hole with the toppings around it and it sinks to the bottom... messy
(2)Jimmy N.
It always gives me a little spring in my step or a twinkle in my eye knowing that I'm going somewhere Tony Bourdain has gone to before. My new wife and I ate here TWICE during our honeymoon stay on Kauai. That speaks volumes, as we make a concerted effort never to eat more than once anywhere on a trip unless it's ridiculously good. I'm giving Puka Dog 4 stars because it's a freakin 5 hour plane trip away. Seriously though, the only reason I'm holding back on 5 stars is because the value isn't where it should be, probably because they're trying to cash in on all the tourists and novelty of their product. A couple inches of just bread at the end of your puka dog is a little much...either make the bun smaller or the dog bigger, you'd think right? The sauces, mustards and dogs are the perfect complements to each other. My favorite was the polish dog with lilikoi mustard. The lemonade is deliciously refreshing. Puka Dog, you're our guilty pleasure on Kauai. We will definitely come back to visit you next time we return!
(4)X O.
What a great concept. The vegan dog was very yummo with coconut relish. The dog is completely encased with the bun, which is so soft and warm. Good place and as such, the line is quite long.
(5)Rob B.
We have been hearing about it for years, so on this trip we gave it a try. Neat idea for a hot dog in a hole. Nice and toasted on the inside, soft on the outside. Novel relishes and mustards made it tasty. As gravity would have it, most of the sauce ends up at the bottom, so it gets better as you eat it. It's a nice change of pace, but after stopping into the Koloa Fish Market later, I had wished I spent my appetite on ahi poke instead. Do the Puka only if you are fished out.
(3)Björn S.
If you ever want to have a Hot Dog Hawaiian style you have to get you one of these Puka Dogs. They have all kinds of tasty fruit sauces which makes that my favourite hot dog. It's still fast food though that's why only four stars. And try their lemonade!
(4)Jenny E.
A different twist on the hotdog, but oh so good!! Try the lilikoi mustard, it's amazing with the original garlic lemon secret sauce, plus their lemonade is fresh, delicious and refreshing!!!
(5)Quazie Q.
There's something... almost magical about fruit in weird places. This lovely hot dog restaurant/stand is proof of this. A puka dog is essentially a Hawaiian sweet roll the length of a hot dog. They bore a hold into said roll and fill it with the following tasty things: 1 - Your choice of secret sauce mild, spicy, or hot. 2 - Your choice of fruit relish (I chose banana and my girlfriend got coconut) 3 - Hawaiian mustard, yellow mustard, or no mustard 4 - Their own polish sausage or a veggie dog alternative The whole things comes wrapped in a little bit of paper, so its the perfect grab and go food for walking around Poipu, our Puka dogs didn't stand a chance and didn't even make it to our car. Parking around there is not easy, go with the free valet, its free with no strings attached.
(4)Laura V.
We stopped at Puka Dog while shopping in Kauai. The dogs were delicious, as far as hot dogs go, tried the spicy sausage with pineapple salsa and their house mustard at the cashier's suggestion. It was great, there was no line when we went but worth the wait if there is in the future
(4)Ishtiaque H.
We got veggie dogs, and got the "lava" spice. topped it with pineapple relish and Hawai'ian mustard. Absolutely delicious. My only complaint that it is way more bun than it is dog. I do love the way they toast up the bun, though. Pretty cool. A must if you're in the Koloa area.
(4)Ames E.
So much love for the Puka Dog!
(4)Alvin N.
This place Rocks! They make Hawaiian style Hot dogs! What is a Puka Dog? First of all Puka means Hole in Hawaiian.... With a special recipe they bake a bun-sized loaf of bread. They pierce a "puka" from one end and toast through most of the length of the bun. Then they pour in any of the unique Hawaiian secret recipe relishes and sauces or standard condiments. Lastly they slide in a perfectly grilled, premium Polish type sausage or Vegetarian style. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner maybe so? I wonder if there is a way to preserve a Puka Dog so I can take it back to Seattle!? I think Lilo & Stitch would sure love Puka Dog....This would be their hangout spot ! =D ***FYI Cash Only!! Hotdogs are about $6.25 each!
(4)Opal D.
The girl was texting with her back to the window and had to walk around to find help. Shaved ice was good.
(2)Theresa G.
Expensive, but I don't care. I love love love the lilikoi mustard. I hope the jar of passionfruit mustard I bought at the store is close to as good. I wanted to go back to try every single relish flavor, but unfortunately I did not have time. I had the pineapple, which was good, but mainly I liked the mustard.
(5)Brett P.
Simple menu super yum!
(5)Mark Anthony H.
Not your run of the mill street frank - these dogs come with a choice of tropical sauces (recommend mango relish + Hawaiian mustard). Definitely get yourself a cup of old fashion fresh squeezed lemonade to wash it all down. Perfect after surf snack!
(5)Jody S.
What a great lunch choice. The concept is simple but executed well. The local relishes and mustards are key. We had a polish dog, veggie dog and fresh lemonade. All were great. There is a gelato place next door which is an added bonus.
(4)Michelle A.
My favorite place on Kauai!!! They have 8 different relishes, several different degrees of spice. I chose "spicy" and it wasn't remotely tough to handle. Two different types of dogs, polish or veggie. The Hawaiian sweet bun was the most pleasant surprise. The relishes are A-Mazing. Try pineapple or coconut. Yummy!!! $7 was a little steep for a hot dog (weiner wrap) but the experience and party in my mouth were worth it. Probably will order two next time. The only bad thing is there is always a line so be prepared to wait.
(5)Claire J.
We stayed in the Poipu area so we were fortunate to come 3 times. Yup 3 times! The first time we came here, it was crowded so it took a while to get our food. But the other 2 times, it was quick. We tried all the relish and they were all yummy. Lilikoi mustard is good with it too. Bread is soft, I think it would be good if it was a little toasty. I wish the hotdog was as long as the bread coz we found ourselves having some bread left. I know it is pricey for a hotdog, but I like the tropical idea. Don't forget to get the lemonade. I didn't find it too sweet, I thought it was just right. Just be careful sucking the sugar, it might choke you heheh. I read they just opened one in Waikiki so check it out! Will definitely come back here.
(4)Megan S.
Delicious! But I agree with other reviewers, not at all spicy. Long line, but didn't mind because everyone was very pleasant. Would definitely go back!
(4)Melissa F.
So freakin' good! The pineapple and coconut mix well together. Spicy and hot won't burn ya at all and the mustard is delish. Be sure to try the lemonade and onion chips, too!
(5)Melissa D.
This was our last stop on our Kauai vacation, and I am sad we didn't find it sooner. Puka Dog is located (hidden) in the Poipu Shopping Village. There is a parking lot for the shopping center but it gets packed quickly. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very relaxed. I ordered a Polish dog with mild garlic sauce (you have a choice of mild, spicy, or hot), mango salsa, and lilikoi mustard (there are other tropical salsa options and more traditional options - ketchup, mustard, relish). The dogs & fixings come encased in a bun, sort of reminded me of a giant kolache. Rounded out the combo with some potato chips and lemonade. Bonus: they also serve veggie dogs! This is definitely a great place for a decently priced, delicious meal while on the south side of Kauai!
(4)Mac O.
Vegetarian options at a hotdog stand? SOLD! So good we went twice during our week in Kauai. Love the concept: take a sweet Hawaiian hot dog roll, jam a hole in the middle with a hot metal rod, slip a hot dog (vegetarian) or sausage in there, top with a sticky, tasty "secret sauce", and eat. It does sound kinda sexual, doesn't it?? At Puka Dog, tho, your satisfaction is actually guaranteed. Of course this isn't traditional Hawaiian food. It's hot dogs, so prep accordingly. Get the garlic lemon sauce -- I like the jalapeno for a bit of heat but not too much -- and then get coconut relish. Sounds weird, but the sweet and savory REALLY work. Or go "traditional" (like that's possible here) and get mustard -- the Hawaiian Lilikoi is really, really nice. Treat yourself to a fresh squeezed lemonade, and you're good to go. At this location in the Poipu Shopping Center, you can sit in the courtyard under a thatched palapa or on a bench and enjoy the Hawaiian air. And yes, the dogs are big enough to make a meal out of. All this and reasonable prices -- especially for Hawaii! [15 Minutes of Fame: "Good Morning America" and "Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations"]
(4)Jason D.
Good hotdog. Def a different concept. The sauces were really good. I'd go again if I was ever in Kauai again.
(4)Joe D.
Before going to Hawaii, my friends told me to get Puka Dogs. I actually went to both Puka Dogs and Dude Dogs (about 10 min from each other). In my opinion, Dude Dogs was better. Puka Dogs is basically a hot dog injected with fruity mustard-type sauce (pineapple, mango, etc.) which is cool and different, but doesn't taste that amazing. Dude Dogs has a large selection of different types of dogs with all sorts of awesome toppings. Nice twist on a classic American food ( (I gave Dude Dogs four stars). You can certainly try Puka Dogs if you like, and you will probably like it, but if you only want one hot dog while in Hawaii (hopefully you do), then I would go Dude Dogs.
(3)Cheryl B.
We stopped here two years ago and again last week! It has not changed a bit but, I have since became vegetarian. I was pleased to have a veggie dog option available to me. It had a good enough texture, that I was concerned that I got a regular dog! I got mild sauce, with the star fruit relish, and the must have Lilikoi mustard. YUM! My boys had polish (meat) dogs with their respective toppings. Younger one wants it plain, and my older one chanced the Lilikoi mustard. They were both happy. The Lemonade was prepared well; half a lemon, sugar, water and hand shaken. Refreshing! Definitely would return! One star off for the lack of seating.
(4)Mrs. A.
Loved this place! It worth the wait and the food is great. You must have the lemonade. Suggestion to owner, have another staff member helping out back there!
(5)Josh H.
This was one of the best food experiences we had on the island. We had high expectations, and they were only exceeded by the pineapple relish and the delicious Polish dog wrapped in a slighly sweet bun and smothered in a special mustard they make sure to recommend. Our main question - why hasn't this place been franchised in the U.S.? We'll open up the first mainland location :) We loved this place, the food, the atmosphere. It was the only "touristy" place we gave in to our impulse to buy a T-shirt because we wanted to remember the place. Also - the T-shirt gets you a free lemonade. Order it, regardless.
(5)Ann S.
I think their novelty has worn off on me. The hubby likes it but I continually ask for "light" on the condiments because they dump so much in there and they never seem to go as light as I'd like. Next time I might just ask for the dog plain and any condiment on the side. The hot dog itself is a really good quality and toasting the inside of the bun gives a nice crunch when it's not sogged up with sauces.
(3)Max M.
I love hot dogs, especially with imaginative toppings or good quality franks. The Puka dog is more about how it is prepared and the sauces than anything else. The Puka dog is prepared by boring out and toasting the inside of a roll, dropping into the hole a Polish dog (hot dog) or veggie dog, and adding a lemon garlic sauce, tropical fruit relish, and passion fruit mustard. All the sauces are optional. Without them, however, it is just a hot dog in a roll. The sauces are great and they really do complement the hot dog well. The garlic sauces are rated mild, spicy and hot. There is one other sauce not on the menu, "Lava". None of the sauces are really that hot. I enjoyed the Lava. As with everything else on the island, the dogs are a little pricey. The price is not unreasonable considering where you are. I would definitely make it a point to stop by whenever I visit the island.
(5)Mimi T.
Pretty good--but the bun to meat ratio was not porportionate. Maybe it was beacuse I ordered the veggie dog..the dog disappeared within a few bites and all I was left was the bun :(
(3)Alex B.
I keep expecting to like this place, but the dogs are small and not terribly tasty, there's way too much tasteless bread for the amount of meat (and I *love* bread), the "hot" version barely has any heat, and the tropical condiments are overly sweet. It's like shoving a kid size hot dog in a loaf of bread and dipping it in pineapple syrup. Pass on the dogs and just get the lemonade - quite yummy and refreshing.
(2)John G.
What? You're going to make a hole in some bread, jam a dog in it, and then squirt various seemingly uncomplimentary sauces into it? Yes Please! The bun is awesome, fresh and thick enough to handle the sauce load (most of the time). Tasty Sausage dog is then inserted. Then the sauces: The hottest sauce isn't that hot, just enough to give a little heat & every relish is so good. Those sauces make a dream team flavor couple in your mouth. I didn't get the lilikoi mustard because that's just too much sauce. Pass on the lemonade unless you like 1 lemon per every 3 cups of sugar. Did I mention their lemonade is sugary?
(4)Louis C.
WOW! This was delicious. We ordered the regular garlic secret sauce. I had the mango salsa and my wife had the pineapple. The girl suggested the hawaiian mustard on them so we added it. Great. They have a BBQ right there cooking the polish dogs. They prepare the bun/roll on what looks like a little shaped steamer. Then they pump in the condiments, then goes the hot fresh off the grill sausage. Yum. The only negative in my opinion was the lack of signage to help you find the place.
(4)Ellen J.
Three and a half if I could add the half . . . Mixed emotions for what I consider a hole in the wall - literally. The space is tiny and barely fits ten people standing, only six seated. At 3:30 pm on Sunday, all the tables were taken, and it was Super Bowl Sunday! That says something . . . Or the great reviews on Yelp brought all the tourists in! My hubby was delighted by his Polish Sausage with mild sauce, yellow mustard and mango relish. He was quick to point out that this was not your ordinary hot dog! I had to order a veggie dog with mild sauce and pineapple relish to take back to the hotel as I was too full from our fish lunch less than two hours earlier! Eating it cold didn't take anything away from the experience, and I wish I could have wolfed down the whole enchilada . . . Oops, wrong cuisine! The veggie dog would fool even the most die-hard meat eater! The fresh squeezed lemonade, which you can tell them how sweet or how "diet" you want it, was the best I have ever had and didn't make my mouth pucker! So why do I have mixed emotions? I couldn't put this on my regular rotation even if we had one near home, which is what I typically consider when rating vacation dining options. They don't offer sides, like fries, just bagged chips, and although the concept of piercing the bun to create a hole in which to stick the dog, is creative, the bun itself overwhelms the actual dog and accompanying condiments. Definitely worth the experience if you are a lover of sweet dogs, which I am. Ha ha!
(3)Esther J.
We've all had hot dogs... but you have not had a PUKA DOG until you eat one of these... Let's start with that it's not a normal open hotdog. It's more of the corndog idea where the hotdog is slipped in the middle of the bread. The bread is delicious. Soft and fluffy. You order the hotdog with condiments inside. Just follow the ordering steps. I picked the white bread, polish dog, Jalapeno secret sauce, mango relish (super sweet), and the dijon mustard. The puka dogs are pretty big. I could have not had the relish because it made the hotdog super sweet. And it's $7 a hotdog. If you are in Kauai, you should definitely try it.
(4)Erica M.
A polish sausage or veggie dog inside of a fluffy Hawaiian roll stuffed with creamy sauce and tropical relish? I don't know who comes up with this stuff, but I'd like to shake their hand someday. I had the polish sausage with spicy sauce, mango relish, and liloki mustard with onion chips and fresh squeezed lemonade. If I had it to do again, I would order the HOT sauce (spicy wasn't really spicy at all) and share the chips and lemonade with my husband. It turns out that that giant bun doesn't leave room for much else in your belly! The mango relish and liloki mustard combo was divine and if they sold the mustard there in the store I would have probably shipped a jar, no- a case home. It's a good thing they don't have one of these in Michigan, because I don't know if I'd be able to keep myself away! Word to the wise: Go at an off time to avoid a line. We were there at about 11am and it was perfect.
(4)Sheri S.
The best guilty pleasure on the island!! And it's inexpensive!! Owner Rick is a cool guy of you get the chance to meet him!
(5)W M.
Great tasting grilled polish dogs with unique spicy or island fruit sauces. Went again for seconds. They ask for tips, not sure why. You stand in line you order you pay and you move to the side. They call your name and they hand you your hot dog.
(5)Dave W.
Great local style hotdogs. You have to get the lilikoi mustard and the pineapple relish. The best! When you are in Kauai stop at Puka Dog!
(4)Steph C.
Matt B. is a very picky eater, so I was happy to find Puka Dog while bookmarking restaurants in Kauai. I told Matt we should check the place out, and he asked, "What are Puka Dogs? Are they hot dogs or sausages?" We spent several minutes of our vacation arguing about this distinction, and googling the definition of "Polish sausage." After some of that nonsense, I convinced him everything would be fine, and we headed to the Poipu Shopping Village for dinner. Puka Dog was a tiny shop in one corner of that large complex, manned by a couple of friendly high school kids. It was cheerily decorated and gloomily lit, with an effect that was on the whole welcoming, with plenty of Hawaii kitsch. We ordered from a very young cashier who seemed happy to be there, and our food came out fast. We had no problem sitting - the place was pretty empty, and there were enough tables for a few groups. The menu involved an easy step by step chart of options, starting with a choice of polish and vegetarian sausage. I ordered a polish sausage Puka Dog, and chose the spicy heat level for the garlic lemon secret sauce, which meant an addition of jalapeño. For my toppings, I went with the mango relish and the lilikoi mustard, which seemed to be the popular combination. It was a great dog, couched inside a sweet cylinder of bun. The sausage was good, with a nice snap, and it tasted enough like a ball park hot dog to satisfy Matt. The condiments were fantastic. I loved the tangy sweet mustard and relish, and the light heat of the jalapeño sauce. My only complaint is that there was a lot of bread and an uneven distribution of condiments, so some bites were on the dry side. Matt got a plainer dog, which he seemed to enjoy. We both got cups of the house lemonade, which was appropriately sweet and very refreshing. Puka Dog was good for a cheap dinner on an expensive island, and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in sampling the local chains. It was better, I thought, than Bubba Burgers, which served more or less the same ends. We went to Papalani Gelato next door for dessert, and these two together made an excellent meal.
(4)michelle r.
This was a hella good dog ! Had it with a combo of pineapple mango relish and lilikoi mustard . It was so Yummy I had two ....my partner who never likes sauces thought so too ... A must if you are on Kauai !
(5)Natasha P.
I kept reading that this is one of those "must" go to places on the island. I dig the functional bun, veggie dog option and creative relishes. It was a cool idea, but very over priced. I think they think so too because I couldn't find the prices anywhere on the menu. There were four people "working" with a line out the door, but half of them weren't doing anything to help out. If you decide to check this place out, be prepared for spend $20 on two drinks and two hot dogs, not including tip.
(3)Peter H.
Best place on the island to eat. I recommend a polish with jalapeño and pineapple with lilikoi ... We need one on the mainland so badly, will be the reason for me to come back soon.....
(5)Nette C.
The lilikoi mustard and mango relish were delicious! The proportions were way off though, and in the end it did feel like a Costco dog with too much bun. The bun was bland with great texture. Would I get again? Nah. But worth trying!
(3)PatrickJ T.
We love coming to Puka Dog! Everytime we visit Kauai now, we come here! The hot dogs are Delicious!! Expensive (almost $7 for a hot dog), but worth it! There are a few steps to choosing what hot dog you want. Step 1 is pick either the polish dog or veggie dog. We like the polish dogs. They taste like the ones from Costco. Step 2 is choose which garlic secret sauce. We like the mild one. Step 3 is choose which tropical relish flavor you want. I highly recommend the Mango relish! The pineapple relish, banana relish, and papaya relish are also good, but I think the mango is the best. The last thing is to choose which mustard to put on your hot dog. Choose the Lilikoi mustard because it is Ono (delicious)!! They put all of these creative ingredients inside the hot dog bun. They do not use an ordinary hot dog bun. The bun has a hole (puka) where the hot dog is placed inside along with the other goodies. It gets really messy to eat, but gosh it is so good! Kauai was one of our stops on our two week cruise. The #1 reason for renting a car was to come here! We arrived a few minutes after they opened so we did not have to wait at all. While we enjoyed eating our meal, many more people came in. We actually bought a couple more hot dogs so we could eat them on the ship later that evening. Yeah, we did not eat anything from the cruise ship that night! To prevent the hot dogs from getting soggy, the girls placed the garlic sauce, relishes, and mustards in little individual containers. OMG, the hot dog still tasted great when we had them that evening (8 hours later)!! This is truly one of the best hot dog places in the world!! One suggestion is have a better tasting hot dog bun. The bread used to taste more like King's Hawaiian bread. The current bun does not give quite the same satisfaction.
(5)Derek S.
While on Kauai had to try the Puka Dog. As far as hot dogs go- this is pretty tasty. It comes in a full wrap around bun- self contained with the special sauce and tropical relishes. I had the polish dog with mango relish and mustard with a lemonade. Happy with the order although price is on the steep side for a hotdog - but it is not your average hotdog. Definitely worth trying.
(3)Lindsay K.
It was good! Doesn't beat a Chicago dog but who can?? Definitely recommend getting it with the salsa and Hawaiian mustard. Pineapple and mango were delicious!
(4)Prayash P.
Veggie dog and fresh lemonade hit the spot every time! I would fly back to Kauai just for Pukadog!
(5)Shauna S.
I loved the condiments, what can I say. My BF had the hot Polish sausage with pineapple relish. I had the spicy veggie with papaya relish and Hawaiian mustard. DELICIOUS. It's an awful lot of bread so ended up not eating the majority of it, but the veggie dog was actually pretty good and didn't taste at all like veggies or tofu. The sauces are a bit on the sweet side so they kind of drown out the garlic lemon sauce which means that if you like spicy, you may want to get the hot or the hot hot option.
(4)Brian C.
I had high hopes for Puka dog after having it hyped up by family, friends and Yelp! but it did not live up to that. Yes, the sauces are good that come with the dogs but for $6.50, I expected more than a costco sausage. Secondly, I was disappointed by the fresh squeezed lemonade. After putting a huge scoop of sugar in to a cup with ice, then adding a lemon and some water they handed me the glass. What I experienced was sugar water with a lemon flavor. Once finished, there was a thick layer of sugar on the bottom.... Instead of heading here, stop at costco on your way to the resort, pick up some dogs and cook them up on the community grill.
(2)Agnes K.
Good but didn't wow. Sauces are one of a kind, Glad I tried them once. Puka Dog came highly recommended by many so I was expecting to be wowed. Perhaps this is all about the expectations game, but I was not wowed. It was a good, solid dog and perhaps if I had never heard of them and decided to pick one up on a whim, I would have been quite impressed. Overall, though, the dog was tasty, the sauces were very good and unlike anything I'd ever tried (always a bonus!), but the bun was a bit large making the whole hot dog a bit bready, and there was just a bit too much sauce for my liking. I'd say it's still worth a try if you haven't tried one before, but don't expect to be blown away.
(3)Rinky N.
We both had the veggie dog with the mild secret lemon sauce and guava relish. I found it tasty and satisfying. Mr Rinky thought it was just okay but he has extremely high standards when it comes to food. It is just a small walk-in place with a couple of tables inside but several out in the courtyard mall. I also had the lemonade which was a little too sweet but refreshing. At $6 per hot dog Puka Dog is one of the less expensive places to eat in Kauai. Staff was friendly, maybe a little burned out as any normal person would be, working non-stop.
(4)Anna Y.
My favorite hot dog to date thus far. Their buns are incredible, and the sausage is good, but the condiments are what you come here for. My favorite combination is the: mild, lilikoi mustard, and coconut relish. If you like extremely sugary lemonade, try it, otherwise, go to the convenience store and grab something there. There's no seating, so find a bench or a nice patch of grass to enjoy your heaven in a bun. Yummm.... And yes, I've been here a couple times in one week, but I met a guy who wanted my dog if I didn't finish who'd been there three times in 4 days and his wife had just about had enough with him and his Puka dogs haha. Gotta love tourists! Oh, and be prepared to stand in line, even at 3pm on a weekday =)
(4)Ally R.
Dont stress on choosing the perfect combination of sauces, anything you get will taste amazing. Have been craving another one since I finished my last one!!
(5)Michael F.
Unique. Absolutely loved it. Part of the experience I will always remember, and cute friendly staff as well!
(5)kris l.
Oh dear friends. It just wasn't good. I tried a veggie dog - on the advice of the staff I went with coconut relish and asked for it spicy. No spice, much too much relish, much too much dry bun. The veggie dog wasn't even warm. Sigh. The lemonade, however? Fantastic.
(2)Ann H.
Very sad we did not get to go twice while on our trip. Had the pineapple relish and the lilikoi mustard. This is probably the best dog I've ever had. Would definitely go again next time I'm on Kauai. Be prepared for a long line. Lemonade decent. Seemed a tiny bit sweet which took away from the lemonyness for me. The star is the dog, though.
(5)Arnold M.
Veggie, Lava, Mango Relish, Hawaiian Mustard. Enough said!!
(4)Jim F.
If you are in the Poipu area and like hot dogs, I recommend that you give this a try. As others have said, it is all about the sauce and presentation. Just order whatever sounds intriguing to you, but don't mix too many and the flavors will blend together too much. Was this the best dog I've ever had? No, but after a morning at the beach, it hit the spot.
(4)Christin F.
This is a great spot for lunch if you're staying in poipu. The employees were very nice and seemed to know a lot about the very unique flavors that were being offered. I ordered a polish dog with spicy garlic sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard. I was a little skeptical about the mustard but the woman taking my order highly recommended it so I didn't argue. It looked a bit unappetizing to be honest but as soon as I took a bite I realized what all the hype was about. The flavors complimented eachother very well and the lilikoi mustard was absolutely delicious! Definitely will be coming here again before I go back to the mainland. **if you order a veggie dog, be prepared to wait at least 10+ minutes. They take longer to make than the regular sausages.
(5)Sophie L.
The sauces is what separates Puka dog from the other hot dog places. I ordered a veggie dog, with the hot garlic lemon sauce, mango relish, dijon mustard and another topping. It was deeeeeliiiiiceous!!! I ate it on the beach! it was recommended by Trevor, our Outfitters Kauia kayak guide :-)
(4)Merrick S.
I can't really say that I'm a hot dog afficiando. Hot dogs wouldn't be near the top of my list if asked what I'd like for lunch. Puka Dog could change that! These guys put a new spin on the traditional dog....and got it totally right. You choose what kind of dog you want: Polish or Veggie. (Polish for me, please). Then you choose your relish (a variety of Hawai'ian flavours) and then choose your sauce (ketchup, secret or Hawai'ian mustard). They have the bun and the dog skewered on a heating rod, then pour your choice of toppings in. The result is hot dog heaven! Well close to it. Hot Dog Heaven would be having lunch with former San Diego Padre great Tony Gwynn. But I digress. Next time you are in Kauai'i....do yourself a tasty lunch favour....go and try Puka Dog. Woof!
(4)Kelly B.
I ordered a polish sausage with mango relish and lilikoi mustard. MY GOD. best hotdog i've ever had. hands down. aloooohaaaaa. p.s. BEST LEMONADE of my life. and i don't even like lemonade! whaaat?!
(5)MaryPat G.
4 months later and I am still thinking about the Puka Dog. I want to order product and try to create at home, just to get a fix.
(5)Chris M.
Take polish sausages or veggie dogs insert it in a toasted Sweedish bun which encapsulates the hot dog, add some relish with island influenced and pick a garlic lemon sauce that is either mild, spicy or hot and you have a Puka Dog...a hot dog...island style. We actually made two trips to this island hot dog stand and both times had great dogs. I had a polish with star fruit relish, a polish with pineapple relish and a veggie dog with mango relish (actually split that one with my girlfriend). Each "dog" was unbelievable. They grill the dogs right in front of you and the bun is apparently the owner's wife's special recipe from Sweeden. It is a full bun that they put over "a stake type object" that punctures and toasts. They then squirt relish and garlic lemon sauce in the dog. If I had one complaint it is that the veggie dog gets lost in the massive bun. I think they could fit two veggie dogs in the bun and it would be perfect. You don't have that same problem since the polish is a little bigger. Doug Sohn, proprietor of Hot Dog's in Chicago has a great sign in his restaurant, "there are no two finer words than encased meats." Puka Dog is further evidence that this statement is true.,,even in paradise.
(5)Karen T.
This is a hole in the wall at the Poipu Shopping Center. Parking is great, seating sucks. A puka dog is a hot dog, but the buns are not sliced. They impale the buns on heated hot dog sized prongs which make space for the dog and toast the bun. Yum! Based on the descriptions of the toppings, I was expecting something chunkier. It was more of a flavorings approach. I can skip that. The lilikoi mustard is sweet and was joyful, but I think I'd want the sauces on the side. I ended up wearing quite a bit of the sauce. For drinks, they serve lemonade. It was great at the beginning and too sweet at the end. Not to self, when life gives you lemons and you make lemonade (with sugar crystals), remember to stir it before drinking and while drinking. It's a lot of ice and not a lot of liquid. Some days that works for me, but with the cloying sweetness of the sauce I did order for my puka dog, I needed more liquid.
(4)J. L.
Absolutely delicious! You cannot go wrong with any of the secret sauce or relish selections (and if you are not sure what to order, just ask - - the staff is great at recommending sauce and relish selections that complement each other). Don't expect much in terms of appearance. Puka Dogs is as close to a hole in the wall as it gets.
(5)Andrew K.
It's okay from a food perspective. I think it's more of a tourist trap and something you check off your to do list. It is cheaper than going to a full sit down restaurant. The flavoring is the sell and if you like spicy then try the hottest. The medium was not hot at all. The lemonade is good, but it's gone too fast given the ice content.
(3)Jina J.
Ate plenty of Puka Dogs during my two week stay on Kauai. Tried most of the relishes. Skipped the mild and spicy sauce, went straight to "Hot". I'm not a super-spicy person, but the "Hot" was a bit mild to me. I understand you can get "Lava" on request. Favorite combo was definitely: Polish sausage - Hot - Starfruit - Lilikoi mustard. I will miss this tasty treat and look forward to going back anytime.
(4)Shruti D.
Great place! I got the veggie dog - spicy with mango relish and mustard. It was so good! There was a level higher for spiciness and I wish I had gotten that. They are a good size and you will be full. The fresh lemonade is yummy also! My husband got the meat dog and he loved it too! He wanted to go there again but we did not have time.
(5)Jen M.
Knocking off a star because we returned to Puka Dog on our last trip with all the expectations that a year of fantasizing about Puka can bring, and it just didn't live up to the hype I created in my head. It's now $6.25, and I think the sausage is now smaller or the bread is bigger (or both). I still love the relish flavors, but I think they are trying to shortcut things a bit by lowering their own costs and raising ours, and it doesn't make me happy :(
(4)F. P.
When friends heard I was going to Hawaii, they mentioned that I had to stop by Puka Dog. Unfortunately, while in Honolulu, I never had the chance to check it out. But fortunately, while in Kuhai, I discovered that the original Puka Dog was just one mile from our hotel in Poipu. I wasn't particularly fond of the bread that encapsulates the polish sausage - it's a bit on the sweet side and too soft for my liking. And the dog was just all right (kind of reminded me of Costco polish sausages, which I love ... and which are 1/4 the price). I had mine spicy with mango relish (and lillikoi mustard, at the suggestion of the eager and extremely friendly server). Everything was a bit sweet for me but hey, I'm glad I went. Can check this off my to-do list!
(3)Clare M.
Pineapple relish, hot lemon garlic secret sauce...I honestly didn't think a veggie dog could be mouthwatering. I was wrong. Been on the island for 3 days and already been here twice.
(5)Celestina A.
This place was a litle hole in the wall, but I thought the hotdogs were amazing.The actual sausage was just mildly spicy and the coconut dressing gave it a whole different flavor. I would definitly recommend Puka Dogs just so you can get a little taste of Hawaii.
(4)Caroline S.
FANTASTIC! Had heard about Puka through "No Reservation" - and tried 2 polish dogs, 1 with pineapple relish, 1 with mango. We were blown away with how good they were. At first we just expected another hot dog, but the mix of a juicy polish dog with the sweetness of the fruit relish and Hawaiian mustard is just fantastic. There's no fries, just Maui chips - the homemade lemonade is very good, but very sugary. Puka dog was so good, that we really wanted to go back if we had the chance during the trip!
(5)Alex G.
Quite possibly the best hot dog on the freaking planet! I eat maybe half a dozen hot dogs per year, and only on special occasions. This was well worth the stop! Amazing bun, large tasty dog, Hawaiian mustard, and pineapple relish - outrageous! Do yourself a favor and stop by for a dog (you can share one with your significant other).
(5)jazzy l.
A HYPE FROM TV I see a lot of people taking photos of the signage but the polish weiner was small and the sweet bread bun is huge. The bun is not a HOT dog bun with full exposure of the sausage. (see photo) $6.75/dog The sweet sauces were okay (lilikoi and I got some mango relish). Nothing too memorable but just wanted to try it for the experience. It is now opened in Waikiki.
(3)Clare C.
I have to admit I ate here twice. As others said the buns are a bit on the big side but you do get two veggie dogs which are quite big. Try the jalepeno sauce and mango relish and do NOT forget the Lilikoi mustard! You definitely have to try this for yourself.
(4)Wayne C.
We love Puka Dogs! Yes, it is a $6.75 hot dog, but we look at it as a good $10 lunch instead. The dogs are unique and the relish sauces are great - very unique. The freshly squeezed lemonade is just right on a nice hot day. Service is fast and efficient, and the place gives off a nice little beach vibe even though it is located in a shopping plaza. On our recent trip to Kaui, Puka Dogs was the only restaurant we went back to more than once, and we have gone back for more if we weren't on the north side of the island.
(5)Carrie D.
Way overrated. What was called mango relish (sounds good, right?) turned out to be a sweet glop of goo. The price was ridiculously expensive. I'd rather have the hot dog at Costco.
(2)Zuzzi E.
As the Four Square Mayor of Puka Dog, I give them an enthusiastic five stars. This unpretentious hot dog stand in a Hawaiian strip mall on Kauai blew my mind, and the notion of a hot dog stand. My favorite is the veggie dog with secret garlic sauce and pineapple relish. So much flavor enveloped in a delicious white bun. You will *not* regret making the trek here. Just make sure to save some bread to feed the roosters outside.
(5)Melissa G.
Awesome dogs!!! The lilikoi mustard is great and the chili pepper sauce was just the right amount of heat and it paired great with the mango relish. Went there twice during my vacation!! I'll be craving one until I go to Kauai again!
(5)Heather L.
Its a $6 hot dog but its the garlic sauce and all the other fixings that make this place worth paying tourist prices. The lemonade is very refreshing considering they heap a ton of sugar into it (mmmmm) and is much needed if you get the spicy garlic. I agree with other reviewers that the bread to hot dog ratio is a bit high which is really the only reason I'm knocking off a star. They could probably squeeze another dog into that bun and it'd be perfect. If you're in Poipu its worth the quick trip, if you're not- meh.
(4)Grace C.
One word: delicious. Definitely check it out if you're in Kaua'i. Puka means "hole." The hot dog (choice of Polish sausage or vegetarian) is literally placed in a cylindrical bun that has a hot dog-shaped hole in it. They put your choice of topping in the hole, too. Eat carefully, though, as the topping can still squirt out the top & make a mess.
(5)Liz K.
Great hole in the wall with AMAZING hot dogs and even better, local sauces -- Mango relish was to die for. Really yummy. Good ice cream place next door as well.
(4)Katie B.
This may be weird, but I do love me a good hot dog and Puka Dog did not disappoint. It was suggested by our zipline tour guides and the flavors they described sounded too interesting not to try, so yes we had to check it out. I got the polish sausage with mild garlic sauce, pineapple relish and lilikoi mustard and WOW was it good. My boyfriend was a bit unsure about the idea of the flavors so he opted for his mild garlic sauce, mango salsa and lilikoi mustard on the side, but he ended up really liking it. Since everything in Hawaii is overpriced, I felt the price was pretty reasonable compared to other places. I loved how the bun was toasted on the inside. I think that elevated the deliciousness. We liked the hot dogs so much we ended up coming back the following day for another. I choose the polish sausage again with jalapeño garlic sauce, coconut relish and lilikoi mustard. It was good, but I definitely preferred the pineapple. My boyfriend decided to be brave this time around and did not get his condiments on the side and opted for the polish sausage, jalapeño garlic sauce, papaya relish and lilikoi mustard. He also preferred the mango relish over the papaya. I do believe the pineapple and mango are their two most popular choices. We got the fresh squeezed lemonade as well and it was really good. Don't be scared off by the spicy levels of the garlic sauce, I do not eat spicy foods and the jalapeño was not at all spicy. We both really enjoyed this place and if I ever go back to Kauai I would stop here again.
(5)Allison M.
I know what you are thinking, because I was thinking the same thing. Why, on earth, would I come all the way to Hawaii and have a hot dog? BECAUSE IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND I'm a fan of hot dogs, and enjoy your normal katsup and mustard covered sausage as much as the next guy. But this, my friends, is not that kind of hot dog. The top reasons you MUST try Puka Dog: 1. The bun! Who ever invented this bun is a genius. It's like a sock, where you one end is completely closed. This means all of your delicious topping stay in the bun and don't squeeze out! 2. The toppings of course! Hot sauce! A variety of sweet relishes (I tried the Coconut, my hubby had the Mango, both were outstanding), Hawaiian mustard, not sure what it is but it is yummy! 3. The price! We got out of there for $14 for two hot dogs, a bag of chips and a glass of lemonade. If you have been to Hawaii you know, this is a crazy good deal. 4. Fresh squeezed lemonade? Yes please! Literally, squeezed in front of you! Yum! So do yourself a favor and GO THERE! We just wish we had gone earlier in the week so we could have gone again!
(5)Deanna B.
Great veggie dog, had it with the hot sauce and coconut relish with ilikoi mustard. This was a recommendation from a friend and we were not disappointed. Best for early lunch as the parking at poipu village is terrible, be sure to order the fresh squeezed lemonade, it's fantastic, refreshing and slightly sweet. A place not to miss!
(4)Armen S.
Okay, look. I'm giving a hot dog place FIVE STARS. I don't usually even eat hot dogs! But these are grilled polish dogs with a slightly crispy skin. And the bun is a ingenious container injected with great sauces (papaya is my favorite). And then they'll also put sweet-hot lilikoi mustard in there too, which you must have. C'mon. Don't think about it, just enjoy it. Oh, their lemonade is made with an actual lemon that's actually squeezed on the spot and actual sugar that's mixed in right in front of you. It goes great with the dog. Get it. Their service is casual and friendly. They make me smile.
(5)Jenna s.
This place is soooooo good!. They stick this loaf of bread on a skewer that toasts the bun from the inside while creating the hole (puka) for the dog. The dog is then topped with your choice of fruit relish and mustard. The banana relish is always good! YUM! My one complaint is that "spicey" is not really spicey. In fact, none of the sauces have that heat factor for me. I really love this place because it is so out of the ordinary AND it is delicious! This place is definitely one to try! Eat it. Love it. Repeat.
(4)Doug G.
Good. More of an experience than great food. The dog/sausage was average, the bun and garlic sauce made it.
(4)Marika M.
Cheap, delicious and quick! The flavors are island inspired and taste pretty fresh. Surprisingly it's not the island infused relishes or mustard that is the most unique thing here, it's the 360 degree bun! It gives you the perfect ratio of sausage to bun. And it will only cost you a measly $6.25.
(5)Kelvin J.
Good polish hot dog. The bun was brilliant. I wish I could buy buns like that. The hot essentially slips into the bun and they kind of inject the sauces down into the sides. So cool and no mess. The spicy sauce was awesome and the mango relish was awesome as well. I didn't think a polish hotdog with spicy sauce and mango relish would be good but it was great!
(4)Sean O.
WAY over rated. Lilikoi mustard was very tasty, however. We were starving after seeing the sights all day and wanted to try the dogs due to the reviews. Glad we tried it, but I wouldn't go again. The lemonade is also over rated, they fill the glass with water right in front of you...scoop of sugar and the juice of one lemon.
(3)K G.
Soooo good after a long day beach hopping. I had the veggie dog, spicy, mango relish, and the liliokai mayo.... It was so good! I'm not a vegetarian and thought the veggie dog tasted just like a real hot dog! I was afraid I was going to be jealous of my husband's choice... Polish dog, spicy, pineapple relish with spicy mustard. But I wasn't jealous at all. I already told my husband I want to go again before we leave Kauai. Love it!
(5)Emily D.
In a word: awful. $6.25 for the most inedible meal I can remember. I had the veggie dog, my husband the regular. The veggie dog was mediocre (and I'm a vegetarian so my standards for veggie dogs are not high). The bun was bready, but ok. The sauce was butter based, slopped on, and disgusting. My husband says his dog was NOT a polish sausage, his sauce was way too sweet (mango relish), and the dog itself was inferior to anything you can buy at the store. We threw away most of the hot dogs and $12.50. If you like to slop congealed butter on you hotdog, cover it with jam, add ketchup, then hide it in a giant bland roll, this is the place for you!
(1)Melissa G.
Yum! I had the polish sausage with pineapple relish, medium spicy garlic sauce and lilikoi mustard. They serve it in a huge, hawaiian sweet bun, wrapped in paper like a vertical burrito....I really liked it and the homemade lemonade was really good, too. The garlic sauce was not spicy at all and the relish was too sweet, though, so next time, it'll be: volcano sauce -- let's see what ya got! lilikoi mustard -- perfect regular sweet relish -- ?? After a week in Kauai, I am a happy puka dog.... ;)
(4)Peter T.
Great original concept and awesome mango mustard relish! What's original you asked? Well for start, the buns are warmed inside-out by piercing it into a heating rod that has the dimension of the polish dog. So what you get is a slightly crunchy and soft bread inside the bun, which is then filled with a unique tropical mustard relish. Mr polish is then inserted into the warm...ah um...bun with um that delicious relish ;D Very yummy and defintely worth a try!
(4)erin u.
I am not a hot dog connoisseur by any means. In fact, I only do veggie dogs but have found some really awesome veggie dogs at whole foods. I thought this place was three stars because the veggie dog was just ok. For one, there's a lot of bun to this hot dog and the veggie dog doesn't hold up to all the bun. Maybe the regular hot dog does a better job but the veggie dog is too small and unflavorful for all the bun. Secondly, the pineapple special sauce is too sweet for the hot dog. The mango is awesome but my daughter who had the Pineapple ( and loves pineapple) said "this is NOT a hot dog. It's sooo sweet!". Service was as expected and prices are reasonable for a resort shopping center. My son had the spicy and noted it wasn't. But all in all something to try at least once.
(3)Heather F.
Best. Hot Dog. Ever. Yum! I loved my Puka Dog. The fruity island flavors were a perfect compliment to the dog. And the price is right. Wishing I was a local for numerous reasons, not the least of which is the ability to have a few puka dogs a week. Please open one in Chicago! The only negative is the crowded line-waiting. But hey, when something is this good ... there's gonna be a line. And I echo comments of previous reviewers, plan to take your dog to go.
(5)Lori T.
Yum Yum Puka Dog! This after snorkeling, beach strolling, whole lotta sun and just chillin out, polish sausage is just what the body wants and what your vacation brain needs! Order this: Polish Sausage, Hot Garlic sauce (it really isn't hot or spicy-just good), Lilikoi mustard, Pineapple (or mango equally good) Relish, fresh squeezed lemonade and chips. ***If you are vegeatarian your in luck, order the same menu as above except have them give you a veggie dog. This is the perfect beginners menu. Caution if you go here early in your trip you might just go everyday, but then again you will have time to experiment with the other fruity relishes. If you go towards the end, it is a great excuse to come back to Kauai for! See website for hours and locations (they are expanding to Waikiki). This is a small island run joint, it is best kept that way, our experience with the staff was great and we were so impressed with that dog! I'm sure you've never had anything like it!
(5)Chad F.
I thought the dog was good. We had a polish with Mango relish and a Polish with Pineapple relish. The pineapple was pretty sweet which was a good contrast with the salty dog. The Polishes were cooked with some char which is good...then the special Puka bun is pretty cool on its own...one hole. But it can be bready if you are not into all the bun and sauce. The relish can be overwhelming as they add alot at the end so get extra napkins. If you are thirsty GET a lemonade as it is made FRESH and is delicious!!
(5)Todd H.
If you like sticky sweet sauces covering a bland sausage, stuffed into way too much bread, by all means have at it. Puke-a-dog. If you get a hot dog craving while on the island, by all means head over to Costco and save a few bucks.
(1)Lu C.
Hands down the best thing I ate on the island! Drove from the North Shore twice to enjoy the delectable treats! A staff person at my hotel said to me "you fell for that tourist trap?", I asked him if he has ever tried a Pukadog and he said "No", so I told him "Then shut up!" The hot mustard, the sweet relishes and the salty polish sausage are an unstoppable combination!
(5)Erica C.
In conclusion, yum. Ok, a little expensive for a hotdog, but come on, it's only $6 and you're on an island with few options. We tried 2 hotdogs, one with pineapple and one with mango, both with the special mustard and spicy sauce. The relish is very syrupy vs chunks of fruit. The spicy wasn't very spicy at all, so don't be afraid! The lemonade was great, fresh squeezed and not too sweet.
(4)Burrito M.
Don't believe the hype! We stopped by Puka dog after just arriving to Kauai, wow, what an over-hyped mess. Basically, they take a soft baked roll, poke a hole in the middle on what looks like a medieval torture device (to toast the center), pump the bread full of "secret sauce" which is essentially mayo, your choice of sweet relish, mustard, and whatever other condiment hits your fancy, then serve. This dog was WAY over sauced - the amount of mayo was kind of sickening! But without the sauce, you are basically left with a hot dog and no gimmick. What a quandary. The lemonade is 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon, giant scoop of sugar, water and ice. I probably wouldn't make the effort to ever have a puka dog again. If I was forced, I would tell them to skip all but the mustard.
(2)Thomas M.
Hands down this was the BEST gourmet hot dog I have ever had in my life! The grilled hot dog in combination with fresh made condiments and bun was flawless. I normally like my hot dogs plain, so going with a jalapeno sauce with Mango relish was taking a risk for me... but I loved every bite of it! The hot dog was very large, and the custom made bun with a hole in the middle was a great surprise. My only regret is that I found this place on my last day in Kauai. Keep up the good work, you guys rock!!!
(5)Chris T.
Every now and then I think about a Puka Dog that I had back in '06. Kauai doesn't have a lot to do, especially in Poipu in the southern parts of the teeny island. We were somewhat excited to find a lil strip mall next to our condo. Starving, we just wanted to find something quick to eat. We found this small lil shop with a big ass line out of it. It didn't take us a second to line up in the back of it! As if hot dogs aren't phallic enough the cast iron dildo-looking bun toasters will surely make you do a double take. This is the only way to toast the buns, because Puka Dog's buns are not sliced in half. They are in tube form with one side closed so the bun acts as very delicious edible bag! The buns are not what makes Puka Dog famous. It's the very Hawaiian sauces. First choose your spice factor of a Garlic Lemon Sauce. Then you have a choice of fruity relishes: mango, pineapple, coconut, star fruit, papaya, or banana. Of course they can cater to the purist with the usual ketchup n mustard, but if you're in a beautiful tropical paradise, you BEST get a friggin spicy pineapple relish dog! And damn if they don't already know how to round out a meal, they serve a super refreshing lemonade too!
(5)Brian K.
A few different people recommended this place to us on our excursions so we decided to try it before we left. The idea seemed great and the preparation looked awesome, but the small dog got lost in the huge bun and there way to much sauce. Maybe I went on an off day.
(3)Scott M.
Sorry, I like Puka Dog. Yes I do. Especially the hot hot puka dogs with papaya relish. Puka Dog is one of those places so many food snobs like to lift their noses at and call it a tourist trap, but that never dissuades me. I don't know any place else that does the type or variety of relishes with a unique Polish sausage in a special bun. Email me if you do. (note-no need to email me on Hank's Haute Dogs Oahu or Dude Dogs in Kukui'ula Village I know them as well).
(3)Katie C.
Ahhh...good old Puke-a Dogs. I just really don't like Puka Dogs. I've eaten at this place so many times over the years, usually after being talked into it by someone that has never eaten there. Maybe its just not my thing. But, I don't get the hype. Puka Dogs aren't even hot dogs. You have a choice between a Polish sausage or a veggie dog. And the combo of garlic sauce and fruit is just really odd to me. If you really want hot dogs, I suggest going to Dude Dogs in the new Kukui'ula shopping center.
(1)Andrea G.
I will never say no to a yummy hot dog... so I was very interested to try the local recommended puka dog! Well there are two choices of pups... sausage and veggie. Definitely different, there are garlicky, sweet and tangy choices of relishes pumped inside of a huge bun... with your little pup. It's in there... but seems to me a whole bunch of bread and not enough pup. Glad I got it out of my system, but I wasn't thrilled.
(2)lori k.
Seriously..why didn't I think of this?? I LOVE fruit and their mango relish with the lilikoi mustard was out of this world D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!! My husband who is not the biggest fan of fruit with meat was scarfing the hot dog down faster than he could take breaths. This hidden gem in a strip mall is definitely worth visiting! I will be back next time I'm in paradise! Aloha
(5)T S.
I enjoy mine with the lilikoi mustard & a lemonade. And if that doesn't quench my sugar thirst, I go next door for some gelato.
(4)Sarah M.
After our first evening of mediocre resort fare, we vowed to take our cheesy convertible rental car out daily and sample good, down-to-earth local food instead. Puka Dog fits the bill. The giant buns are magic pockets of squishy, carb-y delight, filled with garlic lemon sauce and whatever magical, tropical relish you want to try. I recommend trying to down at least two of these babies (papaya and star fruit), or bringing friends who don't mind splitting halvsies :) Awesome food. Friendly service. I'm only sad I don't have the bucks to start up a franchise in LA! p.s. Volcanic hot sauce is not that hot. Maybe wink and ask 'em to take it up a notch if you're used/addicted to spicy foods.
(5)Matthew R.
I had the spicy (middle choice) of the sausage, not very hot at all, with the banana relish. Exceptionally tasty! I will go back to try the hottest dog with the coconut relish. Pricy but good food.
(4)Maria B.
Loved this place! I know you're thinking "how good could a tiny hot dog place be?" and I've read other people's reviews where they complained about the price here, but let me tell you - we LOVED our hot dogs here and let's face it, if you're already vacationing in Kauai, is another $6 or so really going to kill you? No. We each had the polish dogs with spicy garlic sauce (really not spicy at all), mustard and pineapple relish and they were so sweet and good. One of the best hot dogs we'd ever tried. Yes, there is an awful lot of bread around them, but the bread was good too, so I didn't even mind once the hot dog was gone and I finished off the bread with relish on it. Mmmmm. We would come back here without hesitation. Also, for any reptile lovers like myself - if you go there at night, you will see MANY little geckos climbing all over the walls. To me, a total bonus...
(4)Ivette B.
MY FAV Pineapple relish! OVERALL REVIEW Hot dog lovers will love puka dog! I had the polish sausage, with garlic sauce, lilikoi mustard, and the pineapple relish (mild). My friend had the coconut, and I think the pineapple was better. It was a $7 hot dog, but totally worth it, in my opinion.
(5)Armen S.
I can't believe I'm saying this about a fast food place, but it was one of the best things we ate all week. In places like Maui, you pay a lot for food but you get great food. In Kauai, you just pay a lot and get crap. Fortunately, we found this place. Normal prices, but their hot dogs were great. You have to try the hawaiian mustard and definitely get some fresh made lemonade. If the person taking the orders actually listened to what I was saying and got my order right, I would have given them 5 stars, but she didn't, so I didn't. Had we known about this place earlier on, we would have come more often.
(4)Jan C.
We had to try this place, we were on Kauai! I saw it on the Travel channel! We were searching for a place, and i saw the Puka Dog Van... It looked like the scoobie mobile! Well, we had our first, mine the mango with lilikoi, mustard oh baby! YUMMMMY! Now,I'm not a hot dog person... I do not DO hot dogs, but my honey does. But I was IMPRESSED! Well, Next day, Yep, he wanted to drive all the way around the island to get another !!!! We did! I had a coconut... He another spicy pineapple.(hey, he liked it )! YES... We went back a third time, and I had a Banana one all with the passion fruit mustard (lilikoi) all have a garlic aoli that rounds off the sweetness. The rest of the people there were all on their return dogs as well! So be very careful, Addictions form easily after your first dog!
(5)Andrew A.
Was recommended this place by local outfitters. Its an interesting hot dog so worth checking out. There are two types of meat and three styles of spicy. You can get local mustard which was good. The real appeal of this place though is in the salsas. There are various tropical varieties. I recommend the pineapple and mango. The bun is also different, and didn't seem like a typical hot dog bug. Worth checking out if you are on the south side of the island. Verdict: Great quick eats while you are out and about checking out beaches near Poipu.
(4)Pinguino K.
If you come to Kaua'i, you MUST make a trip to Puka Dog. Even if you think you've had the best hot dogs in the world, these must be experienced. First, it looks different than other dogs. They jam a pointy stick into a hot dog bun, and put a polish or veggie dog inside. The bread is kinda boring store-style bread but the dogs are quality. The toppings are star of this meal. They drizzle on your choice of relishes and mustards, and it creates a sweet, spicy concoction that is incomparable to other dogs. I had the starfruit relish, which I'd never seen before, and it was amazing. I love the look of the shop, too. The cashiers and cooks are super friendly, and we bought some mango relish to take home. They also sell dog treats! cute!
(5)Diana K.
Got soooo hyped up for this after all of the great publicity it got. I thought it was pretty pricey, but much cheaper than other places (especially the restaurant next door). It had some interesting flavors but not enough for us to come back for it. :)
(3)Amber B.
A delicious must while visiting Poipu. Only downside is that they do not have a gluten free option. They do offer a veggie option which is great. For some all the sauces may be too much sweetness, and for others it may be perfect. My second visit I asked for 1/2 the sauce and it definitely wasn't as messy.
(4)David L.
Unique twist on a hotdog. Love the fruit "relish's" and lilikoi mustard, but the hotdog needs to be a little longer to fit the "puka" bun. By the time you get to the end, all you have is bread and a gooey mess. Otherwise its a very good tasting hotdog.
(4)Jen K.
AWESOME. Hot dogs taken to a whole new level. Puka dog is where hot dogs go to die. A party in your mouth. A celebration in your belly. An ode to joy in your intestines. Delicious. Heart warming. Exuberant. Worth the hype? Spend the 7 bucks and find out for yourself.
(5)Jenn S.
Great friendly service! I even took a picture with the owner. He was so cheery. :) They have a fascinating method of inserting the meat into the bun into a hole at the top of the bun. And then they add a liberal amount of sauce and relish inside the hole. While eating it starts to get messy because a lot of sauce gathers at the base but it's still delcious! I got the mango relish because I heard it was the original flavor. I loved the combination of the sweet relish and salty dog. The bun, which is more like a bread pocket, is really soft.
(4)Eugene L.
Best. Hotdog. Ever. They take a solid bun, spear it on a hot pole that toasts the inside, fill it with a thick lemon garlic sauce, some tropical relish, and mustard, and drop in a juicy Polish sausage. Some have complained that six dollars is too expensive, but when you consider that a hotdog in the nearby Hyatt costs nearly double that, and a bag of freaking Doritos costs $5 at the grocery store on Kauai, this is totally reasonable. For that price you will get a unique hot dog flavor combination that you won't find anywhere else. There is a LOT of sauce, but because the bun is a tube with one end sealed, and the whole thing is served wrapped in a fitted wax paper bag, I found it to be pleasantly mess-free compared to run-of-the-mill, open-slit, dime-a-dozen hotdog buns like the rest of the world eats. They provide rolls of paper towels for the half of customers who desperately try to wipe the sauce off their wieners. Those are the people who are saying it's messy. Employees are all like 13 years old and will strongly recommend that you get the Lilikoi mustard (versus Dijon or yellow) and one of their three lemon garlic sauces (versus none). The lemon garlic sauce is pretty polarizing. People either love it or hate it. It's got the consistency of mayo (but is made with milk, mustard, and other stuff), and tends to overpower the sweet relishes. If you don't want this, you'll have to have nerves of steel to decline their recommendations. There are only three tables in the place. There is seating on benches and tables in the plaza, but you may be bothered by flies and birds. They sell their relishes, garlic sauces, and Lilikoi mustard in jars. You can order from their website but shipping to the mainland costs almost as much as the product. Five stars for delicious, unique flavor in hotdog condiments and innovation in the science of bun structure. Puka-awesome!
(5)Sam W.
A "Don't miss" during any visit to Kaua'i. Big, spicy polish sausages served in a 'toasted from the inside" roll with a 'puka', or hole, drilled down the center lenthwise - ingenious! (Mild and veggie sausages also served). Unique, tropical relishes and mustards made from local ingredients, along with a big cup of fresh-squeezed lemonade make this one lua 'ole, or unique place for "ono grinds." Puka Dog Doggie Treats "ono" too, according to 'Ilio Shorty, Oscar and Heidi, who insist on frequent mail-order replenishment.
(5)Bob C.
Wow, what a concept. Amazing hot dogs served with a selection of what can only be described as gourmet condiments. Veggie or Polish dogs that are put into custom baked loaves of bread. These loaves are spiked onto a set of heaters that effectively make a hole for the wieners. They fill the holes with your condiments (there are many and I only sampled two, but they were amazing) and then stuff in your chosen wiener. Huge lineups, went quickly. I want one of these to open in Vancouver tomorrow. Japadog, be on notice... :) The hand made lemonade was delicious but we (wifey and I) prefer a little less sugar (one scoop per glass) in our tart lemonade.
(5)Kelly H.
If you are into okay hotdogs on white buns with awesome condiments, this is your place.
(3)Stacey G.
Super good! Soft bun, mango relish and lemonade. I crave this place all the time. Tables were a little dirty and it is a small crowded outdoor place. I liked the location and shopping center it was in.
(4)alaina p.
Puka Dog has perfected the sweet and salty taste combination. The hot dog themselves are good, salty and rich. The relishes are tropical fruit sweet and the mustard is spicy and sweet. For us it is a real treat since it was five years between visits to Kauai. We really think they are awesome. I recommendthe polish, spicy, banana, mustard combo.
(4)Heather S.
Fun concept. Definite diet buster. Always has a line. Dogs taste like ball park dogs. Caution: sauces are mayo-based.
(3)Sarah J.
Puka Dog was a great lunch spot, very casual. Keep in mind it is cash only but worth a stop at the ATM for those of us who are plastic only people. They were all out of the Veggie Dogs, apparently the vendor who makes them has gone out of business and they are sourcing a new vendor, so no Veggie option at this time. I had the Polish Sausage, with Hot Chili Pepper Sauce, Pineapple Relish and Lilikoi mustard. It had a nice bite but not super spicy. The Garlic Sauces are a butter base not a mayo base as posted by someone else. I am allergic to mayo and made sure to check. Would go again for sure
(4)Kevin O.
This may be the best hot dog I've had, but I think it is overpriced. Should at least get some chips for the price you pay.
(4)Loren B.
Good place for a hot dog in a unique bun. Food was fine and the fresh lemonade is not to be missed (although a bit sweet for my taste.) Spicy at this place doesn't mean anything so go on flavor when making sauce selections (all seem to be too sweet for me)...not a local hang so be in the touristy mood.
(2)Nichole B.
Service was ok, mainly teenagers working there. Hubby and I ate here while on vacation. Hot dogs were pretty tasty. I was disappointed that the only choices of dog were polish sausage or veggie dog.
(3)Mallory M.
best hotdogs. if your unsure but still wanna get someting that super different but super good. get the mango with lilikoi mustard. if you don't get the mustard than you might as well get a hotdog at costco cause your missing out.
(5)Sheri Y.
over priced hot dogs.
(2)Ross W.
You customize your hot dog. First, pick polish sausage or veggie dog, then the level of spiciness in the garlic lemon secret sauce, next the tropical relish (mango, pineapple, coconut, banana...), and finally the mustard (yellow, dijon or lilikoi). I had a veggie dog in mild secret sauce with mango relish and lilikoi mustard. I enjoyed it although it was a bit on the sweet side. We also had their fresh squeezed lemonade, also a bit on the sweet side. Glad we tried Puka Dog, but not sure if we'll have it again.
(3)Linda M.
My family ate at Puka Dog several times and loved it! The mustard is great and the pineapple filling or coconut filling made the hot dog really special. I loved the lemonade--it was great. This is a fun place to eat and relax.
(5)scott P.
Cool ideas here good food and fun menu, hit this place it won't hurt too bad and they mail order the relish and sauces, lunchtime hit!
(4)Mary O.
Apparently this place is an institution. We were told not to miss it by our tour guides. They have both veggie and meat dogs and they are definitely original. I LOVED the lemon-garlic sauce. The staff are really helpful and the owner was super friendly. Make sure to bring cash- they don't accept cards and try out the ice cream next door for dessert.
(5)Sarah K.
We got a great lunch at Puka Dog in Poipu. We got it as take out and brought it back to the beach. Really interesting combo - sounds kind of strange, but turned out to be delicious. Definitely have to try the tropical flavors. I tried the pineapple, and it was great. Huge hot dog - I couldn't finish it. Cash only!
(4)Kendra B.
By far my husbands fav place on our honeymoon. Too the point were we shipped lilikoi mustard home and are planning on to "recreate" our dogs as best we can in our own casa. Highly recomment the lilikoi mustard and the pineapple relish...nummy!
(5)Jen C.
Maybe it was because it was early in the morning, and I was hungry, and still on california time, but this was "o-kay". We also waited for an hour, until they opened at 11 a.m. Once it opened, there was a small gathering outside, before they unlocked the chain to let us in. They were friendly, and I ordered a polish sausage, with their original sauce, and pineapple relish, and a lemonade. It's different than other hot dogs, because of the tropical flava, but it's overpiced at more than $7 a dog, but the lemonade was yummy, because the large cup was filled up to the top with ice, so the lemonnade was gone in 3 gulps. Would I go back? Maybe for a snack, and if I was in the area, but not worth a special trip there...
(2)Sasha R.
whoever invented these things was a GENIUS. they dollop your choice of relish, mustard and sauce on the circular bun, then push your choice of dog thru the dollop to get a perfect and even coating of numminess. grab a fresh squeezed lemonade there or brown bag some beer from the convenience store across the plaza.
(5)Eric S.
A definite must-eat while in Kauai! A nice hot dog or veggie dog encased in a fluffy bun filled with secret sauces of your choice. If your dog seems a little dry in the beginning, try to push a bit from the bottom to bring the sauces up top!
(5)Scott J.
I liked them a lot, but my wife calls them puke-a-dog. If you're the type who loads up your dog with ALL the condiments, you have to try a Puka Dog. If you prefer yours with minimal enhancements, these will too overwhelming for you Down to the core ingredients, the polish sausage was good and the bun was even better. Many burger and hot dog places cheap out on the bun, I was happy they didn't. I only tried the mango salsa which was good. Once with the lilikoi mustard and once with regular...I prefered the lilikoi.
(4)Allan H.
Mmm.... Puka Dog! Very interesting bun warmers but the pineapple relish was the best part! This was our last meal on Kauai before we went to the airport. Loved it and recommended it to my brother and his friends when they went.
(5)s c.
Most people have seen this place on the food network. It's a very expensive hot dog with an oversized bun. I had the veggie dog w/ mango relish and lilikoi mustard. It was just ok.....it wasn't horrible, but nothing to really rave about.
(3)Ant M.
We had 3 polish dogs with following: mild mango spicy pinneapple spicy papaya It was ok. They basically put the bun in a stake, pour the sauce and relish in.
(3)Veggie J.
choose: type of dog: polish or veggie garlic lemon secret sauce: mild original, spicy jalapeno, hot chili pepper, or hot hot habanero tropical relish or traditional relish choices: mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut, banana, star fruit, guava traditional choices: ketchup, mustard (yellow, dijon, lilikoi), sweet pickle relish i chose a veggie dog, and then i was stumped. how am i to choose? eventually, i got the original garlic sauce and mango relish. yuuuuuuuuummmmy. the bun is pretty big, and unfortunately, my veggie dog is, well, wienerish, so i had more bread than wiener, but still, everything seemed so right. fresh squeezed lemonade? hell yeah. only in hawaii, dude. only in hawaii.
(5)Stephen W.
Uniqe, interesting, tasty.
(4)Cass F.
Puka Dog's dogs are okay. A bit over rated, I think. I realize hotdogs suck with coconut chutney, next time I am there I'll try something else. The Lemonade is might fine.
(3)Tina L.
waited in line for 15 minutes for a puka dog, and it was oooooh-kay. too much bun and not enough dog. also, the mango relish is just sauce!! no pieces of mangoes at all!!! lemonade was also oooh-kay... they make it fresh, but the sugar doesn't dissolve and you end up drinking clumps of sugar. not worth the wait, will not be back..
(1)CC S.
Great dogs. I was kinda conservative with mustard and relish but I did ask for spicy too. Not spicy enough for me but still a good snack! The girl at te counter was not too psyched to see us though.....how can you be cranky in Hawaii???
(3)Kate E.
I love this place. We discovered it in 2009, and I could hardly wait to try it again this trip. Yum! This is one great hot dog. Polish dog, mango relish, medium sauce.
(5)S M.
Very inventive, the mango relish is da bomb!
(5)Pete S.
Absolutely outstanding. Best dog I've had in years. Expertly prepared sausage in a delightfully fluffy bun, with marvelous and unique sauces. Bun is reamed, not sliced, giving 360-degree coverage. It is admittedly much pricier than your average hot dog stand, but this is far from an average hot dog experience. Puka Dogs rule!
(5)Linda B.
First of all, go early, there are very few tables inside, one table outside and a few benches scattered throughout the shopping area. A line forms quickly at lunchtime and it is a popular place! I don't usually like mayo on my hot dogs which is essentially what the garlic sauce is like, however, I tried it this time. I also had the lilikoi mustard and pineapple relish, yum! It's a good thing that the hot dog was in a lobster-roll type bun because it was dripping all over. With it, I had Maui chips and a fresh squeezed lemonade. Next time, I will try the other relishes! It was certainly one of the least expensive, well-worth it experiences I had on Kauai! I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)Rob H.
It's very simple...we need one on the mainland
(5)Linda T.
Loved it! Found this place on the web before our trip. There were so many good reviews we had to try it. Yummy!
(4)Laura H.
OK; this was one of my favorite meals in Kauai when my husband and I went there for our honeymoon last year. Of course I enjoyed our nice, fancy dinners but these hot dogs were amazing. I craved them; we went here for lunch a few times during the week. The mustard and sauces they put in these dogs are so good. They are a meal in itself; you don't need anything else. Wash it down with the homemade lemonade and you are set :). I wish I could fly back now to have one.
(5)Michael B.
The dogs are good, but not amazing like the guidebook said. They are nice and crispy though.
(3)Shannon C.
Had the Polish sausage with mild garlic sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard. Yummy, yummy, yummy. I wanted to eat here more than once. I just found out that you can buy their relishes online. Woo hoo!! BTW, their lemonade was really good, too.
(4)Jen B.
Had really awesome dogs! Just something really different.
(4)Richie S.
Best relish ever. I love it and I can't believe it was really close to where we were staying on our honeymoon. Been there 3 times in 1 week. The sweet lemon juice is great to go with the hot dogs...
(5)crystela j.
I'd give it 5 stars if it was a bit less expensive. Good concept... a hole in the bun on only one end, less messy! I enjoyed the spicy polish dog with mango relish and lilikoi mustard.
(4)Nadine M.
I personally think it's the best Hot dog. On our yearly summer vacation trip to Kauai, my husband and I make it a point to have a "Puka Dog" at least once... even when we are in Oahu. We've almost tried all of their fruit relish. My favorite one is pineapple. However, I wouldn't recommend adding the Lilikoi mustard. I thought it overpowers the fruit relish. Aside from their signature relish, I also enjoy their bun... nice and soft on the outside, but warm and toasty on the inside. The lemonade is refreshing and a great complement.
(5)Rich F.
That was a 5 Star hotdog! We had the Mango relish and spice level = Spicy. Next time we will go hotter and try a different sauce too. Great concept.
(5)Lee P.
Great concept, excellent execution. A bit pricey. Originally saw it on a travel show and remembered it. Actually, it's not far from the best dive shop on the island, so we hit it as soon as we get off the boat. If you aren't diving from Koloa and not staying in the turd tourist resort area, it's a long drive across the island from paradise to get to Puka. All the mustards are great, so you have to get a couple dogs to sample them. This gets expensive fast because the dogs are mega-pricey. I really like the lemonade, too.
(5)Anthony D.
Was disappointed with the hot dog. Good service and clean place, but the hot dog was nothing to rave about.
(3)Brian K.
Fun place for a snack after a day at the beach! It's more food than you might think and really tasty with the various sauces. We had a vegie dog and a polish with different toppings. Even the spiciest ("hot") topping isn't that hot really - 3/10 as the cashier described it. Try the fresh squeeze lemonade to top of your order! Overall, would be quite fun to have this place around for random visits. A bit expensive to visit every day though. Was $15 for two dogs and a lemonade. Enjoy and thanks!
(3)Naheed M.
Delicious hot dogs. I got the spicy garlic sauce, mango relish, and Hawaiian mustard and it was surprisingly good. I would definitely recommend checking this place out when in Kauai.
(4)Joel C.
The best hotdog I've ever had. Hot special garlic sauce (don't worry, pretty mild spicy - I'd ask for lava next time), mango relish, and lilikoi mustard. The bun is made from a solid piece of bread and they poke a hole in it with a toasty thing for the dog that kinda makes it crispy inside. It's moist and delicious. I'm not a big relish fan and was worried that it would be too sweet. It turned out that it was a perfect contrast to the salty dog. My wide had the veggie dog and even that was really tasty. Delicious, I can't wait to go back! ...just went back. Lava sauce with papaya relish this time. Awesome!
(5)Liza C.
Finally! I flew 2600 miles to eat a Puka Dog. It's wrapped in a bun that's toasted from the inside till it's golden brown. The polish dog with spicy jalapeno garlic sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard was "holy crap" good!
(5)Tamra P.
I must admit, when the bf said we "had" to get a Puka Dog when on Kaua'i, I was not full of eager anticipation. However, it took one delicious bite for me to be converted to a Puka Dog lover. The deal with Puka Dog is they poke a hole (puka) in a bun, and insert the hot dog (polish or veggie) and whatever combination of sauce, mustard, and relish you choose. It's also the neatest way to eat a hot dog--you can totally eat this walking around, if you had to. Fruity stuff on a hot dog? Hmm.....again, a convert after one bite. They were out of veggie dogs, but really , who gets a veggie dog? The bread was warm, toasty, slightly sweet, and yummy. The garlic lemon sauce mixed with the lilikoi mustard and mango relish was unexpectedly pleasing. I stole a couple bites of my bf''s Puka Dog with the pineapple relish, which was also very tasty. I also stole a couple sips of his fresh squeezed lemonade which was the best lemonade I had ever had! Not too sweet, not too tart, but juuuuuust right. The place itself is kitschy Hawaiian with a couple tables, what you'd expect for such a joint. I totally plan on visiting the Waikiki location as well and maybe trying the starfruit relish....$7 for a hot dog, so it's a little pricey for what you get but it was definitely satisfying as a meal.
(4)Bill B.
For what it is...it's a hot dog place! But what they do, they do right! I had the Polish with spicy pepper sauce, pineapple salsa and the Iilikoi mustard. Wonerful! I would recommend this to anyone who has the chance to visit Kauai or Oahu.
(5)Angeline K.
I friggin LOVE this joint. My husband and I went back twice during our vacation because we loved it so much. Cheap (to Hawaii tourists, at least), quick, filling, and oh so good. We both got the polish dog with hot chili pepper garlic lemon secret sauce with mango relish and lilikoi mustard. I usually can't handle very spicy food, but what they call hot isn't hot at all. Those toppings (er, I don't even know if I can call them "toppings" because you eat the dog upright and they just squirt that shiz right in between the bun and the dog) are the secret to an otherwise ordinary polish dog. And I also like how the bun wraps all the way around the dog. Easy to eat! The lemonade wasn't half bad either. If we ever make it back Kauai (or get to go to Waikiki... guess there is a new location there), I am beelining it straight to Puka Dog!
(5)Elizabeth Q.
When I was looking at the menu and saw mango relish I thought this can't be good but I have to say it was delicious. The secret sauces are really good however the spicy and the hot are not spicy at all. The lemonade is the best I have ever had. I service was really good. While in Kauai this is a must.
(5)Tony D.
Have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with how good this hot dog was. The bread, lilikoi mustard, and different types of relish made it a great snack.
(4)Dana S.
Definitely hit the spot after a day on the beach, but nothing to write home about. The lilikoi mustard was great, but the spicy sauce is a little too heavy on the mayo. Next time I'd skip it entirely and double up on the fruit relish.
(3)Kate S.
Delicious. I would give 5 stars if they sold bottled water. We will be back!
(4)Michael S.
Very unique and fun polish dog! The bun is a little sweet and the fruit relishes are a fun twist. Get the lemonade to go with it, very refreshing and not over sugared.
(4)Alis B.
Puka Dog! Who woulda thunk. It's huge, so I (kinda) get the price. It's delicious, which is why I stopped thinking about the price and just ate. THEY TOAST THE BUN. ON THE INSIDE. ?!?! Why does that taste so good? I could not get over the tasty toasty bits in every bite. The mustards, sauces, and relishes were also really delish. It was such a unique experience, I really loved this place. But the lemonade, man, nobody does this anymore... Squeeze a fresh cut lemon into a tumbler with ice, add a lil water and sugar, shake to blend, pour it all into the cup. Added bonus was how awesome it was with the dog. The owner stood outside and patiently and cheerfully explained all the possibilities to our group- twice, since we had a latecomer. Check it out if you can, it's truly worth it.
(5)A S.
Seriously one of the best hot dogs I've ever had. Mango relish is perfect with a spicy Portuguese sausage.
(5)Kimberly G.
We were so lucky to be staying at the Kiahuna Plantation, walking distance from Puka Dogs. YUM!! We had read the reviews and talked for days about which fruit and sauce we were going to pick. We had to wait in a line (always a good sign!) but it was quick and we took our dogs, chips, and fresh lemonade out to the courtyard to sit with the roosters. What a delightful lunch. Now we can't wait to return to Poipu and Puka Dogs!
(5)Ben C.
No bums here. No hippies here. Not many choices but they got all you need. The buns are hollowed out on one end, then they fill it with delicious sauces of your choosing. Then drop the dog in and you're gtg. The unique bun Allows for yummy goodness with every bite
(4)Julia J.
Love Puka dog and I'm not a hot dog eater. The spicy is not really that spicy but it's still very yummy. I wear my Puka dog tank to get a free lemonade! Now they have on the other side of the stand (near the restrooms) the Puka Shaved ice stand. You MUST save room for that. They make their own syrups out of fresh fruit and def. go for the coconut syrup. I almost did not but thankfully I listened to the shave ice girl! :) Best shave ice on the island!!
(4)Greg K.
Best dog ever!! If in Poipu, you gotta try Puka Dog!!
(4)Kinga H.
2 stars for the soft yummy bun that pockets the nasty mess. 0 stars for the veggie dog. Maybe the regular hot dog is tasty, I would not know. 1 star for the corn syrupy mush that is the toppings... Probably tasty in moderation but when I have enough sauce for my bun, my dog (although that might be good to disguise the nasty chewy mess), and enough for a whole other meal, then it's a problem. Service is quick, efficient and friendly. Especially given the fact these kids work in a small, cramped, hot kitchenette. The workers really have nice and great attitudes. Cash Only if you do decide to check it out for yourself. I know that this was made famous by tv but Kauai does have much better eateries than this... because PUKE A DOG is more like it.
(2)