Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Puka Dog

    4.0 (3.4k reviews)
    ModerateHot Dogs, Hawaiian
    Closed 10:00 am - 7:30 pm

    Puka Dog Photos

    Business Info

    PUKA DOG ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Puka Dog

    Recommended Reviews - Puka Dog

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Yikhwan D.

    I came here 5 minutes after it opened. A few people in front of me so i didn't have to wait at all! The hot dog was a good mix of spicy (garlic sauce), sweet (the relish you pick), and salty(with their house mustard ). The flavor of your hotdog will change depending on your combo of sauces, obviously. I think its definitely worth it to go once, since its such an iconic place, but i wouldn't go again if i had to stand in line.

    Charmaine D.

    There was a line that went around the building BUT it moves fast because they have an efficient system that works. One person places the order, another person squeezes all the lemonade, one cooks the hot dogs, and one adds the sauces into the bun, then the polish or veggie dog. So from placing your order to actually getting your food was less than 3 minutes. They also had step by step instructions on what to order, which was helpful since It was my first Hawaiian Hot dog; which was actually a Polish. I chose the MILD garlic lemon secret sauce and the Mango Relish with Lilikoi Hawaiian Mustard. It was really darn good. The fact that it was vertical (or at least thats how I ate it) meant most of the tasty sauces were near the bottom. Regardless, I enjoyed the flavors. Thanks, Puka dog for allowing me to try something old as something new!

    Puka dogs
    Joe R.

    This place was recommended as a "must try" when visiting Kauai by several people. Upon arrival, it seems that certainly is the case, because the line stretched around the building! The restaurant is small, but very busy and they've got their quick service down to a science. The puka dogs were absolutely amazing, and came with a variety of choices. You get to start with a polish sausage or veggie dog, followed by your preferred spicy sauce, choice of fruit relish, and whether or not you want to add their Hawaiian mustard, which is absolutely delicious! The dogs are pretty good size and extremely filling. While the 45 minute wait wasn't exactly ideal, I'm super glad we gave this place a try!

    Puka dog with chili pepper sauce and mango relish
    Niraja S.

    I don't even like hot dogs like that but the sauces on this were great. Long line out the door so expect to wait 30-45 minutes. There isn't seating available inside, but you can enjoy it on the beach.

    Outside
    Errick E.

    Line moved fast! Friendly service. Polish dog with banana relish was my favorite. The jalepeno wasn't that spicy so if you want some kick order up...

    Puka dog with lilikoi mustard and mango relish
    YJ L.

    What a fun experience! The line was long, but with a buddy, it goes by fast. There's a separate line for the shaved ice, so don't stand in the wrong line! While standing in line, I could see how much effort and care goes into the products. The buns are lightly toasted, but if something isn't satisfactory, it isn't served. (I'm assuming burned or a torn bun that won't properly hold the sausage?) The sausage itself didn't feel very special. It was overshadowed by the lilikoi mustard and the mango relish I chose. I do wish I went with the classic yellow mustard... I was convinced to get a different mustard by the cashier because they said it would be like eating a mango with yellow mustard. Honestly, with everything being so sweet, I think it would have had the perfect flavor to cut through the sweetness. Shoulda gone with my gut. Also, the spiciness levels feel negligible because the sweetness and creaminess of the garlic sauce overpower any spice that could have existed--at least for the second-level spice sauce. If you wear your Puka Dog shirt, you get a free lemonade (for life)! Cute concept! I would have gotten merch if there were more designs and colors, but they only had black and white. Last thing: while standing in line, you can see the workers making the lemonade from scratch! They even shake it up in a cocktail mixer type container and squeeze every lemon for each made-to-order lemonade! Fun to watch!

    Shelby P.

    I get why this is a staple here. Very good. The sauce paired much more nicely than I thought it would. Sausage is high quality. Wait time is a little crazy and seems like it should move faster. Get there early! Customer service was great and they had wonderful suggestions. I got the coconut and chili. It could be a bit spicer but overall great.

    Tee shirts and mugs
    Joseph C.

    We braved the line and after 30 mins we finally had our Puka Dogs! Definitely, Definitely worth it! They're not your cheap, run of the mill hot dogs you'd expect at a beach. Every part of the process, from the worth it wait in line, to placing your order, to moving off to the side to watch it being made is part of a grand story that ends with that first bite. The employees are super friendly and willing to help you make up your mind. It has the look and feel of an indoor street vendor with a beach front ambiance. I definitely recommend the fresh lemonade. I got half the sugar and it was plenty sweet. Lots of seating across the street in the picnic pavilions. Most everyone sitting there was eat a Puka Dog.

    Front
    Lindsay C.

    I remember eating a puka dog 10+ years ago as a kid at their previous location and not to be dramatic but it changed my life. The tropical relish and mustard combination is something you can't find anywhere else. I was so excited to come here again at their new location, but it wasn't quite the same. I waited 1.5 hours in line in the hot sun. I wish they had an option to order ahead because that was not a pleasant experience. The hot dog was still good, don't get me wrong, but I'm just not sure if it's worth that wait. The lemonade is fresh squeezed and the buns are fresh and toasted. There is no seating inside, which is fine because you can eat your food on the beach.

    Jenna G.

    Wow! So good. One of my favorite bites on Kauai. Such interesting combination and flavors, delicious lemonade and helpful staff. Worth the wait

    Puka dog
    CJ K.

    Overhyped, overpriced, and lowkey not worth the wait in line. Heard soo much about this place that I had to check it out. But for $13 it wasnt worth the price. I will give it credit for the bread that had some char on the inside which added to the flavor of the polish dog, but the polish dog itself seemed to be equivalent to Costco's polish dog. The sauces I will say were unique and tasted pretty good but I it needed more. The sauce was only at the bottom and at the very top. It left the middle hot dog and bun with much to be desired. I personally wouldnt come back, but it was worth it to experience and taste it once. Oh and the lemonade was solid with 50% sugar. It was a nice refresher after going hiking.

    Romuel Dave C.

    You've probably seen this place on the Food Network... and ever since then, been wanting to come. Oh that's me! The first time I came to this place the line wrapped around the building at 12pm. So my first bit of advice is to avoid peak hours. Second, there are 2 lines essentially. Left side is shaved ice and alcohol, right side is Puka Dogs and Lemonade. Shop is small, and the reason its line stretches outside, and that people have to wait outside while the line inside dissipates. They currently have a deal, where you buy a Puka Dog, a Lemonade, and a shirt... and if you wear the shirt anytime you come in, you get a free lemonade with your hotdog! Killer Deal! The Mango Habanero relish was good... hardly hot... but probably too much if you can't take any heat. The Lilikoi mustard is a must. We will always be back when we're on the southside of the island visiting Poipu!

    One of our puka dogs
    Sunny M.

    Always a long wait at this place but can't blame them, it's a pretty hot spot. Foods good and you should definitely try it, it's a unique experience. I would 5 star it but the lady at the door was not very pleasant to us or anybody else.

    Pukas on the beach

    See all

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz J.
    212
    1032
    364

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of YJ L.
    408
    321
    1077

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    30 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rachel K.
    177
    28
    19

    15 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenn N.
    841
    1028
    1588

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Satnam B.
    133
    608
    358

    20 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ashton J.
    68
    133
    156

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeremy V.
    94
    26
    19

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Bob L.
    2
    70
    19

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 85

    Ask the Community - Puka Dog

    What is the most popular relish option?

    Mango Relish (Kauai Special). But they're all good really.

    Do they have the mustard and sauces for sale?

    Yes

    Is there a hike near puka dog?

    The beach is right across the street with access to small trails with coastal views.

    Q for the restaurant - are the veggie dogs + bun vegan?

    Yes, they are! We just ate there last week. The garlic sauce isn't but the relishes are as well.

    Are the polish dogs all Pork or it has beef?

    Pork

    Are pets allowed?

    Must you have yours with you at literally every moment? To answer your question, no, they aren't allowed inside the deli.

    Are the buns vegan?

    Not sure if completely vegan; however the buns do not contain dairy or eggs.

    Are there any GLuten free options?

    Well, you could have the 'dog' without the bun. That's really the only food they serve.

    View All 9 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hot Dogs 614 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Porkys Kauai

    Porkys Kauai

    4.6
    (224 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Ok I'm not going to lie, I underestimated how much I was gonna love this sandwich…read more This is essentially a kalua pulled pork grilled cheese with pineapple. It is so good, yall. SO GOOD. I put the spicy bbq sauce on it and loved every single bite. The Mac salad is so good too. Some of the best I had on island. They're in a shopping center in the center of Koloa, so just park anywhere in Koloa and walk on over. They have casual covered seating in front. You order at the counter and they bring your food to you. It's a great casual option that is so delicious. Definitely will be coming back here!

    Quick service is the feature of this location. They serve fast local food at an old town area…read moreshopping mall. It is a great location to explore with two floors of shops. Parking can be street side or there is a larger lot in the back. The nice thing about ordering is that there is a full-size menu, kids menu and half portion menu (no worries about leftovers). We split a number 4 and all the drinks are canned or bottles. There are a few indoor seating spots that open to the open air covered seating. Chickens will wander in to beg of course. Good was nice with pork and pineapple. They will ask if you want sweet (very sweet) sauce or sweet and spicy. I notice if you pause they will always offer both, we received both. Our side was the onion and cucumber and it came with rice. Fresh made food and was great. This was perfect, as we were in a hurry and on the go. Restrooms are shared with the shops a few doors away. Good place for a quick local bite. Great local food.

    Photos
    Porkys Kauai
    Number Three (toasted cheese, kalua pork, pineapple sandwich w/ grilled onions and sweet & spicy sauce on the side)
    Number Three (toasted cheese, kalua pork, pineapple sandwich w/ grilled onions and sweet & spicy sauce on the side)
    Porkys Kauai

    See all

    Wailua Drive In

    Wailua Drive In

    4.2
    (843 reviews)
    15.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    Wailua Drive In is a popular Hawaiian restaurant in Kapa'a, Hawaii, known for its fresh, local…read morecomfort food like plate lunches, burgers, and katsu. Popular menu items include ahi katsu 10/10, chili pepper chicken 9/10, and Hawaii's own- loco moco (not a huge fan in general). They offer a variety of other options, including poke, ramen, and sandwiches, with convenient takeout and delivery available. It's definitely a local favorite due to its generous portions, authentic Hawaiian cuisine and friendly service. We ordered the fried chicken and poke combo with wonton chips and the ahi katsu (my absolute fav). The ahi was fried to perfection- crispy on the outside while rare and tender on the inside. The sauce on the katsu was absolutely fire!!! So good! Macaroni salad was creamy and delicious. And the rice was perfect. Obviously, you cannot visit Hawaii without having some of their poke- always fresh and delightfully tasty. The marinade was savory and packed with flavor.

    First time to Kaua'i and I'm looking for some local eats. From the reviews I've read, this seems to…read morebe a popular place. GETTING THERE: It was extremely easy to find. Its right off a main road and you cannot miss it. Parking lot was a bit small, but there was plenty of parking. AMBIANCE: When I went there was plenty of seating. A bit dead, but I also did go pretty early. There were a bunch of decor of older American pop culture like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, etc. But also Hawaiian themed decor (obviously). SERVICE: You gotta walk up to the front to order. I was approached almost immediately as soon as I walked up to the menu on the screen. The girl working was super friendly and welcoming. I made my order and she gave me a pager for when my food was ready. FOOD: I ordered the chili pepper chicken, which was recommended from the girl at the counter. My friend ordered the ahi katsu. The chili pepper chicken was good! It was crispy and extremely flavorful. It was slightly too salty for my taste, but luckily the rice does help balance it out. Some of the crispness was sacrificed for the sauce, but it was overall still pretty crispy. I loved that they used boneless chicken thigh. I was expecting bones or lots of breading but it actually had a perfect ratio. I wasn't much a fan of the mac salad. It was like a mix of mac and potato salad, but more like a potato salad. I'm not big on potato salad, so that makes sense. My friend's ahi katsu was alright in my opinion. The sauce that's on it was good and enjoyed all the flavors. The tuna was just a bit overcooked to my liking, but idk how else one would make a katsu without overlooking it too much. Maybe bread the fish and freeze it before frying? Idk man, I'm not a chef lol but the tuna would definitely be better if it was less cooked. OVERALL: Honestly, I would still come here again. I still enjoyed the meal and the service was pretty quick. Both items were both worth trying. All the flavors were there and the little things I didn't like were just personal preferences. Its a great place to pick up a lunch plate and enjoy it at the beach.

    Photos
    Inside seating area
    Inside seating area
    Lau lau plate - delish!
    Lau lau plate - delish!
    Ahi Katsu

    See all

    Ahi Katsu
    Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace

    Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace

    3.9
    (277 reviews)
    14.8 mi
    $$

    I only tried the loaded fries because I was still hungry after dinner at another place lol. I'm…read moreglad I ordered it. The fries were hot and crispy with excellent sauce. The pork was soft and tender. It was very juicy and very delicious also. I dipped it in the provided bbq sauce and it took it to another level. Service was fast. The place had plenty of outdoor seating also. I'll gladly come back and try their other bbq offerings.

    Stopped in here last minute on the way up to the North Shore to get dinner. Located at the coconut…read moremarketplace we found chicken and a barrel. Open air seating but covered they have beer on tap self serve for those who like that. They have TVs for your viewing pleasure of sports of course. Very clean for the most part. We did have to wipe up a little wet something on our table, though. The other reason we stopped in here is because they do have gluten-free options. Gentlemen who greeted and took our order us was pleasant. You order your food give, your name and have a seat anywhere. He gave us cups so we could go get our own drinks. I ordered TWO TACOS at $17.00 with shredded chicken wrapped in corn tortillas with coleslaw, cheese, cilantro sauce and pico de gallo. With fountain sweet peak green tea which in itself was new to me. But it was pretty refreshing. The tacos were fulfilling, even though there was only two of them, moist and tasty. My hubby ordered the chicken in A barrel plate at $20 with 1/4 piece (leg quarter) of the signature smoked chicken all plates are served with brown rice and homemade chill & are gluten/dairy free. The chicken was super moist and flavorful. Brown rice was seasoned well. The chili however, was bland. If they don't know how to do nothing else they definitely know how to smoke some chicken. That was the star of the shell although my tacos were pretty tasty as I said. He had a fountain Sprite. Free refills. I didn't get pictures of the large selection of self serve beer on tap because that's not my jam but no, that is there.

    Photos
    Ordering station, our use the big QR code posted on the outside.
    Ordering station, our use the big QR code posted on the outside.
    Sampler
    Sampler
    Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace

    See all

    Puka Dog - hotdog - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...