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Sweet relish hotdogs (Puka Dog) near Kihei?

Aloha. Any Puka Dog type options near Kihei?

I know the real deal is on Kauai and Ohau.

Mahalo

If you’re staying in or near Kihei and craving something similar to a Puka Dog—specifically the sweet relishes, tropical sauces, and the “hole-in-the-bun” style Hawaiian hot dog—there unfortunately isn’t a true Puka Dog equivalent on Maui. The original concept exists only on Kauai (Poipu) and Oahu (Waikiki). Maui doesn’t have an official Puka Dog–style stand.

However, there are a few places around Kihei and South Maui where you can get good quality hot dogs, Hawaiian-style toppings, or creative sausages that might satisfy the craving, even if they aren’t exact matches. Here are the closest options:

  • South Maui Fish Co. (food truck in Kihei) – While known for fish tacos and poke, they occasionally run specials with Hawaiian-style sausage options. Not Puka-style, but fresh, flavorful, and very local.
  • Ululani’s Shave Ice + Local BBQ Stands (various Kihei spots) – Some nearby food truck courts have vendors that serve Hawaiian sausages with tropical toppings. Not consistent, but worth checking depending on the day and rotation.
    • li>Kihei Food Truck Court (Across from Kam Beach I) – Vendors rotate, and at times there are hot dog or sausage vendors offering pineapple, mango, or guava-style condiments. Not the classic Puka bun, but tropical flavors.
  • Costco Maui (Kahului) – Not exciting, but they sometimes carry Hawaiian sweet rolls or pineapple sausages if you want to build your own DIY “Puka Dog” back at your condo.

If you're open to ideas beyond Kihei, Maui does have some additional spots with gourmet or unique sausage options that lean toward island flavors:

  • Farmers markets (Maui Swap Meet, Upcountry markets) – These often have local vendors selling pineapple or mango relish, lilikoʻi mustard, or guava BBQ sauce that can get you close to the Puka Dog flavor experience.
  • Upcountry “Cowboy” BBQ & food stands (Makawao, Kula) – Not tropical relishes, but great Hawaiian-style sausages and unique toppings.
  • Foodland or Safeway deli sections – They stock Maui-made sausages and island-style relishes, perfect for making a customized version if you have a grill where you're staying.

In short: there is no official Puka Dog–style shop near Kihei, but you can find tropical sausage toppings, creative hot dogs, and similar flavors at food truck pods or by building your own version with local condiments. If you’re really craving the original experience, the closest true locations remain Kauai (Poipu) and Oahu (Waikiki).

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