Poi Dog Deli
Poi Dog Deli: Award-winning gourmet sandwiches in a fun, dog-themed deli with a heart for rescue animals. A unique dining experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Poi Dog Deli
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Poi Dog Deli: Award-winning gourmet sandwiches in a fun, dog-themed deli with a heart for rescue animals. A unique dining experience!
"This is a really unique, "dog themed" sandwich shop that has won the award for Big Island's best sandwich for the past 6 years in a row!"
Happy Hour Deals
Visit daily from 3-5 pm for happy hour specials on drinks, including craft beers and hard ciders.
Try Kitchen Sink Specials
Explore the ever-changing kitchen sink specials for unique and new flavor experiences.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sandwich Shop
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Gourmet Sandwiches
Taste award-winning gourmet sandwiches made with quality ingredients, like the Hot Tuna or Ranch House Reuben. A true culinary delight!
Unique Dog-Themed Ambiance
Enjoy a cool, dog-themed atmosphere with unique decor and Louisiana-inspired details, creating a memorable dining experience.
Community & Rescue Dog Advocacy
Support a community-focused deli that advocates for rescue dogs, partnering with local shelters and using dog photos as table markers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Visit daily from 3-5 pm for happy hour specials on drinks, including craft beers and hard ciders.
Try Kitchen Sink Specials
Explore the ever-changing kitchen sink specials for unique and new flavor experiences.
Order Online for Convenience
Order online for quick pickup, perfect for a beach day or a fast, delicious meal.
Look for Discounted Gift Cards
Save on your next visit by purchasing discounted gift cards from Costco.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Visit daily from 3-5 pm for happy hour specials on drinks, including craft beers and hard ciders.
Try Kitchen Sink Specials
Explore the ever-changing kitchen sink specials for unique and new flavor experiences.
Order Online for Convenience
Order online for quick pickup, perfect for a beach day or a fast, delicious meal.
Look for Discounted Gift Cards
Save on your next visit by purchasing discounted gift cards from Costco.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Poi Dog Deli is celebrated for its phenomenal sandwiches, unique dog-themed decor, and exceptionally friendly staff. Diners rave about the quality ingredients and creative combinations, though some find the portion sizes small for the price, leading to concerns about value. The deli's commitment to supporting rescue dogs adds a heartwarming dimension to the dining experience.
"This is a really unique, "dog themed" sandwich shop that has won the award for Big Island's best sandwich for the past 6 years in a row! The owners' love for dogs goes beyond the decor. They actually partner with local animal shelters to help find owners for homeless dogs. Instead of taking your name when you order, they give you a flag with the picture and name of an adorable shelter dog. And this is how your server finds you at your table! The vibes here are really positive with great music and happy, smiling employees.
I ordered my go-to comfort food, the Hot Tuna Sandwich. They gave me a paper bag filled with popcorn to munch while I was waiting, and there's even a self-serve "buffet" of popcorn toppings to choose from! The sandwich was crisp and gourmet with some relish mixed into the tuna that definitely took it up a notch. The hearty slice of fresh tomato on this melt was what really made me say "yum!" And their home made dill pickle was so good that it "tickled my pickle!" The only thing I didn't like was the price. At over $18 for just a sandwich (no drink, no side), it broke da mouth and da bank!"
Michelle Porter
"There was five of us (one was a child who does not eat sandwiches so we did not even spend any money on her). It was $85 for two half sandwichs, one full sandwich, and 5 drinks. We paid $2 for an upgrade to pineapple. It looked like it was for a child or for pineapple on a pizza. It was cubed small and a tiny portion. Not worth $2. It was maybe one slice off the pineapple.
I ordered the caprese sandwich. When I ordered the lady smirked and slightly laughed when I asked for no avocado. She has absolutely zero idea why I can't have avocado and yet felt the need to express how the customization to MY sandwich was wrong. But that wasn't the worst part. It was the worst sandwich I've ever had. And I don't say that lightly. It was two slices of bread. Two slices of tomato. Two slices of mozzarella. And I think they showed the balsamic to it. It was the driest sandwich I've ever had. There as maybe a drop of balsamic on it. Oh, and I didn't even get a pickle spear......
Also how the heck is popcorn a side for a sandwich? Having chips with a sandwich shouldn't be an upgrade I have to pay for.
Absolutely the worst $85 spent. Will not be back and do not recommend."
Nicole Gerritsen
"Sandwiches were phenomenal. Got the Turkey BLT and the Curry Chicken Salad sandwiches. Snacked on fresh popcorn while we waited for our food. Staff was very sweet."
Owen Yancher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Poi Dog Deli is known for its award-winning gourmet sandwiches, unique dog-themed decor, and its strong advocacy for local rescue dogs.
Yes, happy hour runs daily from 3-5 pm, offering great deals on drinks.
Yes, online ordering is available for quick pickup, which is convenient for beach trips.
Yes, vegan options are available. You can ask the staff for more details.
Yes, Poi Dog Deli is dog-friendly, and they even use photos of adoptable rescue dogs as table markers.
The Ranch House Reuben and the Hot Tuna are frequently mentioned as delicious favorites.
Poi Dog Deli hosts open mic nights every second Saturday of the month and other live music performances.
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Restaurants in Kailua-Kona
With vintage memorabilia and a bluesy soundtrack as a background, this cool deli in a tiny strip mall has a lot more to offer than the average sandwich shop. Yes, there are gourmet sandwiches, salads, and wraps, but Poi Dog's wide-ranging menu extends to an impressive list of wines, craft beers, ales, and pilsners from all over the world. On the lighter side, they have a great mix of hard ciders as well.
Where to Find the Best Lunch in Kona
A short detour off the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway (Hwy. 19), this friendly deli in a small shopping strip provides popcorn to snack on while you wait for its large, luscious hot and cold sandwiches. There’s a dizzying bevy of beverages, including locally made kombucha and craft beer, to choose from too; 12-ounce beers, hard ciders and seltzers are $3 during happy hour 3 to 5pm.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Holualoa, HI
Poi Dog Deli is a community-focused eatery in Kailua-Kona, HI. Your leashed four-legged family member is welcome to join you at a pet-friendly indoor or outdoor table for a bite. While they don't have a full dog menu, Fido may get to enjoy a slice of bacon upon request. Their menu features hot and cold sandwiches, fresh salads, and desserts.
Best Restaurants & Places to Eat in Kona
When you’ve been eating out a lot on vacay and just want a quick bite that feels fresh and healthy Poi Dog Deli is a good spot to grab a salad, sandwich, or half of each. We like to try their kitchen sink specials (which change often). However, the Turkey Orbit sandwich is truly delicious!
Live Music in Kona Hawaii
This little sandwich and craft beer spot hosts regular open mic nights every second Saturday of the month from 4 - 6 pm. They also host other special live music performances on occasion. Check their website for the latest information!
Best Restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii
Poi Dog Deli is great to snag for when you are headed to work on your vitamin D intake aka go to the beach. Order online and pick-up it on your way to the beach. Favorites are the Farmer Tag’s Loaded Veggie and the Turkey BLT.
Top 5 Pet-Friendly Restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii
It’s a crime that not every business that has the word “dog” in it is dog-friendly. But Poi Dog Deli won’t disappoint you in this manner. Poi Dog Deli is locally owned and operated by a family that loves traveling.
Places to Eat & Drink in Kona
If you’re craving a sandwich, Poi Dog (menu) offers terrific options, for eat-in or pickup. With each sandwich, you get a bag of fresh popped popcorn. Discounted gift cards available at Costco.
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