On Sunday, June 1, Denver’s vibrant rooftop scene took on an island theme as Hey Kiddo hosted a unique Aloha-infused event in collaboration with Hawaiian sauce brand, Poi Dog.
This one-night-only takeover transformed the space into a slice of paradise, inviting locals to indulge in a flavorful celebration filled with innovative dishes, breezy cocktails, and lively music from a DJ.
Headlining the event were Poi Dog founders Kiki Aranita and Ari Miller, who traveled from out of state to bring their signature sauces and the spirit of Hawaiian culture to the Mile High City.
Aranita reminisced about Poi Dog’s journey, explaining that it began in 2013 as a food truck before evolving into a restaurant and catering service, which faced challenges during the pandemic.
“When it was just a food truck, I called it a mobile gathering place for people with connections to my home state of Hawai‘i,” she said.
The event paid homage to the iconic flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, featuring dishes like the sizzling Huli Huli Chicken, which was generously drizzled with Poi Dog’s signature Chili Peppah Water.
Aranita shared the cultural importance of this sauce, stating, “Chili Peppah Water goes on everything. It’s a ubiquitous non-sauce in Hawai‘i.”
Unlike typical hot sauces, it’s thinner in texture, and Aranita described it as a staple at Hawaiian gatherings.
“My uncles make it for backyard get-togethers on site, picking peppers, shaking them up with vinegar, ginger, sugar in, say, an old Tropicana bottle,” she explained.
Each ticket for the event included a welcome shot of Chili Peppah Water, setting the tone for the night with a little heat and a lot of heart.
The ambiance of the event evoked a carefree Hawaiian beach gathering, complete with sunset views, vibrant outfits like bucket hats, and a lively atmosphere.
Attendees were treated to a night filled with delicious flavors and the festive spirit of the islands, all without needing to board a plane.
Hey Kiddo’s signature creative flair was present throughout the event, harmoniously blending Denver’s unique vibe with an inviting coastal charm.
Island-inspired cocktails and vibrant décor added to the lively energy, while a DJ-curated soundtrack ensured that the good times rolled on well past sundown.
“I find people who love Hawai‘i or miss it wherever Poi Dog goes,” Aranita noted, eagerly anticipating the connections that would bloom during the evening in Denver.
As the end of spring approaches, Hey Kiddo is preparing for a summer filled with similar community-driven events celebrating culture and culinary creativity.
For more updates and information, you can follow Hey Kiddo on their Instagram.
Hey Kiddo is located at 4337 Tennyson St., #300, Denver, and is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, closing Monday.
All photography for the event was captured by Harry Paris Field.
image source from：https://303magazine.com/2025/06/hey-kiddo-hosts-hawaiian-rooftop-party-with-poi-dog/
