On Sunday, June 1, Hey Kiddo transformed its rooftop into a slice of island paradise with a one-night-only takeover in collaboration with Hawaiian sauce brand, Poi Dog. Known for its eclectic vibes and inventive fare, the buzzing Denver rooftop is inviting locals to soak up some tropical flair during an Aloha-themed rooftop bash filled with bold bites, breezy cocktails and a lively DJ set that kept the good vibes rolling.
This aloha-infused event was more than just dinner—it’s a flavorful celebration of Hawaiian culture, community and cuisine. The evening was headlined by Poi Dog founders Kiki Aranita and Ari Miller, who flew in from out of state to personally bring their vibrant sauces and signature spirit to Denver.
“Poi Dog started in 2013 as a food truck and morphed into a restaurant and catering company before we closed food service operations during the pandemic,” Aranita explained. “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—so it has been immensely valuable to now be able to take Poi Dog much farther across the country than I could have ever imagined.”
She added that the Mile High City holds a special place in her heart: “I’ve been to Denver once before and absolutely loved it, in large part due to the connections I made with chefs like Kelly Whitaker. I think Denver has a comparable, tight and chef-driven food scene like that of Poi Dog’s original home (and my adopted home), Philadelphia.”
Dishes like sizzling Huli Huli Chicken, generously drizzled with Poi Dog’s famous Chili Peppah Water—a beloved Hawaiian table staple often found right next to the shoyu were one of the few mouthwatering bites from the night. “We say ‘chili peppah water over everything,’ and ‘everything’ really means everything—rice, meats, mac salad, veggies,” said Aranita.
She emphasizes that the sauce holds deeper cultural significance: “Chili Peppah Water goes on everything. It’s a ubiquitous non-sauce in Hawai‘i. After all, it’s much thinner than a typical hot sauce so we call it ‘water’. 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. It’s one of those things that forces you to look closer at the details, make use of what you have.”
To honor the iconic sauce, every ticket included a Chili Peppah Water welcome shot to kick off the night with a little heat and a lot of heart.
The event was first-come, first-serve and promised a carefree atmosphere reminiscent of a Hawaiian beach gathering—think sunset views, bucket hats, breezy fits and good vibes. Attendees gained access to a night of flavor, fun and festive island flair—without the need to book a flight.
Of course, no Hey Kiddo event would be complete without a touch of creative magic. The team’s signature playful style was on full display, blending Denver edge with coastal charm. Island-inspired cocktails, vibrant décor and a DJ-curated soundtrack delivered to keep the rooftop energy flowing well past sundown.
“I find people who love Hawai‘i or miss it wherever Poi Dog goes,” Aranita says. “And I can’t wait to see who it brings to the table in Denver.”
As spring comes to an end, Hey Kiddo is gearing up for summer with more events like this one that highlight the importance of community, culture and fire food. Stay tuned for more updates from Hey Kiddo on its Instagram.
Hey Kiddo is located at 4337 Tennyson St., #300, Denver. Its hours are Monday closed and 5 – 10 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday
All photography by Harry Paris Field