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Duke's Waikiki: A Legendary Restaurant

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Legendary Duke Kahanamoku
Experiencing the Atmosphere at Duke's
Duke's Barefoot Bar
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner at Dukes Waikiki

Most Common Questions

Mai tais in tiki glasses, live Hawaiian music, and golden sunsets at Dukes Waikiki, are just the start of a memorable experience once you find yourself seated at this iconic oceanfront Waikiki restaurant with its popular Barefoot Bar.

Taking center stage along Waikiki Beach, Duke's is celebrated for its nostalgic surfer charm, stunning action-packed oceanfront location, and island-inspired Hawaiian cuisine, Duke's Waikiki is indeed a beachside destination that helps define the charm of Oahu.

The Legendary Duke Kahanamoku

Duke Kahanamoku Statue

Duke's Waikiki carries a rich history in the island of Oahu. It is named after the legendary Hawaiian surf pro, Duke Kahanamoku (The Duke), the father of modern day surfing who went on to win multiple Olympic gold and silver medals in swimming.

Opening its doors in 1991, it swiftly became a cultural cornerstone nurtured by the spirit of aloha. Paying homage to "The Duke," the restaurant celebrates his legacy of hospitality and love for water sports, ensuring his vibrant persona remains, echoing through its sandy-floored halls.

Experiencing the Atmosphere at Duke's

Dukes Waikiki Atmosphere on the outside patio.

Centrally located along beautiful sun-kissed Waikiki Beach, Dukes Waikiki captures your attention with its tropical and vibrant atmosphere. You have a choice of sitting in their covered yet open-air dining area, paneled with stunning koa wood and hanging surfboards interspersed between vintage surfing photos.

Or sit outside on the patio and enjoy the swaying palm trees, the rhythm of the ocean waves mere steps from your table. Dining al fresco on the patio is my personal preference. Here, dining is more than just a meal - it is an opportunity to bask in the stunning vista of the Pacific's blue expanse, soaking in sunsets where the Waikiki Beach Boys call home.

Duke's Barefoot Bar

Dukes Waikiki Barefoot Bar

The Barefoot Bar is one of the most popular bars in Waikiki. Its a friendly spot where you enjoy a tropical drink, hangout with some friends and most likely, meet some new ones. I love that you can walk right off the beach into their surfer, tiki-inspired bar scene. If you can't wait for a table, consider a seat at the bar to enjoy the company of locals and tourists alike.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner at Dukes Waikiki

Duke's Waikiki is just not the place to hangout on the strip, but a spot where you can get great food too.

Lunch - The restaurant serves up some temptingly delicious foods like Korean Steak Street Tacos, a Mango BBQ Bacon Burger, and the popular Coconut Shrimp. They also recently started serving a buffet lunch, so come hungry and enjoy! $$

Dinner - When the tiki torches are fired up, so are some dinner entrees including 'Duke's Favorite' Roasted Chicken, Huli Huli Chicken, Prime Rib, and a Macadamia Nut Herb-Crusted Fresh Fish. Consider starting with Poke Tacos or Crab Wontons as a way to whet your appetite. $$$

Vegetarian & Vegan Menu - While there are options available, they really have a limited selection to choose from.

Breakfast - If you would like to start off the day at Dukes, they feature an impressive and reasonably priced breakfast buffet loaded with Eggs Benedict, Banana Pancakes, Hawaiian Portuguese Sausage & Bacon, Fresh Tropical Fruit, and Made to Order Omelets. $$

The Notoriously Delicious Hula Pie

Whether it's breakfast ,lunch or dinner, make sure you save room for their famous and must-have Hula Pie for dessert.

Dukes Waikiki Hula Pie

Insider's Tip: No trip to Dukes is complete without trying their legendary Hula Pie. It's one of my personal favorites! This frozen Kimo's Original Hula Pie is a dream for dessert lovers: A chocolate cookie crust piled high with macadamia nut ice cream, crowned with hot chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and more macadamia nuts. It's unforgettable!

Signature Mai Tai Drinks

A trip to Duke's would be incomplete without ordering their world-famous tropical drinks - particularly, the signature Mai Tai. It is an irresistible concoction of local dark and light rum, fresh lime juice, and island fruit juices. It's more than just a drink - it's a refreshing sip of the island's soul -- especially since it is served in a tiki glass that starts to look like an island god smiling at you as you order another one, and another...:-)

Many consider their first taste of Duke's Mai Tai as a rite of passage when setting foot on Oahu's sands. They also serve a Vintage '44 Mai Tai that has a little spin on the original classic drink.

Sunsets and Live Music at Duke's

Dukes Waikiki Live Music on the outdoor patio.

Anytime at Duke's Waikiki is a grand time, but I love the atmosphere most in the late afternoons with a front row seat to the magical golden Hawaiian sunsets. Once the tiki torches are lit and the live band starts to play, you can just relax and sink into your vacation...mai tai in hand.

Dukes Waikiki Location & Hours

Duke's is located in the back of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel along the Kalakaua Avenue Strip, or you can enter from beachside in between the Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider Hotel.

Location - 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Waikiki / Phone (808) 922-2268
Open Daily - 7 AM to 12 AM
Live Music - 4 PM to 6 PM & 7 PM to Midnight
Learn More at Dukes Waikiki Site

Most Common Questions

Does Duke's Have a Happy Hour?

Unfortunately Duke's does not promote a happy hour, but their live music, beach front atmosphere, delicious food and drinks help make up for it.

Is Dukes Waikiki Kid Friendly?

Duke's is family friendly with kids in tow. Whether you decide to sit indoors or get some sunshine on the patio next to the beach, kids love Duke's too! They even feature a Keiki (Kid) Menu with cheeseburgers, fried chicken, grilled cheese sandwich, and more.

Does Duke's Waikiki take Reservations?

They actually do take reservations, but not for the same day. It is wise to call ahead before dropping in to get an idea of the wait time, which generally can be 45 minutes to an hour. There have been times where I've been able to get a table with very little wait time... or just enough time to order a mai tai at the Barefoot Bar before getting seated.

Is There a Dress Code?

Duke's is a casual setting with no real dress code. You can easily walk in from the beach with a shirt and shorts or a dress "cover-up" over your swimsuit. This is an inviting environment where you can sport your aloha wear and shades to enjoy the beach atmosphere.