Duke's Waikiki

Duke's Waikiki is one of the most recognizable and consistently enjoyable beachfront restaurants on Oahu, named in honor of Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian waterman, Olympic gold medal swimmer, and the figure credited with spreading the sport of surfing to the world. Located on the ground floor of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort directly on Waikiki Beach, the restaurant occupies one of the most valuable real estate positions in Hawaiian dining, with tables that look directly onto the beach, the breaking surf, and the profile of Diamond Head rising to the east. The atmosphere is festive and relaxed — a celebration of Hawaiian beach culture, the spirit of aloha, and the legacy of the man whose image and memorabilia fill the walls. The menu centers on fresh Hawaiian seafood, with fish tacos, coconut shrimp, local catch preparations, and the famous Hula Pie dessert — a monumental construction of macadamia nut ice cream in a chocolate cookie crust, topped with hot fudge and whipped cream — serving as the dish most visitors make the journey specifically to order. Live Hawaiian music plays throughout the restaurant and adjacent Barefoot Bar on evenings and weekends, creating an atmosphere that captures the spirit of old Waikiki without being manufactured or theme-park-like. The outdoor Barefoot Bar is a beloved gathering point for watching the sunset over the Pacific while nursing a mai tai or fresh fruit cocktail. Service is warm and reflects the Hawaiian hospitality tradition. Duke's appeals to families, couples, solo travelers, and groups across a broad age range, functioning both as a proper sit-down restaurant and as a bar with excellent people-watching. The restaurant is located within Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, accessible on foot from most Waikiki hotels.