Duke's Waikiki — Restaurant in Honolulu

TLDR: Lunch was great, but go early for a good view and get the seafood, land food wasn't as good (though still not too bad).

Went for lunch here with my husband during our honeymoon in Waikiki after he found Duke's on a list of must try places while in Oahu. We looked at the menu for dinner and the one for lunch and decided lunch suited us best and worked better with our schedule, so I made an online reservation on open table a few days before for 11:15am, right when they open for lunch. This turned out to be a boon since we got seated in the first patio table with a great view of the trees and water right from our table! We were then promptly greeted by our server, which terribly sorry but I am the worst at remembering names so for what I do remember- he was a very kind, energetic blonde from Pennsylvania, and he told that we could order from the menu or do the lunch buffet and that we could go check out the buffet before we decide. We went over there and poked around a bit and while it looked good, we ultimately decided to just order some stuff from the al la carte menu.

For drinks, my husband got their signature mai tai and I got a lychee-hoo martini, both were quite good, though we both preferred the mai tai, and the mai tai came in a cute little tiki glass cup which was a nice touch. Oh and the pineapple on the drinks was also very tasty and perfectly ripe!

For an appetizer, we got the coconut shrimp and let me tell you, as someone who does not really go out of her way to get seafood and could take it or leave it with coconut (this app was clearly my husbands pick lol), I actually really enjoyed these shrimp! We both agreed that the shrimp were cooked well and that the coconut breading on the outside was not overly sweet, like is common in a lot of the coconut shrimp we have had on the mainland. My only critique here for the restaurant is to also serve it with a creamy sauce instead of just the chili water, I know, I know it is very Hawaiian to have the chili water, but I like my shrimp dishes to be more creamy over zesty (though as a needed caveat here, my husband disagrees with me and loved the chili water lol).

Now, for the main course, I got the crispy chicken BLT +avocado (see once again my note on me not loving seafood too much), while my husband got the fish and chips, and what a mistake I made! I tried a little of his fish and chips and got instantly jealous because while my chicken BLT was not bad, it was nothing compared to the fish and chips! So, if you are coming here for anything but the seafood, I feel like I have to tell you that that is a rookie mistake and to learn from my regrets lol.

So, overall, amazing atmosphere, great service, good drinks, and super fresh and...

Duke’s Waikiki: A Culinary Paradise in the Heart of Hawaii

Nestled on the sands of Waikiki Beach, Duke’s Waikiki offers an iconic dining experience that perfectly captures the spirit of Hawaii. With its breathtaking ocean views, lively atmosphere, and a menu brimming with island flavors, Duke’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Hawaii special.

Drinks:

We kicked off our evening with Duke’s famous Mai Tai, a drink that truly lives up to its reputation. This cocktail was expertly crafted, blending fresh tropical juices with just the right amount of rum, and topped with a dark rum float that added depth and character. Sipping on this Mai Tai as we gazed out over the ocean was pure bliss, setting the perfect tone for the meal to come.

Appetizers:

The culinary adventure began with the Sticky Ribs, a dish that immediately captivated our taste buds. These ribs were tender, with the meat practically falling off the bone, and glazed in a sweet and savory sauce that was perfectly balanced. The hint of spice in the glaze added a wonderful kick without overpowering the dish. Each bite was a testament to the kitchen’s skill in elevating a classic dish with island-inspired flavors.

Main Course:

For the main event, we couldn’t resist the Huli Huli Chicken, a Hawaiian staple that Duke’s has perfected. The chicken was juicy and full of flavor, marinated in a rich blend of soy, ginger, and pineapple, then grilled to perfection. The smoky char from the grill paired beautifully with the sweet and tangy marinade, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic. The accompanying sides, including a generous serving of coconut rice and seasonal vegetables, complemented the chicken perfectly, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Overall Experience:

Dining at Duke’s Waikiki is more than just enjoying a meal—it’s an experience that engages all the senses. The open-air dining room, with its panoramic views of Waikiki Beach, provides a setting that’s as unforgettable as the food itself. The service was warm and attentive, with a staff that truly embodied the aloha spirit, ensuring that every moment of our visit was memorable.

From the top-notch Mai Tai to the flavorful Sticky Ribs and Huli Huli Chicken, Duke’s Waikiki delivers an exceptional culinary journey that stays true to the flavors of Hawaii. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, dining at Duke’s is an experience that should be on everyone’s Waikiki bucket list. We left feeling not only satisfied but deeply connected to the island’s rich culinary traditions. Duke’s is a true gem in Waikiki, offering a taste of paradise that we can’t wait...

We came across this restaurant after it being highly recommended online as well as from friends. This restaurant is located in the Outrigger hotel on Waikiki beach. We came here twice for dinner and once for breakfast during our vacation. They take reservations on open table, which is highly recommended. Otherwise there is an open seating section by the bar, as well as a full service bar top that you can sit at as well. If you do find yourself waiting for a table, there are some seating at the entrance and a server actually goes around and gets you pre dinner drinks there if you wish too. During the day, you can see the beach, as this is an open air restaurant. At night, you can really only see the pool. They do have live music at night. Breakfast is a buffet. They have a small order station where you can order an omelet. They have all the other typical breakfast fixins. They had banana pancakes and macadamia nut muffins as a unique offering. It was $23/person. They have fresh squeezed juice as an extra option. It was just okay, it did the trick, nothing special. However it is in line with other higher end breakfast places in town. The two times we came for dinner were standouts. The atmosphere is wonderful and the service is spot on. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer. The breading and seasoning was wonderful. However the pieces were very large so it did end up being rubbery and overcooked. We got the fresh catches of the day. They have 3 different preparations(grilled, steamed, and baked). We got the macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, which was great. We also got the monchong baked fish and it was excellent. It was moist, tender, fresh, and flavorful. It was a fish that I have never tried before! They have a wide variety of drinks, at comparable prices to other restaurants. The mai tai and lava flow were the winners. We came back again another night to try other things. This time we tried the salad bar as an upcharge. It was so worth it! Not only did they have so many options to build your own salad, but they had other offerings such as fruit, macaroni salad, potato salad, and other types of sides. I got two plates just from there! The white balsamic dressing was amazing. We also got the prime rib, which was huge and thick, cooked perfectly, and full of flavor. We also got the swordfish fresh catch of the day. It was cooked and flavored well, but had a slightly fishy taste, which didn’t make it seem as fresh, so it wasn’t as good as the last time we came. Be prepared for when your bill comes as this is a beach side Waikiki hotel restaurant, and the prices reflect that. All that being said, the next time we visit, we will be returning here...