Surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku grew up here, and you can dine amid his memorabilia at this kitschy Waikiki classic. Pair one of the restaurant’s signature mai tais with a pupu (appetizer) like ahi poke or panko-fried calamari. Move on to dishes such as Korean-style steak tacos or a fish sandwich on Hawaiian sweet bread. Leave room for the Hula Pie: macadamia nut ice cream heaped atop a chocolate-cookie crust! Duke’s Waikiki remains one of the best venues in Oahu for traditional music, especially on Sundays. The eatery also is typically involved in springtime’s Waikiki Spam Jam—a celebration of the state’s favorite canned meat—and, in the summer, Duke’s OceanFest, which honors the sports dear to its namesake waterman.
More Recommendations
Duke's Waikiki
Surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku grew up here, and you can dine amid his memorabilia at this kitschy Waikiki classic. Pair one of the restaurant’s signature mai tais with a pupu (appetizer) like ahi poke or panko-fried calamari. Move on to dishes such as Korean-style steak tacos or a fish sandwich on Hawaiian sweet bread. Leave room for the Hula Pie: macadamia nut ice cream heaped atop a chocolate-cookie crust! Duke’s Waikiki remains one of the best venues in Oahu for traditional music, especially on Sundays. The eatery also is typically involved in springtime’s Waikiki Spam Jam—a celebration of the state’s favorite canned meat—and, in the summer, Duke’s OceanFest, which honors the sports dear to its namesake waterman.
OceanFest for the Duke
Duke Halapu Kahanamoku remains one of the most iconic figures from Hawaiian history. He is credited with spreading the sport of surfing and represented Hawaii as a five-time Olympic athlete who even took home the gold medal in swimming. Duke’s Canoe Club and Barefoot Beach Bar is named for him, and a memorial statue covered in leis prominently stands on Waikiki Beach. The Outrigger Hotels sponsor Duke’s OceanFest every year. The event celebrates all sorts of water sports that the Duke loved.
Duke's Waikiki
Surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku grew up here—and also caught his epic, still-unrivalled ride lasting more than a mile offshore, atop a 114-pound redwood board. Immerse in his memorabilia at this Waikīkī classic on the beach. Pair one of its signature mai tais with “pupus” (appetizers) like ahi poke or panko-fried calamari. Move on to dishes such as Korean-style steak tacos or a fish sandwich on Hawaiian sweet bread. Leave room for hula pie: macadamia nut ice cream heaped atop a chocolate-cookie crust! Duke’s Waikiki remains one of the best venues in O‘ahu for traditional music, especially on Sundays. The restaurant also sponsors spring’s Spam Jam—a celebration of the state’s favorite canned meat (spamjamhawaii.com)—and summer’s OceanFest, honoring the sports dear to its namesake waterman (dukesoceanfest.com).
