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Duke's WaikikiB+Worth Trying

Name: Duke's Waikiki
Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, Honolulu, United States
Rating: 4.4

2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815 · Seafood restaurant, Bar, Bar & grill · 4.4/5 Google (18718 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Iconic Waikiki beachfront spot with crowd-pleasing island fare, sunset views, and lively vibes; expect waits, premium pricing, and occasional service inconsistencies.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Duke's Waikiki delivers reliable island dining with outstanding oceanfront views and sunset atmosphere that justify its iconic Waikiki status. Fresh seafood and crowd-pleasing island fare satisfy most diners, though occasional quality dips and service lags during peak hours prevent higher performance. The combination of generous portions, live music, and beachfront setting makes it a worthwhile destination experience despite premium pricing and crowded conditions.

Restaurant Summary

Set steps from the sand, Duke’s feels warm and bustling from the moment you hear the live music and catch that first ocean breeze. Guests rave about sunset views and easygoing energy, with servers who often add genuine aloha. One diner summed it up: "The beach, the band, and our friendly server made dinner feel like a mini vacation." Expect lines and a packed scene at peak times. The cooking leans island comfort with polish—think poke tacos, mac-nut touches, and steaks—more classic than cutting-edge, but reliably satisfying. Highlights include juicy huli huli chicken, fresh fish, and the famous Hula Pie for sharing. Pricing runs high for Waikiki, yet most feel the view and portions justify it. Buffets at breakfast and lunch add value and variety, though a few found them average on busy days. Families do well here: burgers, chicken, simple grilled fish, and big desserts keep kids happy. Deck seating and the buffet make it easy, though waits and lively noise can challenge little ones at peak. There is no detailed kids menu in the provided data, but menu basics and buffet options cover most tastes.

At a Glance

Front-row ocean views with live music and sunset atmosphere
Crowd-pleasing island fare with generous portions and iconic Hula Pie
Peak-hour waits (45–120 minutes) and occasional rushed service
Menu differences by area/time can cause confusion
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

direct_beachfront_location
iconic_hula_pie_dessert
live_music_with_sunset

What People Love

That instant beachy vibe and live music energy
Fresh fish and island classics done right
Servers who guide choices with honesty
Sharing a towering Hula Pie at the end

Points of Concern

Long waits and crowded bar area during peak; reservations strongly advised
Service inconsistency: some tables report slow check-backs or rushed pacing
Menu segmentation by deck/bar vs dining room causes different selections
Pricing is genuinely expensive ($31+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$62-85 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Poke Tacos and a shared app to enjoy variety without over-ordering
Pick one Island Special (Braised Seafood or Baked Duke’s Fish) and one classic steak to split
End with one Hula Pie for the table

Perfect For

Sunset date with ocean views
Group vacation dinners near the hotel
First-time visitors seeking the Waikiki experience
Families wanting variety and shareable desserts

Location Insights

Area: Tourist-centric beachfront strip with resorts, shops, and nightlife; heavy foot traffic and sunset seekers.

Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled resort zone with strong lighting and crowds into evening.

Nearby: Inside/adjacent to Outrigger Waikiki; steps from Waikiki Beach, surf spots, and Kalākaua retail corridor.

WaikikiWaikiki offers a diverse dining environment ranging from casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is energetic and tourist-friendly, with many venues emphasizing Hawaiian cuisine, seafood, and fusion dishes, often with ocean views and a relaxed yet lively vibe.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday07:00–00:00 Tuesday07:00–00:00 Wednesday07:00–00:00 Thursday07:00–00:00 Friday07:00–00:00 Saturday07:00–00:00 Sunday07:00–00:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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