Duke’s Waikiki restaurant in Honolulu pays homage to a local idol, whose claim to fame is practically synonymous with Hawaii: surfer legend Duke Kahanamoku.
Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968) was an American and Native Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. He was born towards the end of the Kingdom of Hawaii, just before the overthrow, living into statehood as a United States citizen.
Duke’s best-known menu item is the Hula Pie, a dessert that’s fit for an entire table rather than an individual.
The mammoth “slice” of pie stands on a chocolate cookie crust, which is piled high with macadamia nut ice cream, then topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream and more macadamia nuts.
Honolulu disc jockey Kimo McVay initiated the trademarking of Duke’s name in 1962, when he and the veteran surfer teamed to open Duke Kahanamoku’s restaurant and nightclub in Waikiki, hiring a young Don Ho to entertain.
Brief Timeline
- 1898 Hawaii becomes a U.S. Territory
- 1941 Pearl Harbor bombed by Japan
- 1959 Hawaii becomes the 50th state in the United States
- 1960 Jet travel greatly increase tourism to the islands
- 1962 Duke Kahanamoku’s restaurant and nightclub in Waikiki opens
- 1968 “Hawaii Five-O” (TV series)
- 1972 “The Brady Bunch” Hawaii Bound (TV Episode)
- 1980 – 1988 “Magnum PI) (TV series)
Should we go to Duke’s Waikiki?
Most people who visit Duke’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks have an enjoyable time. The location on Diamond Head can’t be beaten or the open-air breezes and tropical vibe plus the feeling that this spot is an epicenter of a lot of Hawaiian history.
Love Dukes!. They have indoor and outdoor dining right now. They have expanded their tables to the downstairs concrete area on the beach for bar seating.
I love that they have live music most nights and light up the tiki torches at night!!
– reviewer
No doubt the decor and menu have been tamed over the years. It must have really felt exotic and more native back in the early days when my parents visited. It was THE place to take visiting friends and relatives and given a taste of the island nightlife. Plus back then the tourism industry on the Hawaiian islands was still in its early years.
Today tourists want their familiar hamburgers, paninis, cajun fish tacos, turkey bacon, and vegan meals. But you can still get native seafood dishes. You will pay more for the location and fame of the place, and like any busy tourist-oriented establishment don’t expect to be knocked out by the food. Go for the fun, the atmosphere, the music, and the island vibe.
