|
Welcome to Duke's Waikiki Beach
Locals & Tourists Hang Loose At This Hot Spot
The view from a table at Duke's Waikiki.
Diamond head and palm trees, surf riders on the sea
It's the place to be, it's the place to be
One the beach at Waikiki, that's where you'll find me
Here on the southside, Beach Boys paradise
– Henry Kapono, "Duke's on Sunday"
It sits right at the shore, in full view of the long-rolling waves with surfers in the distance and Diamond Head almost within reach.
It has two lanais, tables that allows guest to sit poised between indoor and out, and has a bar with a thatched covering. It is a mecca for tourists – often the first stop for many after tossing the bags in the room – and even a hangout for locals.
Hangin' loose on the beachfront lanai.
This is Duke's Waikiki and it's the quintessential Hawaiian bar.
Named after legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, it is nearly as much of an institution in the islands as the Duke himself.
The decor and staff dressed in Aloha shirts is just the tip of the mai tai. Duke's is Hawaiian culture, a place to hang out and hang loose, a spot where the worries of one's world become as distant as the mainland.
Sunsets at Duke's are some of the most spectacular in the islands.
Photo: PubClub.com
It's ideal for drinks any time of the day, and it really shines in late afternoon as sunset approaches. Some of he most spectacular sunsets in all the Hawaiian islands can be see from its lanai.
This is what Surfside Sam likes to refer to as a "go to bar," and that is to say that anyone trying to figure out where to go for a drink (or food) should first check out Duke's. It could be happening at anytime and if it's not, chances are it will be, later if not sooner.
 Nearly every person visiting Waikiki will stop in Duke's at least once – if not several more times – during their vacation.
Normally, a place like this has "TOURIST TRAP" written all over it, with the prices to match. Duke's is not that way, however. The local Kona beer's Longboard Lager draught is just $5.50. A mai tai is $7.75 and "exotic island cocktails," such as the Pau Hana Punch (vodka, lime, passion fruit and cranberry juice) is $8.75.
The food is pretty good too, starting with the pupus (appetizers, which include calamari, poke and smoked marlin flatbread). Kalua pork sandwich is $10.95, a mahi mahi sandwich is $10.95 and pizza and cheeseburgers are $9.95.
 Duke's is popular anytime but is especially hot on Sunday afternoons.
There's a band on the sandside patio and by 4 in the afternoon it's standing room only.
Getting a table in the Barefoot Bar overlooking this lanai is a prized possession.
In fact, Sundays are such a ritual that Hawaiian singing icon Henry Kapono made a song about it, more famously covered by Jimmy Buffett, called "Duke's on Sunday." How many bars have their own song, let alone a song on a particular day of the week!?
Kompno is a regular performer on Sundays and even Buffett himself has played on the patio.
Okole Maluna from Duke's!
Another beautiful afternoon at Duke's Waikiki.
SurfsideSam.com covers beach bars around the world. © 2010. All rights reserved.
|