Updated May 15th, 2023

One of our favorite and most recommended restaurants on Maui, Dukes Beach House, is located at the center of Honua Kai Resort & Spa along the islands west coast in Kaanapali. The restaurant is a complete homage to “Hawaii’s Favorite Son” and late surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. Duke was a world-famous Olympic athlete, an innovator of modern-day surfing, and a man who strived to share the true essence of Aloha wherever he went. 

Situated beachfront overlooking the shores of Kaanapali North Beach, diners can take in the stunning ocean and outer island views while they enjoy Pacific-inspired flavors and learn about Hawaiian culture. Photos of Duke Kahanamoku cover the walls, along with other cultural artworks like rare lei pieces, vintage handcrafted wood surfboards, and an outrigger canoe. The atmosphere is always upbeat, the bar is fun, and the diverse menu offers something delicious for everyone to try. Schedule your reservation between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm any day of the week, and you'll be able to experience live music from local Hawaii musicians while you eat. Browse the full schedule of upcoming performances here. 

The restaurant is open seven days a week for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily. On Saturday and Sunday, guests can also take advantage of their delicious Weekend Brunch. If you’re looking for a casual island spot with reasonably priced food, tasty cocktails, and a gorgeous Maui sunset – Duke’s Beach House in Kaanapali is the place for you!

Duke’s Maui daily hours of operation beginning May 15, 2023:

BREAKFAST: 7:30am-11:00am 
LUNCH: 11:00am-2:30pm 
LATE LUNCH:  2:30pm-4:00pm  
DINNER:  4:00pm-9:00pm 

• Entertainment Daily: 3:00pm-5:00pm & 5:30pm-8:00pm

 

Our Favorite Dishes

While in Maui, locally sourced fresh fish is a must! The Poke Tacos, Crab & Macadamia Nut Wontons, Seafood Risotto, and Banana Leaf Steamed Island Fish & Chips are some of our favorite options on the menu. We also highly recommend the Chef’s 1/2 LB Cheeseburger if you’re looking for a familiar staple. 

Start your day with Molokai sweet bread french toast covered in lilikoi lava butter and a side of homemade macadamia nut granola served with fresh Hawaiian fruit. Drop by mid-day, and you'll have a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pupus to choose from, including panko-crusted calamari, chilled shrimp salad, beer-battered fish sandwich, and more. They even offer a yummy Keiki menu for kids. 

Perhaps Duke’s most famous menu item is its Hula Pie. The tasty chocolate macadamia nut dessert is one of Duke’s most shared menu items on social media and contributed to the restaurant being ranked Hawaii’s most Instagrammed restaurant by USA Today in 2016. Whatever you're into, we're sure Duke's menu has something delicious for everyone to try. Check out the full menu here.

 

Do You Need a Reservation for Dukes?

We highly recommend that your group book a reservation at Duke's Restaurant prior to your trip to guarantee a table and a great experience. The popular eatery can fill up one to two months in advance, especially during busy meal hours and Maui’s peak seasons. If you forget to make a reservation, don’t worry. The Restaurant does have a waitlist, but you must be at the location in person to add your party, and wait times can be long. Guarantee your group a smooth, seamless process by making a reservation at Duke's ahead of time. 

 

Is There a Dress Code for Dukes?

Unlike some of Maui’s other oceanfront restaurants, Dukes Beach House Maui does not require diners to meet a strict dress code upon entrance. Flip flops, shorts, hats, or whatever other casual beach attire you prefer will do. We recommend throwing on whatever you are most comfortable wearing!

 

Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki, Oahu

Who is Duke Kahanamoku?

The oldest of six brothers and three sisters, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he spent his day's swimming, surfing, canoeing, and bodysurfing along the shores of Waikiki. At 21, he won his first Olympic gold medal and continued to represent the United States in the Olympics for 20 years, winning numerous more medals and setting several records. 

Duke began touring the world to teach his famous "Kahanamoku Kick" swimming technique and in December of 1914, starred in the first-ever surfing exhibition at Freshwater Beach, Sydney, Australia. He was the first person to be inducted into both the Surfing Hall of Fame and the Swimming Hall of Fame and is remembered not just for his remarkable speed, but for his grace in the water, his good humor, and his sportsmanship.

 

How Many Dukes Locations Are There?

Today there are six open-air oceanfront Dukes locations offering gorgeous coastal views, a fun atmosphere, and delicious food. In 1989, the original Duke’s restaurant was born along the shores of Kalapaki Bay in Kauai. Loved by locals and travelers alike, the restaurant expanded three years later to the site of the original Outrigger Canoe Club on Waikiki Beach where Duke Kahanamoku became the legend he is today. Duke’s third location and our personal favorite, Duke’s Maui, came to life in 2009 on Kaanapali North Beach at the Honua Kai Resort and Spa. You don't need to travel to Hawaii to experience Duke's though. Three additional locations can be enjoyed along California's southern coast, including Malibu, Huntington Beach, and La Jolla.

 

Stay Steps from Duke's 

Browse our full selection of Honua Kai Resort accommodations and book a residence steps from Duke's Beach House. Honua Kai guests can enjoy Duke's poolside, with daily pool service offered between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. Want to dine in instead? Order your dish for pick up and enjoy a quick and convenient meal from the privacy of your lanai.

 

For more information about things to do and places to visit during your next trip to Maui, take a look at our other blog posts here.