Duke's

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Hello! Does anyone have an opinion as to whether it would be better to do Duke's in Oahu or in Maui or are both experiences similar? Are reservations recommended? Thanks for any info!

 

 

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[Notion_of_the_Ocean]

Duke's in my opinion seems about the same across the board. You feel like you are in a Polynesian bar and grille from the moment you step in and the menu has several local Hawaiian dishes. Our group of six were all pleased with our meals with everyone quoting that the Hula Pie just has to be experienced here. I recommend going there when it best suits your schedule.

Edited July 31, 2015 by Notion_of_the_Ocean

[Astro Flyer]

If Duke's is in Waikiki then I'd suggest going in Maui for a more relaxed experience. Duke's, Kimo's, Hula Grill & Leilani's are all owned by the same company...all of them were good when we've dined there. :)

[cccole]

Individual dining preferences can be so different, but...we always try to have lunch or dinner at Duke's Waikiki but in their bar area. We have eaten in the main restaurant but prefer the bar area or tables set on the patio, under the stars, in the evening. If you are there on a Friday about 4:30 they have a group, Maunalua, which puts on a live performance and occasionally someone will get up and do an impromptu hula to their music. I like Duke's Waikiki because of it's beautiful setting on Waikiki, which to me is magical at night. There's always time for a stroll in the warm water after dinner. We also enjoy Leilani's, mentioned by Astro Flyer, in Whaler's Village, Kaanapali, Maui, especially their kalua pork nachos. JMO Cherie

 

p.s. I would definitely suggest reservations and give a preference for table location.

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate the information!!

 

 

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[Astro Flyer]

Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar is a fun spot to have a light meal & is located across from Ka'anapali Beach in Whaler's Village. Umbrella covered tables in the sand & many times they have live entertainment.

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar is a fun spot to have a light meal & is located across from Ka'anapali Beach in Whaler's Village. Umbrella covered tables in the sand & many times they have live entertainment.

 

 

Thanks! I was actually looking at that (from Dukes website) and it seemed perfect for a meal before our long overnight flight home.

 

 

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[Astro Flyer]

Thanks! I was actually looking at that (from Dukes website) and it seemed perfect for a meal before our long overnight flight home.

We've always enjoyed our visits there & take people visiting us there for a fun experience. From their website you can view their menu with many options around the $15 price range. Hopefully whatever you decide is your best option is great for you & don't see how you could go wrong with any of those being discussed. :D

 

If you go to there, Whalers Village has an interesting free whaling museum & at the entrance a skeleton of a whale.

Edited August 1, 2015 by Astro Flyer

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Awesome! Thanks so much AstroFlyer!!

 

 

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[Astro Flyer]

Awesome! Thanks so much AstroFlyer!!

My pleasure...Maui & cruising are two of my favorite subjects! :D

[Freehike]

We did the Maui location and WOW!

 

The views were ridiculous and it still is one of the most memorable meals we had. Not because of the food alone, but just because of the entire experience.

 

 

 

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[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

We did the Maui location and WOW!

 

The views were ridiculous and it still is one of the most memorable meals we had. Not because of the food alone, but just because of the entire experience.

 

 

 

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That sounds terrific! Thanks!!!

 

 

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[cccole]

We did the Maui location and WOW!

 

The views were ridiculous and it still is one of the most memorable meals we had. Not because of the food alone, but just because of the entire experience.

 

 

 

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Are you referring to the Hula Grill or the Duke's on Maui. Both have good views but I was just wondering which restaurant you enjoyed. Thx, Cherie

[cccole]

Thanks! I was actually looking at that (from Dukes website) and it seemed perfect for a meal before our long overnight flight home.

 

 

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I like the way you travel...extend your vacation until you HAVE TO get on that plane. Have a great time. Cherie

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

I like the way you travel...extend your vacation until you HAVE TO get on that plane. Have a great time. Cherie

 

 

Lol, thanks! Yes, we are squeezing out every last minute! [emoji5]️ Can't wait until it is here! 39 days!!!

 

 

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[Freehike]

Are you referring to the Hula Grill or the Duke's on Maui. Both have good views but I was just wondering which restaurant you enjoyed. Thx, Cherie

 

Duke's. It was just awesome and there was something just amazing about those views.

 

 

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[cccole]

Duke's. It was just awesome and there was something just amazing about those views.

 

 

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Thank you. We have eaten at Hula Grill and Leilani's but not at Dukes. It is nice to know you had such a great experience there. Not being right at Whaler's Village it is probably a bit less hectic. Cherie

[KitCatBrat]

Has anybody been to the Duke's in Malibu? If so, do you know how different it is from Maui? I just realized that there's a Malibu location, and since I'm in Los Angeles I'm not sure if I should make the trek out to the Maui location if I can just go to the same restaurant back at home...

[Astro Flyer]

Has anybody been to the Duke's in Malibu? If so, do you know how different it is from Maui? I just realized that there's a Malibu location, and since I'm in Los Angeles I'm not sure if I should make the trek out to the Maui location if I can just go to the same restaurant back at home...

 

Duke's, Kimo's, Hula Grill & Leilani's are all owned by the same company. We went to Duke's in Malibu & the menu was similar to Kimo's including the great ice cream dessert Hula Pie. It also had an outdoor area that was similar to Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar,

 

I didn't check but at one time there was also a Duke's in Huntington Beach.

[KitCatBrat]

Duke's, Kimo's, Hula Grill & Leilani's are all owned by the same company. We went to Duke's in Malibu & the menu was similar to Kimo's including the great ice cream dessert Hula Pie. It also had an outdoor area that was similar to Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar,

 

I didn't check but at one time there was also a Duke's in Huntington Beach.

 

 

Thanks! Yeah, I saw there was one in Huntington Beach, too. That's a little far from the valley, but knowing that the Malibu location isn't that much different from Hawaii, I think I'll go to Mama's Fish House instead :)

[cccole]

We have been to Duke's Malibu a couple times but it is not my favorite Malibu restaurant. We love the bar at Dukes Waikiki, and the Friday evening entertainment. For us the Malibu location just does not have the same feeling, although the food is probably much the same as all Dukes. I'm not sure I would drive a long distance to go to Duke's on Maui but it sounds like a great spot and it would be on our short list if in the Kaanapali area. Cherie

[Silver Sweethearts]

Thanks! Yeah, I saw there was one in Huntington Beach, too. That's a little far from the valley, but knowing that the Malibu location isn't that much different from Hawaii, I think I'll go to Mama's Fish House instead :)

 

We were going to comment on Duke's versus Mama's, but figure you are teasing. If you are serious and do go to Mama's, it will be an experience you won't replicate elsewhere (you can read that remark any way you want to).

[KitCatBrat]

We were going to comment on Duke's versus Mama's, but figure you are teasing. If you are serious and do go to Mama's, it will be an experience you won't replicate elsewhere (you can read that remark any way you want to).

 

Be real with me. Don't sugarcoat anything. Would you recommend that we not go to Mama's? I really don't know anything about either restaurant. I only just learned that there's a Duke's nearby, so I was thinking "where else should we go?" and remember reading that someone recommended Mama's. I really don't know much about either restaurant. The only thing I've heard is that it's expensive. It's also a lot closer to the ship, and since we're not renting a car, it'll be easier to Uber there or take public transportation.

[cccole]

Mama's is in a fabulous location and they have good food. The times we have been there I can still visualize the beautiful colors of the water, and taste the coconut shrimp. JMO, but I think Mama's is a good, not inexpensive, but good choice. Lots of reviews on trip advisor, and I think Paia is similar to a small Haleiwa. Cherie

[Silver Sweethearts]

Be real with me. Don't sugarcoat anything. Would you recommend that we not go to Mama's? I really don't know anything about either restaurant. I only just learned that there's a Duke's nearby, so I was thinking "where else should we go?" and remember reading that someone recommended Mama's. I really don't know much about either restaurant. The only thing I've heard is that it's expensive. It's also a lot closer to the ship, and since we're not renting a car, it'll be easier to Uber there or take public transportation.

 

Here's a review from someone on Trip Advisor that pretty much sums up our personal feelings - but to each his own. This will be YOUR vacation.

 

Quote:

"I had high expectations for this place as it was highly recommended by a friend. I have to say that I was a pretty disappointed. The positives: The fish is as fresh as it can get. The view is amazing. They have free valet parking. However, considering the high price you will pay, the preparation of this beautiful fish is very unimaginative. The ambiance of the restaurant made me think of Disney...like they were trying WAY to hard to make sure you remember you are in Hawaii. Seriously, it's over the top. Just really felt like a tourist trap. We ate at a number of equally expensive restaurants while in Maui which felt were more sophisticated and had amazing food. This is the only one I'll skip on our next visit to Maui. If you must go, be sure to get a reservation WAY in advance". Visited July 2015. Rated 3 of 5 stars.