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Oʻahu

Is Duke's worth it?

Skip itOverhyped · −37Beachfront Waikīkī restaurant and bar known for sunset views, live music, buffets and Hula Pie
Duke's
Michael Gojan · Google Maps
Duke's
Carole Aubrun · Google Maps
Duke's
Duke's Waikiki · Google Maps
Duke's
cookie unicorn · Google Maps
Duke's
Najeeb Abdullah · Google Maps

Usually not worth it. 4.4 on nearly 20,000 Google reviews; the view and vibe deliver, but the food is described as good rather than special.

Hype81How famous and hyped it is
Reality44Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
The gap−37OverhypedHow we score
4.4 ★ Google · 19,577 reviews4.3 Tripadvisor · 16,181— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Duke's? Was it worth it?

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Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 couples vote

Sunset drinks and live music on the sand are the reason to come; book ahead for an ocean-side table.

Why Reality is 44

Lives up to its fame3/54.4 on nearly 20,000 Google reviews; the view and vibe deliver, but the food is described as good rather than special.
Value for money2/5$39.50 fish, $14 beers and a $64 prime rib buffet a reviewer called very average; the $29 breakfast buffet is the exception.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Beachfront dining with live music is a Waikīkī signature, but several neighboring beach bars offer a similar sunset.
Easy to do3/5Walkable in Waikīkī and takes OpenTable bookings, but sunset walk-in waits of 30–60 min and no on-site parking.

What people loved

Unbeatable beachfront setting for sunset drinks, with free live Hawaiian music every eveningBreakfast buffet is widely called the best-value meal hereHula Pie, mac-nut crusted fish and poke tacos are the most-praised dishesLively, efficient service even when every table is full

What wore them down

Long walk-in waits and full bars at sunsetDinner prices are high for food reviewers often call good, not great; the $64 prime rib buffet is called very averageSome reviews mention inattentive service on busy nightsNo on-site parking and a hard-to-spot entrance

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Booking: Reservations recommended for the dining room; walk-ins often wait 30–60 minutes at sunset. Barefoot Bar seating is first come.

HoursDaily 7:00 a.m.–midnight; breakfast buffet 7:00–10:30 a.m., lunch 11:15 a.m.–3 p.m., dinner and Prime Rib Buffet 4:30–10 p.m., Barefoot Bar 11 a.m.–closeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationRecommended for the dining room via OpenTable or (808) 922-2268Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Live musicDaily 4–6 p.m. and 7 p.m.–midnightSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Typical pricesReported 2025–26: dinner Prime Rib Buffet $64, breakfast buffet $29, baked fish of the day $39.50, 20 oz beer $14Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ParkingNo dedicated on-site lot; use nearby paid garages or valetSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
From WaikīkīIn Waikīkī, right on the beach at 2335 Kalākaua Ave; walkable from most hotelsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
  • Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

In their words

“Skip the Prime Rib Buffet, but definitely hit the Breakfast Buffet.”
davey1949 · Tripadvisor · Jun 2025
“The swordfish ($39.50) was small in size but big in taste.”
Brian Murray · Google review · a month ago
“We actually did a walk in & was told that it would be approx an hour but got our table around 30-40 mins”
E L · Google review · 5 months ago
“Nice seaside restaurant with great views. Good service by Andrew!”
Larry Berg · Google review · 2 months ago

Tips from people who went

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Questions people ask

Do you need a reservation at Duke's Waikīkī?

Reservations are recommended for the dining room and can be made on OpenTable or by calling (808) 922-2268. Walk-ins around sunset often wait 30–60 minutes.

How much is the Duke's Waikīkī buffet?

Reviewers in 2025–26 reported about $29 for the breakfast buffet and $64 for the dinner Prime Rib Buffet. Check current prices with the restaurant.

What is Duke's Hula Pie?

Duke's signature ice-cream dessert; reviewers repeatedly mention it is huge and best shared.

Does Duke's Waikīkī have live music?

Yes, daily from 4–6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight.

Where do you park for Duke's Waikīkī?

There is no dedicated on-site lot; use a nearby paid garage or valet, or walk from your hotel.

Better fits, according to people who went

Marugame Udon — photo by Y SakuraWorth it if…Reality 60 −4Marugame Udon★ 4.5Honolulu & Waikīkī · FoodBudget Waikīkī meal a few blocks away.Ono Seafood — photo by Steven DiGiacomoWorth it if…Reality 59 +23Ono Seafood★ 4.6Honolulu & Waikīkī · FoodFar cheaper, local-favorite poke if food matters more than the view.Pearl Harbor — photo by Christopher WilkinsonWorth itReality 90 −2Pearl Harbor★ 4.8Honolulu & Waikīkī · HistoryNPS memorial to the 1941 attack, with museums and a boat to the USS Arizona MemorialHoʻomaluhia — photo by Jeff NeeleyWorth itReality 76 +19Hoʻomaluhia★ 4.7Windward · NatureFree 400-acre city garden in Kāneʻohe with a lake beneath the Koʻolau cliffs

Sources

Verdict by The Hype Gap editors. No one paid for it. Facts checked Oct 16, 2026. How we score · Standards