Dukes Waikiki / Hula Grill
Dukes is our most favorite Hawaii restaurant. The location, the menu, the food quality, the live music. OK it’s a bit touristy. Reservations are impossible. And the prime rib buffet was $61. But come on, who can resist getting a little ravioli, chicken, fish, AND prime rib. And spicy poke. (And let’s talk about poke in Hawaii. Only in Hawaii can you get non frozen Ahi, that jewel like, succulent fish. Not like that cottony frozen Ahi that’s all over California.)
But the service is stellar. Mr A greatly enjoyed his “Sautéed Mac Nut and Herb Crusted” Mahi Mahi and I loved my Prime Rib. They even cooked it for me to medium-well in one of several ready pans. No shortage of Baby Boomers (aka savages) who want their meat well done. They even had a Kabocha Squash and Mascarpone Ravioli in coconut ginger broth for Ms S that was really delicious (unlike the mushy ravioli from Hula Grill upstairs). Ms S even sprang for a virgin Volcano (Strawberry/Pina Colada). Someone must have the trademark on the “Lava Flow” name.
And then of course the famous Hula Pie. Did you notice the spoons even say Hula Pie on them?
You will pay for Dukes, but it will be worth it. Make reservations more weeks ahead of time than you think necessary. We love both Hawaii locations in Waikiki and Poipu.
Now Hula Grill is a bit different. We were able to walk in at 6pm and get a seat in the bar right away. We just wanted a quick dinner, with some style, without the hassle of a ressie. The food is not as good as Dukes but it is decent.
Mr A and I split the Cajun grilled Baja Fish Tacos and the Hula Caeser Salad with Island fish (Kampachi I think they said). These were pretty good. Big portion of fish in the tacos. The Kampachi was firmer like swordfish but still tender. Ms S liked the Braised Mushroom Ravioli.
The fish in Hawaii is really really excellent. Always cooked perfectly and never tastes frozen or fishy. Mr A ate no beef at all on the island – except at the Friday family potluck. You have to understand he used to be a “one Quarter Pounder a day” type of person.
