Fodor's Expert Review Duke's Waikiki

Locals often take visiting friends and family from the mainland to this popular open-air hotel restaurant for the beachfront setting—it's right in front of the famed Canoes surf break in Waikiki—and bar scene and pupu (hors d'oeuvres) more than the food. Named for the father of modern surfing and filled with Duke Kahanamoku memorabilia, it's got a great salad bar and a crowd-pleasing menu that includes fish, prime rib, and huli huli (rotisserie). Don't forget to try the famous Hula Pie made with macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a cookie crust and topped with chocolate fudge and whipped cream. The atmosphere can be raucous when live music by A-list Hawaiian performers fills the air. Sunday afternoon is especially popular, when local Emmy-nominated musician Henry Kapono revs up the crowd, so sit back and enjoy your mai tai. You can experience many of the same great flavors and pay half the price by sitting in the bar, which is what locals do.