Duke's Canoe Club Restaurant
Outrigger Waikiki, 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, 96815
808-923-0711

Duke's Canoe Club

Having tried the less-than-spectacular Mai Tai at Chuck's Steakhouse (also at the Outrigger), we began to think about Blue Hawaiians but decided to ask the waitress if Duke's Mai Tai was the same recipe as Chuck's upstairs. It was a good thing too, or I might have missed a very interesting and very good Mai Tai variation.

This Mai Tai variant is made with guava and papaya juices, dark rum and served with a pineapple and lime on top of an old-fashioned glass. This 5.25 Mai Tai isn't the classical recipe but a very good variant. The sweetness of the juice complimented the rum very well and this was a very drinkable Mai Tai.

Duke's is a large restaurant with some seating partially outdoors by the beach and pool. Very much a grass-hut atmosphere, there is rattan and bamboo everywhere. This may not be the best place if you are sensitive to the heat, but if you enjoy outdoor dining, Hawaiian style, this is a great place. Photos of Duke Kahanamoku and frequent live music make this a great setting for lunch, sunsets, or evening dining.

We visited Duke's twice, once for an excellent lunch buffet (featuring a fresh Caesar Salad, made to order) and once for dinner. Both times we had great service and the food was a very good value. And, when you're done with your meal (and your Mai Tai) you can step out past the pool and right onto Waikiki beach for a leisurely stroll...

Taste: ****
Atmosphere: *****
Date Visited: October 28, 1999
Reviewed By: Kevin Crossman