Dukes or Hula Grill? Which did you prefer

[fflmaster]

I am looking to eat dinner after visiting Pearl Harbor and watch the sunset. If I was looking at either Dukes or Hula Grill, which would you recommend most? Family of 4 adults. Tried doing a search and lots on both, but couldn't find anything of Dukes vs Hula Grill. Especially, since they are the same owners and location.

I was originally thinking Dukes, with the outdoor patio dining, but it does seem that Hula Grill books up completely at their six-month window while Dukes usually around the 3rd month. My time to reserve Hula Grill is fast approaching if needing to be six-month advanced

 

[longboard55]

Hula Grill is a little more upper end and smaller but Dukes has the better atmosphere. Hard not to go to Dukes, if you reserve early you get the good tables on or near the rail. Walk ups will get the back tables that are not very good.

 

[mmouse50]

do you make the reservations directly with the restaurant or on something like "Open Table"

 

[carone0318]

I have not been yet, but just thought that I'd throw out there that on open table I could make a reservation for 6 at Hula Grill, but could not at Duke's. I know this does not affect the OP but could be helpful to others.

 

[EveV]

I love both-- like picking a favorite kid I like Hula for right before sunset, arrive earlier than your reservation and request an outdoor seat. It's a little more upscale than Duke's, but still very relaxing. I mean, how could it not be? Duke's-- we go a lot when we visit-- the Vintage Mai Tai is where it's at. It's actually my favorite Mai Tai of all time. I love to sit where you're inside just on the fringe of the outside patio but have the comfy chairs. Go to both! I'm longing for both until May... can you tell?

 

[monsterkitty]

We love both as well. However, we really enjoyed sitting on the deck and overlooking Waikiki at Hula last time.

We love the Hula Grill Chili Pepper Water.

 

[longboard55]

FYI Dukes has all you can eat roast beef nights for $59, on Thursday and Sundays, and on those nights the salad bar is shut down for people who do not go with the special , On other nights the salad bar is $7 with a dinner purchase. Normal dinner prices are around $29 so it is a lot more for the roast beef special. Avoid those nights unless you want to spend more.

The better restaurants seem to be going fixed price. I guess we can blame covid but prices have really gone up overall

 

[GoBears79]

We prefer Hula Grill for Dinner. It is a bit more upscale, a bit more sedate. Duke's we do for breakfast or lunch, and lunch is in the Barefoot Bar area.