The restaurant known for its signature "hula pie" will be expanding to Hawaii Island.
Duke’s Kona will debut at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in late 2025, Maui-based T S Restaurants announced Monday.
Duke’s already has several locations across the state of Hawaii and in Southern California, but this will be the first venture on the Big Island.
The new restaurant will occupy a 15,000 square-foot oceanfront locale at the 22-acre resort, which recently underwent a $60 million investment.
“Since the company’s founding in 1977, it has been our goal to develop, build and personally operate a limited number of high-quality restaurants in Hawai‘i and California,” said T S Restaurants CEO Jackie Reed. “More than 47 years later, that goal continues to be met with what will soon be 14 restaurants across the two states. We are excited to open a restaurant on Hawai‘i Island and we are honored to become a part of the Kona community through this partnership with OUTRIGGER.”
The restaurant, which serves a variety of pupus, fresh fish and meat options, celebrates the legacy of its namesake, Duke Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian swimmer who popularized surfing.
“Duke’s Kona is the ideal restaurant partner for the exceptional space at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. “Our investment in this property aims to enrich the local community just as much as it enhances the experience for our visitors. Welcoming this iconic restaurant into our resort represents a significant and cherished milestone for everyone involved.”
The restaurant’s other locations include Waikiki, Kauai, Maui, La Jolla, Huntington Beach and Malibu.