Big News for West O‘ahu: Duke’s is Coming to Kapolei!
If you’ve lived on O‘ahu for any length of time, you know that Duke’s Waikiki is more than just a restaurant—it’s an institution. Whether it’s taking the ‘ohana for Hula Pie or grabbing a drink while watching the sunset, it’s one of those spots that just feels like home. Well, get ready, because the West Side is finally getting a piece of that magic.
T S Restaurants just announced they are opening a second O‘ahu location, Duke’s at The Cove, right in the heart of Kapolei.
A New Anchor for Ko Olina
This isn’t just a standalone spot; Duke’s is going to be the anchor tenant for a massive new project called Waianiani at The Cove. If you’re familiar with the area, it’s going to be located on a 10.8-acre oceanfront site right next to the Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina and Disney’s Aulani Resort.
Here’s the scoop on what’s happening:
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The Project: A $135.6 million redevelopment of the area currently home to Paradise Cove Luau.
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The Timeline: Paradise Cove is set to close at the end of 2025, with construction on the new project kicking off in January 2026. While some retail spaces may be available by 2027, Duke's itself is aiming for a 2028 opening.
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What’s Included: Duke’s will be one of three restaurant sites in a hub that includes retail shops hosting Hawai‘i-made goods, a marketplace, and a modernized cultural performing arts venue.
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The Vibe: Expect an open-air layout that takes full advantage of those stunning Leeward Coast sunsets, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating with expansive ocean views.
Why This Matters for Our Community
For those of us living out West, this is a pretty big deal. For years, this land has been used primarily for private commercial purposes, but this project marks the first time in 40 years that this specific space will be fully opened up as a public gathering place.
T S Restaurants CEO Jackie Reed mentioned that the goal is to create an "authentic Hawaiian gathering place" for both kama‘āina and visitors. Beyond just a place to eat, the new Duke’s is expected to bring between 150 to 200 new jobs to the area. In total, the entire Cove Redevelopment project is projected to generate and sustain roughly 484 full-time jobs, providing long-term opportunities closer to home for West O‘ahu residents.
Looking Ahead
While we’re all excited to get our Hula Pie fix in Kapolei, we’ll have to be a little patient as the project is still roughly three years away from completion. In the meantime, T S Restaurants is staying busy—they are also planning to open Duke’s Kona at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in mid-2026 and are actively looking for ways to rebuild their flagship location, Kimo’s, which was lost in the Maui fires.
It’s always encouraging to see local favorites invest in our West O‘ahu neighborhoods. It’s a testament to how much Kapolei continues to grow as a true "Second City" where we can live, work, and now, dine like a legend.
