"It's almost hard to believe that Duke's has been a part of the Waikiki landscape for 16 years now; it seems like we just opened our doors yesterday," said Duke's Waikiki General Manager Ross Anderson. "We've been blessed to have such a loyal following from both kama'aina and visitors alike. We're honored to be able to give back to the community through our Legacy of Aloha."
Created in 2007, the Legacy of Aloha program supports Duke's Waikiki's mission to give back to the community and perpetuate Hawaiian culture.
"Through Legacy of Aloha, we're helping programs providing vital services to the community continue," Anderson continued. "Duke Kahanamoku, himself, would have been first in line to support this year's recipients. They're truly shining examples of the good work that's being done in Hawaii's community."
The Hawaii Food Bank will receive $7,000 to help stock its shelves and continue its mission to ensure that no one in Hawaii goes hungry and Surfing the Nations, a non-profit organization dedicated to impacting local and international communities through the sport of surfing and community service, will receive $3,000. The organizations will be recognized and presented with checks at Duke's 16th Anniversary party.
The Legacy of Aloha charitable donation program supports Duke's Waikiki's mission to give back to the community and perpetuate Hawaiian culture. Funds are raised through the sale of an annual commemorative "Legacy of Aloha" t-shirt; $10 from each t-shirt sold benefit the Legacy of Aloha fund. Each year Duke's Waikiki selects organizations that Duke Kahanamoku would have supported in his day as the Legacy of Aloha recipients, including water-sport related or canoeing clubs, ocean and water environmental groups, youth and elderly organizations, cultural preservation societies, and agencies that are providing support and aloha to those in need. Interested organizations may obtain an application form from Duke's Waikiki to be considered for as beneficiaries of the Legacy of Aloha fund.
Duke's Waikiki is located beachside in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel and is a partnership between T S Restaurants and Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. Named "Best Place to Take Visitors" by Honolulu Magazine in the 2008 Hale 'Aina Awards and "Best Place to Go on a Sunday" by Honolulu Weekly in its 2008 Readers' Picks, Duke's Waikiki pays tribute to Duke Kahanamoku and provides its customers with an authentic and enjoyable Hawaiian-style dining experience. Duke's Waikiki is located at 2335 Kalakaua Avenue. Validated parking is available at Ohana East Hotel, 2375 Kuhio Avenue. For dinning reservations call (808) 922-2268 and for more information visit www.dukeswaikiki.com.