Duke’s Malibu to Welcome Guests Again After Fire and Mudslide Recovery
Duke’s Malibu Set to Reopen After Year of Challenges
Duke’s Malibu restaurant and bar will reopen this Friday after enduring over a year of challenges, including the impacts of the Palisades Fire and a subsequent mudslide that caused significant damage.
Located along the beachfront Pacific Coast Highway, the establishment—named after renowned surfer and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku—will resume operations at noon on Friday with limited hours. The restaurant plans to operate four days a week, typically from noon to 7 or 8 p.m., as shared in a social media post.
“After more than a year, we’re almost ready to welcome you back,” the post stated. “What started as devastation became a story of community, resilience, and aloha. We’re so proud of everything this ‘ohana has built — and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
While Duke’s was fortunate to avoid major damage during the January 2025 Palisades Fire, which was among the most destructive wildfires in California history, circumstances soon changed. Approximately a month later, heavy rain caused a torrent of mud and water to flow into the parking lot and the restaurant itself, also affecting the nearby intersection at Pacific Coast Highway and Las Flores Canyon Road.
The cleanup process took crews about two months to remove the mud from inside the restaurant, followed by extensive reconstruction efforts. The Barefoot Bar adjacent to Duke’s reopened in late 2025. However, plans for Duke’s reopening were initially postponed to 2026, largely due to delays caused by weather-related construction issues.
As the restaurant prepares for its return, it marks a significant moment for the local community following these adversities.
