Marine life artist Wyland is getting into the restaurant business.

A start-up venture affiliated with Wyland plans to open two seafood restaurants on O'ahu early next year — the first in Waikiki in January followed by a second in April at the West O'ahu visitor destination Ko Olina Resort & Marina.

The restaurants, called Wyland Grille, will be led by restaurateur Dave Hanley of Lahaina, Maui, and will support the vision of the nonprofit Wyland Foundation committed to eco-friendly practices tied to the ocean and farming.

Wyland — who is best known for his art galleries, public murals and foundation but also for numerous product licensing deals from an ocean-themed Monopoly game to a short-lived boutique hotel brand in Waikiki — is a partner in the restaurant venture.

The first Wyland Grille, with 350 seats, is slated to open at the 34,500-square-foot retail complex under construction in Waikiki called 280 Beach Walk that will also include a new Hard Rock Cafe.

The second, a 283-seat restaurant, is slated for Ko Olina Station, part of a two-building retail complex totaling 56,000 square feet under construction near the entrance of the Ko Olina resort.

Both retail projects are being developed by local firm Honu Group Inc.

The Ko Olina project is about 80 percent leased and is expected to open with an initial group of tenants in September.

Besides Wyland Grille, other companies leasing space at the project include fine-dining restaurant Nick's Fishmarket, a gourmet market by local convenience store retailer ABC Stores called ABC Country Market, Kimo Bean Coffee Co., Z Pizza, Ko Olina Hawaiian Barbeque Restaurant, footwear retailer Walking in Paradise and home furnishing store Blue Lobster Cottage.