Photo Credit: Duke's Waikiki

When you travel to Waikiki there are plenty of dining options to choose from.  I, for one, think trying different local delicacies and famous restaurants is part of the fun of vacation.  Sometimes, though, it is hard to decide which restaurant you should dine at and which will fit your budget.

Here’s a look at some of top restaurants in Waikiki that offer moderate prices:

Duke’s Waikiki:  This famous Waikiki hotspot is located directly on the ocean, making it a trendy and busy place to eat. Named after iconic surfer Duke Kahanamoku, the restaurant has a causal yet upbeat  atmosphere.  Lunch menu options include  pizza, sandwiches, burgers , salads and chicken quesadillas while dinner options include steak, seafood and fresh catch of the day selections.  Live music is scheduled nightly from 4pm to midnight.  Main courses for dinner range from $19-32. 

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar:  If you love sushi, then you’ll love the fresh sushi being served at Sansei.  Helmed by award-winning chef D. K. Kodama, his sushi creations blend flavors like Thai chili sauce with cilantro for a surprising yet satisfying palate pleaser.  There is an extensive menu featuring Asian rock-shrimp cake, Japanese calamari salad, an ample selection of trademark sushi and traditional items like fresh yellow tail sushi and miso eggplant.  Main course for dinner range from $16-$35; Sushi prices range from $6-$18.

Tiki’s Grill & Bar:  This casual eatery serves American food with a pacific rim twist.  The signature dish is king salmon in a lemon-grass beurre blanc and the Cajun spice seared ahi is also a popular dish.  Part of the experience at Tiki’s Grill & Bar is the atmosphere, which features lava-rock walls, palm-wood flooring and fish nets hanging from the ceiling.  Live Hawaiian music is performed in the bar nightly at 5:30pm.  Main courses for dinner range from $24-$50.

d.k. Steakhouse: For the best steaks in Waikiki, look no further than d.k. Steakhouse, owned and operated by D.K. Kodama.  Prime-grade and dry-aged New York strip and filet mignon  are two of the most popular selections.  Each can be topped with a signature sauce, including D.K.’s own sesame seed miso sauce.  Another hit with restaurant-goers is the 22-ounce bone-in ribeye.  It is melt-in-your-mouth good.  Romantic décor makes dining inside a nice option, but the best experience is found outside on the lanai where you can watch the sun set on Waikiki.  Main courses for dinner range from $18-$65.