If you’re spending Thanksgiving in Hawaii (or thinking about it), then yes – you’ll get the turkey, the sweet potatoes, the pie… but you’ll also get a fresh wave of fun, local‑style events that turn the day (and the weekend) into something memorable. Here are some of the standout Thanksgiving events in Hawaii.
Thanksgiving Events in Hawaii to Check Out
1. Feast & Festivities at Grand Wailea Resort (Maui)
On Maui, the Grand Wailea Resort hosts a generous Thanksgiving Day setup: a brunch buffet, a special dinner menu at two restaurants, and even a luau where the turkey is slow‐roasted underground (in an imu) among Hawaiian dishes.
So you can have your turkey and your fire‑knife dance and hula show too. If you’re staying in Wailea or making the day‑trip, this is a solid pick for mixing classic holiday food with island style.
2. Activities at Fairmont Kea Lani (Maui)
Also on Maui: the Fairmont Kea Lani has a full schedule for Thanksgiving weekend. Think oceanfront feast, live Hawaiian music & hula, wreath‐making, ukulele lessons, even a dive‐in movie night.
If you want an event‑packed holiday rather than just dinner, this one gives you lots of “what to do” besides eating.
3. Dining & Luau Options in Waikīkī (Oʻahu)
If you’re staying on Oʻahu, you’ll find heavy holiday dining options and events in Waikīkī. For example, restaurants along Kalākaua Avenue are offering special Thanksgiving menus.
Also: several luau companies are running Thanksgiving specials–feasts + shows in one.
It’s a mix of high‑end holiday dinner + island vibe, so you get the luxury of the event without sacrificing the “Hawai’i feeling.”
4. Give Back & Get Involved: Drive‑Thru Fundraiser
If you’d like to add a meaningful layer to your holiday, consider the fundraiser by Hawaii Meals on Wheels: a drive‑thru meal pack for Thanksgiving, supporting kūpuna (elders) in the community.
You can pick up a ready‑to‑eat turkey dinner pack (feeds ~8) and know that your contribution supports others. A nice way to balance indulgence with gratitude.
How to Make the Most of Your Hawaii Thanksgiving
- Reserve early. These events fill up. Whether it’s a feast, a luau, or a special activity, spots go fast.
- Think beyond the table. A turkey dinner is expected–but adding something like a wreath class, local culture show, or a walk on the beach after dinner can change the rhythm of the day.
- Bring flexibility. The island version of Thanksgiving mixes in local flavors, outdoor time, and lots of walking/standing. Dress comfortably.
- Mix “special” + “laid‑back.” You can go full formal for dinner, then head down to the beach or the sunset after. That’s the sweet spot here.
- Give thanks in Hawaiian style. Whether it’s participating in a cultural activity, helping out a local cause, or simply being mindful on the beach at sunset–gratitude gets a different tone here, one of aloha and openness.
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