Are you planning a trip to Hawaii in November and want to know all the Hawaii Thanksgiving activities and events? Keep scrolling to find out how to spend Thanksgiving in Hawaii with kids for a memorable Hawaiian vacation.
This post about what to do in November in Hawaii at Thanksgiving time was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Thanksgiving in Hawaii with kids is a lot of fun, as long as you book a few things early. I’ve spent the holiday on Oahu and on Kauai with my boys. One year it was a small hillside luau, and another year it was grocery store turkey and mashed potatoes.
We loved both. But Thanksgiving week isn’t the bargain some older posts make it sound like. Flights and hotels cost more that week, and the good dinners sell out.
I’ve been to Hawaii more than 40 times, I’ve danced hula for over 20 years, and I’m a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert. I basically work as a Hawaii vacation planner for families.
Here’s where to eat, which luaus to book, what’s happening in 2026, and how to keep the week from wrecking your budget.
TL;DR: Thanksgiving in Hawaii 2026
- Date: Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. The Waikiki Holiday Parade is the next night, Friday, November 27.
- Cost: Thanksgiving week is pricier than the rest of November. Early November is the better deal if your dates can move.
- Weather: Highs usually land around 81 to 83°F in Honolulu, with quick passing showers.
- Dinner: Big resorts on every island do Thanksgiving buffets, brunches, or luaus. Book as soon as menus post.
- Best island for Thanksgiving: Oahu. It has the most dinner options, the biggest turkey trot, and the parade.
- Kauai heads-up: The island is still recovering from Hurricane Lowell (September 2026), so confirm every booking.
Is Thanksgiving Week a Good Time to Visit Hawaii?
Yes, if you plan for it like the holiday week it is. The weather is warm, the ocean is still swimmable, and there’s a festive feel you won’t get in mid-November.
Just don’t expect empty beaches. The rest of November is one of Hawaii’s slower stretches, but Thanksgiving week fills up with families who have the whole week off school.
Hawaii had 736,831 visitors in November 2025, down 3.6% from the year before. But those visitors spent an average of $271 per person per day, up 15.2%. So fewer people came, but each one spent more per day.
When I was planning our November 2021 trip, I noticed a big jump in Thanksgiving week airfare that I hadn’t seen in past years. If your dates can move, the first two weeks of November usually mean lower prices and quieter beaches.
Trying to decide between the holidays? I compare Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s in Hawaii in Episode 153 of my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. And if you want help picking the right week for your family, that’s exactly what my Hawaii travel consultations are for.
What’s the Weather Like at Thanksgiving in Hawaii?
Warm. Late November in Honolulu usually brings highs around 81°F and lows in the high 60s. We usually bring a light sweatshirt for everyone in our family anyway.
November is part of Hawaii’s rainy season, but most showers pass quickly. The windward sides and Kauai’s north shore get more rain than the dry resort areas like Ko Olina, Wailea, and Waikoloa.
Going to a hillside luau like Nutridge? Pack layers, because it sits up on Tantalus and cools off after sunset. A packable light jacket and a kids’ rain shell will cover you.
Central Pacific hurricane season runs through November 30. After Hurricane Lowell hit Kauai this September, I’d look at trip insurance for any fall trip.
Do People in Hawaii Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Yes, and the history goes back further than most people expect. Kamehameha III issued Hawaii’s first official Thanksgiving proclamation in 1849, almost 50 years before Hawaii was annexed. That first one fell on December 31.
Hawaiians already had their own season of thanks, called Makahiki. It began around late October or November, when Makaliʻi (the Pleiades) rose at sunset, and lasted about four months. War was set aside for offerings, games, and celebration.
Today, plenty of resident families serve turkey right next to kālua pig, poke, rice, poi, and mac salad. Some even drop off a foil-wrapped turkey at a community imu (underground oven) the night before and pick it up steamed and smoky on Thanksgiving morning.
Want a taste of that at home? My Instant Pot kalua pork recipe fits right into a mainland Thanksgiving spread.
To wish someone a happy Thanksgiving in Hawaiian, say Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi. Hauʻoli means happy, lā means day, and hoʻomaikaʻi means to give thanks.
Where Can You Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Hawaii?
The easiest answer is a big resort. Every island has hotels doing a Thanksgiving buffet, brunch, or luau, and most take reservations from non-guests.
Only The Royal Hawaiian has announced its 2026 plans so far. For the others, the table shows what they offered in 2025 so you know what to watch for. Check their sites in early November and book the day reservations open.
| Island | Where | Thanksgiving Offering | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | The Royal Hawaiian (Waikiki) | Thanksgiving ʻAhaʻaina Luau on the oceanfront lawn | Announced for 2026 |
| Oahu | Duke’s Waikiki | Thanksgiving buffet with island twists like ulu stuffing | Offered in 2025 |
| Maui | Grand Wailea | Brunch buffet, two dinner options, and a Thanksgiving luau | Offered in 2025 |
| Big Island | Hilton Waikoloa Village | Thanksgiving luau, plus a holiday craft fair that weekend | Offered in 2025 |
Oahu: The Royal Hawaiian and Duke’s Waikiki
The Royal Hawaiian has already announced a Thanksgiving luau for 2026, with a holiday menu and show on its oceanfront lawn facing Diamond Head. Standard seats start at $291.50 per adult, so this is a splurge. If you want to stay where you celebrate, compare Royal Hawaiian rates on Expedia.
Duke’s Waikiki is the more relaxed, budget-friendlier pick. Its 2025 Thanksgiving buffet included roasted turkey with sausage, apple, and ulu stuffing. Reserve as soon as Duke’s opens holiday bookings.
Maui: Grand Wailea
For Thanksgiving 2025, Grand Wailea did a brunch buffet in Haleakalā Gardens, an oceanfront dinner at Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, a prix-fixe dinner at Olivine, and a Thanksgiving luau. It’s a good pick when half your family wants turkey and the other half wants fish. Check Grand Wailea rates on Expedia.
Filling in the rest of your Maui week? Here are the best things to do in Maui in November with kids.
Big Island: Hilton Waikoloa Village
In 2025, Hilton Waikoloa Village hosted a Thanksgiving luau and a holiday craft fair over the long weekend. The resort is huge and built for kids, which I get into in my Hilton Waikoloa Village review. See Hilton Waikoloa rates on Expedia.
Can You Do Thanksgiving Dinner Yourself in Hawaii?
Yes, and it might be the most relaxing option. The year we spent Thanksgiving on Kauai, we skipped reservations completely and picked up ready-made turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Nobody spent vacation cooking, and the kids still got their Thanksgiving dinner. If you’ll have a kitchen, call the nearest grocery store a week ahead and ask about holiday preorders.
Is a Thanksgiving Luau Worth It?
For a lot of families, yes. You get dinner and a show in one night, and you skip the scramble to find a restaurant that’s open.
Just know that most luaus on Thanksgiving are still regular luaus. Some add turkey and holiday sides, and others keep their usual menu. If turkey matters to your crew, ask before you book.
What Was Our Thanksgiving Luau Like?
In 2021, we spent Thanksgiving at Experience Nutridge, a small luau on the slopes of Tantalus above Honolulu. My boys were 8 and 6. I booked it because they smoked a turkey in their imu, and that sold me immediately.
Then we learned that the man who usually smoked the turkey had passed away right before our visit. There was no turkey that year, and I don’t know if they’ve brought it back. If that’s your reason for booking, ask first.
Even without the turkey, we loved it. It felt completely different from Thanksgiving at home, with new foods and so many friendly people. Nutridge keeps its luau to around 50 guests, so everyone gets involved instead of watching from the back.
Nutridge runs Sunday through Friday, so Thanksgiving Thursday is a regular luau night.
Which Luaus Run During Thanksgiving Week?
These schedules were current as of October 2026. Holiday weeks can shift things, so confirm before you book.
| Luau | Island | Regular Nights | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Nutridge | Oahu | Sunday to Friday | Small and hands-on, about 20 to 30 minutes from Waikiki |
| Chief’s Luau | Oahu | Closed Tuesdays | Funny host and fire knife dancing, now at Wet ‘n’ Wild in Kapolei |
| Germaine’s Luau | Oahu | Closed Mondays and Wednesdays | Casual beach luau in Kapolei, running since 1976 |
| Rock-A-Hula | Oahu | Closed Fridays | In the middle of Waikiki, so no car needed |
| Myths of Maui | Maui | Nightly | Maui’s longest-running luau, on Kaanapali Beach |
| Legends of Hawaii | Big Island | Sunday, Tuesday, Friday | Not a regular Thursday show, but the Hilton added a Thanksgiving luau in 2025 |
| Luau Kalamaku | Kauai | Tuesday, Friday | Covered pavilion, so rain won’t stop it. Closed for storm repairs as of early October 2026, with a mid to late October reopening planned. |
On Maui, my favorite luaus are Old Lahaina Luau and Feast at Mokapu. They aren’t Thanksgiving specials, but either one makes a great night during the holiday week. Book early, because both fill up.
Staying in Waikiki without a car? Read my Rock-A-Hula review to see if it’s a fit for your kids. You can also compare more luaus on Viator or GetYourGuide.
What Thanksgiving Events Happen in Hawaii in 2026?
Thanksgiving week is full of community events, and most are free or cheap. Here’s the 2026 calendar.
| Date | Event | Island |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 21 | Fairmont Orchid Turkey Trot 5K | Big Island |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Honolulu Marathon Clinic Turkey Trot | Oahu |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Paddle for Hunger | Maui |
| Thu, Nov 26 | VIRR Turkey Trot 5K (Kula) | Maui |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Annual 5K Turkey Trot at Hokuala (Lihue) | Kauai |
| Fri, Nov 27 | Waikiki Holiday Parade | Oahu |
| Black Friday weekend | Islandwide Crafts & Food Expo (2026 dates not posted yet) | Oahu |
Where Can You Do a Turkey Trot in Hawaii?
The biggest is the Honolulu Marathon Clinic Turkey Trot at Kapiolani Park on Thanksgiving morning. More than 1,770 people ran the 2025 race.
For 2026, you can pick a 5-mile run, a 3.6-mile loop, or a 1.8-mile family fun run/walk. Kids 5 and under are free on the two shorter routes. Registration closes at 5pm on November 25, there’s no race-day signup, and it caps at 2,000 people.
On Maui, the VIRR Turkey Trot is a 5K run/walk at Keokea Park in Kula with a 7:30am start. Costumes are encouraged, and food donations go to the Maui Food Bank. The 2025 race sold out before registration closed.
On Kauai, the Annual 5K Turkey Trot starts at 7am at the Hokuala Ocean Golf Course in Lihue. Bring canned goods for Hawaii Foodbank Kauaʻi.
On the Big Island, the Fairmont Orchid Turkey Trot is the Saturday before, November 21. Proceeds go to The Food Basket.
What Is Paddle for Hunger?
Paddle for Hunger is a Thanksgiving morning fundraiser on Maui, set for 8am on November 26, 2026. You can paddle on anything that floats, from outrigger canoes to surfboards and SUPs.
It’s untimed and just for fun. If your kids are comfortable on the water, it’s a sweet way to start the holiday by giving back.
When Is the Waikiki Holiday Parade?
The Waikiki Holiday Parade is Friday, November 27, 2026. It started in 1998 to honor Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans, and it also kicks off the holiday season in Waikiki.
Marching bands fly in from all over the mainland, and the route runs about 1.5 miles down torch-lit Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. The 2026 start time isn’t posted yet, but it ran from 7 to 9pm in 2025. Eat dinner early and grab a curb spot.
Staying into December? Here’s where to see Christmas lights in Hawaii.
What Is the Islandwide Crafts & Food Expo?
It’s a huge holiday market that’s been a Black Friday weekend tradition at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall since 1987. In 2025 it ran November 28 to 30 with about 250 vendors selling made-in-Hawaii gifts and food.
The 2026 dates haven’t been announced, so keep an eye on the Islandwide Expos Facebook page.
Which Hawaiian Island Is Best for Thanksgiving?
For most families, I’d pick Oahu. It has the most dinner options, the biggest turkey trot, and the parade. If you stay in Waikiki, you don’t even need a car on Thanksgiving Day.
The right island still depends on your family, though. Here’s how they compare that week.
| Island | Thanksgiving Vibe | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Busiest, with the most to do | Book dinner and the turkey trot early |
| Maui | Resort feasts and community events | Wailea and Kaanapali have the most dinner choices |
| Big Island | Resort-centered on the Kohala Coast | Hilton Waikoloa is the main Thanksgiving hub |
| Kauai | Quiet and low-key | Still recovering from Hurricane Lowell, so confirm everything |
A quick Kauai update: As of late September, most hotels, restaurants, and activities had reopened, but Hāʻena and Wainiha were still limited to resident traffic. The ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau in Poʻipū was paused with no reopening date. Smith’s Garden Luau was back up and running as of early October. I’ll be on Kauai in November and will update this post with what I see.
Want a day-by-day plan? My island guides have full family itineraries for Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Thinking about two islands over the long weekend? Start with my island hopping guide.
I also keep all my own reservations and confirmation numbers in one spot, which is why I made the Hawaii Travel Journal & Workbook. For the plane ride, the Hawaii Kids Journal & Activity Book gives the kids something to do besides screens.
How Can You Save Money on a Thanksgiving Trip to Hawaii?
Thanksgiving week will never be the cheapest week of the year, but you can soften the hit.
- Book flights early. Fares jumped when I planned our 2021 trip, so don’t wait for a last-minute deal.
- Compare a few departure days. Shifting your flight by a day or two on either end can change the price.
- Lock in your rental car. Cars can get scarce over holiday weeks. We always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because there’s no prepayment, and we rebook if prices drop.
- Splurge on one meal. Pair your Thanksgiving dinner out with grocery store breakfasts and plate lunches the rest of the week.
For more ways to stretch your budget, join my free 5-day email course on how to save money in Hawaii. First trip to Hawaii? Start with my free course on traveling to Hawaii like a pro and these things to know before planning a Hawaii trip.
Should You Book a Family Photo Shoot Over Thanksgiving?
If you send holiday cards, Thanksgiving week timing is hard to beat. Your photos are done before December even starts.
I work with Flytographer for vacation photos, and you’ll save $20 with my link. Schedule your shoot early in the trip so you have a backup day if it rains.
Thanksgiving in Hawaii FAQ
When is Thanksgiving in Hawaii in 2026?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026, the same day as on the mainland. The Waikiki Holiday Parade is the next evening, Friday, November 27. Turkey trots on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, plus Maui’s Paddle for Hunger, all happen Thanksgiving morning, so plan on an early start.
Is Hawaii crowded at Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving week is busier than the rest of November because so many families have the week off school. The popular dinners, luaus, and turkey trots fill up, so don’t count on grabbing a Thanksgiving reservation the week of your trip. Book your must-dos as soon as reservations open.
Is it cheaper to go to Hawaii at Thanksgiving?
Not usually. Airfare and hotel rates go up for Thanksgiving week compared to the rest of November. If saving money is your top goal, go in early November instead. If Thanksgiving is the only time your family can travel, book flights and rental cars as early as you can.
What do people in Hawaii eat for Thanksgiving?
Many resident families serve turkey, but it often sits next to kālua pig, poke, rice, poi, and mac salad. Some families even cook their turkey overnight in a community imu, which is an underground oven. It’s a mix of mainland traditions and island food that’s worth trying while you’re there.
How do you pronounce Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi?
Say it like “how-OH-lee LAH ho-oh-my-KAH-ee.” The ʻokina, the mark that looks like a backwards apostrophe, is a glottal stop, so you make a tiny pause wherever it appears. It’s an easy phrase to practice with your kids on the flight over.
Which Hawaiian island is best for Thanksgiving with kids?
For most families, I recommend Oahu. It has the most Thanksgiving dinner options, the biggest turkey trot at Kapiolani Park, and the Waikiki Holiday Parade. You can also skip the rental car if you stay in Waikiki. Maui and the Big Island are great if you want a resort-style feast.
Do Hawaii luaus serve turkey on Thanksgiving?
Some do. The Royal Hawaiian has already announced a Thanksgiving luau for 2026, and Grand Wailea and Hilton Waikoloa Village both did Thanksgiving luaus in 2025. Most regular luaus keep their usual menu that night. If turkey is a must for your family, ask about the menu before you book.
Is Thanksgiving in Hawaii Worth It?
I think so. Our Nutridge Thanksgiving didn’t go the way I planned, since there was no smoked turkey after all. We loved it anyway, because it felt nothing like any Thanksgiving we’d had at home.
If you’re going, book your Thanksgiving dinner and any turkey trot the day reservations open. Pick one or two events, then leave the rest of the week open for the beach.
If you’d like help building a Thanksgiving week that fits your family and your budget, book a Hawaii travel consultation with me. I’ll help you figure out which island, which dinner, and which week make sense for your kids.
Planning more holiday travel? Read about visiting Hawaii in the fall, Christmas in Hawaii with kids, the best things to do in Hawaii in winter, and whale watching on Maui.
 | About the author: Marcie Cheung is a Hawaii travel consultant for families who has visited Hawaii more than 40 times. She is the founder of Hawaii Travel with Kids and host of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. She offers one-on-one Hawaii trip planning consultations and itinerary reviews for families, couples, and honeymooners. |