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Home » Hawaii Travel Tips » Why November in Hawaii Is Perfect for Thanksgiving Celebrations

Why November in Hawaii Is Perfect for Thanksgiving Celebrations

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.

Planning a trip in November in Hawaii with your entire family?

Thanksgiving is a great time to visit Hawaii. The weather is warm and sunny in November, and the ocean water is perfect for snorkeling. Plus, there are plenty of celebrations going on! One of the most popular events in November is Thanksgiving.

So, what is Hawaii like in November? You can expect warm temperatures with plenty of sunshine, but there might also be rain showers since this is one of the rainy months. You need not worry, though, as the rain showers tend to not last long that it would impact any outdoor activities

In this post, we will explore some of the highlights of Thanksgiving in Hawaii. You’ll find out where to eat turkey (because you can’t have turkey all by itself!), what Hawaiian Thanksgiving traditions may be different from home, and how to make sure that your family gets their fixings for pumpkin pie.

You won’t want to miss out on these fun events while visiting Hawaii during this time! We’ll also give you tips about where you’re most likely to find turkeys on your Hawaiian Thanksgiving vacation.

And because we know how important dessert is, we’ll even tell you where you can pick up those pies so that everyone has something sweet after dinner! There’s no better way than with our guide on visiting Hawaii over Thanksgiving here.

So sit back and enjoy reading about everything Thanksgiving offers for a Hawaiian vacation!

Keep scrolling to learn how to plan the perfect trip to Hawaii at Thanksgiving!

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Does Hawaii Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Although modern-day Hawaiians and Hawaii residents celebrate Thanksgiving, they do not always. Ancient Hawaiian culture already had an event called Makahiki. This was a four-month-long festival that allowed them to give thanks and pause wars to celebrate each other and even give gifts. 

While this Hawaiian tradition is still in practice, it is also common for islanders to celebrate Thanksgiving with a big feast. That’s because this mainland tradition was adopted more than a hundred years ago in Hawaii.

The essence of the holiday remains the same for the Hawaiian people. It is a time to thank the harvest and give thanks to others. 

One thing that is a little different though is there isn’t a huge focus on pilgrim history like there is on the mainland. That’s because Hawaii has a very different experience with foreigners arriving on their land.

So Hawaii in Thanksgiving might seem a bit different, but the principle is the same.

What do Hawaii Locals and Residents do on Thanksgiving?

Hawaiians celebrate Thanksgiving much like their mainland counterparts, with a few adjustments. Instead of turkey and mashed potatoes, the Hawaiian people often serve traditional luau-style foods. It is a pretty traditional Hawaiian Thanksgiving dinner.

These luaus are a way for families, friends, and even whole communities to get together and enjoy a feast of staple Hawaiian dishes everyone loves.

While someone visiting might be thrown off by the menu if they expect a stuffed turkey, you’re still in for a treat. Many people in Hawaii serve a delicious main course of kalua pig, which is slow-roasted in an underground oven (called an imu) and covered in taro leaves.

However, some people living in Hawaii will put a turkey in an imu for a really delicious smoked turkey or deep fry it.

Often, poke, poi, and rice are served instead of mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. Poi is another traditional Hawaiian staple made of mashed taro.

If you are in Hawaii for Thanksgiving, try the food! You might start a new family tradition of having something other than turkey.

Is November A Good Month To Visit Hawaii?

November is a great month to plan a visit to Hawaii if you don’t mind a little rain. This month is part of the rainy season in the islands. Although this can be unfortunate at times, Hawaii’s weather remains warm enough to swim.

It’s just slightly chilly at night.  During the winter months, temperatures begin to cool, but the climate stays pleasant.

However, it won’t rain all day. Usually, it rains for a couple of minutes at a time. Overall, the Hawaii weather in November is quite nice! Average temperatures stay mild and suitable for beach activities, making it a comfortable time to visit.

This is also a good month to visit for cheaper flights and vacation rentals. That’s because it is typically a low month for tourism.

This means there will be fewer crowds of tourists in the Hawaiian islands. And you’ll have a little more money for choosing to visit these beautiful islands in the off-season.

What’s the Weather in November in Hawaii?

Hawaii weather in November maintains a wonderful tropical climate, with highs in the day in the 80s. The average temperature can dip into the 60s at night, so be prepared.

We usually bring a light sweatshirt for everyone in our family. If you’re concerned about winter storms, rest assured that they are rare in Hawaii compared to other places in the Pacific Ocean.

November is also the rainy season, as mentioned above. However, the showers tend to be short and come at night when the air cools and condenses. This is a good reason to bring a lightweight rain jacket with you so you’ll be prepared for the wet season.

However, even though November is in the off-season, Hawaii’s November weather will still most likely be nice for your vacation. Plus, it’s the tail-end of hurricane season in the Hawaiian islands.

Overall, the average rainfall in November is moderate, and the temperatures are perfect for a trip!

Is Hawaii Crowded in November For Thanksgiving?

Crowds of tourists usually swarm Hawaii in the summer and spring to take advantage of the sun and sea. But Hawaii in November is a different story.

Often, tourism is at a major low during November due to the rain and holiday season. However, during the busiest time of Thanksgiving week, there is a slight uptick in visitors.

While many families travel to the islands to celebrate Christmas, it is somewhat uncommon for tourists to choose Hawaii as a Thanksgiving destination. This allows you to avoid crowds during most of your visit.

This means that you can sometimes find great deals on flights, hotels, and activities when you visit during November.

Does it Cost More to Visit Hawaii in November During Thanksgiving Week?

In most cases, November is a much cheaper month for those looking to visit Hawaii. However, there is a slight increase in visitors and higher prices during the week of Thanksgiving. 

This is because some people travel to the islands seeking Hawaii Thanksgiving deals to escape colder climates and enjoy the warm temperatures.

Find out how much the trip cost to Hawaii is by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids. Close-up of 100 dollar bills and shell

While it may not be the holiday destination for most who like to celebrate the mainland American holiday, it still draws many visitors looking for an island reprieve during the Fall holiday.

This means the hotel prices and flight tickets in the Hawaiian islands go up right around Thanksgiving week. However, it is usually not comparable to hotel rates and airfares in the peak season of spring or summer.  

Going to Hawaii in November will almost always be cheaper than summer! Plus, if you plan your trip for early November, you can find fewer people and typically lower costs before the Thanksgiving rush

You can also probably find some Hawaii Thanksgiving vacation packages to help make this a more affordable trip.

I will note that when I was planning our November trip for 2021, I noticed a significant increase in flight costs for Thanksgiving week that I hadn’t noticed in past years.

Notable Thanksgiving Events To Look Forward To While In Hawaii

If you are visiting Hawaii in November, here are some of the best things to do for Thanksgiving in Hawaii.

Waikiki Holiday Parade

Every year on the Friday of Thanksgiving week, a holiday parade is held in Waikiki. This parade honors the veterans and the fallen from the attack on Pearl Harbor. It also celebrates and gives thanks for the holiday. 

While it is not the Macy’s Day parade some of us may be used to, the Waikiki Holiday Parade is a beautiful experience of Hawaiian culture. There are marching bands, local bands, floats, and even Hawaiian dancers.

It is a great way to enjoy Thanksgiving in Waikiki.

Thanksgiving Luaus

A luau is a popular tradition in Hawaii for celebrations of all kinds, and Thanksgiving is no exception. No matter where you are on the island, you are sure to find an event hosting a luau near you. This is a wonderful way to eat great local food, enjoy the culture, and spend time with your family. 

Get all your top Hawaii luau questions answered by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids.Image of Three Strong Men Juggling Fire in Hawaii - Fire Dancers.

Many luau events also host entertainment like music, hula dancers, and maybe even fire twirlers. The menu usually includes kalua pig as the main dish. But some events add turkey and more traditional American dishes for their visitors.

Here’s where you can find Thanksgiving luaus in Hawaii:

Thanksgiving luaus on Oahu:

Thanksgiving luaus on Maui:

Thanksgiving luaus on the Big Island:

Thanksgiving luaus on Kauai:

In 2021, we headed to Oahu’s Experience Nutridge luau on Thanksgiving because they promised to smoke a turkey in their imu, which immediately sold us! It was the best Thanksgiving luau Oahu had to offer!

Best Places To Eat Thanksgiving Dinner In Hawaii

I think one of the hardest parts about traveling to Hawaii during Thanksgiving is finding places that are open on Thanksgiving day. Here are a few places to eat on Thanksgiving in Hawaii:

The Royal Hawaiian Resort on Oahu

Many hotels offer delectable multi-course Thanksgiving meals. However, the Royal Hawaiian Resort gives guests a special meal that mixes Hawaiian and mainland American dinners by serving seafood, turkey, and local vegetable sides.

This is a wonderful place for you and your family to enjoy a pampered meal for your holiday vacation. You will love the Royal Hawaiian Thanksgiving dinner during your stay in Honolulu in November. Hotel rates here can be a bit pricier during this time, but the experience is worth it.

Duke’s Waikiki

On Thanksgiving Day, your family can enjoy their traditional Thanksgiving meal, which includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, broccolini, and their famous pumpkin crunch dessert.

They also have a regular menu available for people who just want to eat dinner on Thanksgiving in Hawaii.

You can choose from a lunch or dinner buffet to enjoy this day for Thanksgiving in Oahu.

The Grand Wailea Resort on Maui

The Grand Wailea Hotel and Spa buffet is usually a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner on Maui.

Make a reservation between 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to secure a spot. They have all sorts of delicious food, like turkey with cornbread stuffing, fish, or prime rib beef. Plus, there are vegetarian options. You won’t be disappointed!

Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island

If you’re looking to enjoy a Big Island Thanksgiving dinner, head to the Hilton Waikoloa Village. They usually offer an impressive Thanksgiving dinner spread.

If you are staying on the Big Island in November, this is the place to go!

Read our full Hilton Waikoloa Village review HERE.

Meals to Go

Many popular restaurants and even grocery stores can package Thanksgiving dinners for families to go. That’s a great way for your family to enjoy the meal in the comfort of your vacation home. Or take it to a park or the beach for a picnic.

Duke’s Waikiki, Hula Grill, Deck, Foodland, and many more options, including hotels, offer picking up a pre-cooked Thanksgiving feast for your family.

So don’t hesitate to browse the local eateries and see if they will package up a dinner for you and your family to enjoy at a memorable location of your choosing this holiday.

Thanksgiving on Oahu Celebrations to Attend

Thanksgiving at Rock-A-Hula

If you want a fun experience for the whole family for an Oahu Thanksgiving, then the Rock-A-Hula show in Waikiki is perfect for you!

There are four packages to choose from, including a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner, drinks, and unique entertainment! Check prices here.

The show tells of Hawaii’s journey from the 1920s to the modern-day, with hula performers, musicians, and even fire knife dancing.

This is an amazing way to see Hawaii’s history told through a unique artistic format that your family will remember for many Thanksgivings to come. Read my full Rock-A-Hula review.

Islandwide Christmas Crafts and Food Expo

While this may not be a Thanksgiving-specific event, this expo, which occurs the weekend after Thanksgiving, is a great mix of food, fun, and cultural arts of the islands.

Since it happens in early November too, it’s a great stop if you’re on the island at the beginning of the month.

Offering crafts of traditional Polynesian art, sculpture, blown glass, and more, this expo is sure to make you and your family appreciate its unique beauty. 

There is also food from hundreds of local island vendors, so you and your family can try the many varieties of food on this Asian-Polynesian island melting pot. So, if you’re heading to Oahu in November, add this to your itinerary.

They’re doing this again in 2024, so it’s something to really look forward to!

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

This may not be an event specific to Thanksgiving, but it is an event specific to the holiday season on Oahu. Surfing is a big part of Hawaiian culture, and Oahu hosts the annual Vans Triple Crown of Surfing every year from November to December.

So, if you and your family are a fan of the sport, or even just enjoy surfing, this is a spectacle you should see. Surfing is integral to some Hawaiian traditions, and this is one that you can only see in Oahu!

If you are staying in Waikiki in November, be sure to head out to the North Shore to watch this surfing event.

Thanksgiving on Maui Unique Events

Paddle for Hunger

The paddling community in Maui is very prevalent, and they host an annual Paddle for Hunger event. This event is free to enter but accepts food and monetary donations by attendees for the Maui Food Bank to help other families in need. 

If you want to enjoy a community event with your family while making a difference, then this is the best way to do it! You can bring canoes, surfboards, paddleboards, or any other water vessel to participate.

This untimed, just-for-fun race includes a silent auction to help garner more support for the Maui Food Bank. It’s a great thing to do in Maui in November.

Unfortunately, they are not holding it this year. We’re hoping to hear good news for 2025 because it’s really such a good cause!

Turkey Trots

Turkey Trots are events on several islands, but a popular one is hosted in Maui.

If you and your family enjoy outdoor activities and want to be a part of the community, then participating in a Turkey Trot is a fun way to celebrate the holiday on your Hawaii vacation.

You can run or fun walk your choice of 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer distances, win awards, and help donate food to local food banks.

It’s also a great opportunity to avoid crowds and get some exercise, especially if you’ve been indulging in the delicious local cuisine during your stay.

Thanksgiving Hawaii November FAQs

Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Hawaii?

Yes, Thanksgiving is celebrated on each of the Hawaiian islands. If you want to say Happy Thanksgiving in Hawaiian, it is Hauʻoli Hoʻomaikaʻi.

How is Hawaii in November?

Is Hawaii warm in November? The answer is yes! It is still very warm in Hawaii in November. The weather in Hawaii during Thanksgiving is hot during the day and cools down at night.

Is Thanksgiving a good time to go to Hawaii?

Things are usually cheaper during this month, so it is a great idea to travel to Hawaii in November. Plus, there are still plenty of things to do in Hawaii in November to have a blast. Hotel rates and flights are often typically lower, and you might find fewer crowds compared to the peak season.

What do Hawaiians eat for Thanksgiving?

Hawaiian Thanksgiving food is usually eaten at a luau, including Kalua Pig, poke, taro, poi, lomi lomi, huli huli chicken, etc. Few places will have a special Thanksgiving meal with things you will find on the mainland, like turkey and stuffing.

Is Hawaii busy during Thanksgiving?

It is usually less crowded during Thanksgiving than in the summer months.

What is the best Hawaiian island to visit in November?

The best Hawaii island in November is probably Oahu since there are so many things to do this month!

November in Hawaii Wrap-Up

Thanksgiving is universal for most, but spending it in Hawaii is a truly memorable experience for you and your family.

Visiting Hawaii in November is usually cheaper and less crowded. So you can enjoy the islands without the hustle and bustle of the tourist overflow, without sacrificing the experience of warm weather and beaches.

November in Hawaii offers great weather, tropical scenery, and cultural experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Beautiful beaches, great deals, and the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality make it a special time to visit.