You’ve made a great decision to spend Thanksgiving on Kauai! Far from the hustle and bustle, Kauai is a serene getaway of stunning landscapes and pristine beaches. While you spend your vacation relaxing and going on adventures, you may wonder where to eat when Thanksgiving Day rolls around. Well, if you want your turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, or maybe something you’ve never tried, we've got you covered.
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In This Blog
- Merriman's
- Hualani's
- Ilima Terrace
- Table at Poipu
- Book Your Kauai Thanksgiving Vacation Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving on Kauai
Merriman’s
For those looking for an experience that highlights Hawaiian cuisine, a trip to Merriman’s is in order. This restaurant celebrates Hawaii’s regional flavors by sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local farmers. The kitchen also acknowledges how multicultural the islands are by showcasing a variety of dishes.
The Thanksgiving menu is no stranger to culinary diversity. Dishes like an island style hapa poke, and chilled Keahole lobster salad will delight the senses as appetizers, both of which spotlight fresh, local seafood. Moving on to mains, you can find classic slow-roasted organic turkey with all the traditional fixings, or you can try something nontraditional and have Hawaiian snapper and wild-caught shrimp, or a Hanalei taro falafel. For dessert, they’ve got pumpkin pie, or you could try their pineapple macadamia nut bread pudding. This is just a smattering of the expansive and creative menu. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave satiated and inspired.
- Menu
- Cost: $115 per adult; $45 for children 10 and under
- Location: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street, Koloa, HI
- Hours: Open daily, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM; Thanksgiving hours may differ
Hualani’s
Hualani’s is an elegant oceanfront farm-to-table restaurant that serves delicious seasonal offerings. Dress in your best resort casual wear and sit at a table looking out over the water as you celebrate in the beautiful, warm weather. Enjoy the food sourced from Hualani’s own organic plot of land and from other local farmers.
Hualani’s Thanksgiving menu is a three-course menu with an optional wine pairing, making for a sophisticated experience. Enjoy appetizers such as Kabocha pumpkin bisque, scallion pancake, or Otaru crudo for the first course. Moving on to entrees, you can find some classics such as the Distel Farm turkey and dry aged slow roasted prime rib. Try their macademia nut crusted mahi mahi or a Hokuala Farm veggie red thai curry if you want to meander off the typical Thanksgiving culinary path. These dishes are sure to delight and surprise you. Finally, splendid sweets await you for dessert, such as a warm pumpkin cake with pumpkin crunch ice cream or a cranberry and lilikoi cheesecake. Truly decadent!
- Menu
- Cost: $95 per person
- Location: 3770 Ala Oli Way, Lihue, HI
- Hours: Thanksgiving seatings from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Ilima Terrace
One of the top places to have your Thanksgiving feast in Kauai is Ilima Terrace. Enjoy an open-air dining experience as you listen to live music and look out over the beautiful gardens and onto the water.
This buffet is a local legend; for good reason, it’s enormous! It’s full of island-inspired dishes and the Thanksgiving fare you’ve come to expect. Choose from multiple stations, such as carved meats, side dishes, seafood, sushi, omelets, charcuterie, pickles, dim sum, dessert, and more! When it comes to which foods to try, you have a world of options. Whether you’re loading up on the prime rib or ahi poke, baked green bean casserole or tofu watercress salad, mini pork bao or rosemary chicken breast with pan jus, you’ll leave happy and full.
- Menu
- Cost: $129 per adult, $64.50 for children 6-12
- Location: 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI
- Hours: Thanksgiving seatings from 11:30 AM to 4:15 PM
Table at Poipu
Chef John-Paul Gordon, who runs Table at Poipu, has a motto: "quality ingredients served simply." The dedication to this ethos is evident in everything that is served at Table at Poipu.
For Thanksgiving, the menu is comprised of a three course pre-fixe meal that encompasses the restaurant's mission. For appetizers, enjoy an acorn squash soup, mushroom risotto, or stuffed mushrooms. Entrees include a baked fresh catch of the day, lobster tail, braised beef, or baked turkey with Portuguese stuffing. Dessert offers a choice of mint chocolate chip ice cream pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or apple tart. With this many options, you're bound to find something your tastebuds can savor and relish.
- Menu
- Cost: $85 per person
- Location: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street, Suite F207A, Koloa, HI
- Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Book Your Kauai Thanksgiving Vacation Today
Featured Rental: Pali Ke Kua 201
If you’re ready to spend Thanksgiving on Kauai, then it’s time to book your stay! Here at Kauai Vacation Rentals, we have many properties all over the island that we know you will love. Choose from homes that are within walking distance to the ocean, that have hot tubs, and have pool access. We also have vacation rentals with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for cooking up your own Thanksgiving feast! Whichever rental you choose, we promise you will have a wonderful time. Browse our vacation rentals today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving on Kauai
Are there other restaurants and bars open on Thanksgiving?
Other restaurants and bars will be open on Thanksgiving, but you will have to contact them the week of Thanksgiving or look at their websites and social media to find out their holiday hours.
What is the weather like in Kauai during Thanksgiving?
The weather stays in the 70s°F and 80s°F during the day and can dip into the 50s°F and 60s°F during the evening.