Where To Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Honolulu (2025)
Our shortlist of Thanksgiving dinner options in Honolulu — plus the one Wednesday-night plan you shouldn’t skip.
Thanksgiving in Honolulu comes with two winning paths: a special hotel buffet or a relaxed oceanfront meal. Whichever you pick, lock your reservation early and build your week around one perfect Wednesday night —Chip Chantry’s Thanksgiving In Paradise at Blue Note Hawaii.
Reliable Reservations
- Hotel buffets in Waikiki (varies by hotel each year) — great for families.
- Oceanfront sit-downs: Duke’s Waikiki, Hula Grill Waikiki, Monkeypod Kitchen (Waikiki) (book early!).
Oceanfront Favorites (Details)
Duke’s Waikiki
Beachfront classic inside the Outrigger Waikiki. Lively vibe, great for families or groups, and sunsets that feel unreal.
- What to expect: casual‑nice dress, island favorites, possible holiday specials
- Tip: book sunset or late afternoon, then stroll Kalākaua Ave
- Location: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (short walk to Blue Note)
Best dishes
- Hula Pie (signature dessert)
- Fresh catch preparations
Hula Grill Waikiki
Upstairs from Duke’s with open‑air views. Slightly calmer than its downstairs sibling; romantic at golden hour.
- What to order: fresh fish, poke starters, mai tais
- Tip: request lanai seating when you reserve
Best dishes
- Daily fresh fish specials
- Mai Tai, coconut‑forward cocktails
Monkeypod Kitchen (Waikiki)
By Merriman — craft cocktails, fresh, farm‑driven plates. Fun for foodies without getting fussy.
- What to order: Monkeypod Mai Tai, wood‑fired pizzas, fresh fish
- Tip: book earlier seatings for families; later slots fill fast
Best dishes
- Monkeypod Mai Tai
- Kalua pork & pineapple wood‑fired pizza
Elegant Holiday Dinner Options
Orchids (Halekulani)
Oceanfront dining with white‑tablecloth polish. When they offer Thanksgiving menus, they’re refined and celebratory.
- Vibe: dressy resort; perfect for couples or milestone trips
- Tip: confirm holiday prix‑fixe times; book as soon as schedules post
Best dishes
- Sunday Brunch selections
- Lobster bisque
What people say: “The Thanksgiving buffet was a delightful blend of traditional and local flavors.” (Halekulani – Orchids)
House Without A Key (Halekulani)
Iconic live‑music lanai under the kiawe tree. Romantic, airy, and pure Waikiki.
- Vibe: resort‑casual; live Hawaiian music and hula most evenings
- Tip: arrive early to enjoy sunset before your seating
Best dishes
- Coconut chiffon cake
- Grilled fresh fish tacos
What people say: “They have THE BEST coconut cake in the world!” (Tripadvisor)
100 Sails (Prince Waikiki)
Harbor views and generous buffets when running holiday service. Great for mixed‑age groups.
- Vibe: upscale buffet; easy parking at Prince Waikiki
- Tip: ask about seating by the windows overlooking the marina
Best dishes
- Carving‑station turkey with gravy
- Sushi and seafood stations (when offered)
Plumeria Beach House (Kahala Hotel)
Beach‑level dining in Kahala. Quiet, refined, and lovely for families wanting space.
- Vibe: relaxed‑elegant; great brunch and holiday spreads
- Tip: it’s a short rideshare from Waikiki; plan extra time on holidays
Best dishes
- Roast turkey carving station (holiday buffets)
- Island desserts, tropical pies
STRIPSTEAK Waikiki
Michael Mina’s modern steakhouse inside International Market Place. Expect a polished prix‑fixe if offered for the holiday.
- Vibe: upscale, energetic; dressy casual
- Tip: pair dinner with a stroll through the banyan‑filled marketplace
Best dishes
- A5 Wagyu striploin on hot stone
- Drunken whole lobster
- Duck‑fat fries
What people say: “Four unctuous, beautifully marbled slices of luxury‑grade beef.” (Honolulu Magazine)
Basalt (Duke’s Lane)
Contemporary Waikiki dining with creative, locally‑leaning plates. Good option for smaller groups wanting something different.
- Vibe: casual‑modern; easy access from central Waikiki
- Tip: look for holiday prix‑fixe announcements in November
Best dishes
- Charcoal buttermilk pancakes
- Macadamia‑crusted mahi mahi
- Seafood paella
What people say: “Their charcoal pancakes are literally the best pancakes I’ve ever had!” (Wanderlog)
Timing Strategy
Do your big dinner on Thursday — and keep Wednesday open for the comedy show.
Planning Thanksgiving in Waikiki?
Lock the one can’t‑miss night: Chip Chantry’s Thanksgiving In Paradise at Blue Note Hawaii. Chip Chantry is one of the funniest comedians in the world — he appeared on the Netflix series Tires with Shane Gillis, his stand‑up special Move Closer is a cult hit, and this is a brand‑new hour from Chip.
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