Where To Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Honolulu (2025)

Q: Is Diamond Head open on Thanksgiving?

No—Diamond Head State Monument is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Plan hikes another day.

Planning Thanksgiving in Honolulu? You've basically got two winning paths: a polished hotel buffet with something for everyone, or a relaxed oceanfront sit-down with island classics. Book early (first week of November at the latest) and anchor the week around one perfect Wednesday night— Chip Chantry's Thanksgiving in Paradise at Blue Note Hawaiʻi (Nov 26; 6:30 & 9:00).

Jump to:

Reliable Reservations (Quick Picks)
Oceanfront Favorites
Thanksgiving Buffets (Menus & Booking)
Prix-Fixe / Set Menus
Booking Tips & Timing Strategy
FAQ

Reliable Reservations (Quick Picks)

Hotel buffets (family-friendly, broad selections): see buffet section.
Oceanfront sit-downs (book sunset): Duke's Waikīkī, Monkeypod (Waikīkī).

Oceanfront Favorites (Details)

Duke's Waikīkī

Beachfront classic inside the Outrigger Waikīkī. Lively, family-friendly, golden-hour views.

Expect: casual-nice dress, island favorites, occasional holiday specials
Tip: book sunset or late afternoon; stroll Kalākaua afterward
Location: Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort (short walk to Blue Note)

Standouts

Hula Pie (signature)
Fresh catch preparations

Monkeypod Kitchen (Waikīkī)

By Merriman—craft cocktails, farm-driven plates. Foodie-friendly without being fussy.

Order: Monkeypod Mai Tai, wood-fired pizzas, fresh fish
Tip: earlier seatings are best for families

Thanksgiving Buffets (Menus & Booking)

100 Sails (Prince Waikīkī) — Brunch Buffet — Harbor-view brunch with a broad, polished spread. Menu (PDF)
100 Sails (Prince Waikīkī) — Dinner Buffet — Evening buffet of holiday classics + island favorites. Menu (PDF)
Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider — Thanksgiving Buffet — Historic oceanfront setting; carving stations & seafood. Reservations
The Buffet at Hyatt (Waikīkī) — Casual, family-friendly buffet. Menu
Plumeria Beach House (The Kahala) — Breezy, family-friendly; 10–15 min from Waikīkī. Experiences/Reservations

Thanksgiving Prix-Fixe / Set Menus

Azure (The Royal Hawaiian) — Refined beachside tasting menu inside the Pink Palace. Reservations
Hoku's (The Kahala) — Elegant 5-course Thanksgiving dinner; limited seating. Reservations
Arden Waikīkī — Contemporary Hawaiian-inspired holiday set; intimate room off Kalākaua. Reservations
The Capital Grille (Ala Moana) — Classic Thanksgiving plates in a polished steakhouse setting. Thanksgiving Menu
Merriman's Honolulu (Ward) — Farm-to-table 3-course holiday menu; local purveyors. Reservations
Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu — Casual holiday menu near the beach; easy for groups. Reservations
STRIPSTEAK Waikīkī — Michael Mina's modern steakhouse; watch for holiday sets. Thanksgiving Details
Basalt (Duke's Lane) — Casual-modern; occasional holiday prix-fixe. Reservations

Heads up: Diamond Head State Monument is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Plan hikes for another morning.

Booking Tips & Timing Strategy

Reserve early: Many spots publish menus in early November and sell out quickly.
Sunset slots: If oceanfront, aim for golden hour; it's worth the planning.
Thursday feast, Wednesday laughs: Do your big dinner on Thursday—keep Wednesday open for Chip Chantry's show (walkable from most hotels).
Transit: Walk or rideshare; parking fills up faster on holiday weeknights.

Add laughs to the week: reserve Thanksgiving in Paradise for Wednesday night (6:30 or 9:00) at Blue Note Hawaiʻi.

FAQ

Do restaurants serve traditional turkey?

Many offer turkey on buffet and prix-fixe menus; most publish details in early November.

Can I walk from dinner to Blue Note?

Yes—most Waikīkī restaurants are a short stroll to the venue inside the Outrigger Waikīkī.

Are walk-ins possible?

Sometimes at casual spots, but not recommended on Thanksgiving. Grab a reservation.