Spend Thanksgiving being thankful in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Island of Maui offers world-class beaches, renowned golf courses, and a wide variety of island activities that will make this vacation stand out from all the rest. Visiting the island over the Thanksgiving holiday adds even more options to the table, with both warm-weather island activities as well as special holiday events added to the calendar. Whether you want to continue some important family traditions this Thanksgiving or create entirely new memories, you will find many options to do so on Maui. This Thanksgiving Maui guide will help you find all the best places to eat and things to do for the upcoming holiday!
Where to Eat Your Maui Thanksgiving Dinner
When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, one of the first things that comes to mind is likely a sumptuous Thanksgiving spread. And traveling during the holiday doesn’t mean you will have to sacrifice on that Thanksgiving feast you have been looking forward to. From traditional Thanksgiving dishes at Maui’s best restaurants to feasts with a local flair that you would find at a luau, holidays in Hawaii are never short on heaping portions of delicious food.
Thanksgiving dinners in Hawaii vary widely from traditional dishes such as turkey and mashed potatoes adorning the table alongside local favorites such as kalua pork and rice. If you want to forgo the turkey and trimmings this year, consider booking a luau for your Thanksgiving feast. While it may be difficult to get tickets on the day of the holiday, if you are willing to celebrate a day early or late, it will be easy to find a top Maui luau that will serve as a memorable Thanksgiving setting. These events are not only known for their delicious traditional dishes, but also for the music, hula, and culture that create a complete experience.
Restaurants on hotel grounds and in resort areas are the best places to check for booking a table for your Maui Thanksgiving dinner. The Grand Wailea Hotel and Spa is known for their hearty Thanksgiving Day buffet. The Plantation House Restaurant, Merriman’s, Leilani’s on the Beach, Hula Grill, and Fleetwood’s on Front Street are just a few of the Maui restaurants that traditionally offer a special Thanksgiving dinner. Alongside traditional dishes, you will also find touches of island flavors such as toasted macadamia nuts and pineapple garnishes.
Vacation rentals that boast full kitchens are also easy to come by in Maui for Thanksgiving, in the event that you want to create any favorite family recipes on your own. Pick up fresh ingredients from the Lahaina Farmer’s Market and keep family traditions alive from the comfort of your Maui vacation rental!
Thanksgiving Maui Events
Start your Thanksgiving out running alongside family or friends at the VIRR Turkey Trot, held in Kula. This 8K run or walk is a great way to get your metabolism moving before spending the rest of the day feasting and relaxing. And to win this race, you don’t have to be the fastest – you just have to be the most accurate at estimating your finish time!
If your Thanksgiving Maui stay will extend into the following week, you may be able to see the island come to life with Christmas decorations. The annual lighting of the Lahaina banyan tree usually takes place the following weekend and is a spectacular sight to see. With limbs that stretch over 2/3 of an acre, this tree, which is the largest banyan tree in the country, becomes even more magnificent with twinkling strings of holiday lights.
Best Maui Activities
While there are many special ways to enjoy Thanksgiving in Maui, all of the island activities that make it a world class destination are also readily available. Spend the day soaking up the sea, sand, and sun on one of Maui’s best beaches before heading out for your Thanksgiving feast. Water activities such as surfing, snorkeling, swimming, boogie boarding, and stand up paddle boarding are also great ways to bond together as a family on this special holiday. Booking a boat excursion is also a popular Maui activity, where it is easy to catch sight of wildlife such as spinner dolphins and green sea turtles.
Some of the best family activities in Maui happen when you step away from the beach and explore the island’s interior. Consider booking a family horseback excursion, an ATV adventure, or a thrilling ziplining experience. Maui also has countless waterfalls and hiking trails to be explored that are perfect for nature-loving families.
Maui Accommodations for a Thanksgiving Getaway
Make sure your family has all the space and privacy desired to celebrate in Maui for Thanksgiving. At Maui Life Realty, we offer a variety of Maui condos and private homes throughout the island that will make the perfect home away from home for the holiday!
