Thanksgiving on Maui: Savor the Season with a Tropical Twist in 2024
Updated. September 18, 2024
Ready to trade in snow boots for flip-flops and pumpkin pie for pineapple delights? Thanksgiving on Maui offers the ultimate holiday escape, where you can enjoy your turkey with a side of tropical sunshine. Whether you’re envisioning a beachside feast or want a change from your usual family traditions, spending Thanksgiving on Maui will have you giving thanks for paradise. Better yet, Maui vacation rentals offer the perfect home base for a Thanksgiving feast with a side of aloha. So, pack your sunscreen and appetite—because this year, Thanksgiving is getting a tropical twist!
Weather on Maui Around Thanksgiving
Around Thanksgiving, visitors to Maui can expect some of the best weather the island has to offer. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 24-28°C), making it warm and pleasant without the intense summer heat. The nights cool down slightly to the mid-60s to low 70s (around 18-22°C), so light layers are perfect for evening outings.
Maui’s rainy season starts around November, but don’t worry—most showers are brief and tend to occur in the island’s lush, tropical regions like Hana or the West Maui Mountains. Coastal areas, especially near popular resort towns like Wailea and Ka‘anapali, remain mostly sunny.
Visitors can also expect plenty of sunshine and gentle winds around this time, keeping the air comfortable and breezy, perfect for outdoor activities or relaxing by the beach.
Thanksgiving Feast – Where To Eat?
If you want to skip the hassle of cooking up a Thanksgiving feast this year, put away the apron and dine out in one of Maui’s restaurants. There are plenty of delicious options that offer a place to celebrate Thanksgiving.
- Mama’s Fish House (Paia) – For a unique island twist on Thanksgiving, Mama’s Fish House offers fresh, locally sourced seafood with Polynesian flair. Their holiday menu often features traditional Thanksgiving fare alongside their signature dishes.
- The Plantation House (Kapalua) – Located in the scenic Kapalua Resort, the Plantation House restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and a special Thanksgiving menu featuring classic dishes like roast turkey and all the fixings, plus island-inspired sides.
- Grand Wailea Resort (Wailea) – For a luxury dining experience, Grand Wailea offers a Thanksgiving buffet in its spacious dining area. Expect a lavish spread featuring turkey, prime rib, and traditional side dishes, all with a Hawaiian twist.
- Ka’ana Kitchen at Andaz Maui (Wailea) – Ka’ana Kitchen is an elegant spot in the Andaz Maui Resort that offers a farm-to-table Thanksgiving dinner featuring seasonal local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a relaxed, upscale atmosphere and stunning ocean views.
- Hali’imaile General Store (Makawao) – A favorite upcountry dining destination, Hali’imaile General Store serves a special Thanksgiving menu blending traditional dishes with island flavors. Expect turkey, stuffing, and unique sides like macadamia nut cranberry relish.
- Montage Kapalua Bay (Kapalua) – Known for its luxury and elegance, Montage Kapalua Bay hosts an exceptional Thanksgiving feast with an emphasis on gourmet cuisine and seasonal ingredients. Guests can expect a blend of traditional Thanksgiving offerings alongside island specialties, all served in a stunning oceanfront setting.
- Three’s Bar & Grill (Kihei) – Three’s Bar & Grill is a casual yet eclectic spot in Kihei is known for its surf-themed atmosphere and diverse menu. On Thanksgiving, they serve a special holiday menu that features classic turkey dinners along with seafood and local favorites, all at a reasonable price.
We recommend making reservations asap as most restaurants have limited availability and spots for Thanksgiving book out quickly.
Participate in a Turkey Trot
If you’re planning to spend Thanksgiving 2024 on Maui and want to kick off your day with a bit of fun and fitness, consider joining the VIRR Turkey Trot. Held in Upcountry Maui at Keokea Park in Kula, this annual event is a classic Thanksgiving tradition.
The Turkey Trot offers a scenic 5K run/walk through the beautiful Upcountry landscape, making it a perfect start to your holiday. Participants are encouraged to don silly costumes, and awards will be given to the top three funniest outfits! The 8-mile course starts at 7:00 am and the 5K starts at 7:30 am. The early start means you’ll be finished in time and ready for your festive feast.
Even better, you’ll be contributing to a good cause! Participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations to the Maui Food Bank. Whether you’re looking to burn off some pre-feast calories or just want to join the community in a fun, active way, this Turkey Trot is a wholesome Thanksgiving activity for visitors to join in and give back to the local community.
Thanksgiving Events on Maui
Thanksgiving Feast at Fairmont Kea Lani (November 28, 2024) – Indulge in a lavish beachfront Thanksgiving feast featuring roasted free-range turkey, Kula honey-glazed ham, and a dessert station. Enjoy live music, hula performances, and spectacular ocean views while savoring your holiday meal.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise (Ma‘alaea Harbor, November 28, 2024) – For a memorable Thanksgiving experience, join this dinner cruise departing from Ma’alaea Harbor. Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner while cruising the waters of Maui, complete with breathtaking views and live entertainment.
Thanksgiving Luau (Various Locations) – Many of Maui’s top luau venues offer special Thanksgiving Day celebrations, combining traditional luau fare with Thanksgiving classics. It’s a festive way to celebrate Thanksgiving while also embracing the island’s culture.
- Some popular Thanksgiving Luau locations include;
Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Resort: This oceanfront luau combines traditional Hawaiian performances with a Thanksgiving feast that includes turkey and all the trimmings.
Wailele Polynesian Luau at Westin Maui Resort & Spa: This special Thanksgiving edition of the Wailele Polynesian Luau features traditional Polynesian performances, including fire dancing, along with a delicious spread that includes Thanksgiving favorites.
The Grand Luau at Honua’ula at Grand Wailea: Celebrate Thanksgiving with this luxurious luau that offers a mix of island-inspired dishes and holiday classics. Enjoy hula performances and live music as you dine under the stars in Wailea.
Give Back This Thanksgiving
If you’re spending Thanksgiving on Maui, giving back is a wonderful way to connect with the island’s spirit of aloha. With many organizations offering volunteering opportunities—ranging from food banks and meal deliveries to beach cleanups and ecological restoration—you can make a positive impact on the community during your Thanksgiving getaway. Here are some ways you can give back;
Maui Food Bank – Help pack and distribute food to families in need. The Maui Food Bank is always looking for volunteers, especially around the holidays, to assist in their warehouse and with food drives. You can get involved through their Aloha Backpack Buddies program, which provides meals to underprivileged children.
Feed My Sheep – Feed My Sheep is a mobile food distribution service that welcomes volunteers to assist with sorting, packing, and distributing food to communities in need across Maui.
Holidays for Lahaina – This non-profit focuses on supporting families impacted by the recent wildfires. Holidays for Lahaina provides Thanksgiving meal kits and hot meals from local restaurants. You can volunteer to deliver these meals or sponsor a family.
Beach Cleanups and Ecological Restoration – Participate in beach cleanups or help replant native trees through various voluntourism programs such as Mālama Hawai’i and Hawai’i Land Trust. These initiatives allow you to contribute to preserving Maui’s natural beauty.
Kaunoa Meals on Wheels – serving Maui’s senior population
Salvation Army Hawaii – serving all those in need
Maui Vacation Rentals for Thanksgiving: Your Island Home Away from Home
Maui vacation rentals offer the perfect home base for your Thanksgiving getaway, combining comfort with breathtaking ocean views and prime locations near the island’s best attractions. These rentals come with top-notch amenities, from spacious living areas to private lanais, pools, and hot tubs, and most importantly, the fully equipped kitchens, ideal for preparing a festive feast for the whole family. Our vacation rentals provide everything you need for a memorable stay on Maui, so book your tropical Thanksgiving today!
FAQ’s about Thanksgiving on Maui
Maui typically enjoys warm, pleasant weather in late November, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s (24-28°C). Occasional rain showers are possible, especially in more tropical areas, but coastal regions like Wailea and Ka‘anapali tend to stay sunny and dry.
Yes, many restaurants on Maui offer special Thanksgiving menus. From traditional turkey dinners to island-inspired feasts, you’ll find a variety of dining options at resorts, fine dining restaurants, and local eateries. Reservations are highly recommended as these dinners often fill up quickly.
Absolutely! Many resorts and restaurants offer traditional Thanksgiving meals, often with a Hawaiian twist. You can enjoy roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing alongside tropical flavors like pineapple-glazed ham and macadamia nut pie.
Yes, there are several events on Maui during Thanksgiving, including the popular VIRR Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving luaus, and community gatherings. Many visitors also take part in volunteering opportunities, such as helping with food drives or beach cleanups.
Yes! Many vacation rentals on Maui come with fully equipped kitchens, making it easy to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. You’ll have all the amenities needed to cook up a feast while enjoying stunning ocean views and the comfort of a private space.
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