Seasonal Adventures

Thanksgiving In Hawaii

November 15, 2022

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Thanksgiving In Hawaii

Picture this: I’m sitting in one of the only fine dining restaurants on the Island, in a jersey shift dress with a blue Delta blanket tied to look like a shawl. Yes, that Delta. If you’re wondering how I got to this place in my life well, let’s rewind…my luggage was stolen out of my car the night before my flight. I wasn’t flying from home, and had only taken my backpack in for the night. Hindsight, I regret this decision. Deeply. This left me with my camera gear, a jersey shift dress, and the clothes on my back.

I knew I had to go to this dinner and that where I was staying didn’t really have shopping anywhere nearby. So as I was exiting the plane…I took a blanket figuring it’ll work somehow. Meanwhile, my sister (who had already landed) was on the hunt for a swimsuit and underwear for me. There was one pair of underwear, a sports bra and shorts that were a size too small when I arrived, and I was grateful.

If something could go wrong, it did. But I just didn’t care. This trip was a celebration that my siblings had put together for me. I had just found out that the massive lump that was removed from my breast wasn’t cancerous, so even with all the mishaps it didn’t matter.

For the five of you heading to Thanksgiving in Hawaii, I hope your trip goes much more smoothly than this one. Just remember: You can swim in a sports bra. You can hand wash your underwear for a week. You can wear a Delta blanket as a shawl. But the time you have with loved ones isn’t something you can easily find or buy. Don’t stress over the perfect “whatever”, because even the best made plans can go awry. Just enjoy the trip and find gratitude along the way!

Thanksgiving In Maui

Seven Options for a thanksgiving feast

Bistro Molokini

The restaurant at the Grand Wailea offers a three-course feast with choices of pumpkin bisque, argula salad, sage garlic roasted turkey and pumpkin cheese or pie for dessert. $52 per person, children 5 and under staying at the hotel eat free, reservations recommended!

Fleetwood’s On Front Street

A chef-inspired, 3-course Thanksgiving dinner by the dining institution from Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. $75 for adults and $25 for children, 3 to 8 p.m.

Grand Dining Room at Grand Wailea

A Thanksgiving day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Various fall-inspired soups and salads, a carving station, a raw seafood bar and don’t forget the risotto. Includes sparkling wine. $90 adults, $35 children 6 through 12 years old, 5 and under free

Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

For a Thanksgiving on the romantic side, a special dinner menu with choice of mahi mahi, hen, opakapaka, filet mignon or your classic free range turkey as your entree. $100–$140 with wine pairing

Kimo’s

A family-friendly dinner of classic Thanksgiving dishes: an autumn harvest salad, slow roasted turkey with gravy, macadamia nut and sausage herb stuffing, mashed potatoes and a local pineapple-cranberry sauce. Top it off with pumpkin pie. $32 adults, $17 children 12 and under, 4 to 9 p.m.

Monkeypod Kitchen

The special menu from chef Peter Merriman includes turkey with country gravy, glazed kalua beef, Hawaiian sweet bread, sauteed green beans and mashed potatoes. A variety of local-inspired Thanksgiving dishes. $39.95 per person, 3 to 9p.m.

Naupaka Terrace

Look out for Hawaiian style poke, peek and eat shrimp, a variety of soups and salads, a roast sirloin and ham being served from 5 to 9 p.m. $50 adults, $25 children ages 5 to 12

Must Eats In Maui

Local favorites to fine dining delights

When it comes to choosing the perfect luxury hotel for your Maui vacation, there are a lot of factors to consider. But don’t worry – we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the top ten luxury hotels on the island. From breathtaking oceanfront views to world-class spas and dining, these hotels have it all. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly resort, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in Maui. Here are my top picks in no particular order:

1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

2. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

3. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

5. Montage Kapalua Bay

6. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

7. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

8. Hotel Wailea

Must Eats In Maui

Local favorites to fine dining delights

When it comes to finding the best local restaurants in Maui, there is no shortage of options. One of my favorite eateries on the island is Merriman’s which is known for its fresh seafood and locally sourced produce, fish and meat. They have a limited menu, but everything is done well here. For those looking for something a little closer to town, Mama’s Fish House is a must-try. This restaurant has been serving up Hawaiian-style seafood dishes for over 40 years and is beloved by locals and visitors alike. You’ll need to book your reservation as soon as they open the slots because it always books out quickly (thanks for the heads up Mary!). Of course, no trip to Maui would be complete without sampling some of the delicious Hawaiian shaved ice. There are several great places to get this treat, but one of the most popular is Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice, which has been in business since 1951. If you want authentic Hawaiian fare, head to HuiHui. They have a focus on traditional Hawaiian culture and foods, so this is a fun option. Definitely make room for poke at Tobi’s. You can actually place an order online here and pick it up to then head to the beach,

Maui | Hawaii

Five ways to explore the island

Maui is a beautiful island with so much to offer visitors! Here are eight great things to do while you’re on Maui:

1. Take a hike to see the stunning views from Haleakala National Park. If you really want to see the best views, book a flight with Sunshine Helicopter Tours.
2. Go snorkeling or scuba diving and explore the underwater world. The Lana’i Coast Snorkel is a fantastic option. Once you finish snorkeling, you get to enjoy a sail back to Maui on the catamaran.
3. Drive the Road to Hana and experience the island’s breathtaking scenery. If you’ll follow the link here, you’ll get more information for driving yourself or booking a tour.
4. Taste fresh pineapple at a local plantation tour.
5. Take a surfing lesson and ride the waves of Maui’s famous beaches. This spot also offers canoe surfing!

Haleakala National Park

A rare and sacred landscape

Haleakala National Park is one of Maui’s most popular tourist destinations. Located on the island’s northeastern coast, the park encompasses 10,023 acres of land and features a diverse range of plant and animal life. Visitors come from all over the world to hike Haleakala’s trails, which wind their way through lava fields, rainforests, and past volcanic crater lakes. While there are many different ways to hike the park, there are a few things that all hikers should keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water. The terrain can be rugged and the sun is intense, so it is important to be prepared. Secondly, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails. The lava fields can be disorienting, and it is easy to get lost. Finally, remember to respect the wildlife and pristine natural environment of Haleakala National Park.

Every year, visitors come to see the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala, an active volcano that last erupted in 1790. But Haleakala is more than just a volcano; it is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. In fact, the park is often referred to as a “living laboratory” due to the unique environment created by its high elevation and volcanic soil. Haleakala became a national park in 1960, and since then, its trails and visitor centers have been welcoming tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re coming to see the sunrise or simply to hike through the unique landscape, Haleakala National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.

One of my favorite ways to see any of the islands is by air. If you are up for it, book a helicopter tour with Sunshine Helicopters. I fly with them because they had multiple pilots who had been pilots in the military. This is something I always ask when calling to book. Since a pilot in the military will have extensive training and the most access to flying hours, I feel like it’s the way to go when doing these types of excursions!

Catamaran To Lana'i

Snorkeling and scuba diving

Looking for an unforgettable experience while in Maui? Why not try sailing and snorkeling! This popular activity is the perfect way to explore the island’s beautiful coastlines and vibrant reefs. And there’s no need to be a experienced sailor- most companies offer lessons and equipment rentals. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time adventurer, sailing and snorkeling in Maui is sure to be an amazing experience. There is a catamaran experience that I’d highly suggest. You can go on a private tour, or on one of their group excursions that’ll take you on a four and half hour trip where you can snorkel and sail. This company has other trips as well, including whale watching and sunset tours. On many of their tours they also offer food and drinks, so make sure to check!

Road To Hana

More Than A Drive

Maui’s Road to Hana is notorious for its winding roads and hairpin turns. But the road didn’t always look like this. In fact, the modern road is just over 50 years old. Prior to the construction of the current road, there was only a narrow path that was often impassable during bad weather. Despite its challenges, the road was the only way to get from the town of Hana to the rest of Maui. That all changed in the 1960s when the state decided to finally pave the road. The project took several years to complete, and the new road opened in 1964. Since then, it has become one of Maui’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors from all over the world.

The drive to Hana is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Maui, and it’s easy to see why. The road winds its way along the coast, providing stunning views of the ocean as well as a number of interesting stops along the way. The first stop is the Garden of Eden, a park that features a variety of native plants and trees. Other popular stops include the Seven Sacred Pools. Oheʻo Gulch, which are natural pools that have been carved out by lava flows, and the Wailua Falls, which is a 80-foot waterfall that flows into the ocean. No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be something on the road to Hana that will capture your attention. If you click here, it’ll take you to more information on the Road to Hana, including resources for tours that are available as well!

Maui Pineapple Tours

The freshest Guaranteed

Pineapples have been grown on Maui for centuries, and the warm climate and rich soil provide the perfect conditions for these sweet and juicy fruits. Visitors can tour pineapple plantations and even sample some of the freshest pineapples in the world. So next time you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, be sure to add a pineapple plantation tour to your list – it’s an unforgettable way you can enjoy the delicious taste of pineapple in its natural setting.

Most people associate pineapples with Hawaii, but the fruit actually has a relatively short history on the island. Pineapples are thought to be first brought to Hawaii by Spanish explorers in the early 1700s, and they quickly became a popular crop among Hawaiian farmers. By the late 1800s, pineapples were being exported to the mainland United States thanks to James D. Dole, where they became a popular ingredient in many recipes. Today, Hawaii is one of the largest producers of pineapples in the world, and the fruit is a symbol of the state’s rich history and culture. You can go on a tour of a planation by reserving your spot here.

Surfs Up

All Skill Levels welcomed

Surfing has been a part of Hawaiian culture for centuries, and the island of Maui has long been considered a mecca for surfers from all over the world. The first recorded surfing visit to Maui was made by Duke Kahanamoku, the famous Hawaiian Olympic swimmer, in 1914. Since then, Maui has become renowned for its world-class waves, attracting some of the best surfers in the world. Today, surfing is not only a popular pastime on Maui, but it is also an important part of the island’s culture. Every year, Maui hosts several major surfing competitions, drawing athletes from all over the globe.

While you are in Maui, you can certainly book a lesson (this company is fantastic and welcoming of all levels) and they also offer canoe surfing. Canoe surfing is now seen throughout Hawaii but it originated in Tahiti. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the the beach boys of Waikiki began taking visitors on Canoe Surfing lessons. It’s also known as the Hawaiian Rollercoaster, so be prepared for quite a ride!