Celebrate the Holidays Maui-Style: Whales, Festivities, and Giving Back

Thanksgiving on Maui!

Where to Eat 

• Merriman's Kapalua Maui (Kapalua) Merriman's Kapalua offers a delightful Thanksgiving prix fixe menu, featuring signature dishes from the Merriman's menu alongside a curated selection of holiday favorites.
• Montage Kapalua Bay (Kapalua) – Renowned for its luxury and sophistication, Montage Kapalua Bay presents an extraordinary Thanksgiving feast. Featuring gourmet cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients, the menu combines traditional holiday favorites with unique island-inspired dishes, all served in a breathtaking oceanfront setting.
• The Plantation House (Kapalua) – The Plantation House restaurant pairs breathtaking ocean views with a special Thanksgiving menu. Guests can enjoy classic favorites like roast turkey with all the trimmings, complemented by island-inspired sides.
• Mama’s Fish House (Paia) For a Thanksgiving celebration with an island twist, Mama’s Fish House showcases fresh, locally sourced seafood infused with Polynesian flair. Their holiday menu blends traditional Thanksgiving favorites with their signature specialties.
• 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, located in the Andaz Maui Resort, offers a sophisticated farm-to-table Thanksgiving experience. Highlighting fresh, seasonal local ingredients, guests can savor their meal in a refined setting with breathtaking ocean views.

Thanksgiving - Back! 

1.  Give Back to Lahaina Families 

Holidays for Lahaina achieved remarkable success with its first Thanksgiving initiative. The organization distributed 300 Thanksgiving Meal Kits, ensuring families had everything needed for a hearty and comforting meal. For those without kitchen access, Holidays for Lahaina sponsored 204 ‘ohana to enjoy a restaurant dinner, fostering connection and joy during the holiday season. This effort brought the spirit of Thanksgiving to the Lahaina community in a truly meaningful way. To volunteer or be a part of this special initiative visit their website.

2.  Maui Food Bank 

Make a meaningful impact this holiday season by volunteering with the Maui Food Bank. They are always in need of dedicated individuals to help pack and distribute food to families facing food insecurity. Volunteers can assist in various ways, from working in their warehouse to supporting food drives that directly benefit the local community.

One of their standout programs, Aloha Backpack Buddies, focuses on providing nourishing meals to underprivileged children who might otherwise go hungry outside of school hours. By joining this initiative, you can help ensure that keiki in need have access to healthy meals, offering them comfort and stability during challenging times. Whether you’re sorting donations, assembling care packages, or participating in outreach events, your time and effort will play a vital role in spreading aloha and supporting those who need it most. To get involved visit the Maui Food Bank website. 

More Thanksgiving Ideas 

Thanksgiving Luau

Elevate your holiday festivities with a Thanksgiving luau, blending the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving feast with the vibrant culture of Hawaii. Enjoy turkey alongside Hawaiian delicacies, all while watching mesmerizing hula and Polynesian performances under the stars. Top picks for 2024 include: Old Lahaina Luau, Feast at Lele, and Drums of the Pacific. 

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise

Take your celebration offshore with a Thanksgiving dinner cruise! Feast on a delicious turkey dinner while soaking in breathtaking views of Maui’s coastline and perhaps even catching the season’s first glimpses of migrating humpback whales. Recommended options for 2024 include: Pacific Whale Foundation, Trilogy Excursions, and Maui Princess Sunset Dinner Cruise. 

2024 Maui Turkey Trot

For those looking to get moving before the feast, the Maui Turkey Trot is a fantastic way to start your Thanksgiving Day. This fun, family-friendly event offers a scenic run or walk along the island’s beautiful coastline, with options for various skill levels. Whether you’re participating for fitness or fun, it’s a great way to work up an appetite and support local charities. In 2024, the Turkey Trot is set to be bigger than ever, with a festive atmosphere and a perfect balance of exercise and celebration. Keep an eye on MauiSportsFoundation.org for registration details and more information about this popular holiday tradition!

Christmas Time On Maui! 

Where to Eat 

• The Ritz Carlton (Kapalua) –The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for its luxurious holiday dining, offering unforgettable culinary experiences during the festive season. Guests can indulge in elegant buffets, thoughtfully curated prix-fixe menus, and opulent holiday meals at their award-winning restaurants. Featuring island-inspired dishes with a festive twist, each meal is a celebration of Hawaii’s unique flavors and world-class hospitality.
• The Plantation House (Kapalua) – Celebrated for its breathtaking views and exquisite island cuisine, offers a memorable Christmas dining experience. Their special holiday menus seamlessly blend traditional favorites with the vibrant flavors of Hawaii, creating a feast that delights every palate. With its inviting ambiance and touch of elegance, The Plantation House provides the perfect setting for a festive and unforgettable holiday meal.
• Hula Grill (Ka’anapali): Situated right on the beach, Hula Grill provides a laid-back yet festive setting for your holiday celebrations. Their Christmas specials, offered alongside a menu of flavorful Hawaiian-inspired dishes, make for a delicious and memorable meal. With stunning ocean views and a warm, casual atmosphere, Hula Grill is the perfect spot to enjoy the holiday spirit island-style.
• Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante (Wailea): Perched oceanfront at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, Ferraro’s offers a refined dining experience that masterfully blends Italian and Hawaiian culinary influences. For Christmas, their menu is elevated with festive holiday specials, all served in a setting that exudes elegance and tropical charm. Impeccable service and the serene ambiance of the Pacific coastline make Ferraro’s a truly unforgettable destination for your holiday celebration.

Photos With Santa 

Shops at Wailea: 

The Shops at Wailea warmly invites families and visitors to embrace the holiday spirit with the highly anticipated arrival of Santa on Friday, November 29.

This year’s festivities kick off with Santa’s grand entrance, escorted in style by the Maui Classic Cruisers and Street Bikers United Hawaiʻi from Kalama Park. The lively Santa Parade will journey to The Shops, where guests can enjoy a magical evening filled with captivating entertainment and holiday cheer. See dates and times below: 

• Friday, Nov. 29 from noon–2 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 30 from 4–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4–7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 4–7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 4–7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 21 from 4–7 p.m.