Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Big Island – 2024
Enjoying Hawaiian cuisine while exploring the Hawaiian archipelagos, we certainly know the old phrase “When in Italy…” resonates.
The Big Island, being a peninsula steeped in ancient Hawaiian culture, boasts a wide variety of kai (excellent) Hawaiian cuisine.
It’s easy to lose yourself in your gourmet trip on the Big Island, host to an assortment of superb eateries with cuisines of diverse cultures, and it’s crucial not to overlook local cuisine.
You don’t need to worry about picking where to go this turkey day since we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants on Big Island for thanksgiving dinner for you to savor.
Best restaurants in Big Island for Thanksgiving this year
1. Merriman’s
Merriman’s, which opened over two decades ago, is recognized in the city for its farm-to-table delicacies made by the skilled and renowned cook Pete Merriman.
This is without a question among the greatest Big Island eateries, and you’ll discover that the tastiest products come from the simplest of sources, right from the biological soil.
Enjoy a sundown dinner with a partner; the magnificent scenery and wonderful food make it among the best locations to dine here on the Big Island of the Hawaiian islands.
To satiate your internal predator, try the butcher’s chopped lambs from Kahua Farm.
It’s tender, delicious lamb grilled with Kauai vegetables, habanero pepper browns, and a smoky sauce. They also serve the best filling turkey.
- 65-1227 Opelo Rd Opelo Plaza, Waimea, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-8401
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-885-6822
- Email:- office@merrimanshawaii.com
2. Manta
Manta is an upscale establishment run by Chef Ran Brannigan that serves Hawaiian ethnic food as well as modern American meals.
Enjoy the greatest Big Island cuisine at one of the renowned eateries.
Manta never fails to impress with legendary meals and breathtaking vistas.
Regardless of when you arrive, you’ll enjoy an open-air, excellent dinner on a beautiful terrace overlooking Kauna’oa Beach, as well as a few local kitties wandering through the potted plants.
Manta is famed for its buffet, but one of the restaurant’s most famous dinner meals is the pistachio walnut studded mahi-mahi.
The salmon is quite delicate, having an earthy flavor to it.
- 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-9706
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-882-5707
- Email:- maunaconcierge@maunakeabeachhotel.com
3. Da Poke Shack
Da Poke Shack is a Thai restaurant located near the beach that serves take-out fish and other delicious food and meals.
This “take-out” shop focuses on poke dishes and trays, serving a variety of poke made using freshly caught por eso (yellowfin tuna).
And if you don’t like ahi, it’s not a problem.
Crab, taco, and taegu are also on the menu.
If you don’t like seafood in your ohana, they offer classic lau lau and kalua pork ribs.
They also serve meatless poke platter and gluten-free options on the table.
Enjoy any delicious poke dishes, which are all customized to your choices and meal requirements.
We suggest the Shoyu Fish and the House Special.
- 76-6246 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-4614
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-329-7653
- Email:- info@dapokeshack.com
4. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is an island-themed chain dining brand headquartered in Waikiki, Hawaii that specializes in Hawaiian dish lunches.
Johnson Lam and Eddie Perez, Jr. bought the first L&L Drive-In in the mid-1970s.
If you’re still contemplating where to dine on the Big Island, Hawaiian BBQ is a sure bet.
It’s no wonder that everybody feels at peace at L&L Hawaiian Bbq, as they pack your dish with all of the Hawaiian Archipelago’s riches.
Make a reservation at L&L Hawaiian Bbq, among the top restaurants in town.
Take 2 servings of rice, a portion of pasta salads, and the main dish varying from spicy fried chicken to their signature shrimp. If you are a fan of Ramen, they have the best ones to offer.
- 75-5595 Palani Rd Ste A6 Lanihau Shopping Ctr., Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-3136
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-331-8886
5. Kona Brewing Company
The winery and first bistro are located in Kailua-Kona on Big Island.
The brewery first opened for business in October of the late 1990s.
Try out this one of the greatest celebration eateries you’ll ever come across, with a relaxed, informal ambiance and feel.
Experience casual presentations, food, live entertainment on Weekends, and a lanai with a perforated metal roof at this brewery.
Combine a hand-tossed flatbread or Kalua pig tortillas with a lager tasting, or satisfy your vegetarian cravings with the famous chickpeas ‘cheeseburger’ topped with jalapeno cream sauce.
- 74-5612 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-1617
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-334-2739
- Email:- konapubmanagers@konabrewinghawaii.com
6. Island Fish & Chips
Island Fish and Chips is an independently run eatery that specializes in fried seafood and has a walk-up table with lakeside sights.
If you dismiss tiny eateries, you will lose out on a few of the highest-rated eateries on the Island.
Island Fish & Chips, hidden deep within the King’s Stores at Waikoloa and hidden behind one fish pond, may seem like a sport of concealing; however, this walk-up store is genuine.
Enjoy the crispy seafood sandwiches, tropical prawns, and the creamiest fish and chips you’ve ever had.
The delicious mango coleslaw on the sides is a nice touch.
- Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-886-0005
7. Cafe 100
Richard Miyashiro created Bistro 100 in the mid-1940s as a homage to completing a century of Infantry Regiment.
Loco Moco should be tried regardless of whatever beach you travel to, although rumor has it that This Hawaiian cuisine originated at Cafe 100.
If you’re seeking fancy restaurants on Hawaii’s Big Island to try the legendary Loco Moco, there’s really a no brighter location to visit than this trendy and contemporary cafe.
Naturally, you must sample their Loco Moco.
A plate of white rice sits atop a succulent beef burger, which is covered with creamy sauce and garnished with a sunshine omelet.
- 969 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4216
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-935-8683
8. Huggo’s On The Rocks
Huggo’s on the Rocks first began operating in the early 1980s, providing traditional Hawaiian food.
Quench your hunger at one of the greatest supper spots you’ve ever been to.
As you eat first-rate cuisine, experience the sand under your boots and hearken to the waves crashing.
The cuisine emphasizes genuine exotic meals and cool tropical libations; the atmosphere is friendly and relaxing – a location for close families and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Try the Huggo’s Trademark Marinated Steak, an island-style sirloin grilled in their secret sauce and topped with fresh veggies and jasmine noodles.
- 75-5824 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-329-8711
9. CanoeHouse
Senior chef Matt Raso and managing partner Yuka Raso lead Canoe House, which is recognized for its archipelago Japanese cuisine.
If you’re a gourmet searching for some informal breakfast or supper locations, this may be among the nicest local eateries around you to explore.
Experience Hawaii’s profound link between ocean and land, from locally produced scallops and freshly caught opakapaka (fish) to tangy bowl strawberries and soft leaves of palms.
Enjoy spectacular Western Pacific sights in a modern setting while dining on delicious shellfish beneath flaming torches.
Enjoy the creative pair chefs’ 5-course ‘MY’ cuisine, or simply sit back and enjoy the whole meal, which is segmented and tailored to be shared.
- Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-885-6622
10. Beach House – The Fairmont Orchid
Brown’s Beach House is renowned for its unparalleled Hawaii Provincial Food culture and stunning beachside location.
Brown’s Beach House, situated only feet from the shore, is the AAA Five-Star prize-winning destination for the classic islands’ fine-dining experience.
While admiring the breathtaking Ocean vistas, enjoy creative, Big Island-inspired food based on simple, pure tastes derived from regionally farmed, healthy agriculture and fisheries.
We really enjoy the five-spice pork belly, which is served with Molokai butternut squash mash, roast duck purple cauliflower, and banana kuleana liquor syrup.
- 1 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-887-7368
11. Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill
Brown’s Beach House is renowned for its unparalleled Hawaii Provincial Food culture and stunning beachside location.
Brown’s Beach House, situated only feet from the shore, is the AAA Five-Star prize-winning destination for the classic islands’ fine-dining experience.
While admiring the breathtaking Ocean vistas, enjoy creative, Big Island-inspired food based on simple, pure tastes derived from regionally farmed, healthy agriculture and fisheries.
We really enjoy the five-spice pork belly, which is served with Molokai butternut squash mash, roast duck purple cauliflower, and banana kuleana liquor syrup.
- 250 Waikoloa Beach Dr Wiakoloa Beach Resort, Waikoloa, Island of Hawaii, HI 96738
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-886-4321
- Email:- waikoloa@royshawaii.com
12. Jackie Rey’s ‘Ohana Grill
With a beautiful environment and wonderful drink specials, Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill, which opened in the mid-2000s, has been a favorite of both travelers and residents in the Kona region.
Consider this hidden treasure among the greatest eateries on Hawaii’s Big Island, and that’s exactly what you’ll receive.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Restaurant is a vibrant, laid-back neighborhood favorite for fish specialties, pupu dishes, and champagne.
We also enjoy their Macadamia Nuts Ahi Terrine, which is served over handmade crispy crackers and topped with velvety sriracha.
It’s flavorful, a little sugary, and has a nice bite to it; therefore, you should try it.
- 75-5995 Kuakini Hwy Ste 1, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-2144
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-327-0209
- Email:- kona@jackiereys.com
13. Cafe Pesto
Give yourself an unforgettable surprise at Kona Lake’s Cafe Pesto. If you’re longing for a pizza, you can’t go wrong. This eatery is situated in a finely preserved old structure.
All meals are baked to order in a wood-fired kiln. The huge dining table and kind staff will make you feel right at home.
Cafe Pesto has been a regional institution since the late 1980s. Roasted Caviar, Honey Pesto Greek, and Southern Chicken are among their particular specialty burgers.
- 308 Kamehameha Ave Suite 101, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2960
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-969-6640
- Email:- hilo@cafepesto.com
14. Lava Lava Beach Club
If you’re looking for a relaxed, beachy vibe, go to Lava Lava Beach Club. It is not necessary to make arrangements. The environment of Lava Lava is spectacular, including its 12 acres of oceanfront.
The Waikoloa Resort Town includes the Lava Lava Beach Club.
Relax on the beach and enjoy delectably natural and bright drinks and food. Lava Lava Beach Club makes visitors feel right at home.
If you are far from home this thanksgiving, you might wanna go here.
15. Hilo Bay Cafe
At Hilo Bay Cafe, you may enjoy a wonderful incredible view as well as the adjacent downtown area neighborhood. You may eat outside on the lovely veranda or inside the restaurant.
There offer brunch, supper, cake, and drink buffets available, all of which are outstanding and filled with delectable goodies. Do you enjoy sushi? Visit Hilo Bay Cafe to sample the handcrafted tuna. If you want to go to this renowned neighborhood eatery, make a reservation beforehand.
This neighborhood restaurant is extremely upmarket, and the food matches the environment. The original Blue Bay Hamburger is among the most commonly consumed.
- 123 Lihiwai St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4680
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-935-4939
- Email:- info@hilobaycafe.com
16. Hana Hou Restaurant
Hana Hou Restaurant is a real local landmark. It has been around since 1940, on the Island! Hana Hou Cafe specializes in Hawaiian-style luxury meals.
This eatery is ideal for vegans because there are meatless alternatives on the table.
Hana Hou Hotel’s cuisine is vast, providing a choice for everyone.
There’s even lasagna, with a wide selection to match your preferences.
Why not try a Margarita grilled cheese? It has more mozzarella and pepper on top, in addition to a basil sauce.
- 95-1148 Naalehu Spur Rd, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772
- Website
- Phone:- +1 808-929-9717
17. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
What about a nice dinner at the seaside? If you answered “great,” the Beach Tower only at Four Seasons Hotel Fai is for you.
Beach Tree, which is composed of the Four Seasons Hotel Hualalai, is unapologetically luxurious.
Beach Tree features a restaurant in addition to a bar and clubs only steps from the shore.
You may also dine next to a sparkling lake.
Although Beach Tree is posh, there is no need to suit up.
Beach Tree offers distinctive food, predominantly Southern but now with Italian influences. Kanpachi Crudo is among the restaurant’s specialty meals. This vibrant dish includes roasted corn, jalapeno, avocados, and coriander.
This thanksgiving evening, head to Beach Tree for authentic European risotto. All of the elements are grown locally.
- 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-5610
- Website
- Phone:- 00 1 808-325-8000
Conclusion
This beautiful island has everything, whether you want casual or sophisticated thanksgiving, anything in between, or a blend of all.
This listicle features the best restaurants featuring the best turkeys and pies for the holiday.
Regardless of whether you wish to dine in, take away or get food delivered to you, this thanksgiving you will devour some great delicacies.
These restaurants will be functioning and perfect for your thanksgiving dinner this year.