Discover many things to be thankful for when spending Thanksgiving on the pristine Hawaiian island of Kauai! With festive celebrations alongside the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, celebrating Thanksgiving on Kauai offers a unique and memorable experience. The island hosts a variety of Thanksgiving-themed events, from hearty feasts to local turkey trots. Beyond the holiday festivities, Kauai’s stunning landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for your holiday photos and memories. Enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities while also finding special ways to celebrate the holiday when spending Thanksgiving on Kauai. The island’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking beauty ensure that you’ll have plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving guide to Kauai will get you started in planning all the best Kauai Thanksgiving moments.
Start the Day with a Turkey Trot
Participate in the Turkey Trot & Shoot located at the Ocean Course at Hokuala in Lihue on Thanksgiving morning for a fun-filled start to your holiday. The event kicks off with a family-friendly, un-timed 5K run or walk, perfect for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy scenic views of the golf course and ocean and feel the gentle ocean breeze as you jog or stroll through the picturesque course, getting a kickstart to your metabolism before your day of feasting. Avid golfers can take part in the 9-hole shoot. The Ocean Course will be transformed into a series of stunning par 3s, each offering a unique test of skill against a breathtaking backdrop. Each golfer plays their individual ball throughout the course, with the total score calculated at the end. This event provides the opportunity to bond with family and friends on Thanksgiving morning while appreciating Kauai’s natural beauty and engaging in some healthy competition. Celebrate Thanksgiving with an enjoyable morning spent on one of Hawaii’s most beautiful courses.
Attend a Luau
A large part of celebrating Thanksgiving on Kauai revolves around feasting, so why not attend a traditional Hawaiian feast while vacationing in Kauai? Attending a luau offers an unforgettable immersive experience into local culture and cuisine. Embrace the island’s warm aloha spirit as you indulge in a traditional feast featuring a variety of Hawaiian dishes, from kalua pig and poi to fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Experience the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality as you’re welcomed with traditional lei greetings and entertained by captivating hula performances and Polynesian music. Whether you’re sampling poi for the first time or enjoying a delicious plate of lomi lomi salmon, a luau promises an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience that captures the true essence of Kauai.
Indulge in Holiday Treats
Indulge in the rich flavors of the season with a variety of pumpkin-inspired treats on the day of your Kauai Thanksgiving dinner. Begin by touring the Kauai Coffee farm, where you can pick up a bag of their delectable Pumpkin Pie Coffee, boasting the rich aroma and flavor of autumn spices and made with 100% Hawaiian coffee. For a taste of homemade goodness, visit The Right Slice in Kalaheo and savor a slice of their renowned pumpkin crunch pie, a delightful blend of creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy topping. The whole family will love a scoop of locally made ice cream at Rainbow Road Ice Cream in Kilauea. Their pumpkin pie ice cream is made with locally grown pumpkins and is dotted with coconut and caramel, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Black Friday Shopping
Extend your holiday cheer into Black Friday and kickstart your Christmas shopping with a range of shopping options across the island. Explore bustling shopping malls and quaint surf shops offering deals on everything from apparel to local crafts. Dive into the island’s unique shopping scene, where you’ll discover treasures perfect for gift-giving or for keeping as a souvenir. For an especially festive shopping experience, don’t miss the Kauai Handworks Christmas Fair, an annual event held around Thanksgiving at the Wilcox School Cafeteria in Lihue. Browse through an array of handcrafted gifts, jewelry, artwork, and more, all created by talented local artisans. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique presents for loved ones while supporting the island’s maker community. Whether you’re seeking Black Friday bargains or hand-crafted treasures, Black Friday shopping on Kauai offers a treasure-filled post-Thanksgiving experience.
Embrace the Beauty of the Island
Embrace the natural beauty of Kauai as an extra way to be thankful this Thanksgiving. Take a leisurely hike along the stunning Na Pali Coast, where dramatic cliffs meet the sparkling sea, offering breathtaking viewpoints at every turn. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling adventure, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Relax on one of Kauai’s pristine beaches, soaking in the warm sunshine and gentle ocean breeze. For an aerial perspective, embark on a helicopter tour to witness the island’s lush landscapes from above. In every corner of Kauai, nature’s splendor invites gratitude, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday experience.
Book Your Vacation This Thanksgiving on Kauai
Browse our Kauai vacation rentals at Premier Kauai for the perfect home away from home for the holidays!
