Thanksgiving on Maui, 2010

We may not have snow on Maui, but we definitely have a lot to be thankful for. If you’re visiting for Thanksgiving and are wondering where to eat, check out the following options at some of our favorite places on Maui. As of this writing, all of these restaurants still had space available on the big day – but call now for reservations.

A Bird with a View

If a view and fresh-air dining is paramount, check out these favorite restaurants. They all have a fixed price meal on Thanksgiving.

David Paul’s Island Grill (Lahaina) $55 per person for a three-course Thanksgiving dinner, 808-662-3000 (regular menu also available)

Pacific’O (Lahaina) regular menu with a special turkey entree just for that day, 808-667-4341

Spago ( Wailea) regular menu available with a special turkey-and-everything-you-could-want Thanksgiving plate, $48 per person ($24 for kama’aina between 2:30-4pm), 808-879-2999

Capische? (Wailea) regular menu available, also a 5-course Thanksgiving dinner for $75 per person, 808-879-2224

Buffet Madness

If you want to feast and graze and eat to your heart’s content, consider our favorite buffets, which all still have room as of today:

The Makena Resort (Makena) This resort’s Sunday brunches are legendary, and they’re pulling out all the stops for Thanksgiving. The dining room isn’t open-air, but it features beautiful views. Call 808-874-1111 for reservations.

The Grand Wailea (Wailea) The Grand Dining Room is open air and has one of the prettiest views on the island – it’s easy to feel gratitude when you’re browsing their many-stationed buffet. Call 800-888-6100 #5 for reservations.

The Ritz Carlton (Kapalua) The Terrace Restaurant at The Ritz is one of our favorite places for a big holiday feast. Call 808-665-7089 for reservations.

Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes (Wailuku) Cafe O’Lei’s Central Maui location has plenty of sweeping golf course views, and an excellent holiday buffet.  Call 808-877-0073 for reservations.

Sea Bird? See Whale?

The Pacific Whale Foundation does a Thanksgiving cruise most years, including a holiday buffet. The whales are officially back on Maui … so why not greet them with gratitude? Call (808) 249-8811 for reservations.

Daytrip to Lana’i

One of our all time favorite places on the planet is the lovely island of Lana’i, and if you aren’t planning on going while you’re here, well … reconsider.

There are two resorts on the island, both Four Seasons, and both do a fabulous holiday brunch. Whether you are partial to the beach (Manele Bay) or the mountains (Lodge at Koele), you really can’t go wrong. Call now for reservations, because they’re already filling up.

(By the way, the formal dining room at the Lodge at Koele is one of our favorite restaurants in the county.)

Four Seasons Manele Bay (Lana’i) Call 808-565-2000 for reservations

Four Seasons Lodge at Koele (Lana’i) Call 808-565-4000 for reservations

Wondering how to get to Lana’i? Take the ferry from Lahaina – and see the whales on the way! Expeditions Ferry

Lovely Lu’au

If the Old Lahaina Lu’au is something you want to do while you’re here, why not do it on Thanksgiving? It’s a festive atmosphere, and they serve turkey in their buffet on Thanksgiving.

Old Lahaina Lu’au (Lahaina) 800-248-5828