10 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu 2026

Thanksgiving in Honolulu is unlike Thanksgiving anywhere else in America — and that is precisely the point. Imagine trading the gray November chill for trade winds and ocean views, the traditional turkey sharing the table with island flavors, and the holiday meal unfolding on a Waikiki terrace at sunset. If you are searching for thanksgiving dinner restaurants Honolulu 2026, you will find a holiday dining scene as warm as the weather.

Honolulu’s Thanksgiving restaurants reflect the city’s unique culinary DNA. Upscale hotel dining rooms — Azure at The Royal Hawaiian, 53 by the Sea, The Beachhouse at the Moana — have long traditions of lavish holiday buffets and prix-fixe dinners. Steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris, Strip Steak Waikiki, and Empire Steak House bring mainland polish with an island view. And for the other end of the spectrum, Denny’s Waikiki keeps the lights on around the clock for travelers and night owls. The result is a Thanksgiving lineup with genuine range, from white-tablecloth luxury to plate-lunch-adjacent comfort.

This guide covers 10 of the best Thanksgiving dinner options in Honolulu, Hawaii, for 2026. The essential caveat, as always: holiday menus, hours, prices, and reservation policies are set by each restaurant for 2026 and announced in the fall — always check official listings and call ahead for reservations. Waikiki’s top dining rooms book up early for holiday weeks, so start planning as soon as your travel dates are firm.

Visiting other cities this holiday season? Our guides to Thanksgiving dinner restaurants in San Antonio, Thanksgiving dinner restaurants in Houston, and Thanksgiving dinner restaurants in Los Angeles follow the same format. Browse the full DayZora Thanksgiving collection for nationwide holiday ideas.

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu 2026

1. 53 by the Sea

53 by the Sea is Honolulu’s special-occasion dining room — floor-to-ceiling windows over the water, a celebrated Sunday brunch, and a long tradition of lavish holiday dining. The restaurant’s Thanksgiving offerings have historically included grand buffet spreads with all the classics plus seafood and island touches, served in one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the Pacific. If you want the definitive upscale Honolulu Thanksgiving, start here.

The combination of ocean views, polished service, and a genuinely spectacular spread makes 53 by the Sea worth every bit of its premium positioning. Holiday seatings are limited and reservations are essential — book as early as the restaurant opens its holiday books. Check official listings for 2026 Thanksgiving plans, menus, and pricing. For visitors, this is the meal that justifies the trip; for locals, it is the year’s finest table.

Best for: luxury holiday dining, ocean views, once-a-year splurges.

2. Azure Restaurant — The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki

Azure at The Royal Hawaiian — the iconic Pink Palace of the Pacific — offers Thanksgiving dining with a century of hospitality behind it. The restaurant’s oceanfront setting on Waikiki Beach is unmatched, and its holiday dinners blend classic Thanksgiving flavors with Hawaii Regional Cuisine touches. Dining here on Thanksgiving feels like participating in a grand tradition.

The Royal Hawaiian’s holiday programming is a Honolulu institution, and Azure’s Thanksgiving dinner is its culinary centerpiece. Expect refined cooking, impeccable service, and a sunset you will never forget. Reservations are strongly recommended for any holiday seating; confirm 2026 details through the hotel’s official channels. Even by Waikiki standards, this is a special room on a special day.

Best for: iconic Waikiki setting, refined holiday dinner, romantic evenings.

3. The Beachhouse at the Moana — Moana Surfrider, Waikiki

The Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider, the grand dame of Waikiki Beach, serves Thanksgiving dinner on one of the most storied lanais in Hawaii. The oceanfront restaurant pairs classic holiday cooking with the Moana’s timeless elegance — think turkey and trimmings with the sound of the surf as background music. It is old-Hawaii glamour at its finest.

For visitors staying in Waikiki, the convenience is unbeatable; for locals, it is a reminder of why the Moana has anchored the beach for over a century. Holiday dinners here are popular and seating is limited, so reserve early. Check the hotel’s official listings for 2026 Thanksgiving menu and booking details.

Best for: historic Waikiki elegance, oceanfront holiday dinner.

4. Ruth’s Chris Steak House — Honolulu

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has a well-established Thanksgiving tradition nationwide, and the Honolulu location brings it to the islands with sizzling style. The holiday menu typically features roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings — or, for the steak loyalists, the full menu of USDA Prime cuts served on those famous 500-degree plates. It is Thanksgiving with a steakhouse soul.

The appeal is consistency: Ruth’s Chris delivers the same polished experience everywhere, which is comforting when you are far from home for the holiday. The Honolulu dining room adds island warmth to the formula. Reservations are essential for Thanksgiving — book early through official channels and confirm 2026 menu details.

Best for: steakhouse Thanksgiving, reliable excellence, meat lovers.

5. Strip Steak Waikiki — Hilton Waikiki Beach

Strip Steak Waikiki brings modern steakhouse energy to the holiday table, with a menu that balances prime cuts, fresh island fish, and seasonal sides. The restaurant’s sleek dining room and strong cocktail program make it a natural fit for a celebratory Thanksgiving dinner — festive without being formal, upscale without being stuffy.

This is an excellent choice for groups that want options: the turkey traditionalists and the steak-and-seafood crowd can both be happy at the same table. The Hilton Waikiki Beach location is convenient for visitors staying in the area. Call ahead for 2026 Thanksgiving plans and reservations, as holiday seatings at Waikiki steakhouses fill quickly.

Best for: modern steakhouse vibe, flexible groups, cocktails.

6. Empire Steak House Hawaii — Ilikai Hotel

Empire Steak House Hawaii, the NYC icon’s outpost on the 30th floor of the Ilikai Hotel, offers Thanksgiving dinner with panoramic Waikiki views. The sky-high setting — sweeping vistas of the ocean and the city — makes any meal feel like an occasion, and the kitchen’s USDA Prime steaks and seafood are the real deal. A holiday dinner at sunset, thirty floors up, is hard to top.

The view is the headline, but the food holds its own: dry-aged cuts, fresh catch preparations, and classic steakhouse sides. For a Thanksgiving that doubles as a sightseeing experience, this is the pick. Reservations are recommended on any night and essential near holidays — confirm 2026 Thanksgiving details directly.

Best for: panoramic views, special occasions, steakhouse luxury.

7. Chart House Waikiki

Chart House Waikiki, on Ala Moana Boulevard, is a Honolulu waterfront classic — famous for its prime rib, fresh fish, and breezy lanai dining. The restaurant’s holiday dinners carry that same relaxed excellence: hearty, well-executed cooking in a setting that reminds you exactly where you are. Prime rib on Thanksgiving is a tradition worth adopting.

The waterfront location and the restaurant’s long local history make it a comfortable, unpretentious choice for the holiday. It is festive without fuss — the kind of place where the food and the view do all the talking. Check official listings for 2026 Thanksgiving hours and any holiday menu.

Best for: waterfront dining, prime rib lovers, relaxed holidays.

8. Roy’s Waikiki

Roy’s is Hawaii Regional Cuisine royalty, and a Roy’s Thanksgiving is a masterclass in what the holiday looks like through an island lens. The restaurant’s seasonal cooking — local fish, island produce, elegant technique — brings a distinctly Hawaiian sensibility to the autumn table. If you want Thanksgiving dinner that could only happen in Hawaii, this is it.

The prix-fixe format that Roy’s favors suits the holiday perfectly: a curated progression of courses, each showing off the islands’ bounty. It is refined, memorable, and utterly unlike the mainland Thanksgiving circuit. Reservations are a must for the holiday — book early and confirm 2026 plans through official channels.

Best for: Hawaii Regional Cuisine, food lovers, a uniquely island Thanksgiving.

9. Denny’s — Waikiki

Denny’s on Lewers Street in Waikiki is open 24 hours — including Thanksgiving — serving the chain’s turkey and dressing dinner alongside the full menu, with ocean views that no mainland Denny’s can match. It is the ultimate no-planning-required holiday meal: show up whenever, order the turkey plate or pancakes at midnight, and enjoy.

For travelers, budget-conscious families, and anyone whose holiday schedule does not fit a reservation, this is the safety net. The Waikiki location is genuinely pleasant as diners go, and the value is undeniable. Hours are reliably round-the-clock, but a quick confirmation never hurts.

Best for: 24-hour dining, travelers, budget holidays, zero planning.

10. Istanbul Hawaii — Kaka’ako

Istanbul Hawaii in Kaka’ako is Honolulu’s farm-to-table Turkish-Mediterranean gem — and an inspired outside-the-box Thanksgiving choice. The restaurant’s holiday platters have featured creative seasonal cooking, and its regular menu of shared meze, wood-fired specialties, and thoughtful desserts makes for a communal feast that captures the spirit of the holiday without a single slice of turkey.

For adventurous eaters or families with diverse tastes, a Mediterranean Thanksgiving is a revelation: the emphasis on sharing, the vibrant flavors, the leisurely pace. The breezy Kaka’ako setting adds to the appeal. Call in the fall to ask about 2026 holiday plans — intimate restaurants like this one book up fast.

Best for: adventurous palates, Mediterranean flavors, intimate holidays.

How to Plan Your Honolulu Thanksgiving Dinner

Start with the experience you want. The grand Waikiki tradition lives at 53 by the Sea, Azure, and The Beachhouse at the Moana — book these first, as they go earliest. The steakhouse celebration is Ruth’s Chris, Strip Steak, or Empire Steak House. The island-original feast is Roy’s or Istanbul Hawaii. The relaxed waterfront meal is Chart House. The no-fuss backup is Denny’s Waikiki, open around the clock.

Honolulu-specific tips: holiday-week Waikiki books up early across the board, so reservations matter more here than in most cities. Factor in resort parking and traffic when timing your evening. And confirm everything directly with the restaurant — 2026 menus, hours, and prices are announced in the fall. For more holiday dining guides, see Thanksgiving dinner in Los Angeles, Thanksgiving dinner in San Antonio, and the full DayZora Thanksgiving collection.

In Pictures: Thanksgiving in Paradise

Ocean views, sunset terraces, and holiday tables with an island accent — Honolulu does Thanksgiving like nowhere else. Here is a taste of paradise on a plate.

From Waikiki’s grand dining rooms to Kaka’ako’s hidden gems, the city’s Thanksgiving tables prove that the holiday travels well. Book early and bring your appetite — and maybe your swimsuit for the day after.

Watch: Restaurants Open Their Doors on Thanksgiving

Across the country, restaurants are welcoming families who would rather celebrate than cook. This news feature looks at the growing tradition of dining out on Thanksgiving — and why more families are letting chefs handle the holiday.

Honolulu’s restaurants are part of that story — from grand hotel buffets to 24-hour diners, the city makes it easy to celebrate without ever turning on the oven. There is something deeply fitting about giving thanks with an ocean view: the holiday feels both familiar and brand new, which is exactly what a great Thanksgiving should be.

At a Glance: Honolulu Thanksgiving Dining Guide

Compare your Honolulu options side by side. Confirm all 2026 details directly with each restaurant — Waikiki holiday seatings book early.

Waikiki clusters most of the resort dining; Kaka’ako and Ala Moana offer the local-leaning alternatives. Everything is close — pick by vibe. For more guides, see Thanksgiving dinner in Houston and the DayZora Thanksgiving collection.

Thanksgiving Dinner FAQs for Honolulu

Which Honolulu restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day 2026?

Waikiki’s hotel restaurants — Azure, The Beachhouse at the Moana, 53 by the Sea — traditionally host Thanksgiving seatings, as do steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris and Strip Steak Waikiki. Denny’s Waikiki is open 24 hours. Confirm all 2026 schedules directly with each restaurant.

What is the most luxurious Thanksgiving dinner in Honolulu?

53 by the Sea offers the grandest holiday spread with waterfront views, while Azure at The Royal Hawaiian and The Beachhouse at the Moana deliver iconic Waikiki elegance. Empire Steak House adds sky-high panoramas. All require advance reservations.

Can I get a traditional turkey dinner in Honolulu?

Yes — Ruth’s Chris, 53 by the Sea, and the hotel dining rooms all serve classic turkey-centered holiday menus alongside their regular offerings. Denny’s Waikiki serves an affordable turkey and dressing plate around the clock.

Are there non-traditional Thanksgiving options in Honolulu?

Absolutely — Roy’s offers a Hawaii Regional Cuisine take on the holiday, Istanbul Hawaii does a Turkish-Mediterranean feast, and the steakhouses happily serve prime beef instead of turkey. Honolulu is one of the best cities in America for a non-traditional Thanksgiving.

Should I make reservations for Thanksgiving in Waikiki?

Yes — absolutely. Waikiki’s top dining rooms book up early for holiday weeks, and Thanksgiving is one of the busiest. Reserve as soon as your travel dates are firm, and confirm details directly with the restaurant.

What is the best budget Thanksgiving dinner in Honolulu?

Denny’s Waikiki is the budget champion — a full turkey dinner, open 24 hours, with ocean breezes. For a step up without the splurge, Chart House offers excellent value on the waterfront. Check official listings for current pricing.

What should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner in Honolulu?

Resort casual is the rule across Waikiki: a collared shirt or sundress fits in everywhere from Roy’s to 53 by the Sea. Even the finest dining rooms embrace Hawaii’s relaxed elegance — no jackets required, though a light layer is smart for oceanfront terraces after sunset. Leave heavy formalwear at home.

Is Thanksgiving a busy travel week in Honolulu?

Yes — Thanksgiving week is peak season in Waikiki, with high hotel occupancy and busy restaurants. That is exactly why reservations matter so much here. Book dining as soon as your travel dates are firm, allow extra time for traffic and parking, and consider rideshare for evening dinners. The reward is a holiday in paradise, which is worth a little planning.

Your Thanksgiving Reservation Game Plan for Honolulu

Honolulu’s top Thanksgiving tables are destination dining — visitors plan trips around them — so the booking window matters more here than in most cities. Reserve as soon as your travel dates are firm. 53 by the Sea, Azure, The Beachhouse at the Moana, and Roy’s all have limited holiday seatings, and Thanksgiving week in Waikiki is peak season. When you call or book online, confirm: the 2026 holiday menu and format (buffet, prix fixe, or regular menu), exact seating times, deposit or card-hold requirements, cancellation deadlines, and total pricing including any service charges — Waikiki hotels sometimes add them.

Ask about the view when you book: at 53 by the Sea, Azure, and Empire Steak House, a window table at sunset is worth requesting, though it is never guaranteed. For parties of six or more, ask about the largest table available and whether gratuity is automatic. Note who you spoke with, get a confirmation number, and reconfirm a few days before the holiday — international visitors especially should double-check time zones when reconfirming.

If your first choice is full, join the waitlist and keep a backup: Strip Steak Waikiki, Chart House, and Ruth’s Chris offer similar polish, while Denny’s Waikiki needs no reservation at all. And remember that many Waikiki restaurants validate parking or offer kama’aina (local) considerations — it never hurts to ask politely when booking.

Making the Most of Thanksgiving Day in Honolulu

A Honolulu Thanksgiving runs on island time, and that is its gift. Plan around the sunset — late-November sunsets in Waikiki are spectacular, so a 5:00–5:30 seating at a waterfront restaurant pairs dinner with the day’s best show. Dress code is resort casual nearly everywhere: a collared shirt or a sundress is perfect, and even the finest rooms on this list welcome the relaxed elegance Hawaii is known for. Leave the heavy coat at home; a light layer suffices after dark.

Logistics: Waikiki traffic and parking are the island’s one real hassle — allow extra time, consider rideshare for evening dinners, and ask your hotel about restaurant shuttles. If you are dining with kids, the hotel buffets and Denny’s are the easiest wins; Roy’s and 53 by the Sea suit older children who enjoy a longer meal. And build in a beach walk before dinner — there is no better appetizer than an hour on the sand. The day after Thanksgiving, the beaches are blissfully quiet: sleep in, then claim your spot.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving in Honolulu is a reminder that the holiday is about gratitude, gathering, and great food — not about the weather outside. Whether you are watching the sunset from 53 by the Sea, savoring Roy’s island take on the feast, or keeping it simple at Denny’s on Lewers Street, the city’s restaurants make it easy to celebrate in style.

Book early, confirm the details directly for 2026, and leave room in your suitcase for leftovers (or at least for pie). Mahalo for letting Honolulu host your holiday — the island will take good care of you and everyone at your table, from the first toast to the last bite of pie. For more holiday planning, explore Thanksgiving dinner restaurants in Los Angeles, Thanksgiving dinner restaurants in San Antonio, or the full Thanksgiving collection.