Every day in Hawai’i is a makana, a gift, so we don’t usually need a date on the calendar to remind us to be thankful. From day trips to Kona that end with vibrant sunsets to hikes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park punctuated by the glow of erupting Kilauea after dark, you will often hear us expressing our year-round gratitude for our island home by exclaiming “Lucky we live Hawai’i!”
But since it is the season for giving thanks, we’re going to share our top ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Volcano, Hawaii so keep reading!
- Run the B.I.R.R. Turkey Trot 5k in Hilo, HI
This free event is an excellent way to make room for that Thanksgiving feast! In the spirit of giving, donations are suggested. Any monetary donation will be given to the Hilo Food Bank and all food donations will be given to the Malia Puka O Kalani food pantry.
All food donations will be collected on the day of the race, so please donate canned and boxed items that are sealed. And if you’re one of the first 10 people to donate $50 or more, you can even win a $20 KTA gift certificate! Register to walk or run the Turkey Trot and show your gratitude for your health and Hawai’i. This 5k will begin at 7:30 am sharp at the Liliokalani Park/Coconut Island area, off Banyan Drive.
- Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is open year-round, even on holidays, so why not express your gratitude for nature and all its wonders with a hike in the park? Our favorite trails include the family friendly Crater Rim Trail to Kūpinaʻi Pali, which is a half mile, one-way, and Nāhuku, which takes you through a lush rainforest filled with rare plants and the song of Hawaiian honeycreepers at dusk and dawn.
- Dine at Volcano House
Make your reservations for a Thanksgiving feast at Volcano House and get ready for a four-course meal that is so ono (delicious) that you won’t want to spend Thanksgiving anywhere else, ever again. Think beef tenderloin carpaccio, butternut squash soup, garlic-crusted turkey breast, and pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. With the Kilauea caldera and the Halema’uma’u Crater as your backdrop, this will be one Thanksgiving dinner you’ll never forget.
- Check out the Volcano Village Artists Hui Annual Studio Tour & Sale
Held Friday through Sunday, November 24 – 26, Volcano’s annual studio tour features the following studio and gallery locations: Pam Barton Studio, J.M. Fusions, Volcano Garden Arts, the Margaret Barnaby Studio, and the Niaulani Campus of the Volcano Art Center. Now in its 37th year, the tour and sale are renowned for the array artwork on display, in a variety of styles. The studios will open their doors to the public for the tour at 10am and stay open until 4pm each day,
- Shop at Kilauea Lodge
If you have your heart set on some Black Friday shopping, stop in the Kilauea Lodge Gift Shop for locally-sourced and inspired gifts. The Gift Shop’s selections include handcrafted soaps, lotions, island-designed jewelry, shirts, hoodies, art prints, stained glass, books, pens, wines, spices, stuffed animals, and so much more! Suzy, who runs the shop, will even send out packages. So if you’re off island, you have the option of having your Kilauea Lodge treasures delivered to your door.
Thanksgiving is a fantastic time to visit Volcano!
With bright, sunny days, a sprinkling of misty rain, and cool, crisp nights perfect for gathering around the fire, the weather this time of year is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Ready to plan your trip to Hawai’i Island? We invite you to book your stay at our charming vacation rentals, Tutu’s Place and the Ola’a House, where you can adventure in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, feast on delicious, local food, and share the Big Island’s bounty.
Wishing you a healthy, happy Thanksgiving!