Here are a few recommendations for a budget-friendly Christmas dinner across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dinners to-go as well as dine-in restaurants. Make reservations or place a to-go order as far as possible in advance, because many establishments sell out a week or two before Christmas. Restaurant reservations are strongly suggested if available. But we provide some drop-in restaurant ideas as well.
Image: Festive Christmas table setting via Depositphotos_130943714
2022 Christmas dinner to-go across the Hawaiian Islands
We focus on locally owned restaurants and national chains offering budget-friendly holiday dinners. Quantities are limited and holiday meals sell out in advance, so pre-order as early as possible.
Local restaurants & grocers
A Catered Experience Christmas and New Year Packages (Oʻahu/Waipahu) offers a Prime Rib (approx. 6 pounds) with sides for $375.00. For an additional charge, add a Dobash cake (my favorite!!!) to complete the meal.
Big City Diner (Oʻahu/multiple locations) offers a Prime Rib dinner with sides and macrons serving 4-5 for $199.99 and Roast Turkey dinner with sides and macarons serving 8-12 for $199.99. They also have a brunch package serving 4-5 people for $84.99. More info: Big City Diner – Specials (bigcitydinerhawaii.com)
Foodland Grocery Stores (Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu) has ready-to-heat prime rib dinners for $119.99-$289.99, serving 4-8 people Availability varies by store, order early for best selection. More info: Holiday Dinners | Foodland
Free ham for enrolled Maika`i members when you redeem 500 points: Maika‘i Rewards | Foodland
Guava Smoked (O’ahu/Kalihi, Kapahulu, Pearlridge) offers a takeout menu of smoked meats and seafood from $40-$480, serving 12-40. They also offer pans of side dishes and pupu platters.
Side Street Inn (O’ahu/Kapahulu). Pre-order only Hawaiian-style Christmas packs $78-$282 serving 3-10 people; ala carte menu also available. More info: Christmas To Go – Side Street Inn. Both locations offer other family meals and ala carte items for takeout.
Times Supermarkets (Kauaʻi, Maui, Oʻahu) Take home Holiday Dinner with choice of entrée (ham, turkey, or prime rib) for $100-125 that include sides and dessert, serving 6-8 persons.
Zippy’s (Hawai’i/Hilo, Maui/Kahului, O’ahu/multiple locations) Christmas Luau or Turkey Packages (O’ahu only/3 locations), regularly $104.95-$189.95—order online and save. Oreder by December 14 for Christmas Eve pickup. More info: Zippy’s Christmas Holiday Specials (zippys.com)
National chain restaurants and grocers
Red Lobster Seafood Restaurants (Honolulu/Waikīkī) will be open on Christmas Day, December 25th, for dine-in and To Go at select locations.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Hawai’i/Kohala, Maui/Wailea, O’ahu/south shore) offers a hot take-home 3-course Roasted Beef Tenderloin celebration feast serving 4 for $195. They also offer holiday sides to go, starting at $28 with selections serving 4-12. More info: Christmas and New Years At Ruth’s | Ruth’s Chris Steak House (ruthschris.com)
Whole Foods Market (Maui/Kahului, O’ahu/Honolulu, Kailua) offers take home appetizer packages, holidays dinners, sides packages with a range of options and prices. In addition, Whole Foods has ala carte items, including organic turkey and vegan meals. Order by 12/22/22. More info: Local Catering from Whole Foods Market | Online Ordering
2022 Restaurants open Christmas Day across the Hawaiian Islands
We focus on budget-friendly options across a wide variety of cuisines, including traditional Christmas dinners as well as a range of menus from American comfort foods to international cuisines. Most hotel restaurants in Waikīkī offer a special holiday brunch, buffet, or dinner for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations fill up fast but calling a location directly can sometimes get you a table with a non-refundable credit card deposit. Eating early or later is an option for last minute reservations. More than a few allow walk-ins, especially casual eateries.
Angelo Pietro Restaurant (angelopietro.com), 1108 12th Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816 (Honolulu/Kaimukī). Serving a unique fusion of traditional Italian and Japanese flavors in pasta, pizza, salads, drinks, and desserts in a warm family atmosphere. Angelo Pietro is also known for salad dressings in two flavors: Original (Shoyu) and Sesame Miso available by to bottle to take home.
Basalt (Honolulu/Waikīkī) offers brunch specials from 7am-2pm and diner specials from 4:30-9:00pm to please a variety of tastes and budgets. More info: Basalt (@basaltwaikiki) • Instagram photos and videos
Black Angus (Cattle Company Steakhouse) (Oʻahu/Pearl City) offers several surf turf specials for $22.99-$53.99. Ala carte menu also available. More info: Pearl City – Black Angus Steakhouse
Crackin Kitchen (Honolulu/Waikīkī). Serves up Hawaiian-Cajun Cuisine in a family fun atmosphere where eating with your hands and sharing food are part of the experience.
DECK at Queen Kapiolani Hotel (Honolulu/Waikīkī). Special Christmas Eve & Christmas Day ala carte dinner menu from 4pm. Reservations highly recommended. More info: QR Code Christmas Menu – DECK. at Queen Kapiolani Hotel (deckwaikiki.com)
Eating House 1849 — Roy Yamaguchi (Honolulu/Waikīkī) Regular menu plus special selections for Christmas Day Brunch ($19-$35) or Dinner ($58-$71). More info: Eating House 1849 – Waikiki, Oahu — Roy Yamaguchi
Formaggio Grill (Oʻahu/Kailua). Award-winning Mediterranean inspired and locally sourced cuisine, serving an array of steaks, seafood, vegan-friendly options, and casual gourmet fare. Full bar.
Liliha Cafe & Bakery (Oʻahu/Honolulu). Waikīkī location is open and serving regular menu until 10PM. Other cafe locations close at 3PM. Walk-in only.
Moku Kitchen (Honolulu/Kakaʻako). Accepting reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Chef-driven concept featuring Hawaii’s rich upcountry farming and ranching products. More info: Moku Kitchen | Honolulu HI | Facebook
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar (Hawaiʻi/Kona) Locally inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, locally brewed beers. Accepting brunch or dinner reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Rainbow Drive-In Hawaii (Oʻahu). Closing early Christmas Eve. All locations closed Christmas Day.
Tikiʻs Grill & Bar (Honolulu/Waikīkī). Reservations highly recommended for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Regular menu available, plus Surf & Surf & Turf Dinner Special for $65 per person.
More Christmas Dinner options: Christmas meals in Hawaii | OpenTable
Christmas Weekend events on our calendar
Listed below are events on our calendar for Christmas Weekend (Friday-Monday), including holiday festivities and other activities.
Friday, December 23, 2022
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Monday, December 26, 2022
