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.
2023 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
Foodland Grocery Stores (Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu) has ready-to-heat holiday dinners with a selection of beef, turkey, and seafood entrees serving 4-8 from $69.99-$249.99. 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 $60-$600, 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.
Zippy’s (O’ahu/2 locations only) Christmas Luau or Turkey Packages regularly $179.95-$224.95. Order online by Dec 13 and save. More info: Zippy’s Christmas Holiday Specials (zippys.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. More info: Local Catering from Whole Foods Market | Online Ordering
2023 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.
Basalt (Honolulu/Waikīkī) offers brunch specials from 8am-1pm and diner specials from 5-9pm to please a variety of tastes and budgets. More info: Promos | Basalt Waikiki | Inside Dukes Lane Market & Eatery
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). Popular Waikīkī spot with view of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head). Reservations highly recommended.
Eating House 1849 — Roy Yamaguchi (Honolulu/Waikīkī). Hawaiian inspired cuisine and craft cocktails from one of Hawaii’s best chefs. Reservations likely required—well in advance. 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.
Moku Kitchen (Honolulu/Kakaʻako). Accepting reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Chef-driven concept featuring Hawaii’s rich upcountry farming and ranching products in Honolulu. More info: Moku Kitchen | Honolulu HI | Facebook
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar (Hawaiʻi/Kona) Locally inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, locally brewed beers. Accepting brunch reservations for Christmas Eve and dinner reservations for Christmas Day.
Rainbow Drive-In Hawaii (Oʻahu). Closing early Christmas Eve. All locations closed Christmas Day.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Hawai’i/Kohala, Maui/Wailea, O’ahu/south shore) offers dine-in holiday Celebration Surf & Turf or Filet & Twin Tails. More info: Christmas and NYE | Ruth’s Chris Waikiki (ruthschris.com)
Tikiʻs Grill & Bar (Honolulu/Waikīkī). Reservations highly recommended for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Regular menu available, plus Surf & Surf & Turf Dinner Special for $69/person.
More Christmas Dinner options: Christmas meals in Hawaii | OpenTable
Image: Festive Christmas table setting via Depositphotos_130943714
As we verify these offerings from last year, we’ll move them to the above list. Last updated 11/28/2023.
2022 Christmas dinner to go
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)
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.
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.
2022 Restaurants open Christmas Day
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.
Liliha Cafe & Bakery (Oʻahu/Honolulu). Waikīkī location is open and serving regular menu until 10PM. Other cafe locations close at 3PM. Walk-in only.
Christmas Weekend events on our calendar
Listed below are events on our calendar for Christmas Weekend (Friday-Monday), including holiday festivities and other activities.
