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.
2024 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 $395.00 serving 10.
Basalt (Honolulu/Waikīkī) offers Prime Rib dinner serving 6-8 for $250. Also open Christmas Day for brunch and dinner. More info: Promos | Basalt Waikiki | Inside Dukes Lane Market & Eatery
Big City Diner (Oʻahu/multiple locations) offers a Prime Rib dinner with sides and macrons serving 4-5 for $199.99 and brunch package serving 4-5 people for $94.99. More info: Big City Diner – No Diner Finer!
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 $149.99-$249.99. Availability varies by store, order early for best selection. More info: Holiday Dinners | Foodland
Guava Smoked (O’ahu/Kalihi, Kapahulu) offers a takeout menu of smoked meats and seafood from $60-$220, serving 12-15. They also offer pans of side dishes, pupu platters, and larger catering orders.
Liliha Cafe & Bakery (Oʻahu/Honolulu). Ala Moana is closed Christmas Day. Other Cafe locations close at 3PM.
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar (Hawaiʻi/Kona) Locally inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, locally brewed beers. Take home Christmas dinner $174 serving 4. Also accepting reservations for Christmas Eve & Day (but closing early).
Side Street Inn (O’ahu/Kapahulu). Pre-order only Hawaiian-style Christmas packs $83-$136 serving 3-4 people; ala carte menu also available. More info: Christmas To Go – Side Street Inn.
Times Supermarkets (Kauaʻi, Maui, Oʻahu) Take home Holiday Dinner with choice of entrée (ham, turkey, or prime rib) for $120-150 that include sides and dessert, serving 6-8 persons.
Zippy’s (O’ahu/2 locations only) Christmas Luau or Turkey Packages regularly $129.95-$224.95, serving 4-10. Order online by Dec 18 and save. More info: Zippy’s Christmas Holiday Specials (zippys.com)
2024 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). Holiday menus for breakfast, brunch, and dinner available 12/18/24-12/31/24. 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. Christmas Eve & Day specials plus regular menu. More info: Eating House 1849 – Waikiki, Oahu — Roy Yamaguchi
Formaggio Grill (Oʻahu/Kailua). Taking reservations for Christmas Eve & Day. 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 reservations for Christmas Eve & Day (but closing early). Takeout dinner also available for pre-order.
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.
Look for more Christmas Dinner options: Restaurants and Restaurant Bookings | OpenTable
Image: Festive Christmas table setting via Depositphotos_130943714
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)
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