Your Guide to the Perfect Thanksgiving Weekend in Honolulu: Nov. 24–26, 2017

All the best things to do during and after turkey day.

By Marisa Heung

Instead of the same-old-same-old wine pairings, why not do Thanksgiving a little differently and pair your fall flavors with some brews? Dave Campbell, Aloha Beer Co. brewmaster and all-around cool guy, showed us his three favorite brews to pair with pumpkin. But that’s just the beginning of the fun: After the turkey has been carved, the pie has been eaten, and the leftovers rationed out and tucked neatly into Ziploc containers, make your Black Friday game plan to score the best deals of the season. Plus, purchase your Christmas tree from this nonprofit to help those suffering from substance abuse problems, and, if you’re just totally over Thanksgiving leftovers by Sunday morning, head to a unique jazz brunch in the heart of Chinatown.

PHOTO: aaron k. yoshino

Black Friday

Friday, Nov. 24

Veteran savings stalkers know: Once that final bite of Thanksgiving pie is gone, it’s time to prep for the ultimate annual dog-eat-dog shopping bonanza. Yep, hike up those stretchy pants, lace up them walking shoes, grab a venti cup of joe from Starbucks and hit the stores for some Black Friday deals. With so many shops participating in the retail holiday (and offering out-of-this-world deals to boot), you’ll need to map out your plan of attack to get the most out of your precious shopping time. Whether you’re planning to shop big or small, use our cheat sheet for O‘ahu shopping centers (with the scoop on extended hours, day-of deals and discounts) and roundup of discounts at 55 locally loved boutiques to keep your spirits as light as your coffee is black.

Habilitat Christmas Tree Sale

Saturday, Nov. 25 through Saturday, Dec. 23, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For nearly half a century, the nonprofit addiction treatment center Habilitat has helped thousands of individuals overcome their substance abuse problems, reclaim their lives and find self-empowerment. Its annual Christmas tree sale begins this Saturday, and there’s a good reason to spend your green on one of theirs: 100 percent of proceeds go straight toward funding Habilitat’s scholarships, vocational training and education for Hawai‘i’s current and future patients. Christmas trees and holiday wreaths can be purchased at four locations, including Stadium Mall next to Ice Palace, Central Union Church in Honolulu, Kāne‘ohe Bay Shopping Center fronting Safeway and Kapolei Commons fronting Target. Habilitat warns that trees are in short supply this year, so don’t wait to buy yours!

$40–$250, four locations on O‘ahu. For more information on this event, go here.

SEE ALSO: 5 Ways You Can Volunteer in Honolulu for Thanksgiving 2017

PHOTO: courtesy of aloha beer co.

Pair Local Beer with Pumpkin

This holiday season, we’re leaving wine to the other guys and pairing our butternut squash soup, pumpkin pie and roasted kabocha with something a little more sudsy. If you’re in the mood for something brewed this Thanksgiving, check out Aloha Beer Co. brewmaster Dave Campbell’s top three picks that pair deliciously with pumpkin and fall flavors. Plus, Halloween may be over, but if you can get your hands on a carving pumpkin, this D.I.Y. pumpkin keg tutorial (tip: use the same technique to create watermelon and even pineapple versions) will instantly level-up your holiday hosting skills.

Sunday Jazz Brunch

Sunday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If, come Sunday morning, you’d rather eat tinsel than one more turkey-and-cranberry-sauce sandwich, head to Grondin for a brunch of craft cocktails and rustic French-Latin dishes, served with a side of live jazz. Grondin French-Latin Kitchen’s jazz brunch takes place every last Sunday of the month and offers a New Orleans-style ambience you can’t quite find anywhere else in Honolulu. This month’s performers include musicians Tommy James, Reggie Padilla, Jeannette Trevias and others. Like most things, jazz is even better with food, and with no cover charge and free street parking on Sundays, the end to your Thanksgiving weekend can be as easy as Sunday mornings should be.

Note: Walk-in seating is limited, so Grondin recommends making reservations beforehand.

Free admission. Grondin French-Latin Kitchen, 62 N. Hotel St. For more information on Grondin, go here.

Looking for more things to do? Check out our events calendar.